Heart of the Wolf

Chapter Six

Adonis's POV

I paced the length of my study, the tension in my muscles mirroring the restlessness of my wolf, Solomon. The earthy scent of the forest beyond my window did little to soothe my agitation. My eyes flickered to the phone on my desk, willing it to ring.

"Patience," I muttered, more to Solomon than to myself. He growled in response, his presence a constant pressure at the back of my mind.

Finally, the phone buzzed. I snatched it up, my heart racing. "Report," I barked, my usual calm demeanor slipping.

"Alpha has given his approval, Adonis," came the reply from Jake, the pack member I'd assigned to watch over Lynn. "He says you can bring her back to the pack."

Relief washed over me, so potent I had to lean against my desk for support. "Thank the Moon Goddess," I breathed.

"There's more," Jake continued. "Alpha stressed that we need to be careful. He's adamant about fated mates, you know that, but..."

"But what?" I growled, Solomon's impatience bleeding into my voice.

"He wants you to be sure before you tell her what we are. Says we need to let her adjust first."

I ran a hand through my hair, frustration warring with understanding. "Of course. We can't just spring it on her. She's been through enough already."

As I hung up, my mind raced with possibilities. How would Lynn react to our world? Would she see past the monster society claimed us to be?

Solomon whined, a rare show of vulnerability.

"What if she rejects us?"

"She won't," I said aloud, my voice firm despite the doubt gnawing at my insides. "She's our mate. She'll feel the connection, even if she doesn't understand it at first."

I moved to the window, gazing out at the lush forest surrounding our pack's territory. The thought of Lynn here, among us, sent a thrill through my body. But with it came a wave of guilt.

"We're lying to her," I murmured, pressing my forehead against the cool glass. "By omission, maybe, but still lying."

Solomon bristled.

"It's for her own good. For our good."

I sighed, knowing he was right but hating it all the same.

"We'll tell her soon," I promised, both to myself and my wolf. "Once she sees how well she fits in here, how many human mates we have in our pack that she can relate to... she'll understand."

The image of Lynn, smiling and carefree among my pack members, flooded my mind. It was a future I desperately wanted to make real.

"Soon," I repeated, a mix of determination and longing in my voice. "Soon, she'll know everything. And then, my love, we can truly begin our life together."

****

I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the conversation ahead. Lynn's scent, a mix of lavender and honey, filled my nostrils as I approached her. She was sitting on a park bench, her shoulders hunched and eyes distant. The sight made my heart ache.

"Lynn," I called softly, not wanting to startle her. She looked up, a weak smile flickering across her face.

"Hey, Adonis," she replied, her voice tired but warm.

I sat beside her, careful to maintain a respectful distance. "How are you feeling today?"

She shrugged, her gaze dropping to her fidgeting hands. "Same old, I guess. It's... it's hard."

I nodded, fighting the urge to pull her into my arms.

"I know. That's actually why I wanted to talk to you. I have a proposition."

Lynn's eyebrows raised, curiosity sparking in her eyes. "Oh?"

"I'd like you to come visit my home," I said, watching her reaction carefully. "We have an excellent mental health clinic there, with top-notch facilities and therapists. I think it could really help you."

Her expression wavered between interest and uncertainty. "I... I don't know, Adonis. It sounds nice, but..." She bit her lip, hesitating.

"You're worried about Alan," I finished for her, tamping down the jealousy that threatened to surface.

Lynn nodded, guilt flashing across her face. "He's in jail here. I can't just leave him."

I leaned closer, my voice gentle but firm. "Lynn, you can still contact him. I'll make sure of it. In fact," I paused, steeling myself for what I was about to say, "I'll put money on his books and canteen. You won't have to worry about him while you're taking care of yourself."

Her eyes widened in surprise. "You'd do that? But why?"

"Because you're my mate and I'd do anything for you," Solomon growled in my mind. I pushed the thought aside, focusing on Lynn.

"Because you deserve to heal," I said simply. "And I want to help you do that."

Lynn's eyes shimmered with unshed tears. "That's... that's incredibly kind of you, Adonis. I don't know what to say."

I smiled, hope blooming in my chest. "Say you'll come. Give it a chance. If you don't like it, I can always bring you back."

She was quiet for a long moment, clearly wrestling with her decision. I held my breath, waiting.

Finally, she looked up at me, a mix of determination and vulnerability in her eyes. "Okay," she said softly. "I'll come."

Relief and joy surged through me, but I kept my expression calm. "You won't regret it, Lynn. I promise."

As I helped her up, my hand lingering on hers for a moment too long, I couldn't help but think of the secret I was keeping from her. The truth about who and what I was, about the bond between us. For now, I would focus on helping her heal. The rest would come in time.

****

I watched Lynn's face intently as she dialed Alan's number, her slender fingers trembling slightly. The phone rang once, twice, before Alan's gruff voice answered. Lynn's eyes darted to mine nervously before she spoke.

"Alan, I've... I've decided to go on a short trip. For my health," she said, her voice wavering.

I could hear Alan's raised voice through the receiver, his words indistinct but his tone unmistakably angry and possessive. Lynn flinched, and I felt a surge of protective anger. Solomon growled low in my mind, urging me to snatch the phone away.

Instead, I leaned in close, my lips nearly brushing Lynn's ear as I whispered, "Tell him my family will be there. My sister too."

Lynn's eyes widened in surprise, but she nodded, relaying the information to Alan. His voice grew louder, more insistent. I could smell the anxiety rolling off Lynn in waves, and it took every ounce of self-control not to wrap her in my arms.

"Alan, please," Lynn said, her voice growing firmer. "I need to do this. I have to take care of myself if I'm going to be any help to you at all."

More angry words from Alan. I clenched my fists, nails digging into my palms.

"No, I'm not abandoning you," Lynn insisted, a hint of frustration creeping into her voice. "But I can't put my life on hold forever. I need this."

The conversation continued, Lynn's responses growing shorter and more clipped. Finally, she sighed heavily. "I have to go now,

Alan. I'll call you when I can."

She hung up, her hand shaking as she lowered the phone. For a moment, she just stood there, looking lost and vulnerable. Then she squared her shoulders and turned to me, a mix of determination and uncertainty in her eyes.

"Okay," she said softly. "I'm ready."

I nodded, fighting back a smile. "Let's go then," I said, gently taking her hand. "A new adventure awaits."

As we walked to my car, I couldn't help but feel a surge of hope. This was the first step towards bringing Lynn into my world, into our pack. It wouldn't be easy, but I was determined to show her a life full of love, support, and belonging.

One step at a time, I reminded myself as we drove away. One step at a time.

****

The drive stretched on, miles of asphalt disappearing beneath my tires as Lynn sat beside me, her scent filling the confined space of my car. It was intoxicating – Solomon, pace restlessly within me.

"You okay?" I asked, glancing at her. She was staring out the window, lost in thought.

Lynn turned, offering a weak smile. "Yeah, just... processing, I guess."

I could sense the turmoil roiling beneath her calm exterior. The pain, the doubt, the fear – it radiated off her in waves, making Solomon whine in distress.

"We need to protect her," he growled. "Make her ours."

"Patience," I cautioned him. "She's been through enough."

"Tell me about your home," Lynn said suddenly, breaking the silence. "What's it like?"

I grinned, grateful for the distraction. "It's beautiful. Peaceful. You'll love it."

As I described the lush forests and crystal-clear lake, I watched her face carefully. The tension in her shoulders eased slightly, her eyes brightening with curiosity.

"Sounds like paradise," she murmured.

"It is," I agreed, my voice softening. "And it could be yours too, if you want."

Lynn's brow furrowed, confusion flashing across her features. Before she could question me further, I spotted the familiar gates looming ahead.

"We're here," I announced, unable to keep the excitement from my voice.

As we passed through the gates, I kept my eyes fixed on Lynn. Her jaw dropped, eyes wide as she took in the sight of my pack's territory. The towering trees, the glimpse of sparkling water in the distance, the carefully tended houses – it was a far cry from the cramped city she was used to.

"Oh, Adonis," she breathed. "It's... it's incredible."

Pride swelled in my chest. "Welcome home, Lynn," I said softly, hope blossoming within me. Maybe, just maybe, she'd choose to stay.