Chapter 252

Chapter 252
Steven's POV

I stood frozen, watching the brilliant healing light emanate from my mate's palm and spread across our territory. It was like witnessing a miracle—something I hadn't believed possible until this moment.

When the golden dome of energy finally dissipated, I noticed Hazel's legs beginning to wobble. Without hesitation, I moved to her side, wrapping a supportive arm around her waist.

"I think that's enough for today," I said firmly, feeling her lean into me. "We should get some dinner and rest."

No one argued. Even Justin looked slightly overwhelmed by what he'd just witnessed—the raw potential of Hazel's power.

Skylar and Grace approached us, both clearly concerned for their fellow Guardian.

"That was..." Grace trailed off, seemingly at a loss for words.

"Incredible," Skylar finished for her. "But we should definitely take a break. We've all seen what pushing too far can do."

I nodded gratefully. The last thing I wanted was for Hazel to drain herself completely. During the hunter attack, when she'd collapsed after destroying our enemies, we'd already experienced that terrifying moment.

After sharing a meal with our guests, we said our goodbyes, promising to continue training once everyone had properly recovered. I guided Hazel back to our room, where she practically collapsed onto our bed, utterly exhausted.

"I'm just going to close my eyes for a minute," she murmured, her voice already thick with approaching sleep.

"Rest, baby," I whispered, brushing her hair back and placing a gentle kiss on her forehead. "You've earned it."

Within moments, her breathing deepened and steadied. I watched her for a while, marveling at how peaceful she looked in sleep—so different from the powerful Guardian who'd harnessed the energy of healing just hours ago.

Later that night, while Hazel slept, I sat at our desk reviewing some pack business. The soft buzz of my phone broke the silence. Ethan's name flashed on the screen—a group call including William. I quickly answered, stepping onto our small balcony to avoid disturbing Hazel.

"What's up?" I asked quietly, closing the door behind me.

"I just got a call from my human office," Ethan replied, his voice tense. "A panther shifter I know showed up looking like she'd been through hell. Says she was held captive at a hunter facility for nearly six months."

I gripped the phone tighter. "And?"

"While she was there, she overheard them talking about Guardians." Ethan's voice dropped even lower. "She escaped specifically to warn me. The hunters are targeting our mates."

A growl rumbled involuntarily from my chest, echoed almost immediately by William on the call.

"They're specifically going after the Guardians?" William's voice was dangerously controlled.

"That's what she says," Ethan confirmed. "And based on what she overheard, they've been planning this for a while."

I took a moment to calm the rage building inside me. "So you think the championship attack was just the beginning? They're planning something bigger?"

"I do," Ethan said grimly. "We might need to restructure our joint defenses again."

I glanced through the glass door at Hazel's sleeping form, my heart clenching painfully. The thought of anyone deliberately targeting her made Hati howl with fury inside me.

"Grace will be furious if I try to keep her out of this," William said with a humorless laugh. "She'll probably say something like, 'You're planning to leave me behind?'"

"Skylar and I are practically attached at the hip," Ethan added. "There's no way I could hide something this big from her even if I wanted to."

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "Actually, I've been thinking about asking Hazel to try for a baby." The admission felt strangely vulnerable. "But she's always so exhausted. She puts the pack before herself in everything."

"Because they're Guardians," William said softly. "They're extraordinary women. I don't think they'd ever willingly step back from their responsibilities."

"You're right," I agreed, a bittersweet smile crossing my face. "But that doesn't stop me from wanting to protect her."

We talked for a few more minutes before ending the call. As I slipped my phone back into my pocket, I felt slender arms wrap around my neck from behind.

"What's going on?" Hazel asked, her voice husky with sleep as she rested her chin on my shoulder.

I turned in her embrace, studying her face in the moonlight. Her hair was mussed from sleep, her eyes still heavy-lidded, and I was struck yet again by how much I loved this woman.

"Do you know how much I love you?" I asked, each word heavy with feeling.

No one—hunter or otherwise—would take my mate from me. I would protect her with my dying breath if necessary.

"I know," she said simply, her lips curving into a gentle smile. "I've always known."

Her expression shifted, clearly registering something in my tone. "What's really going on, Steven? Something's wrong."

I swallowed hard, fighting the tightness in my throat. I brushed my lips against the tip of her nose, buying myself a moment to gather my thoughts.

"The hunters are specifically targeting Guardians," I finally said. "They're coming after you."

Instead of fear, determination flashed in her eyes. "Let them try," she said fiercely. "They can't take me, and they can't take my sisters. We're strong, we've been training, and we're ready. Did you see what I did today? We'll show them they're no match for us."

"If they have a plan, it means they think they've found a way to win," I countered, my anxiety bleeding into my voice. "Ethan said they've been experimenting on wolves—probably rogues. They might have discovered something we don't know about, some way to hurt you. So I thought—"

She placed her hands on either side of my face, her touch grounding me.

"Don't ask me to hide or run away," she said firmly. "No one can separate us, ever. You promised me that, and it's what I want too. No one and nothing can take this happiness from us. We fought too hard to get here."

I pressed my forehead against hers, closing my eyes and trying to steady my racing heart.

"Steven..." she whispered, her thumbs gently stroking my cheeks.

"Promise me," I said hoarsely. "Promise you'll be careful. Promise you won't take unnecessary risks. Promise me, Hazel. Promise me so I can get through each day without being terrified every second that something might happen to you. Please, just promise me you'll be okay."

"I promise, Steven. I'll be okay." Her voice was soft but certain. "And after all this is over, after we deal with these hunters once and for all... I want us to have a baby."

I pulled back slightly, stunned by her words. Joy surged through me as I stared at this perfect woman in my arms. Without another word, I scooped her up and carried her back to our bed.

I made love to her slowly, savoring every taste, every scent, every soft sound she made. I needed her to know how precious she was to me, how completely necessary to my existence.

When I finally found my release, I gathered her tightly in my arms, holding her as if I would never let go.

Because I wouldn't. Not for anything in this world.