Chapter 5: Whispers of Shadows

Morning came like an unwelcome intruder, its soft light creeping through the blinds as if mocking the chaos within me. I couldn’t escape the weight of last night—Dax’s lips, Jack’s probing questions, and Ronan’s menacing smirk all swirled in my mind like an unrelenting storm. Sleep had eluded me, and my wolf was restless, scratching at the walls of my resolve.

I stumbled downstairs, the aroma of coffee luring me into the kitchen. My mother was already there, bustling around with a plate of pancakes. She looked up and smiled, but her sharp gaze lingered a moment too long.

“Rough night?” she asked, setting the plate on the table.

“Something like that,” I muttered, grabbing a mug and pouring myself a generous helping of caffeine.

“You’ve been distracted lately, Alina,” she said, her tone laced with concern. “Is everything okay?”

I forced a smile, the lie rolling off my tongue with practiced ease. “Just adjusting to being back home. Nothing to worry about.”

Her eyes searched mine, but before she could probe further, Dax strode into the kitchen, his presence commanding even in a simple T-shirt and jeans. His hair was damp, his jaw freshly shaven, and his eyes—those fiery eyes—locked onto mine for a fraction of a second before shifting away.

“Morning,” he said, his voice low but steady.

“Morning,” my mother replied cheerfully, oblivious to the tension that crackled between us like a live wire. “Jack wants to see you before the meeting today. Something about the border patrols.”

Dax nodded, his jaw tightening. “I’ll handle it.”

As he grabbed a piece of toast and turned to leave, his gaze flicked to me again, this time filled with unspoken words. My wolf stirred, a traitorous pull that made my stomach twist. I looked away, focusing on my coffee like it held the answers to the universe.

Later that day, I found myself near the riverbank, needing the solace of the flowing water to clear my head. The forest was alive with the sounds of nature, but even its serenity couldn’t drown out the weight of my thoughts.

“Alina.”

The voice sent a chill down my spine. I turned to find Ronan leaning casually against a tree, his eyes glinting with mischief and something darker.

“What do you want?” I demanded, my voice sharp.

He smirked, pushing off the tree and sauntering closer. “Relax, little wolf. I’m not here to cause trouble.”

“Could’ve fooled me,” I muttered, crossing my arms. “Why are you even here, Ronan? You’re not part of this pack anymore.”

His grin widened, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “Maybe I’m here for you.”

My wolf bristled, but I held my ground. “You don’t scare me.”

“Good,” he said, his tone almost a purr. “Fear’s no fun. But curiosity? That’s another story.”

I glared at him, my patience wearing thin. “If you have something to say, say it. Otherwise, leave.”

His expression darkened, and he stepped closer, invading my space. “You should be careful, Alina. Secrets have a way of coming to light.”

Before I could respond, a growl ripped through the air. Dax emerged from the trees, his eyes blazing with fury.

“Get away from her,” he snarled, his voice a dangerous rumble.

Ronan’s smirk returned, but he took a deliberate step back. “Relax, Carter. I was just saying hello.”

“You don’t get to talk to her,” Dax growled, his fists clenched. “Not now, not ever.”

“Touchy, aren’t we?” Ronan said, his tone mocking. “Fine. I’ll go. But don’t forget, Alina—I’m always around.”

With one last, taunting glance, he disappeared into the forest, leaving a tense silence in his wake.

Dax turned to me, his anger barely contained. “What the hell were you doing talking to him?”

“I wasn’t talking to him. He found me,” I snapped, my own frustration bubbling to the surface. “You can’t just swoop in and act like you control me, Dax.”

His eyes softened, but his voice remained firm. “I’m trying to protect you, Alina. Ronan’s dangerous.”

“And what about you?” I shot back. “You’re dangerous, too. To me. To everything we’ve built here.”

The words hung between us, heavy and unspoken for too long. His shoulders sagged slightly, and for the first time, he looked vulnerable.

“I know,” he said quietly. “But I can’t change what I am. And I can’t change how I feel about you.”

My heart ached at the rawness in his voice.

“We’re playing with fire, Dax,” I whispered. “And it’s only a matter of time before we get burned.”

He stepped closer, his hand reaching out to cup my cheek. The warmth of his touch was welcomed, and for a moment, I let myself lean into him.

“Then let it burn,” he murmured, his lips a breath away from mine.

But before either of us could cross that line again, a howl echoed through the forest, sharp and urgent. It was a call to gather, and it shattered the fragile bubble around us.

Dax pulled away, his jaw tight. “We should go.”

I nodded, swallowing the lump in my throat. As we made our way back toward the pack house, the weight of everything—our bond, our secrets, the danger lurking in the shadows—pressed down on me like never before.

And I couldn’t shake the feeling that this was only the beginning.