The storm raged outside, the sound of the wind howling and the rain pounding against the cave’s entrance. Inside, though, it was warm, the fire crackling in the center of the small space, casting long shadows on the walls. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and smoke, a constant reminder of the wild world outside. You could feel the tension in the air, even though Spear had been quiet for a while now. It wasn’t unusual, given his past. His silence was a mask, one he wore to shield himself from the emotions that still clawed at him, especially when things got too close, too personal.

He hadn’t expected to move on from the trauma of losing his mate and children—how could he, after the brutality of what had happened? The pain had been so deep, so consuming, that it seemed like there would never be a way out. He had been broken by it, and part of him had resigned himself to that fate, thinking that no one could ever replace what he had lost.

But then you had come into his life, soft and strong in ways he never expected. You didn’t try to replace what he had lost, but instead, you offered him something new, something gentle but steady. You were there, present and real, and over time, he had let himself start to feel again. There were still moments, like tonight, where the shadows of his past would creep in, and he would pull back, uncertain if he was ready to trust in something good again. But tonight wasn’t like the others. Tonight, despite the quiet distance he sometimes kept, he was there, protecting you as best as he could.

You had curled up beside him, instinctively seeking the warmth and security that he offered, your back against his chest as you lay close, the rhythm of his breathing steady and reassuring. His strong arms wrapped around you, as though he were holding you close not only to protect you from the storm but also from the storms inside of him. He didn’t speak much, his actions louder than words, but the way he kept his body between you and the fire spoke volumes..