We’re still laughing when his expression suddenly falters, and silence settles between us.
“I’m sorry,” he says softly.
My smile fades. “For what?”
“For not protecting you back then. For breaking that promise. And now too…”
“Hey,” I whisper, gripping his arm. “You were a kid. We both were And now? Now you’re here. You’ve protected me in more ways than I can count. That’s more than enough, Tom.”
His jaw ticks, and something burns behind his eyes. I try to lighten the mood, nudging his side playfully.
“So… should I start calling you Tom again? Or stick with Fury?”
But he doesn’t smile as he shakes his head slowly. “I was born to protect you, Kali. Little or not. That was always my purpose. That’s why I ended up a warrior. It wasn’t a coincidence–it was fate. The moment I saw you again, even without the memories, something in me knew you were mine to guard. And I still failed–past and present. But this time…”
His voice breaks a little, and he swallows hard before continuing.
“This time, I won’t. Even if it costs me my life.”
“No,” I breathe, but he lifts a hand, stopping me.
“Promise me,” he says firmly. “If a moment comes where I have to protect you, and it costs me everything… promise me you won’tory much. Or stop me.”
I blink, fighting the sting behind my eyes. “That’s a cruel promise. Fury.” I whisper. “And I can’t promise I won’t cry.”
His expression softens at last, and he exhales quietly.
“You really did grow into the great warrior,” I say gently. “Didn’t you?”
“Yes,” he murmurs. “And just like the promise we made as kids, I protect you forever.”
I sigh. “It’s kind of sad, though… you would’ve made the perfect Alpha of the Blood Fang Pack. Especially now that Jack has stepped down.”
Fury chuckles under his breath. “I don’t see myself as an Alpha. That was never my dream. All I’ve ever wanted is to be your sword and shield. Your personal warrior. That’s who I was born to be.”
I smile, placing my hand over his heart. “Never say never, Fury.”
He shrugs, a ghost of a smile on his lips. “You’ve always been the dreamer, M.”
We turn and head back toward the house. Inside, Jasmine is curled up on the couch, fast asleep. Her chest rises and falls softly, her face finally peaceful.
“She looks so light,” I murmur. “So fragile.”
“She is,” Fury says gently, stepping over. “She’s human now… there’s not enough energy in her body to sustain much.”
He bends and lifts her easily into his arms, cradling her like she weighs nothing.
Jack walks over and claps Fury on the back. “Thank you. For looking after her.”
Fury nods. “Always.”
He heads out the door, Jasmine nestled in his arms–probably taking her to her treehouse, where she always feels most at peace.
As soon as the door clicks shut, I turn to Jack. “So… Fury is Tom.”
Jack’s head jerks toward me. “Tom?”
1 grin. “My childhood best friend. He was supposed to be my personal bodyguard.”
His brow furrows. “Well… that’s an unexpected twist.”
“Yes,” I say quickly, grinning wider. “I still can’t believe fate brought us back together.”
Jack groans, stalking toward ine like a storm. “Alright, that’s enough talk about another man.”
He yanks me toward him, capturing my mouth in a hard, possessive kiss. I laugh against his lips, letting him claim me, his hands fisting in my hair.
But just as things heat up-
Knock. Knock.
Jack groans. “You have got to be kidding me.”
I giggle, biting my lip.
He pulls away, irritated. “Who the fuck is it this time? Can I not catch a breath with my mate without being cockblocked by fate?”
I follow him to the door, heart still racing from the kiss.
There’s no one on the porch. Just a single envelope lying neatly on the step, sealed in red wax with the unmistakable royal crest.
Jack bends, picks it up, and glares at it like it personally offended him.
“What the hell now?” he mutters.
I step beside him, and he rips it open.
The heading reads: A Royal Invitation from the Alpha King and Queen.
Jack growls low in his throat. “No. Absolutely not. I’m not stepping foot in that cursed palace this soon. I don’t care if they’re summoning demons–I’m not going.”
I fold my arms, watching him.
“We’ll go,” I say firmly.
Jack’s eyes snap to mine. “What?”
“Accept it,” I repeat. “We’re going.”
He stares at me like I’ve grown a second head. “Kali…”
“I’ve run long enough,” I say quietly. “It’s time to stop. Time to face the people who gave me life and then left me to die.”
“You’re ready to see your father? And mother?” he asks, his voice softer now, more careful.
I nod. “I have to be. No more running. No more hiding. If they want to meet their daughter…”
My jaw hardens
“…they’re going to meet the woman I’ve become.”
Jack reaches out, gently tucking a strand of hair behind my ear.
“Then I’ll walk beside you,” he whispers. “All the way to the throne.”
