It's time for the truth

Todd had transformed the dining room with his usual flair, candles flickered between artfully arranged place settings, and the scent of rosemary hung in the air.

Bram froze in the doorway. "This looks like something out of a magazine."

"Shoes," Todd said, pointing to Bram's feet with a stern expression.

Dahlia emerged from the kitchen and wrapped Bram in a warm embrace. "How are you feeling?" he whispered against her hair.

"Much better," she replied. "Are you checking as my physician or my…"

"As your protector." They shared a laugh that eased the tension.

The doorbell chimed, and Jason arrived. Dahlia greeted him with the same enthusiasm.

Once seated around the table, Jason dipped his spoon into his soup. "So what exactly happened today?"

"She sampled the Mr. giant" Todd said with a smile.

"Todd!" Dahlia and Jason exclaimed in unison.

Todd shrugged. "We're all grown-ups here."

Bram shifted uncomfortably.

"It was just coffee on my clothes," Dahlia explained.

"I'd rather focus on my project. A German outdoor company is adding wolf emblems to their gear and donating proceeds to conservation. It's about protecting our forests from hunters' traps. I may not have shifted yet, but when I do, I want to run without fear of steel jaws waiting in the shadows."

All three stared at her. "What?" Dahlia asked, glancing between them.

"You're incredible," Bram said softly. "Even when you were... never mind.

I understand now why this matters so much to you."

Todd's eyes glistened. "Nothing makes me prouder than seeing you fight for the packs like this."

Dahlia sighed. "I have a presentation tomorrow.

After dinner, I need to practice, and I want honest feedback."

"Finish your meal first," Bram insisted.

"I already ate four beef jerkies..."

She caught their looks. "Fine, one piece of roast beef."

Todd and Bram exchanged a meaningful glance.

Later, after helping with dishes, Dahlia retrieved her tablet and delivered her presentation while they watched intently.

"Well?" she asked when she finished.

Silence hung in the air as they stared.

"That was genuinely impressive," Todd finally said.

"You're not just saying that because you love me?

"He laughed warmly.

"He's right," Bram agreed.

"I wouldn't change a thing. "Jason nodded. "I hope you're taking full credit for this."

"Move over," she said, settling between Todd and Bram.

"I'll make coffee," Jason offered, standing. Todd followed him to the kitchen.

"We need to tell her the truth today," Jason whispered.

Todd shook his head. "Not yet. I can't bear the thought of losing her, she'll hate us after this.

"Back in the living room, Bram took Dahlia's hand and placed a gentle kiss on it.

So old-fashioned, she thought. I like it.

"What are your Christmas plans?" Bram asked. "It's only a week and a half away."

"I... haven't thought that far ahead," she admitted.

"All packs are going to Switzerland for Hunter's ceremony.

He's officially becoming alpha. Would you join us?"

"Yes, of course. Will you teach me some pack etiquette?"

He laughed. "Your instincts are already spot-on, you're a natural. But yes, I will."

He leaned in to kiss her. As her arms encircled his neck, her eyes glowed brightly.

Todd noticed and covered his mouth in surprise.

After Todd and Jason departed, Dahlia gathered her belongings into her backpack. Bram approached from behind, his lips finding the curve of her neck as his arms encircled her waist. Her eyes illuminated with that otherworldly glow before fluttering closed.

"Don't let go of me," she whispered, melting against him.

"I won't," Bram promised, though uncertainty flickered through his mind. Was she asking him to fight for her? Wasn't he already?

She turned in his embrace, meeting his gaze with intensity. "Everything feels so foggy, Bram. I keep waiting for my memories to return, for my shift to finally happen." Her forehead came to rest against his chest.

Stroking her hair, he murmured, "Some things can't be forced. It will all unfold when the time is right." He pressed a gentle kiss to the crown of her head. "Now get some rest, you're always cranky without enough sleep."

"Cranky?" She pulled back with mock indignation. "I simply appreciate my morning rest..."

At her bedroom doorway, she paused. "Would you stay until I fall asleep?"

His smile was immediate. "Of course."

Nestled against him, Dahlia drifted off within minutes. Bram remained still, breathing in her scent, his own eyes eventually closing.

In her dream, Dahlia stood frozen as the car approached, her mother's smile directed at her father in the driver's seat. A child version of herself, six, maybe seven years old, appeared in her vision. A wolf darted across the road. No screeching brakes, just impact as the vehicle slammed into a tree. She approached the wreckage to find her parents' bloodied bodies. The little girl, herself, had a deep gash along her temple. The car door opened, and strong hands lifted her small form away from the carnage. When she glimpsed the rescuer's face, she saw Jason.

Dahlia jolted awake with a gasp. Bram's arm lay heavy across her waist.

"Sleep, Dahlia," he mumbled drowsily.

"I had a nightmare," she whispered. His eyes fluttered open.

"Jason was at the accident site. How is that possible?"

Bram remained silent for a moment. "It's okay," he finally said, pulling her close. "Try to sleep." His fingers stroked her hair soothingly until she drifted off again.

Hours later, Bram awakened to the press of Dahlia's lips against his.

Her hands explored his body as her eyes glowed with supernatural light. Was this genuine emotion she felt for him?

His lips traced down her neck, drawing a soft moan as her back arched. When her hand found his arousal, he surrendered to desire.

Afterward, Dahlia lay beside him, pleasantly exhausted. "You need to go to work," Bram murmured, kissing her shoulder.

"That was incredible," she thought. "Like he knew exactly what I needed.""Yeah, I know," she said aloud.

She slipped into the shower while Bram reached for his phone and called Jason.

"You need to tell her everything," he said firmly. "She saw you at the accident site. It's time for the truth."