Chapter 7: Revelations in the Dark

I stood in the upstairs bathroom, my hands gripping the edge of the sink as I stared into the mirror. My reflection felt foreign, the tension in my jaw and the shadows under my eyes a clear reminder of how deeply my life had spiralled into chaos. The bond between Dax and me pulsed just beneath the surface, impossible to ignore, especially now that I had stopped fighting it.

My wolf—my traitorous, headstrong wolf—practically purred at the thought of him. Every nerve in my body felt alive, buzzing with the memory of his touch, the intensity of his gaze. And yet, here I was, stuck in a silent battle with myself, trying to maintain the facade of normalcy while my emotions threatened to tear me apart.

Turning on the shower, I let the sound of rushing water drown out my thoughts. The steam filled the small room, curling around me like a cocoon as I peeled off my clothes and stepped inside. The heat was a balm against my tense muscles, but it couldn’t reach the ache rooted deep in my chest.

The steaming water cascaded over my skin, rinsing away the remnants of the long day. My muscles unwound as the warmth enveloped me, a cocoon of serenity I rarely let myself indulge in. The faint scent of pine and soap filled the small, misty bathroom, and I closed my eyes, leaning against the cool tiles.

The soft creak of the bathroom door snapped me from my moment of peace. I didn’t need to look to know who it was; his scent—earthy, raw, and uniquely Dax—drifted toward me even before I heard the low rumble of his voice.

“Didn’t think you’d leave me any hot water,” he teased, his words wrapped in that familiar, playful rasp that always made my heart race.

I glanced over my shoulder, watching as he shed his shirt, revealing the powerful, lithe frame I knew so well. His golden hair was slightly damp, as if he’d been outside just moments ago. His eyes, glowing faintly in the dim light, locked onto mine.

“Maybe I wasn’t planning to,” I replied, a smirk tugging at my lips.

He chuckled softly, and before I could say anything more, he stepped into the shower, the space suddenly feeling much smaller. The water hit his skin, gliding over the lines of his muscles, and the heat in the air seemed to intensify.

“You didn’t tell me you were joining me,” I said, though my voice betrayed no protest.

“You didn’t invite me.” He reached out, brushing a wet strand of hair from my face. His fingers lingered on my cheek, his touch both gentle and possessive. “But I didn’t think you’ll mind.”

I didn’t.

Dax leaned in, his forehead resting against mine, the steady beat of the water a rhythm that mirrored the pounding of my heart. His hand moved to the small of my back, pulling me against him, and I felt the heat of his body even through the spray.

“You’re tense,” he murmured, his lips brushing my temple.

“Not anymore,” I whispered back, letting myself melt into him.

His thumb traced slow circles over my hip, his touch igniting something deep within me, something primal. His scent mingled with the steam, a heady mix that clouded my thoughts and heightened my senses.

“You drive me crazy, Alina,” he said, his voice low and rough, the words vibrating against my skin. “You have no idea.”

I tipped my head back to meet his gaze, the glowing intensity in his eyes setting me alight. “Then show me,” I challenged, my voice barely audible over the hiss of the water.

For a moment, nothing else existed—just the heat of his touch, the press of his body against mine, and the undeniable connection that bound us together. My wolf howled in triumph, and I gave in completely, letting him anchor me in the chaos.

The sound of footsteps downstairs snapped me back to reality. I pulled away, breathless and wide-eyed. “Someone’s coming,” I whispered.

Dax’s jaw tightened, but he nodded. “Go.”

I grabbed a towel and hurried back to my bedroom, shutting the door and leaning against it as my heart raced. What were we doing? This couldn’t last—not like this. But I knew that no matter how dangerous it was, I couldn’t walk away.

Not from him. Not from us. “Us” I loved the way it sounded. Even more so, I loved the way it made me feel.

The following night was oppressive, the kind that wrapped around you like a smothering shroud. Shadows danced in the flickering light of the bonfire as the pack gathered, their murmured conversations mixing with the crackle of burning wood. The air was charged, not with celebration, but with unease. Jack’s summons had been abrupt, and the tension in his voice had spread like wildfire.

I stayed near the fringes, my arms crossed tightly over my chest as I watched Dax. He stood beside Jack, his posture rigid, his expression unreadable. The firelight cast sharp angles across his face, making him look every inch the alpha-in-waiting he was destined to be. But my heart twisted at the distance between us—not physical, but emotional, the chasm we had no choice but to maintain.

“What’s this about?” I whispered to Kara, one of the younger wolves, who stood beside me.

She shrugged, her wide eyes reflecting the firelight. “Something about rogue activity near the southern border. Jack’s furious.”

Ronan. The name slithered through my mind like a serpent, and my wolf snarled within me. He was circling, waiting for an opening. And now, with the pack on edge, he had the perfect opportunity to strike.

Jack stepped forward, raising a hand to silence the crowd. “We’ve received reports of increased rogue activity along the southern border. This isn’t the usual posturing—this is coordinated. They’re testing us, looking for weaknesses.”

A low growl rippled through the pack, a collective surge of anger and protectiveness. Jack’s gaze swept over the crowd, lingering briefly on me.

“Patrols will be doubled effective immediately. Dax will be leading the effort. If anyone has concerns, speak now.”

No one moved. No one dared. Dax stepped forward, his voice calm but resolute. “We’ll cover every inch of our territory. No rogue will set foot here without facing consequences.”

His words were met with approving growls and murmurs of agreement, but my heart pounded in my chest. Dax was putting himself in harm’s way, and I couldn’t do a damn thing about it. I clenched my fists, the sting of my nails digging into my palms a poor distraction from the storm inside me.

Later that night, the pack dispersed, and I found myself wandering the edge of the forest, seeking solace in the quiet. The moon hung low, casting a pale glow over the trees. But even the serenity of nature couldn’t calm the chaos in my mind.

“You shouldn’t be out here alone.”

The voice sent a jolt through me, and I spun around to find Dax leaning against a tree, his arms crossed. He looked tired, the weight of his responsibilities etched into his features. But his eyes—those piercing amber eyes—held a warmth that made my breath hitch.

“I needed some air,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

He pushed off the tree and closed the distance between us. “You’re reckless, Alina. What if Ronan—”

“I can handle myself,” I interrupted, my frustration bubbling to the surface. “I’m not some damsel in distress, Dax.”

His jaw tightened, and for a moment, he said nothing. Then, in a low, strained voice, he said, “You don’t get it, do you? Every time you’re in danger, it’s like…” He trailed off, his hands balling into fists at his sides.

“Like what?” I pressed, stepping closer. “Say it, Dax.”

His gaze locked onto mine, and the raw emotion in his eyes made my breath catch. “You’re not just anyone, Alina. You’re my… I can’t stand the thought of losing you. I won’t survive it.”

Before I could respond, his lips crashed against mine, silencing my protests. The kiss was fierce, desperate, a collision of passion and frustration that left me breathless. I clung to him, my fingers tangling in his hair as the world faded away.

When we finally broke apart, our breaths came in ragged gasps, and he rested his forehead against mine. “You’re mine, Alina. Whether the world knows it or not.”

Tears prickled at the corners of my eyes. “I’m yours, Dax. But we have to be careful.”

He nodded, his expression hardening. “I’ll keep you safe. No matter what it takes.”

As we stood there, wrapped in each other’s arms under the light of the moon, I knew our battle was far from over. But for now, in this stolen moment, we had each other. And that was enough.