Remember me..

9. A Promise

Embla

We step out into the crisp morning air, the forest around us alive with the sounds of birdsong and the gentle rustle of leaves swaying in the breeze. The early light filters through the canopy, casting dappled shadows on the ground. My breath fogs in the cool air as we stick close to the cabin, never letting it slip out of sight. For a while, we walk in silence, but it's a comfortable one. I can feel the weight of unspoken words hanging between us, I can sense Liam gathering his thoughts. I don't push, giving him the space he needs.

Finally, his voice breaks through the quiet, low and steady. "Finn is only 16. His wolf emerged early to save his life, but since he wasn't supposed to shift yet, he's now stuck in wolf form."

The sorrow in his words stirs something deep inside me. I gasp softly, my heart tightening as I think of Finn—so young, so vulnerable. "Sixteen," I whisper. "That's far too young."

Liam’s jaw clenches, and his eyes grow distant as if he’s reliving something painful. "Our pack... it was hell," he begins, his voice strained. "Our Alpha—he wasn’t just cruel. He was a monster. Power-hungry and ruthless. Finn… Finn was always different, softer, kinder. The Alpha saw him as weak. A liability." He pauses, the silence between us heavy with unsaid horrors.

Without thinking, I reach out, my fingers brushing his. His hand feels warm, but there's a tension in him, like he's coiled tight, ready to spring. Still, he doesn’t pull away. Instead, he glances at me, startled, before his expression softens and he lets out a shaky breath, accepting the quiet comfort.

"One night," he continues, voice rough, "the Alpha decided Finn wasn’t worth keeping around anymore. He attacked him. Tried to kill him. Finn’s wolf emerged to protect him, but he was too young. Too unprepared." His grip tightens on my hand. "We barely got away. But it cost Finn… everything."

Tears sting my eyes at the thought of Finn being forced into a fight for his life, his body turning into something beyond his control, and my throat tightens with the weight of it all. "Liam…" I start, my voice barely a whisper, but he shakes his head.

"No, I want to tell you," he interrupts softly, his voice growing steadier, though I can hear the pain beneath it. "Especially after last night… you deserve to know." He hesitates as if the next words are harder to say. "The Alpha is… was… our father. I was supposed to take over soon. Finn was always seen as the weak link. If anything happened to me, Finn wouldn't be able to lead."

The revelation hits me like a punch to the gut, and I stop in my tracks. "You’re Alpha blood?" My voice rises in disbelief. "But I haven’t felt your aura at all."

Liam looks down, almost ashamed. "I’ve been suppressing it. Hoping that one day, me and Finn could find a pack where we wouldn’t be seen as threats. But I know no Alpha would take in someone with my bloodline. Too much of a risk." His mouth twists into a bitter smile.

I can't help it—a soft chuckle escapes me.

Liam turns, frowning. "What’s so funny?"

I grin despite the heaviness in the air. "The reason I was able to promise my Alpha and Luna would take Finn in... is because I’m the Luna."

His expression changes in an instant, shock and guilt flashing across his face. He lets go of my hand as if it burns him, stepping back sharply. "I… I’m so sorry. If I had known, I never would've let you risk your life healing me."

"Liam," I step forward, closing the distance he’s trying to create. "That was my choice, and I’d do it again, without hesitation."

He shakes his head as if trying to make sense of it. "But you’re a Luna. Your pack… if they find out you helped me—a rogue Alpha—they’ll—"

"They’ll understand," I say firmly. "I’m not some fragile flower, and I don’t regret my decision." I reach for his hand again, and though he flinches, he doesn’t pull away this time.

Liam’s eyes meet mine, raw and vulnerable, a storm of emotion swirling in them. "I don’t think you get it," he murmurs, his voice thick. "I’m a rogue Alpha. It’s dangerous, for you, for your pack."

"I understand the risks." My voice is soft but unwavering. "But I trust you."

The vulnerability in his gaze deepens, as though he's searching for something—maybe a reason to believe me. Just as I think he might respond, Finn trots over, his golden eyes flickering between us, his tail wagging slowly. Liam clears his throat and pulls back, the moment slipping away as he puts more space between us.

"Hey, buddy," Liam murmurs, crouching down to ruffle Finn's fur. "Sleep well?"

Finn butts his head against Liam’s leg before turning to me, eyes soft and trusting as he nuzzles my hand. I smile, scratching behind his ears.

Liam stands and gestures back toward the cabin. "We should go inside. It’s not safe to stay out here too long."

The mood shifts again as we walk back. Inside, the warm glow from the fireplace greets us, but I can still feel the tension. Liam busies himself with the dishes while Finn curls up by the fire, leaving me standing awkwardly in the center of the room.

"Liam," I call softly, watching his back as he scrubs a plate. "We need to talk about what happens next."

His movements still for a moment before he turns to face me, his expression unreadable. "You’ll go back to your pack, and Finn and I will leave. It's safer that way."

I move closer, shaking my head. "It doesn’t have to be that way. My offer stands."

Liam's brows furrow. "And what exactly are you offering, Luna? A place in your pack? Under what terms?"

His formal tone stings, but I press on. "Full membership. Protection. A home for you and Finn."

His laugh is bitter, but I catch a flicker of longing in his eyes. "And your Alpha would just let two strays in? One of them another Alpha?"

"He trusts me." I step closer, my voice softening. "We could help Finn, Liam. Maybe even help him shift back."

For the first time, real hope flares in his eyes, but he smothers it quickly. "And me?" he asks, his voice raw. "An Alpha can’t just join another pack. It’s not that simple."

"I know it’s complicated," I say, taking another step forward. "But I believe in you, Liam. In both of you."

His breath catches, and for a moment, he’s at war with himself. Finally, he speaks, his voice barely above a whisper. "Why?"

I meet his gaze, my heart pounding. "Because I’ve seen what kind of man you are. You risked your life to save mine. You’ve sacrificed everything for your brother." I pause, swallowing the lump in my throat. "You’re a good man, Liam. And I care.".

His eyes widen at the admission, and before he can respond, Finn stirs by the fire, breaking the moment. Liam turns away, running a hand through his hair.

"You do you care? We are not your responsibility" Liam whispers, his voice rough, as though the words themselves pain him. His eyes search mine, haunted and raw. "Why?"

My heart hammers against my ribs, the weight of his question sending a tremor through me. "You risked your life for a lone she-wolf," I say, my voice barely above a whisper. The words tumble out, each one laced with emotion. "A pack wolf you didn’t know. There was absolutely no reason for you to do so. You could have just taken off with Finn and kept him safe. You’ve been through so much and sacrificed everything for him. Why... why didn’t you sacrifice me yesterday to keep him safe?"

Liam’s throat works as he swallows hard, his Adam’s apple bobbing. His hand lifts slowly, almost hesitantly, before it brushes a strand of hair from my face. The touch is so light, so intimate, that a shiver runs down my spine, leaving my skin tingling where his fingers linger. My breath hitches at the tenderness in his eyes, a vulnerability he’s struggling to hide.

"And what about your mate?" His voice is soft, and cautious, as if he’s treading on dangerous ground. "Won't he have something to say about you bringing home strays?"

Heat rises to my cheeks, a flush that burns not just from embarrassment but from the complexity of the truth. "I..." My voice falters, and I have to force the words out. "That’s... complicated."

A flicker of something passes through Liam’s eyes—surprise, curiosity, maybe even hope—but it’s gone before I can name it. His expression hardens, his gaze sharpening. "Embla, why are you out here instead of home... with him?"

I suck in a breath, feeling the weight of the secret I’m carrying. He’s told me his story, bared his past, and now it's my turn. It’s only fair. I look away, trying to gather my thoughts, then meet his gaze with determination. "To protect him," I say quietly, but my voice strengthens as I continue. "I’m looking for a rogue who knows more about me—about what I am—than I do. I turned 18 just a few days ago, and everything’s changed so fast. But... being a hybrid comes with a cost. If I’m mated to someone, I’ll use him as a conduit for my powers... and that could kill him. I was hoping this rogue I’m hunting might know a way to change that. To stop it."

Liam stares at me, the tension in his body palpable. His eyes widen with shock, his breath catching as he processes what I’ve said. He takes a small step back, his hand running through his hair in that familiar gesture of frustration and disbelief.

"So you’re out here alone," he murmurs, the disbelief mingling with something softer, something like admiration. "Chasing a rogue... to protect your mate?"

I shrug, feeling exposed, and vulnerable under the intensity of his gaze. "It’s what anyone would do for someone they care about. You understand that better than most, don’t you?"

Liam’s eyes flick briefly to Finn, who’s curled up by the fireplace, his breathing slow and even. When Liam looks back at me, there’s a flicker of recognition in his eyes, the bond of shared sacrifice. "Yeah," he says quietly. "I suppose I do."

The silence that follows is thick, charged with the weight of everything we’re not saying. The air between us is heavy as if it’s holding its breath, waiting for one of us to make a move. I can feel the tension—something unspoken, but powerful—tugging at us.

"So," Liam says finally, his voice low as if he’s afraid to break the fragile spell between us. "This rogue you're looking for... any idea where to find him?"

I shake my head, frustration threading through my words. "Not really. The last time he found me, but I didn’t know who he was back then. Honestly, I still don’t know who he really is. All I know is that he knew about me, knew things no one else could." I exhale, feeling the weight of uncertainty pressing down. "I’m hoping he has answers. I need them."

Liam nods slowly, his brow furrowed in thought, his eyes dark with contemplation. "And you think finding him is the key to controlling your powers? To keep your mate safe?"

"It’s the only lead I’ve got," I admit with a sigh, feeling the exhaustion creep into my bones. "I know it’s not much to go on, but I have to try."

Liam is quiet, his gaze steady, unwavering. He studies me, and I can feel him weighing something in his mind. Then, after what feels like an eternity, he inhales deeply, as if bracing himself.

"We’ll help you."

I blink, stunned by his offer. "What?"

"Finn and I," he clarifies, his voice gentle but firm. "We’ll help you find this rogue. We know these woods... know how to track. And..." He hesitates, his vulnerability flashing again before he quickly hides it behind a mask of stoicism. "I can’t let you wander out here alone. It’s too dangerous."

I stare at him, the depth of his offer sinking in. My heart swells, warmth spreading through my chest. "You’d do that? For me?"

Liam nods, a small, almost shy smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Consider it repayment for saving my life. Besides..." He trails off, glancing away as if he’s unsure how to finish the sentence. His voice is quieter when he finally speaks again, almost vulnerable. "I can’t just walk away from you now."

His words hit me like a punch to the gut, leaving me breathless, and I can’t tear my gaze from his. The air between us crackles, alive with unspoken emotion, the kind that leaves no room for denial.

"What do you think, Finn?" Liam asks softly, his voice breaking the tension. "Up for an adventure?"

Finn’s tail wags, the motion growing faster until he lets out an excited yip. I can’t help but laugh softly, the sound escaping before I can stop it. The sight of Finn’s enthusiasm is infectious, his golden eyes bright and full of joy, and I feel a warmth bloom deep in my chest—a warmth that makes me feel, for the first time in a long while, that I’m not alone.

Liam’s eyes linger on me for a moment longer before he bends down to ruffle Finn’s fur. "Looks like we’re all in this together then," he murmurs, his voice gentle but filled with a new determination.

As I watch him, something shifts inside me. Maybe it’s the weight of the moment or the quiet strength that Liam exudes, but for the first time, hope feels possible. Maybe, just maybe, this journey doesn’t have to be one I take alone.

And with Liam and Finn beside me, I realize I might be stronger than I thought.