A Glimpse of a Mate, A Protector's Truth, and the Warner Welcome

I couldn't tear my eyes away from the spot where Jaxon's wolf had disappeared into the trees. The word still echoed in my mind: *Mine*. I hadn't even realized I'd said it out loud until Ronan squeezed my shoulder.

"Did he... did he hear me?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Ronan nodded slowly. "I think so. He stopped when you called out."

My heart hammered in my chest. Despite Jaxon's coldness in the hallway earlier, there was still something there—a connection his wolf form couldn't deny, even if the man was fighting it with everything he had.

"He'll come back," I murmured, more to myself than to Ronan. "He has to."

The last rays of sunset bathed the room in golden light as we stood in silence. After a moment, Ronan spoke, his voice uncharacteristically serious.

"Hazel, there's something I need to tell you."

I turned to face him, struck by the raw emotion in his eyes. Gone was the shy, blushing boy I'd first met. In his place stood someone stronger, with shadows of guilt and determination fighting for dominance on his face.

"What is it, Ro?"

He guided me to a window seat, both of us sitting down. He ran a hand through his copper hair, looking more nervous than I'd seen him in a while.

"That night—when you were attacked—I..." His voice caught. "I shifted for the first time."

"You did?" I hadn't heard this part of the story. "That's amazing, Ro."

He shook his head. "Not amazing. Terrifying. I felt this... rage. This desperation to get to you. I couldn't control it." His hands trembled slightly. "One minute I was running down the hall, and the next I was this... this beast."

I took his hand, feeling the tension in his fingers. "That happens to all Greys, right? The first shift is always triggered by something intense."

"It's not the shift that bothers me." He finally met my eyes. "It's what happened after. When they were trying to heal you, I wouldn't let anyone near you. Not even Mr. Vance."

Understanding dawned. "You were protecting me."

"I was making it worse!" His voice broke. "You were dying, Hazel. And my stupid wolf instinct was keeping people from saving you. Silas had to talk me down. Rhys had to physically restrain me. If they hadn't..." He couldn't finish.

I reached up, touching his cheek gently. "Hey, look at me. I'm here. I'm alive."

"But what if—"

"No what-ifs," I said firmly. "Your wolf was trying to protect me from what it saw as threats. You didn't know better."

His eyes shimmered with unshed tears. "I've spent six weeks thinking about how I almost cost you your life because I couldn't control myself."

"And I spent six weeks healing because all of you fought to save me," I countered. "Including you, Ro. Including your wolf."

He leaned into my touch, his broad shoulders sagging with relief. "I promised myself I'd never lose control like that again. I've been training with Rhys every day."

"I'm proud of you," I whispered, leaning forward to press my forehead against his. "My fierce protector."

Something shifted in his eyes at the words—a flash of heat, of possessive pride. This was the side of Ronan that had surprised me from the beginning—the "beast mode" that lurked beneath his shy exterior.

"Always," he murmured, his voice dropping to a timbre that sent a shiver down my spine.

A throat cleared from the doorway. We pulled apart to see Rhys leaning casually against the frame, a knowing smile on his face.

"Sorry to interrupt," he said, not looking sorry at all, "but Mom's asking for you both."

Ronan helped me to my feet, his usual blush returning. "We're coming."

As we followed Rhys down the hallway, I asked quietly, "How's Jaxon been since I woke up? Really?"

Rhys sighed, running a hand through his blond hair. "Honestly? A total asshole. He barely speaks—just to Kaelen, and even then it's mostly barking orders. The rest of the time he's either patrolling as a wolf or brooding in corners."

"He looked at me earlier like I was nothing," I admitted, the memory still painful.

"He's scared," Rhys said simply. "When you were unconscious, he wouldn't leave your side. Not to eat, not to sleep. When you finally started to improve, it was like... like he couldn't handle the relief."

"That makes no sense," I muttered.

"It's Jax," Rhys replied with a sad smile. "He only knows how to handle pain, not hope."

I squared my shoulders. "Well, I'm going to talk to him. I don't care if he tries to push me away again."

"Good luck with that," Rhys said, his tone suggesting I'd need it.

We entered a sprawling kitchen that opened onto a dining area. The space was warm and inviting, filled with delicious smells and the soft hum of conversation. Silas was already there, helping a tall, distinguished-looking man set the table.

"Dad, this is Hazel," Rhys said, guiding me forward.

Garrick Warner had Rhys's blue eyes and confident bearing, though his hair was more silver than blond. He set down the plates he was holding and smiled warmly.

"Ms. Thorne," he said, taking my hand in both of his. "Welcome to our home. We're honored to have you here."

"Thank you for having me," I replied, feeling suddenly shy under his appraising gaze.

"Rhys has told us so much about you," he continued. "Though I must say, he failed to mention just how extraordinary your aura is."

Before I could respond to that mysterious statement, a beautiful woman with flowing golden hair swept into the room, carrying a large serving dish.

"Garrick, stop monopolizing our guest," she chided playfully. Setting down the dish, she turned to me with a bright smile that was so like Rhys's it made my heart clench. "Hazel, I'm Isolde. We're so pleased you're finally awake."

"Thank you for opening your home to us," I said, feeling the sincerity of their welcome wrapping around me like a blanket.

Isolde waved her hand. "Nonsense. You're family now." She studied me with keen eyes. "You look parched, dear. Would you like some tea? I have a special blend that helps with healing."

There was something about the way she said "special" that made me hesitate. Rhys must have noticed because he quickly intervened.

"Mom, Hazel needs simple food and water for now. Mr. Sterling said no herbal supplements yet."

Isolde looked momentarily disappointed but recovered quickly. "Of course. Water it is."

Rhys guided me to the table and grabbed a pitcher, pouring me a glass of water while Silas quietly placed a plate with small portions of roasted vegetables and tender chicken in front of me.

"Eat slowly," Silas advised. "Your stomach needs to readjust."

As I took my first tentative bites, Elowen entered with a teenage boy who could only be Rhys's younger brother. Behind them came three men of varying ages, all watching Isolde with obvious adoration.

"Hazel, this is my brother, Finnian," Rhys said, gesturing to the younger boy who gave me a small wave. "And these are Mom's bonds—Lucian, Finn, and Alaric."

I nodded politely to each of them, trying to keep track of all the new faces. Just as I was beginning to feel overwhelmed, Isolde clapped her hands.

"Let's not bombard poor Hazel all at once. There will be plenty of time for getting acquainted." She turned to me with understanding eyes. "You must be exhausted, dear. After you've eaten, perhaps you'd like to rest?"

I nodded gratefully. "That would be nice, thank you."

The meal continued pleasantly, with conversation flowing naturally around me. I didn't need to speak much, which was a relief. Despite having just woken from a six-week coma, my body felt heavy with fatigue.

When I'd finished eating, Isolde noticed my drooping eyelids. "Rhys, why don't you show Hazel to your old room? We've prepared it for both of you."

Rhys helped me to my feet. "Come on, sleeping beauty. Let's get you tucked in."

As we reached the doorway, Isolde called after us, "Don't worry about Jaxon, when he returns I'll make sure he eats before I send him to your room."

I stopped, turning back to look at her. The casual way she'd mentioned him coming to "our" room made my stomach flutter with nervousness and anticipation. Rhys squeezed my hand reassuringly.

"Ready to face the beast?" he asked softly.

I took a deep breath, thinking of Jaxon's wolf form at the edge of the forest—proud, watchful, and undeniably mine despite his human self's determination to push me away.

"Yes," I answered. "I'm ready."