Chapter 65
Cole
I ’m standing in the doorway of the living room, watching as Xavier carries Rowan in like she’s the most precious thing on the planet. There’s no hesitation in his movements, just that steady, quiet protectiveness that makes me feel like I’m standing too still, like I’m not doing enough.
Rowan’s body is limp in his arms, her face pale and eyes wide, still too shocked to even comprehend what just happened. Xavier doesn’t even break stride as he walks to the couch, settling down with her in his lap as though it’s the most natural thing in the world. He wraps his arms around her, pulling her close.
I know my place, but damn, it’s hard not to feel like I should be the one doing something. The bond between them has always been intense, something I’ve noticed from the start. But watching Xavier hold her now, protectively, gently, it feels like this is the moment when everything changes.
Rowan stares ahead for a moment, but I can see the tension in her shoulders. It’s like the moment she feels safe, the floodgates open.
“What happened?” I ask.
Rowan’s eyes flick to mine for a split second, and then she blinks rapidly. Her face crumples, and she suddenly blurts out, “I—I lost breakfast.”
I blink at her, confused. Her breath catches, and before anyone can say anything, she bursts into tears. It’s like everything she’s been holding back finally comes crashing down, all at once, and I can’t stand seeing her like this.
Xavier? He doesn’t hesitate for a second. His arms tighten around her, and he pulls her closer, the softest sound escaping him as he cradles her against his chest. And purrs. Xavier Fucking King is purring for an Omega. I’m floored.
He doesn’t say anything at first. He just holds her. And that’s when I realize that maybe I’ve got it wrong about Xavier. I’ve seen the tough guy, the leader, the one who never lets his emotions show. But right now, he’s everything she needs.
Xavier presses his lips to the top of her head, his voice low and steady. “It’s okay, Rowan. We’ve got you.” His tone is so fucking soothing, it calms me just to hear it.
Then he turns to us, his gaze sweeping over Massimo, Sébastien, and me. “She’s been through hell. She got grabbed by some assholes in the street. I wasn’t fast enough to stop them from grabbing her, but I got her out of there. We’re safe now.”
His voice is clipped, controlled, but I can see the tightness in his jaw, the way his hand shakes ever so slightly as he brushes the hair back from her face.
“The police went after the van. Hopefully, we’ll hear something soon,” Xavier adds.
I step forward, my feet moving almost on their own, drawn to the quiet pain in the room. Xavier’s holding Rowan, and her sobs have slowed, but there’s still something fragile about her, like a piece of her was ripped away in the chaos.
Xavier looks up as I sit down beside them, his gaze meeting mine for just a moment before he turns back to Rowan. His hand is still on her hair, still gently stroking it, but I can see the tension in his shoulders, the way his chest rises and falls with each deep breath. I’ve never seen him so... exposed before.
Rowan’s trembling, but she’s no longer crying as hard. Her breaths are shaky, but her eyes are starting to focus again, the glassiness beginning to fade. I sit close, but I don’t crowd them. I know how she feels about being surrounded. So, I offer my hand, just resting it gently on Xavier’s arm, letting him know I’m here.
“Hey, Ro,” I say softly, my voice low but steady. “You’re safe now, okay? Nothing’s gonna hurt you here.”
She nods slightly, but the tremble in her chin doesn’t disappear. It’s clear she’s still processing everything, still trying to piece it together. Xavier shifts slightly to make room for me, never fully letting go of Rowan. He seems to need that closeness too, like he’s holding her together just as much as she’s holding him together in this moment.
I lean in a little closer, speaking gently. “You’re doing okay. It’s gonna take time, but you’re not alone.”
Rowan sniffles, her hand clinging to the front of Xavier’s shirt. It’s almost like she’s afraid to let go, even though she’s physically here and safe now. I feel the weight of her fear, the remnants of what she’s been through.
“I’m here, Ro,” I say again, this time my voice warmer. “We’ve got you. All of us.”
I give Xavier a nod, and his gaze flickers to me, gratitude in his eyes, but there’s something deeper there too, something that says he needs me here. Not just for Rowan, but for him too.
I lean back, offering her a little more space. Xavier adjusts his position too, carefully setting her down, but still close enough to keep his arms around her, to keep her anchored.
“I’m not leaving you,” Xavier murmurs, his voice rough. “None of us are.”
I place my hand gently on her shoulder, offering that reassurance as best I can. “We’ll get through this, Rowan. Together.”
For a moment, there’s only the quiet sound of breathing in the room, the weight of the night still hanging in the air. But I can feel something starting to shift. The bond, the pack... It’s becoming stronger.