Storm night

The first drops of rain tapped softly against the tall windows as I made my way down the corridor.

A smile tugged at my lips before I even realized it.

It was the Rain.

I had always loved the rain, especially when Kael was with me.

During storms, he always insisted I slept in his arms. He claimed thunder made my wolf restless.

I always argued that I wasn’t afraid.

He never believed me.

“I know you aren’t,” he’d say with that crooked smile of his. “But I’m using it as an excuse to hold you.”

Then he would pull me so tightly against his chest that I could barely move.

Every morning after a storm, I’d complain that my arms and legs ached because he refused to let me go in his sleep.

He would only laugh before kissing my forehead.

“I’ll do it again next time.”

Thinking about those nights made my chest warm.

Perhaps…Tonight could be one of them.

The rain grew heavier as another flash of lightning lit the corridor.

I quickened my pace.

********

When I stepped into our chamber, Kael was already sitting on the edge of the bed, unfastening the cuffs of his shirt.

He looked up immediately. “There you are.”

“I was checking on the nursery.” I explained.

He nodded before patting the empty space beside him.

“I thought the rain might keep you wandering.”

I smiled as I crossed the room. “I’ve always liked storms.”

“I know.” His eyes softened. “You always sleep better when it rains.”

“Only because someone refuses to let me breathe.” I widened my eyes.

A quiet laugh escaped him. “I don’t remember any complaints.”

“That’s because you were asleep while crushing me.”

He chuckled. “I’ll try to be gentler tonight.”

“I doubt it.” I smiled.

For the first time in what felt like forever…The conversation was easy and Comfortable.

It reminded me of us.

Of who we had been before duty found its way into our marriage.

Kael reached for my hand. “I’ve missed this.”

“So have I.” I whispered.

He kissed the back of my hand gently.

Outside, thunder rolled across the mountains. I instinctively moved a little closer to him.

His smile widened. “I knew it.”

“I am not scared.” I tried to sound a bit braver.

“No?” His brows furrowed.

“No.” I maintained my stance.

“Then why are you sitting closer?” He glanced at the closed space between us.

Heat rushed to my cheeks. “The room is cold.”

“Of course.” His teasing laugh filled the room.

For one precious moment…I felt like his wife again.

Not the Luna, and not the woman who couldn’t give him an heir.

Just…His wife.

A sharp knock echoed through the chamber.

Kael frowned. “Come in.”

The door opened, and one of the young servants hurried inside.

She bowed so quickly that a few strands of hair escaped her braid.

“My Alpha… my Luna…”

“What is it?” Kael asked.

The servant looked uneasy. “Miss Lily asked me to fetch you.”

Kael’s smile faded. “Why?”

“She…” The servant hesitated. “She says she’s frightened.”

Another crack of thunder shook the windows.

“The storm has upset her.”

Silence settled over the room. I felt Kael’s fingers loosen around mine.

“The healer examined her earlier,” the servant continued nervously. “He says the pup is healthy.”

“Then why send for me?” Kael asked.

“She said…” The servant swallowed.

“…she’s afraid something might happen to the baby if she becomes too distressed.”

My heart sank.

Kael let out a slow breath. “I’ll go and calm her down.”

He looked back at me. “It won’t take long.”

I smiled. Or at least, I tried to.

“Of course.”

He stood and reached for his cloak.

“I’ll be back before you fall asleep.”

“I know.” The words came automatically.

He cupped my cheek. “I’m sorry.”

“What are you apologizing for?” I asked.

He didn’t answer. Instead, he kissed my forehead before leaving with the servant.

The door closed quietly behind them.

************

I sat on the edge of the bed listening and waiting.

The rain grew heavier.

Lightning flashed beyond the windows, illuminating the empty room for only a heartbeat before darkness returned.

I smiled to myself.

He would be back soon, he will always came back.

An hour passed and the fire burned lower.

The rain showed no signs of stopping.

I changed into my nightdress and climbed beneath the blankets, leaving enough space for Kael beside me.

I reached across the mattress. His side was still cold.

Another clap of thunder echoed outside.

I closed my eyes, wishing he’ll be here soon.

The bedroom door opened so suddenly that I sat upright.

Relief flooded through me.

“Kael…?”

But It wasn’t him.

The same young servant stood in the doorway, her expression apologetic.

“My Luna…”

A strange feeling settled inside me.

“What is it?”

“The Alpha asked me to tell you…” She hesitated. “…he’ll be spending the night in Miss Lily’s chamber.”

My fingers tightened around the blanket.

“Why?”

“The storm has frightened her terribly.” The servant lowered her gaze. “The healer believes keeping her calm is important for the unborn heir.”

The unborn heir? Those three words again? Always those three words.

“I understand,” I heard myself say.

The servant looked relieved. “He asked me to tell you he was sorry.”

“Thank you.” I muttered.

She bowed before quietly leaving.

The room fell silent once more.

I remained sitting there long after the fire had died down.

The rain battered the windows without mercy.

Thunder rolled endlessly across the mountains.

Every storm before tonight had ended the same way.

Wrapped safely in Kael’s arms and listening to the steady beat of his heart until sleep claimed us both.

Tonight…His arms belonged to someone else.

I slowly lay down, leaving the empty space beside me untouched.

The bed had never felt so large or so unbearably cold.

Outside, lightning illuminated the room again.

For the first time since I became Kael’s mate…I slept through a storm alone.