Chapter 80: Shadows of Fear

Jerome woke with a start, her body jerking as if pulled from a nightmare. She was lying on something soft, but the scent of earth and dampness still clung to her senses. Panic surged through her veins as memories of the fight flashed back—Aiden's cold touch, Ian's furious growls, and the savage battle that followed.

Her hand shot to her side, feeling for any sign of wounds. She winced at the soreness but realized that she had been bandaged. The room she was in was dimly lit, the flickering light of a fire casting shadows on the walls. She turned her head slowly, feeling the stiffness in her muscles, and saw Ian sitting in the corner, his head in his hands.

"Ian?" Her voice was hoarse, barely a whisper.

Ian's head snapped up immediately, his golden eyes locking onto hers. Relief washed over his features as he quickly rose and crossed the room to her side. "You're awake," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. His hand gently cupped her face, his thumb brushing against her cheek. "I was worried you wouldn't wake up."

Jerome tried to sit up, but a sharp pain shot through her ribs, forcing her back down. Ian's hands were instantly on her shoulders, easing her back. "Don't push yourself too hard," he said softly, his voice uncharacteristically tender.

She searched his eyes, her heart heavy with the weight of everything that had happened. "What happened? Is Aiden…?"

Ian's jaw clenched, and his eyes darkened with anger at the mention of Aiden's name. "He ran. Coward," he growled. "But he'll come back. He always does."

Jerome shivered, the memory of Aiden's chilling gaze still fresh in her mind. "Ian, he… he said he'd come back for me."

A dangerous growl rumbled deep in Ian's chest, his possessiveness rising like a storm. "He won't touch you. Not ever again. I'll make sure of it."

There was a fierceness in his voice that should have reassured her, but instead, it made her feel more trapped. Aiden wasn't the only threat—Ian's obsessive hold on her was just as suffocating. She bit her lip, her thoughts spinning in confusion. She knew Ian's feelings for her ran deep, but the intensity of his emotions scared her at times.

Ian sat down on the edge of the bed, his gaze softening slightly as he studied her face. "You should have never been involved in this," he whispered. "I never wanted you to get hurt."

Jerome's heart clenched at the vulnerability in his voice. She had never seen Ian like this—open, raw, exposed. For a moment, she forgot about the possessive Alpha and saw only the man before her, the man who had fought to protect her.

"Ian…" Jerome reached out, her fingers brushing against his. "It's not your fault."

He shook his head, his golden eyes filled with guilt. "It is. I should have killed Aiden a long time ago. I should have ended this before it ever came close to you."

Jerome swallowed hard, trying to find the right words. "Ian, you can't protect me from everything. I… I don't know if you realize this, but sometimes I feel… trapped."

The words hung in the air between them, and she saw the flash of pain in Ian's eyes before he masked it with his usual stoic expression. "Trapped?" he echoed, his voice barely above a whisper.

Jerome hesitated, but she knew she had to be honest with him. "I know you care about me, Ian, but sometimes it feels like you're holding me so tightly that I can't breathe."

Ian's hands clenched into fists, his entire body tensing. "I'm just trying to keep you safe," he said, his voice low and strained. "You don't understand what Aiden is capable of. What he'll do to get to you."

"I know, but…" Jerome sighed, feeling the weight of their complicated relationship pressing down on her. "It's not just Aiden. It's you, too. You're so… possessive. It's like you can't stand the thought of me being anywhere other than by your side."

Ian's gaze darkened, and for a moment, she thought he might argue. But instead, he let out a long, shaky breath and ran a hand through his hair. "You're right," he admitted quietly, his voice barely audible. "I am possessive. I can't help it, Jerome. From the moment I saw you, I knew I couldn't let you go."

The intensity of his words sent a shiver down her spine. She knew he meant every word, and that terrified her as much as it thrilled her.

"Ian… I don't know how much longer I can handle this," she whispered, her voice trembling.

Ian's eyes flashed with a mixture of pain and determination. "I'll do whatever it takes to keep you with me, Jerome. Even if it means changing."

Jerome stared at him, her heart torn between fear and hope. Could Ian really change? Or was she destined to be caught in this dangerous dance forever?

To be continued...