Chapter 213

Olivia

The gentle roar of the waterfall faded as we began our walk back to the cabin. The sun sat low in the sky, casting a golden hue over everything and bathing the forest in warm, soft light. It seemed like the woods themselves were holding their breath, waiting for the magic hour to fully descend.

Nathan reached out, lacing his fingers through mine.

His grip was firm, yet gentle—a constant reminder of his steadfast presence. The path was uneven, a mosaic of roots, rocks, and moss, but with Nathan by my side, I felt grounded, even invincible.

As we approached a steeper part of the trail, Nathan’s free hand automatically went to my waist, steadying me. A particularly tricky section had rocks acting like nature’s staircase. Nathan went first, turning around to guide me down.

“Give me your other hand,” he said. I did, and with his hands securely holding mine, I felt the reassuring pull of his strength as I navigated the uneven terrain.

Every step I took, Nathan’s eyes never left mine, ensuring I was okay.

Once safely at the bottom, he pulled me into a brief hug. “You okay?”

“I’m fine,” I replied, touched by his concern as a heat crept into my cheeks. “Thanks to you.”

He flashed a crooked smile, pressing a light kiss on my forehead. “Always.”

As we continued our walk, I glanced at the back carriers holding our precious twins. They seemed so content, their little faces peaceful amidst the gentle sway of their journey. Nathan caught my gaze and followed it to our children.

A soft look of wonder and love crossed his face.

There was a serenity in our journey back, punctuated by Nathan’s little acts of love. Whenever a branch obstructed our path, he'd gently push it aside. If a patch seemed slippery, he would test it first, guiding me around or over it.

His actions spoke louder than words ever could. He was my protector, my anchor, and my partner in every sense.

The weight of the earlier revelation about my father and the spell pressed on me, but with Nathan by my side, the burden felt lighter.

I recalled our childhood, our innocent escapades in these woods. I realized that even then, Nathan had always been there, guarding, guiding, and supporting in his own way.

Lost in my thoughts, I nearly tripped over a protruding root. But Nathan, ever attentive, steadied me. His eyes searched mine, filled with concern.

“You drifted off there for a moment, Liv,” he murmured. “Everything okay?”

I squeezed his hand, reassured by the sensation of his fingers intertwined with mine.

“Just thinking about everything—my father, the spell, our future. But also,” I added, looking up into his intense gaze, “how grateful I am for you. How, if I had to navigate the treacherous waters of life, I would choose you. Every time.”

His eyes softened, and he pulled me closer, pressing his lips to mine in a gentle, lingering kiss.

“And I’d choose you,” he whispered against my lips. “In this life and any other.”

The final stretch of our walk was wrapped in a comfortable silence, punctuated only by the sounds of nature and our synchronized footsteps. As the cabin came into view, I couldn’t help but feel a rush of gratitude. For this moment. For our family. For Nathan.

I leaned into him, feeling his arm wrap securely around my shoulder. Whatever challenges lay ahead, with Nathan by my side, I knew we'd face them head-on. Together.

…

The gentle glow of the lanterns inside the cabin painted a warm, comforting picture against the inky blackness of the night outside.

The twins lay nestled in their makeshift cribs, their soft breathing harmonizing with the hum of crickets and the occasional rustle of leaves in the wind.

I took a deep breath, the earthy scent of the woods filling my lungs. Despite the serenity, there was a coil of tension in the pit of my stomach. Ryan and the Elders weighed heavily on my mind.

“Hey,” Nathan whispered, wrapping an arm around my shoulders. We sat close on the porch, the wooden planks cool beneath us. “You’re miles away. What’s troubling you?”

“It’s just... with everything happening, the unpredictability with the Elders, and now my father’s spell revelation... I’m worried,” I admitted, resting my head on his shoulder.

Nathan squeezed me tighter. “We’ll head back first thing in the morning. And we’ll talk to the witch. If there’s a way to undo the spell or get answers, she’ll know.”

I looked up into Nathan’s intense gaze. “Promise?”

“Promise,” he whispered, pressing his lips to my forehead.

We lapsed into a comfortable silence, soaking in the nocturnal symphony around us.

But that peace was broken by a faint crunching sound—distinctive footfalls on fallen leaves. Both of us tensed, our eyes darting towards the tree line.

“Who’s there?” Nathan called out authoritatively.

The only response was the whispering of the trees. Nathan gently extricated himself from our embrace and cautiously descended the porch steps.

He hesitated for a second, then shifted, transforming fluidly into his wolf form. With heightened senses, he prowled the edges of the clearing, his posture alert.

I held my breath, trying to tune into the sounds of the night, straining to hear anything beyond the ordinary.

Minutes felt like hours. The weight of uncertainty bore down on me; every rustle, every sigh of the wind felt ominous.

After what felt like an eternity, Nathan returned to the porch. He shifted back, his face etched with a mixture of confusion and concern.

“There’s no one,” he said, sounding perplexed, “but…”

“But what?” I prompted, my voice barely above a whisper.

“There was a paw print. Larger than any I’ve seen around here. It looked fresh.” He ran a hand through his tousled hair. “Could be a rogue, or maybe someone we know. Either way, it’s a sign. We aren’t alone out here like I had hoped.”

My heart skipped a beat. “Do you think they followed us here? Ryan? The Elders?”

“It’s hard to tell.” Nathan sighed, leaning against the railing. “But we should remain vigilant. This cabin... it holds so many memories, and while it’s a sanctuary, it’s also isolated. It could be easy to become... trapped.”

I shuddered. “That's not comforting.”

“Sorry,” Nathan replied, pulling me into his embrace again. “We’re together, and we’re strong. Remember that. We’ll face this, whatever it is.”

“I know,” I murmured, my voice shaky. “It’s just... I thought we’d be safe here. Just a couple of days of solace. I didn’t think anyone knew about this place except your family.”

“Few do.” Nathan responded. “But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. The werewolf community is tight-knit. Word travels, especially when it comes to places of refuge.”

We both fell silent, lost in our thoughts, occasionally glancing into the darkness of the forest, as if expecting it to reveal its secrets.

After a long pause, I said, “Tomorrow, then. We find answers. For us, for our children, and for the future.”

Nathan nodded solemnly, “Tomorrow.”

And with that resolve, we ventured back into the warmth of the cabin, bolting the door behind us. The uncertainties of the world outside could wait. For now, we had each other and the hope of a new day.

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