Chapter Seventeen: A Lullaby
1296 Words
Taunie was still trembling in Tristen’s arms when he shifted slightly, tightening his embrace just enough to make her feel held, not trapped. His voice dropped to a soft, steady murmur—warm, protective, and gentle in a way only he could be with her.
“Taunie…” he whispered, brushing his thumb along her cheek, “your heart’s still racing. Let me help you calm it.”
She swallowed, her breath shaky. “I don’t know if I can fall back asleep.”
He pressed a soft kiss to her temple. “Then let me sing to you.”
Her breath caught. “You… sing?”
“For you,” he murmured, “always.”
He shifted so she was nestled fully against his chest, his arms wrapped securely around her, his chin resting lightly on her head. His voice came low and warm, vibrating through her where she lay against him.
And then he sang—softly, tenderly, each word wrapping around her like a blanket:
The stars are out to watch the night
The moon is hanging low and bright
Put your hand right here in mine
And leave the busy world behind.
Taunie’s breath eased, her trembling slowing as his voice filled the room.
So close your eyes, my darling girl
The prettiest thing in all the world
The day is done, the shadows deep
I’ll watch over you while you sleep.
Her fingers curled into his shirt, clinging to him as the nightmare faded into the background.
Forget the worries, let them go
The rhythm of your breath is slow
In every dream, I’m by your side
With nothing left for us to hide.
Tristen’s hand stroked her back in slow, soothing circles, matching the rhythm of the lullaby.
Rest your head, you’re safe and warm
I’ll keep you sheltered from the storm
Goodnight, my love, sleep tight
I’ll see you in the morning light.
By the time he finished, Taunie’s breathing had steadied. Her body softened against him, the last of her fear melting under the warmth of his voice and the strength of his arms.
Tristen kissed the top of her head, lingering there. “You’re safe, Taunie. I’m right here. Nothing will ever touch you again.”
She let out a small, fragile sigh, her voice barely a whisper. “Thank you… Tristen.”
He held her closer, his heartbeat steady beneath her cheek. “Sleep, sweetheart. I’ve got you.”
And for the first time since the nightmare, Taunie felt herself drifting—held, protected, and loved.
Taunie slept peacefully at last, curled against Treston’s chest, her breath soft and steady. But Treston’s eyes stayed open in the dim room, fixed on the ceiling, jaw tight with a fury he couldn’t release.
His wolf paced beneath his skin, snarling for justice.
For blood.
For retribution.
But he didn’t move.
He didn’t speak aloud.
He didn’t dare disturb her.
Instead, he reached inward — deep into the quiet place where the mind link lived.
“Kallan.”
The connection snapped open instantly. His Beta’s voice echoed in his mind, alert despite the late hour.
“Alpha? What’s wrong?”
Treston’s voice in the link was low, vibrating with barely contained rage.
“I want warriors ready. We’re going to the Shadow Star Pack.”
A pause.
A sharp, silent intake of breath.
“Treston… why?”
His jaw clenched so hard it ached.
“Because they hurt her.”
The link pulsed with the force of his emotion — dark, cold, lethal.
“I want Jermain and every one of his men who laid a hand on her unable to walk or talk when I’m done.”
Kallan didn’t respond immediately. When he did, his tone was steady, grounding, the voice of a Beta who knew exactly how to keep his Alpha from burning the world down.
“Treston… I know what she means to you. I know what they did was unforgivable. But you can’t go now.”
Treston’s wolf snarled.
“Don’t tell me to calm down.”
“I’m not,” Kallan replied. “I’m telling you not to be reckless.”
Treston’s breath came rough and uneven, but he didn’t wake Taunie. He held her tighter, his hand stroking her back in slow, protective motions.
“They deserve to suffer,” he growled through the link.
“And they will,” Kallan said firmly. “But not tonight. Not without a plan. Not while Taunie needs you here.”
Silence stretched between them.
Treston looked down at Taunie — peaceful, trusting, safe in his arms. The sight softened something inside him, even as the rage simmered.
Kallan’s voice dropped to a quiet, steady murmur.
“We’ll make them pay. But we’ll do it right. Strategically. Permanently.”
Treston exhaled slowly, the fury settling into something colder, sharper, more controlled.
“Fine.”
“But this isn’t over.”
“It won’t be,” Kallan promised.
The link faded.
Treston pressed a soft kiss to Taunie’s hair, his voice barely a whisper.
“You’re safe now, Taunie. And when the time comes… they’ll regret ever touching you.”
He held her through the rest of the night, awake, watchful, and burning with a promise he fully intended to keep.
Taunie wakes to warmth, safety, and the steady rise and fall of Treston’s chest beneath her cheek. Morning light filters softly through the curtains, brushing her skin with gold. For a moment she doesn’t move—she just breathes, letting the peace settle.
When she finally blinks her eyes open, she finds Treston already awake.
Already watching her.
His expression is soft, almost reverent, like he’s memorizing every detail of her face. The moment their eyes meet, Taunie’s cheeks flush instantly, heat blooming across her skin.
She buries her face halfway into the pillow. “You’re staring…”
Treston’s lips curve into a slow, warm smile. “I know.”
Her blush deepens. “It’s embarrassing.”
He shifts closer, brushing a knuckle along her cheek. “It’s adorable.”
Taunie groans softly and hides her face again, which only makes him chuckle under his breath.
“I love when you blush,” he murmurs. “You get this little pink glow that makes you look like sunrise.”
Her heart flutters wildly.
Before she can protest again, he leans in, voice low and warm against her ear.
“Let me give you a proper good morning.”
He clears his throat softly, then begins to speak—not singing exactly, but reciting with a gentle rhythm, his voice deep and tender.
The sun is trying hard to shine,
But it’s got nothing on you being mine.
The birds are singing a morning song,
But I’ve been waiting for you all night long.
I don’t need coffee to wake my heart,
Just one look at you is the perfect start.
You’re my favorite dream that actually came true,
Good morning, beautiful—I’m obsessed with you.
Taunie’s breath catches. Her blush spreads all the way to her ears. She hides her face in his chest, and he wraps his arms around her, laughing softly.
“You can’t just say things like that,” she mumbles into him.
Treston kisses the top of her head. “I absolutely can. And I will.”
She peeks up at him, eyes shining. “You’re impossible.”
“And you,” he says, brushing her hair back gently, “are the best thing I’ve ever woken up to.”
Taunie’s heart melts completely.
She snuggles closer, letting herself enjoy the warmth of him, the safety of his arms, and the softness of the morning.
Treston holds her like she’s the center of his world—because to him, she is.
- Writer
