HER FRAGILITY IS GONE
1014 Words
RYAN
The dimly lit hallway outside Hailey’s room felt like it belonged to another world—her world, one I didn’t fit into anymore. The shadows clung to me as I stood there, leaning my head against the cool wall, my hands restless. Two years. That’s how long I’d spent trying to clean up the mess I’d made, hoping to piece together a life I’d shattered. But nothing prepared me for seeing Hailey again, standing tall and unshakable like she was born to lead.
She’d always been strong even when she was tagged wolfless. I knew she wasn’t; I felt how powerful her wolf was. Now? She was untouchable.
Through the door, I caught the soft sound of a whimper. Then, Hailey’s voice was calm and comforting.
Alexia.
The name hit me like a punch to the gut. The little pup had worked her way into Hailey’s heart, a heart I thought I’d someday have a chance to mend. She's my Beta's child yet she is so unbelievably attached to her. Now, I felt like an outsider in my own home.
The door creaked open, and Hailey stepped out. Her sharp gaze locked onto me instantly.
“What are you doing here, Ryan?” she asked, her voice as cold as ice.
“I wanted to see you,” I said, barely able to get the words out.
Her bitter laugh cut through the hallway, slicing into me. “You’ve seen enough. Leave.”
“Hailey, please…”
Before I could finish, Alexia crawled into view. Her sleepy eyes widened the second she saw me, and her reaction was immediate: she wailed. Loudly.
Hailey didn’t hesitate. She scooped her up and held her close, her fierce expression making it clear she wouldn’t let anyone upset the pup—not even me.
“You’re scaring her. Leave, Ryan.”
“I didn’t mean to—”
“Leave,” she repeated, her tone unrelenting.
There wasn’t any point in arguing. I swallowed the lump in my throat and nodded. “I’ll go.”
As I walked away, Alexia’s cries softened, replaced by Hailey’s quiet, soothing murmurs. Her voice was gentle and protective. Hearing it felt like a dagger twisting in my chest.
The crisp night air hit me as I stepped outside, desperate to get away from the suffocating walls of the packhouse. Logan was waiting, leaning casually against the building, arms crossed.
“You look like hell,” he said bluntly, though his tone wasn’t unkind.
“Appreciate the support,” I muttered, raking a hand through my hair.
Logan straightened up, his sharp gaze studying me. “What happened?”
“Alexia,” I said, the name heavy on my tongue. “She’s terrified of me.”
“She’s just a pup, my pup” Logan replied with a shrug. “She doesn’t know you and Hailey is the only one she's attached to like that.”
“But she knows Hailey,” I shot back. “She’s bonded with her. Like everyone else in this damn pack.”
Logan’s usually unreadable expression softened, just a bit. “Are you seriously jealous of a child?”
“I’m not jealous,” I snapped, then sighed, the fight draining out of me. “Okay, maybe I am. She’s taken over my mate. I came back to fix what I broke, but it feels like I don’t even belong here anymore.”
“You left,” Logan said simply.
“I know that,” I replied, my voice raw. “I know I screwed up. But I didn’t think… I didn’t think it would be this hard.”
Logan was silent for a moment, then said, “You hurt her, Ryan. And not just by leaving. Lucy… everything that happened broke her. You can’t expect to walk back in and pick up where you left off.”
“I don’t,” I said, frustration bubbling to the surface. “I don’t expect that. I just thought I’d have a chance.”
“Then make one,” Logan said, his voice firm. “Earn it. And stop blaming Alexia for filling the void you created.”
His words landed hard, and I let out a long breath, my shoulders slumping. “You’re right. I just don’t know where to start.”
“You start by not giving up,” Logan said, clapping a hand on my shoulder.
"Goodnight Alpha King." He Bows and exits.
Later that night, I sat alone in my office, the weight of the day pressing down on me. A pile of letters sat on my desk, untouched. With a sigh, I grabbed the first one and scanned the neat handwriting.
It wasn’t for me.
It was addressed to Hailey.
Curiosity sparked as I unfolded the paper and read the words inside.
“My dearest Hailey,
Your strength and grace inspire me every day. I watch from the shadows, longing to stand by your side. One day, I hope you’ll see me as more than just an admirer. Until then, I’ll remain yours in heart and spirit.”
My grip on the paper tightened as a growl rumbled in my chest. My wolf stirred, seething with anger.
Someone was after my mate.
I stormed out of the office, the letter crumpled in my fist. Logan met me in the hallway, his sharp eyes flicking to the paper I was clutching.
“What’s that?” he asked, his voice low.
“Trouble,” I replied, my words clipped.
Logan’s jaw tightened as he glanced at the letter. “What do you want to do?”
“Find out who sent it,” I said, my wolf’s fury simmering just beneath the surface. “And remind them that Hailey is mine.”
Logan didn’t need further instruction. The determined glint in his eyes told me he was already planning the next steps.
Back in my quarters, the letter sat heavy in my pocket, its words burned into my mind.
Whoever this admirer was, they’d made one thing clear.
I wasn’t the only shadow watching Hailey.
- Writer
