TENDING TO WILLOW

TENDING TO WILLOW

JADEN’S POV

I couldn't help but notice Willow's wounds as she lay against the rock, blood oozing from her cuts and bruises. I couldn't deny the pull I was feeling towards her, despite not knowing who she was or what had happened to her.

"Are you okay?" I asked, my voice laced with concern as I helped her steady herself.

She looked up at me, her eyes blazing with pain and determination. "I will be," she said, her voice hoarse. "I just need to rest for a bit."

I nodded and led her towards a nearby clearing where I knew she could be safe. I watched as she settled herself on the ground, wincing as she moved her injured leg.

"Let me take a look at your wounds," I said, kneeling beside her.

She hesitated for a moment, but nodded, allowing me to inspect her injuries. My hands shook as I touched her wounds, but I was gentle so that she could feel comforted by my touch.

As I examined her wounds, I realized that they were healing at an alarming rate. I was thrilled because it meant that Willow was a shifter and most probably a werewolf.

"You heal quickly," I said, my tone neutral and not giving out any emotion.

Willow looked up at me, a hint of fear in her eyes. "What do you mean?" she asked.

I hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to broach the topic. "I'm a Lycan," I said finally. "And I couldn't help but notice that your wounds are healing quickly. Are you a werewolf?"

Her eyes widened in surprise, and she looked at me in disbelief. "How did you know?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

"I could sense it," I said. "It's part of who we are, we have a higher sense of everything around us, and I felt a pull towards you the moment I saw you."

She nodded, and I could see the relief in her eyes. "Yes, I'm a werewolf," she said."

My curiosity was piqued, and I couldn't help but wonder what had happened to her to leave her in such a state. "What happened?" I asked, my voice gentle.

she took a deep breath, her eyes clouded with pain and regret. "I ran away from my pack," she said. "The alpha of Prime Pack has been committing numerous atrocities, and I couldn't stand by and watch it happen anymore. I had to leave."

My eyes widened in shock, and I could feel my anger simmering underneath his skin. "What kind of atrocities?" he asked, his voice low, even though I had heard numerous rumors about the Prime pack it was the first time I was hearing it from someone who had experienced it. It also meant she was now a rogue.

I notice she hesitated for a moment, and I knew she was unsure of whether she should divulge the full extent of the alpha's actions. I did not blame her for being skeptical, trust was something to be earned and she hardly knew me

He has been brutal to anyone and everyone.” she manages to say “He maims and kills both the innocent and guilty.”

I felt a wave of anger and disgust wash over me. I couldn't believe that someone could be capable of such atrocities, let alone a werewolf alpha.

WILLOW’S POV

I watched as Jaden carefully tended to the gash on my arm arm, his movements gentle and precise. He didn't seem to mind the blood or the fact that I was a werewolf, but I couldn't help feeling uneasy around him.

"Thank you for helping me," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

I looked up at him, his eyes searching mine. "Of course. I couldn't just leave you there injured."

I shifted uncomfortably. I smile at him, and suddenly, I felt the urge to divulge everything about the pack, my father, and myself to him, but I stopped myself. I still did not know anything about him even though he appeared kind and nice. “Thank you,” I repeated

He paused in his work but then continued without looking up. "You are welcome. now tell me what happened to you.”

I hesitated, not sure if I could trust him. "I ran away from my pack," I replied simply

“Why,” he said, but I did not reply to his question

There was a long pause before he spoke again. "I understand. We just met and you don't know if I can be trusted.”

I nodded, relieved that he seemed to understand my hesitation. "Yes. Lycans and werewolves haven't always gotten along."

He finished tending to my wounds which had healed quite remarkably and stood up. "That may be true, but I'm not like the others. I'm different."

I looked up at him, curious. "Different? How so?"

He hesitated as if considering his words carefully. "I...I don't know exactly. I just feel drawn to you. I can't explain it."

I was taken aback by his words. "Drawn to me? What do you mean?"

I looked away, as if embarrassed. "I don't know. It's like...I feel a connection to you, even though we're from different worlds."

I didn't know what to say. I had never experienced anything like this before. "I...I don't know what to say."

He turned to me, his eyes intense. "You don't have to say anything. Just know that I'm here for you, no matter what."

I felt a warmth spread through me at his words. For the first time in a long time, I felt like I could trust someone. "Thank you, I am grateful."

He smiled a genuine smile that made my heart flutter. "You're welcome, Willow. Now, let's get you some food and rest."

I couldn't help but feel grateful for the stranger who had helped me even though he knew nothing about me. Maybe, just maybe, things were starting to look up for me after all.

I must have fallen asleep because as I woke up, I felt a sharp pain in my wrist and legs that made me groan. I rubbed my eyes and scanned the cave that had been my refuge. Suddenly, I heard some rustling outside, but it was Jaden who appeared with a smile on his face, holding out a handful of berries and nuts. "I gathered these from the forest," he said, extending them to me. "And I also hunted a rabbit for you. It should keep you nourished for the day." he pointed to some wood and lighter for me to use to roast the rabbit when I felt like it.

I was astonished and my stomach rumbled at the thought of a real meal. "Thank you," I expressed gratefully, accepting the food.

"It's nothing," Jaden replied, gesturing dismissively. "I simply wanted to assist."

He then handed me a carton of water, and I drank it down with gratitude. "Thank you so much," I said, feeling tears forming in my eyes. It felt unreal to be treated so much better by a stranger than my own father.

Jaden beamed at me kindly. "Don't worry about it," he said. "I'm just happy to help. I need to go now, but I'll be back tomorrow or later tonight."

With that, he exited the cave, leaving me alone with my reflections and newfound appreciation. I couldn't believe how fortunate I was to have found assistance. Going rogue had led many to their untimely demise.