Chapter 8 A new danger
Next day
Dust
I blink against the soft glow of morning light filtering through the window, the brightness almost too much for my tired eyes. As my vision clears, I find River sitting beside me, his strong form a comforting presence in the room. He leans forward, a warm smile spreading across his face as he meets my gaze.
“Hey there, beautiful,” he murmurs, his voice rich and soothing. “How are you feeling?”
“Like I’ve been hit by a truck,” I manage to croak out, my throat dry and scratchy. But as I speak, I can’t shake the feeling that something is amiss within me. The mate bond that should bind us, the connection that should be surging through my veins, feels faint… a whisper of what it should be. I glance at him, searching his eyes for answers. “What about you? What’s going on?”
River exhales, the sound filled with relief and something else… a urgency that draws me in. “I’ve been telling the pack all about you. They’re excited to meet you, Dust. They can’t wait to have you as our Luna.”
Luna. The word sends a shiver through me, a mix of dread and longing. I want to be that… his mate, his partner, the one who stands by his side. But the nagging feeling lingers, a shadow at the back of my mind. Is it because I’m wolfless I do not feel it stronger? Will the ever truly accept me?
“I… I’m not sure I can be what they expect,” I admit, my voice shaky. “What if I can’t connect with them like you do? What if I fail you?”
River reaches out, his hand enveloping mine, and the warmth of his touch ignites something deep within me. “You won’t fail me. You’re stronger than you know, Dust. Besides, we’ll face this together. You’re my mate, and that bond is unbreakable.”
I want to believe him. I truly do. But the faintness of our connection gnaws at me. I can feel him… his presence, his essence… but it’s like trying to grasp smoke. I want to reach out, to pull him closer, but the distance feels insurmountable.
“Just give yourself time to heal,” he continues, his voice steady and reassuring. “Once you’re up and about, I’ll show you everything about the pack, the territory, and the traditions. You’ll see… you belong with me, with us.”
I nod, swallowing the lump in my throat. Just as I begin to feel a flicker of hope, the door creaks open, someone calling for him and River’s expression shifts. “I have to take care of something,” he says, his voice suddenly serious. “But I’ll be back soon. You need to rest, okay?”
I want to protest, to tell him I’m not a fragile doll that needs to be put on a shelf, but the way he looks at me… the concern etched into his features… silences my protest. “Alright,” I say softly, squeezing his hand. “Go do what you need to do.”
He leans down, brushing his lips against my forehead, the warmth of his kiss igniting something inside me. “I’ll be right back,” he whispers, before reluctantly stepping away.
As the door clicks shut, I settle back against the pillows, trying to calm the storm of thoughts swirling in my mind. I close my eyes, focusing on his presence, willing the bond to strengthen. But the more I try, the more elusive it feels, and frustration bubbles beneath the surface.
I drift off, the gentle pull of sleep soothing my racing heart.
But the peace doesn’t last long. I’m jolted awake by the sound of footsteps echoing in the room. My eyes fly open, heart racing. I squint into the dim room, straining to hear. I can’t make out the voices, but they’re there, low and conspiratorial.
A chill runs down my spine as the footsteps draw closer, a creeping dread unfurling in my chest. I try to call out, to alert someone, but my voice is trapped in my throat.
“River?” I ask, trying to turn. Something is off, a pillow is coming towards me and I can’t see the person holding it.
Before I can react, the pillow is pressed over my face, smothering me in a cloud of softness. Panic explodes in my chest, and I thrash, flailing against the sheets as I fight for breath.
Who would hurt me? Why are they doing this? My mind races, adrenaline coursing through my veins as I struggle against the weight above me.
I can’t breathe. I can’t see. The world narrows down to darkness and suffocation, and I’m losing the fight. Desperation claws at me as I push with every ounce of strength I have, but the pressure only tightens.
I’m slipping…