Chapter 24: Silent Promises (Remi’s POV)
784 Words
I leaned against the porch railing, arms crossed over my chest, watching Alice eat.
She sat hunched over her sandwich, as if trying to make herself smaller, like she wasn’t sure if she deserved to be sitting there in peace.
It made something deep inside me ache.
Black, my wolf, rumbled in my mind, pacing. *"Protect her."*
*I am,* I promised him.
But the truth was, Alice didn’t just need protection. She needed to believe she could stand on her own. That she was more than the broken pieces Silvermoon Pack had left behind.
She glanced up, catching me staring. Her cheeks flushed pink, and she ducked her head again quickly.
Cute.
A tiny smile tugged at my lips before I caught myself.
I couldn't afford to scare her. Alice was like a skittish deer, ready to bolt if I moved too fast. And the last thing I wanted was to be another person she feared.
"You did good today," I said casually.
She peeked at me through her lashes, then looked away, nibbling at her sandwich.
I let the quiet stretch between us, easy and calm. I wanted her to get used to silence that wasn’t heavy with anger or judgment.
"I…" Her voice was so soft I almost missed it. "I never trained before. My old pack said... they said I wasn't worth it."
Black snarled at her words, and rage flared hot in my chest.
*You are worth everything,* I wanted to say. But I knew better. She needed to realize that herself.
"They were wrong," I said simply. "And you're proving it every day you're here."
Alice blinked at me, a strange, almost disbelieving look on her face. Like no one had ever said anything kind to her without expecting something in return.
*"We'll show her,"* Black said fiercely. *"Slow. Gentle."*
I nodded inwardly. No rushing. No pushing.
"Tomorrow," I said, changing the subject, "we’ll work on some defense techniques. Simple stuff first. Naomi and Luca can join if you want."
Her eyes widened a little in panic.
"Or just us," I added quickly. "Your choice."
She relaxed, shoulders sagging in relief.
"Just us," she mumbled.
"Done," I said easily. "But if you ever want to bring in others, let me know. You’re the one in charge of your training, Alice. Not me."
Her lips twitched, the ghost of a smile.
Small steps.
She finished her sandwich and stood awkwardly, holding the empty plate.
"I'll... go wash this," she said.
"I’ll show you where the kitchen is," I offered, pushing off the railing.
She hesitated for half a second, then nodded.
We walked side by side in silence, the gravel crunching under our boots. I kept a careful distance, letting her set the pace.
Inside the packhouse, the air was warm and smelled like baked bread and cinnamon.
Alice glanced around like she couldn’t quite believe she was allowed to be there.
"This way," I said, guiding her toward the kitchen.
Several pack members were bustling around, chatting and laughing as they cooked dinner. No one gave Alice a second glance, but I could feel her tense beside me.
I leaned down and whispered, "You’re safe."
She shot me a quick look, eyes wide.
Still so scared. Still so fragile.
My chest tightened painfully.
Alice washed her plate quickly, fumbling a little with the soap. I stayed nearby, arms folded, pretending not to notice.
When she finished, she dried her hands on a towel, and then looked up at me uncertainly.
"Done," she said.
"Good," I smiled. "You want to head back to your room? Or sit outside a little longer?"
She hesitated. Then, in a voice barely above a whisper, she said, "Outside."
I fought the surge of pride that threatened to show on my face.
"Alright. Come on."
We went back to the porch, settling into two old rocking chairs. The sun was starting to dip low, painting the sky in soft pinks and oranges.
Alice sat stiffly at first, but as the minutes passed and no one yelled or shoved her, she slowly relaxed into the chair, rocking back and forth gently.
I sat beside her in silence, letting the peace settle between us.
*This is right,* Black said. *She’s ours.*
I didn’t disagree.
Not ours to control. Not ours to break.
Ours to protect.
To cherish.
To heal.
I glanced at her out of the corner of my eye. She was watching the sunset with a small, wistful smile.
And I made a silent promise to myself.
No matter how long it took, no matter how many steps forward and back—
I would be right here.
Every step of the way.
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- Writer
