Chapter Nineteen
After the rogues were gone, the campfire crackled, casting flickering shadows over Kael’s face as he sharpened his blade. Calla sat across from him, staring at the flames as if they held the answers to the chaos swirling in her mind.
“I’m not sure I can do this,” she said finally, breaking the silence.
Kael paused mid–motion, his sharp eyes lifting to meet hers. “Do what?”
“Any of it,” she admitted, her voice trembling. “This fight. This… mess. The bond with Rowan. Even the idea of raising a child in this madness.”
He set the blade aside, leaning forward. “Calla, you don’t have to carry this alone. You never did.“}}
She laughed bitterly, shaking her head. “Haven’t you noticed? I’m always alone, no matter who’s standing next to me.”
“That’s not true,” he said firmly. “Not anymore.”
Her gaze snapped to his, confusion and something softer flickering in her eyes. “What are you saying, Kael?“}
He hesitated, his usual confidence faltering for the first time. Finally, he exhaled and spoke the words he had been holding back.
“I’m saying I care about you, Calla. More than I should. More than I ever thought I could.”
Her breath hitched, the weight of his confession settling over her. “Kael… I don’t know if I can give you what you want. I’m not even sure I know what I want.”
He nodded, his expression pained but resolute. “I’m not asking you to make a decision right now. I just need you to know that no matter what happens–whether you choose him, me, or no one at all–I’ll always be here for you.“}]
The vulnerability in his words unsettled her. Kael had always been a pillar of strength, a steady force in her chaotic world. But now, seeing him like this–unguarded, raw–left her feeling exposed in return.
“You don’t deserve this,” she whispered, her voice barely audible over the crackling fire.
“Don’t decide for me,” he said, his tone gentle but firm. “Let me choose what I’m willing to fight for.”
She looked away, her fingers clenching the edge of her cloak. “You’re too good, Kael. Too good for someone like me.“@
“You don’t get to decide that either,” he replied, a small, sad smile tugging at his lips.
Before she could respond, the sound of rustling leaves drew their attention. Kael was on his feet in an instant, his blade ready. But it was Rowan who stepped into the clearing, his expression tense and determined.
“What do you want, Rowan?” Calla asked, her voice sharp.
“I need to speak with you,” he said, ignoring Kael’s hostile glare. “Alone.”>
Kael stepped forward, his grip tightening on his blade. “Whatever you have to say, you can say it here.”
Rowan’s eyes flicked to him, cold and unyielding. “This doesn’t concern you.”
“Everything concerning her concerns me,” Kael shot back.]
Calla sighed, standing between them. “Enough,” she said, her tone brooking no argument. She turned to Rowan. “Say what you need to say and then leave.”
Rowan hesitated, his jaw tightening before he spoke. “Mina and her uncle were planning to overthrow my Pack, her only condition is to choose her or she and her Rogue pack will kill you and take over the Pack”
Calla’s brow furrowed. “Why did you not tell me?“}]
“Because her people were watching us day and night, I could not risk getting you killed, they succeeded in planting discord among my council, and framed me for coalition with a Rogue Faction“}
She crossed her arms, her gaze skeptical. “And why should I believe you?”
Rowan stepped closer, his voice low and urgent. “Because I’m telling the truth. And because this isn’t just about me–it’s about the pack, about the future. About our child.”
Kael bristled at the mention of the child, stepping forward. “You don’t get to use the child as leverage, Rowan.“D
“I’m not,” Rowan said, his tone laced with frustration. “I’m trying to protect them. All of them.”
Calla’s head swam, the weight of their words pressing down on her. “You’re asking me to risk everything,” she said, her voice shaking. “For what? A chance to clear your name? To give you back the power you’ve already abused?“{
Rowan’s eyes softened, vulnerability breaking through his usual stoic facade. “I’m asking you to trust me, Calla. Just this once. I’ll do whatever it takes to prove I’m not the man you think I am.”
Kael snorted, his disbelief evident. “Words are cheap, Rowan. And you’ve lied before.”
“I’m not lying now,” Rowan snapped, his wolf flashing in his eyes. He turned back to Calla, his voice softer. “Please. This is bigger than us.”
Calla stared at him, her emotions a tangled mess. Part of her wanted to believe him, to see the man she had once loved buried beneath the layers of betrayal and pain. But another part of her screamed to run, to protect herself and the fragile life growing inside her.
“You’re asking too much,” she said finally, her voice barely above a whisper.
Rowan’s shoulders sagged, defeat flickering in his eyes. But before he could respond, Kael stepped forward, his tone cutting.
“She’s not your pawn, Rowan. And if you think I’ll let you manipulate her again, you’re mistaken.”}
Rowan’s gaze hardened. “I’m not here to fight you, Kael. This isn’t about us.“}
