Gentle Control
Roman's pov
"You need to rest," I said gently, guiding her toward the bed.
Aurora hesitated for only a second before nodding, allowing me to help
her ease onto the mattress, laying flat on her stomach. Every movement was slow and careful I could feel the strain in her body, the way she tried to hide it.
"Rest," I murmured.
"I'll be back soon," I added.
Leaning down, I pressed a light kiss to her forehead.
Her eyes fluttered closed for a brief moment, and something in my chest tightened before I straightened and stepped away.
I didn't want to leave not even for a second but she needed to eat. And I needed to make sure everything was right.
The halls were quieter now as I made my way toward the kitchen, but the moment I turned to the corner a familiar voice called out.
"Alpha," Rynn called.
"How's the Luna?"
The title didn't go unnoticed.
"She's fine," I said, my tone steady. "Recovering."
Rynn nodded once. "That's good."
I didn't stop walking.
The kitchen doors swung open, and the moment I stepped inside, everything stilled. The maids froze, their heads bowed.
"Alpha."
One stepped forward, her voice respectful. "Do you need something?"
"Food," I said shortly. "Bring it to my chambers."
"At once," she murmured.
I turned without another word, already heading back.
My mind wasn't here. It was with her.
Always with her.
I moved quickly through the halls, taking the stairs two at a time until I stopped.
Kiera stood at the top, arms loosely crossed, watching me.
"Alpha," she greeted. "How's the Luna?"
"She's fine."
Relief flickered briefly across her face.
"Can I see her?" she asked.
I exhaled slowly, running a hand through my hair.
"Yes," I said after a moment. "But not right now. Give her some time."
Kiera nodded in understanding. "Alright."
She stepped aside, letting me pass.
I didn't waste another second.
I reached my chambers and pushed the door open and froze.
The bed was empty.
My heart dropped.
"Aurora?" I called.
No answer.
Panic surged instantly, sharp and unforgiving.
"Aurora!" I called again, louder this time, already moving, scanning the room.
A loud thud from the bathroom.
I didn't think, didn't hesitate. I rushed forward, shoving the door open and everything inside me clenched.
Aurora lay on the floor.
"Damn it-" I was at her side in an instant, dropping to my knees.
"Aurora," I said, my voice tight as I carefully lifted her into my arms.
Her body was weak against mine.
Too weak.
"What were you doing?" I muttered under my breath, frustration and fear twisting together.
My eyes scanned her quickly checking, searching.
"Hey... look at me," I said, softer now, my hand brushing lightly against her cheek.
The panic hadn't faded.
It wouldn't.
Not until I knew she was okay and not until she opened her eyes.
_________________________________________________
"Aurora...?"
My voice was low, tight with lingering panic as I held her in my arms.
Her lashes fluttered then slowly her eyes opened.
Relief hit me instantly, sharp and overwhelming.
"What happened?" I asked, my gaze searching hers, making sure she was fully aware.
She blinked a few times, her voice soft and slightly dazed. "I... needed to use the restroom..."
I frowned slightly, listening carefully.
"And then?" I pressed.
"I felt dizzy," she murmured. "Everything just... went dark."
My jaw tightened.
"You shouldn't be moving around on your own," I said, my tone firm but not harsh. "If you need anything, you tell me."
She nodded faintly.
Before I could say more a knock sounded at the door.
I shifted slightly, still holding her as I called, "Come in."
A maid entered quietly, carrying a tray of food. Her head dipped respectfully as she stepped inside.
"Your food, Alpha."
I gave a short nod. "Thank you."
She placed the tray down and left just as quickly.
I stood, carrying Aurora back to the bed and easing her down carefully before crossing the room and closing the door.
The scent of warm food filled the air, but my focus stayed on her.
I brought the tray over, setting it on the table beside the bed before turning back to her.
"Sit up," I said gently, sliding an arm behind her back to help her.
She winced slightly but didn't complain as I adjusted the pillows behind her.
"You need to eat."
She hesitated, then glanced toward the window.
"I... want some fresh air," she said quietly. "I feel... too cooped up in here."
I studied her for a moment.
Then nodded.
"Alright."
Carefully, I helped her to her feet, keeping a steady hold on her as we moved slowly toward the balcony.
The doors opened, letting in cool morning air.
A contrast to everything that had happened.
I guided her to a chair and helped her sit down before placing the tray in front of her.
Picking up a spoon, I brought it toward her.
She looked at me, a small frown forming. "I can do it myself."
I exhaled lightly, not even pausing. "I know you can but I'm taking care of you now."
There was no argument in my voice
Just certainty.
She didn't push it further Instead, she let me.
I fed her slowly, carefully, making sure she ate enough.
For a while, there was silence.
She looked out toward the forest, her gaze distant, thoughtful.
"What happened... that night?" she asked softly.
My hand paused mid-air.
Her eyes shifted back to me.
"When you came for me..." she continued. "Did you hurt any of the villagers?"
Silence settled between us.
My jaw tightened slightly as I lowered the spoon.
There was no easy answer and she deserved the truth.
"I did what I had to," I said finally, my voice low.
My gaze held hers.
"They were hurting you."
A pause.
"I wasn't going to let that continue."
The words were controlled-but beneath them, something darker lingered.
Because if given the choice again-
I wouldn't hesitate.
_________________________________________________
Aurora's pov
His answer lingered in the air.
Heavy and unapologetic.
I watched him closely the tension in his jaw, the way his eyes searched mine, almost… bracing.
He thought I would be angry, hurt and disappointed but I wasn’t.
“They deserved it.”
The words left my lips before I could stop them.
His eyes snapped to mine, shock flashing across his face.
I swallowed, my chest tightening as everything I had been holding in finally began to crack.
“They deserved it,” I repeated, my voice trembling now. “Do you know what they did to me?”
My vision blurred as tears filled my eyes.
"They locked me in a cage like I was some animal.... And then tied me to a pole and beat me with a whip until I lost consciousness."
My breath hitched.
“And my parents…” My voice broke. “They just stood there, Roman. They watched.”
A tear slipped down my cheek.
“They didn’t stop it. They didn’t even try.”
The pain surged through me all over again the betrayal, the humiliation, the fear.
A broken sob escaped my lips.
“I was alone…”
The moment the words left me, Roman moved.
The spoon clattered softly onto the tray as he dropped to his knees in front of me.
“Aurora…”
His voice was softer now.
His hands came up, cupping my face, forcing me to look at him.
His touch was warm, steady and grounding.
“I’m sorry,” he said, his forehead almost touching mine. “I’m so sorry for everything they did to you.”
His thumbs brushed away my tears, his expression filled with something fierce… and protective.
“You will never go through that again,” he murmured.
“I won’t allow it.”
My lips trembled as I stared at him.
“You don’t need to worry about them anymore,” he continued. “About your parents… or anyone in that village.”
His gaze softened slightly.
“Because you have me now.”
My heart stuttered.
“And the pack,” he added quietly. “We are your family.”
Family. The word now felt unfamiliar.
But somehow… it didn’t feel wrong.
“I will protect you,” he said, his voice dropping, filled with a quiet intensity that sent a shiver through me. “Until my very last breath.”
My chest tightened.
His hand slid slightly, resting against my cheek as he held my gaze.
“And I love you, Aurora.”
My breath caught.