A Breath of Winter, A Hint of Truth
1267 Words
Holly woke slowly to the soft crackling of the fire and a warm, savory smell drifting through the cabin. For the first time since the storm, her body felt rested—heavier, but in a comforting way. She blinked her eyes open and immediately noticed two things:
One… Rowan wasn’t in the chair beside her anymore.
And two… something smelled incredible.
She pushed herself upright, rubbing the sleep from her eyes as she heard quiet movement in the kitchen. When she stepped into the doorway, Rowan was standing at the small stove, flipping something in a pan. The morning light streamed in around him, catching the faint steam rising from his shoulders—he’d just come in from outside.
He turned at the sound of her footsteps.
“You’re awake,” he said, voice low—relieved in a way he tried to hide.
Holly managed a small smile. “Did you… cook?”
“I can follow basic instructions,” Rowan said, half shrugging. “Mostly.”
She looked at the plate on the counter—eggs, toast, crisped ham slices. It was simple, but it felt like a luxury. “Rowan… you didn’t have to.”
“I know.” His gaze softened. “I wanted to.”
Something fluttered in her chest—dangerous and warm. She sat at the small table, and Rowan slid the plate in front of her. When she took a bite, her eyes widened.
“This is actually good.”
“‘Actually’?” Rowan raised a brow. “That’s rude.”
She laughed—a light sound, unburdened for the first time in days—and Rowan looked at her like he wasn’t prepared for the effect it had on him.
Asher prowled behind his eyes.
MATE IS HAPPY. GOOD. KEEP HER HAPPY.
Rowan clenched his jaw slightly. I am trying.
After breakfast, Rowan insisted Holly dress warmly if she planned to step outside.
“You shouldn’t stay cooped up inside all day,” he said gently. “A short walk might help clear your head.”
“Are you sure it’s safe?” Holly asked.
Rowan paused only long enough to choose his words carefully. “You’ll be with me.”
And that was enough—for both of them.
Holly bundled into her grandmother’s old winter coat, tugged on thick gloves, and followed Rowan out into the morning. Snow blanketed the woods in a glittering, untouched sheet, and the air tasted crisp and clean.
They walked slowly, Rowan keeping to her right, always between her and the treeline—subtle, but intentional. Protective. Instinctive.
“You really grew up around here?” Holly asked after a few minutes.
“Close enough,” Rowan said. “These mountains are familiar.”
“Must be nice, having a place that feels like home.”
He glanced down at her. “Everyone deserves one.”
She looked away quickly, feeling that strange pull in her chest again. The one that came on strongest when Rowan said things like that—with quiet certainty, like he meant it with his whole soul.
They followed a narrow path along the ridge, the snow packed from previous storms but still slick in spots. Holly’s boots crunched softly as she stepped, Rowan’s heavier stride a steady rhythm beside her.
It happened fast.
Her foot hit a patch of hidden ice.
Her body pitched forward.
The world tilted sharply.
“Ah—!”
Rowan moved before the sound fully left her throat.
In one fluid motion—impossibly fast—he caught her around the waist, pulling her against him just as her feet skidded out from under her. Her palms landed on his chest, and his arms locked around her, steadying her easily.
Too easily.
Holly gasped, eyes wide. “I—I’m so sorry, I—”
“Don’t apologize.” Rowan’s voice was low, rougher than before. “I’ve got you.”
And he did.
Warmth flooded through his hands where they held her. Not normal human warmth. Not even close. Holly stared up at him, breath catching.
“Rowan,” she whispered. “You’re burning up.”
He tensed.
“Holly—”
“No, I mean… you feel like a furnace.” She swallowed. “Are you sick?”
“No.”
He didn’t move.
Didn’t let her go.
Didn’t even blink.
Holly’s heart hammered. “Then why—?”
Asher surged.
MINE.
The word tore through Rowan’s control like claws through ice.
His eyes flashed—bright, wolf-gold for a split second.
Holly gasped.
Rowan inhaled sharply and jerked his head away, muscles straining as he forced Asher back.
“I’m fine,” he ground out. “It’s just—it’s nothing. I just run warm.”
But Holly wasn’t stupid. “Rowan… your eyes…”
He exhaled slowly, forcing his breathing into something resembling calm.
You pushed too far, Rowan snapped inwardly.
Asher snarled, unrepentant. MATE WAS FALLING. WE CAUGHT HER. WE SPOKE. IT IS RIGHT.
It is dangerous, Rowan growled. She doesn’t know what we are.
Asher huffed. SHE KNOWS US.
Rowan’s hands—still on her waist—shook slightly. He forced himself to ease his grip and help Holly stand upright again.
But her hands didn’t fall away from his chest.
Not immediately.
“Rowan?” Holly whispered. “What’s going on with you?”
He shook his head, throat tight. “I… can’t explain yet.”
Her brows knit in worry—not fear. Never fear. “Are you sure you’re okay?”
He almost broke.
Almost told her everything. Pack. Wolves. Bond. Mates. Her place in his life written by a goddess she had no idea existed.
Instead, he forced a careful step back, giving her space even though Asher screamed in protest.
“I’m fine,” he lied softly. “I promise you’re safe. That’s all that matters.”
Holly didn’t fully believe him—but she trusted him anyway.
That trust nearly undid him.
They continued walking, though Rowan kept closer than before. Holly occasionally glanced at him, worried, curious, drawn. Rowan felt every look like a pull under his skin.
And they weren’t alone.
From the ridge above them, hidden by snow-dusted branches, a rogue wolf watched silently. Not feral, not threatening—just observing, tail low, ears flicking with interest.
Rowan felt it before he saw it.
His steps slowed. His head turned slightly toward the treeline.
Asher growled inside him. ROGUE.
Rowan didn’t want to alarm Holly. “We should head back soon. Weather’s shifting.”
Holly looked up at the sky. “Already?”
He nodded. “Better to be inside before the wind picks up.”
But as they turned back toward the cabin, the rogue let out a soft, curious chuff—almost a greeting.
Holly stopped. “Did you hear that?”
Rowan stiffened. “Holly… stay close.”
“Is something out there?”
“Yes,” he admitted. “But it won’t come near us.”
“How do you know?”
Because I’m the Alpha of this entire territory.
Because no wolf, rogue or not, would challenge me.
Because they smell my mate beside me.
He swallowed all three truths.
“I just do,” Rowan said quietly.
Holly stepped closer to him on instinct.
Asher purred.
And Rowan knew—knew down to his bones—that hiding the truth from her was becoming impossible.
Someday soon, he would have to tell her everything.
And when he did… their lives would never be the same.
- Writer
