43.Breathe with me
The rain started about twenty minutes ago. Light at first, then heavier. The cold seeps through my jacket and I start to tremble. I force myself to focus, keeping my eyes on the dark shape of him ahead.
He turns, takes one look at me shivering, and stops.
Before I can say anything, he's already shrugging off his jacket andsteps behind me.
I feel his hands on my shoulders, guiding me to turn slightly.
"Left arm first," he says quietly.
He holds the jacket open and I slide my left arm through the sleeve. The fabric is still warm from his body. He adjusts it, pulling it up over my shoulder properly, then guides my right arm through.His hands move to my collar, straightening it.
Then he turns me around to face him. "Better?" he asks while zipping the front up, his eyes meeting mine.
I nod.The warmth hits me immediately.
"Careful now," he says, turning back to the path.His shirt already soaked, the white fabric transparent against his skin.
I follow him, and immediately feel the ground give way beneath me. Mud sucks at my boots with each step, slowing me down.
Ahead, lights cut through the rain.
He pulls me behind a tree, his hand on my arm.
"Listen," he whispers. "Once we're past the checkpoint, there's a north entrance. Less guarded. We go through there, then—"
Voices get closer. He stops talking.
Two patrol officers walk past. Maybe ten feet away.
"—can't believe they haven't caught him yet."
My breath catches.
"The wolf?The whole division's looking for him. Most wanted in five territories." The second officer sounds excited. "They're offering rewards now. Real ones."
"What about the human with him?"
"Life sentence, minimum. Miller's making an example."
"And once they track down his pack?" The first officer's voice drops.
"Miller's putting together a tactical team. Says he's going to eliminate the resistance once and for all."
My chest tightens.
"Harsh." The other one responds.
"That's the point. Send a message—organize against us, and you're done." He laughs.
Panic rises, that familiar tightness crawling up my throat.
But I can't stop it. The thoughts won't stop.
"Alara—" His hand on my arm pulls me back.
But the world is already tilting.
"I can't—"
"Hey, look at me."
My chest tightens. The world spins.
"They're going to..." I gasp.
"Alara, please—"
I try to pull in air but it won't come. My heart pounds. My hands start tingling, then go numb.
Am I dying?
"I can't breathe."
"Breathe with me." His hands frame my face. "In for four. Can you do that?"
I shake my head. The numbness spreads up my arms. White spots across my vision.
"Yes, you can. Watch me." He takes a breath. "One, two, three, four."
I try to follow. Focus on his face. His eyes. Gasping.
"Good. Hold it. One, two, three, four."
My lungs burn. I watch his chest rise and fall.
"Now out. Slow. One, two, three, four."
I exhale shakily. My eyes locked on his.
"Again. With me." His thumbs stroke my cheeks. "In, two, three, four."
I breathe in. Counting in my head. Watching him.
Out. One, two, three, four.
In. One, two, three, four.
The white spots fade. Feeling returns to my fingers.
Then I feel it—warmth spreading through my chest.
"You're okay. You're not alone. I've got you."
My breathing slows.
He pulls me against his chest. I can hear his heartbeat.
Steady.
Strong.
"I'm sorry." My voice comes out hoarse.
Embarrassment floods through me. "That was pathetic."
"Stop." His arms tighten around me.
I look at him. Rain runs down his face.
He's all strength and sharp edges. But the way he's looking at me—it's gentle.
So gentle.
"Thank you."
He cups my face, his thumb brushing across my cheekbone. "Ready?"
I nod.
We start moving again.
"I want you to know—whatever happens in there—"
"No." He cuts me off. "Don't tell me now. Tell me after."
"But what if—"
"After." The corner of his mouth lifts slightly. "I need something to look forward to."