I blinked against the murky water, my arms outstretched, my fingers searching for sothing—anything—other than mud. My lungs burned as I reached deeper, a sign that my body was already running out of oxygen.
Then, when I thought I couldn’t reach, because I couldn’t see clearly in the dirty water—suddenly, the boy’s hand brushed mine, then slipped away.
’No. Fuck this.’
I pushed forward, ignoring the chill that ran up my spine. I moved my hands around, searching for him. That was when I felt his little hand, then I instantly grabbed him.
I pulled him hard out of the mud that was holding him down, then I kicked my leg against the water, swimming upwards. When my head broke out of the water’s surface, I gasped heavily for air. The water had risen high now, covering my body. The boy coughed and sputtered water from his mouth, his eyes widened in panic.
"It’s okay, I’ve got you," I choked out, pulling him toward the rocky wall. But the current had grown stronger with the rain, tugging back and pulling my feet from under .
For a second, I thought we’d both go under again, as I realized this body wasn’t strong enough to resist the current. I was lucky that the body didn’t give up underneath the water.
As my head slipped in and out of the water, strong arms wrapped around my waist from behind . A growl of disapproval rumbled from Damon’s chest.
He hauled us up with a single pull, dragging both of us out like we weighed nothing. The boy collapsed in the mud, crying, while I slumped beside him, coughing up water, my chest heaving heavily as I let the rain wash away all my fear. The thought of nearly drowning made my whole body tremble.
"What were you thinking?" Damon barked, his voice sharp over the storm. "You could’ve drowned!"
"Then I guess I’d haunt you forever," I rasped back, focusing on nothing more than my breathing.
His jaw ticked. "Don’t joke about that."
’It’s not like I’m important to you. Why act like you care?’ I thought inwardly.
Before I could ask why, he turned to the boy. "You’re alright now. Go find your mother." He patted his head, making sure he was stable. The boy nodded his head and glanced a grateful look at . "Thank you," he said before standing up.
"Don’t ntion it," I felt warmth in my chest. I was happy that I was able to help save his life.
One of the older workers took the child, and Damon’s gaze flicked back to .
"You’re freezing," he muttered, pulling off his soaking cloak and throwing it around my shoulders before I could protest. "Go back inside. I’ll handle the rest."
"I’m not leaving," I said through chattering teeth. "There’s still work to do."
His stare deepened. "Stubborn pet."
"Arrogant master," I muttered.
A corner of his lip twitched, almost a smile, but it didn’t quite make it.
To my surprise, his arms wrapped around , lifting off the ground as if I were a baby.
"Put down."
"Stay still." He growled in my ears.
...
Lightning cracked across the sky again, and the rain showed no signs of slowing down. The werewolves moved quickly, securing what they could. The kids were taken in, and the wall held—barely—but we’d need to reinforce it at dawn.
When it was finally over, the sky still weeping but less violently, Damon walked beside through the mud.
"You acted recklessly," he said again, quieter this ti.
I didn’t say a word, I just looked ahead, at the people huddled by the campfires, soaking wet but alive.
Maybe I had been reckless. But I’d do it again if I were in the sa situation.
The rain finally slowed to a drizzle, but the damage was already done. The camp was wet, the air was cold, and my bones ached from the amount of strain they had sustained. I sat quietly, wrapping Damon’s cloak tighter around myself, even though it was soaked too.
Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed so of the elders watching —which they always did—but this ti their gazes were different. It wasn’t hateful or disdainful.
One of them, an older man with thick white brows, walked up slowly. He didn’t say anything right away—just stared at like he was trying to figure sothing out.
"You think like a leader," he said at last. "That boy would’ve died if not for you."
I blinked, unsure of what to say. But I responded with a small nod.
He walked off, but others followed—so giving quiet nods, so even a respectful glance. Elder Dominic didn’t say a word, but he gave a slight nod too before turning away.
I wasn’t sure how to feel. Like I had suddenly crossed into a place I didn’t even plan for. Even though I’ve been planning on winning their hearts, I didn’t expect it to open this soon.
Damon sat near one of the fires, steam rising from the dish in his hand. He glanced at , then held it out.
"Here," he said. "Soup."
I took it with stiff fingers. "Thanks."
I took a big sniff. It slled so good—warm and spicy. My stomach grumbled as if it had been on strike earlier. Hastily, I brought it to my lips and took a sip, only to jerk back with a yelp. "Hot!"
He smirked. "That’s the point. You’re half ice," he said before sitting next to .
I rolled my eyes inwardly but kept sipping. It burned my tongue, but the warmth spread through my chest and hands. I didn’t realize how cold I’d gotten until then.
I shifted a little, my shoulder brushing his arm without thinking. But the mont I touched him, a deep growl rumbled from his chest.
I froze, as all the hair on my body stood on end. Shivers spiraled down my spine. Slowly, I turned towards him, my eyes widened as I saw his piercing grey eyes staring daggers at . ’This color was his wolf’s eyes.’
"Damon?" I asked quietly.
His body tensed. His jaw tightened like he was holding back sothing dangerous. Then he bolted to his feet. His movent was so sharp I nearly dropped the bowl.
"Don’t you ever touch again," he growled at , his fangs elongating out of his mouth.
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