Can we fix this?

Emily’s POV

It took two weeks before I felt ready to see Hunter. The wait blurred by in sleepless nights, nerves twisting in my stomach, and aching uncertainty. I couldn't tell if fear, hope, or something heavier kept me away, but I needed courage to face whatever he might say. Nolan said Ted will let me in tonight.

I didn’t name our cute baby boy; I’ll let Hunter do that. I paced, waiting for Nolan to come get me. The baby was fed and would stay quiet.

The door opened. Nolan gestured, so I picked up the baby and followed him to the dungeon. Ted looked at the baby’s sleepy face and smiled.

“Give me a minute. I need to talk to Alpha,” Nolan said, surprising me.

“Sure, go on. I’ll wait for my turn.” He walked down the long hallway with the lantern, then left it by the door, illuminating both the hallway and the cell.

They were arguing. I got closer to listening.

“You will tell her the truth,” Nolan said. “Do not put that burden on me.”

Or what, Nolan? Did you tell her the truth?

Of course not, I made a promise, you forced me to give my word, alpha.

But that won’t stop you from …

Don’t change the subject, don’t play with her, human or not, Hunter, Nolan shouted. Tell her the truth.

Kaden has already said we have two weeks left before she takes her.

Hearing footsteps, I ran back to the entrance. Nolan exited the cell and gestured for me to go in.

Hunter stood there waiting for me. I got closer, and he hugged me. Then looked at his son.

You gave me a son; his words were tense. He kissed my forehead. Let’s sit down.

He pulled me onto his lap, chains scraping the floor. We sat in silence for a while.

When are we leaving Hunter? I asked him

He avoided my eyes. I’m not going with you, Emily. I need to stay and fight for my pack—my responsibility is to protect them, even if it means letting you go for now. If I leave, they’ll be vulnerable, and Kaden will destroy everything. You must go, so you and our son stay safe. I have a plan to win back my position. Once I do, I’ll come for you, no matter where you are. Kaden will try to take you, but Nolan will help you escape. Trust me for a little longer.

I see, so you’re choosing the pack…

Emily, maybe it's hard for you to understand, since you’re human… the pack needs me, but I will come and get you. That’s a promise. Please understand me.

I couldn’t say anything because the pain was thick in my throat, making it impossible to speak. Do you want to hold your son, Hunter?

Yeah, what did you name him?

I didn’t, because I wanted you to name him,” I said, trying to hold back my tears.

How about Balen? David? Jay? Help me, he chuckled, kissing his little face.

Jay sounds like him, I whispered.

Emily, promise me you’ll say goodbye before you leave. Tell me you understand.

I stood up. Hunter, no, I do not understand. You made promises, and now you’re telling me that…can we ever fix things between us? I’m just the human you want for breeding. His eyes told me everything. Yes, he loved me, but I will always be just a human.

Emily, please…

I walked away, more like I ran. Nolan took me back to the room. I put baby Jay in the bassinet and turned around.

I sobbed, and Nolan held me. Shhhh, he’s protecting you.

No, he isn’t. I’m just human… I was so stupid to believe he could love me for who I am. My chest felt hollow; the pain was overwhelming.

“Emily, look at me, please.” I looked up through my tears. “Hunter made this plan, and it will work; he loves you and his son.”

Do you believe this, Nolan, because I can do one betrayal but can’t…I…

Jay started crying, so I picked him up, took him to bed, and fed him. Nolan watched silently.

“Can you give me something to cover?”

No, it’s fine. I’ll leave. I need to think…. He turned and left.

Tears still burned my eyes. I didn’t expect him to say that. I wasn’t important, just a human. His pack came first; he is an alpha. I should understand that; why, then, does my instinct tell me to run?

I put Jay back in the bassinet, buttoned my shirt, then collapsed into bed and slept.

Nolan was shaking me. Emily, wake up. I opened my eyes and caught my breath. You’re dreaming again…I stared at him, and his face was worried. Who is Domus?

The name sent a chill through me, something familiar and cold brushing the edge of my thoughts, then slipping away before I could grasp it. My heart pounded as I searched my memory for any trace, but all I could find was a vague ache behind my ribs, as if I should know, but didn’t want to remember.

I…don’t know, I can’t remember…then Jay cried, and I fed him again, fell asleep with him at the breast. Finally, I slept.

I felt a heavy hand on me, warm, rough, grounding me in the half-light of the room. My eyes fluttered open to muted grayness, dust motes swirling in a thin beam of early morning light sneaking past the curtains. The faint scent of milk lingered in the air, mingled with the earthy smell of damp stone and worn blankets. Nolan was lying behind me, his slow breaths stirring the hair at the back of my neck, his presence a quiet anchor above the blankets. Jay slept peacefully, tiny fists curled open near his rosy cheeks. The only sounds were the low hum of Nolan’s breathing. I stayed still, letting both of them sleep, heavy silence pressing in around me as I tried to think what I would do next.

Kaden was coming for me. I felt it.