Chapter 40

Gideon’s POV

Prince Ivan's words kept repeating in my mind, even after he left the hospital a while ago. If this happens again, I’ll take her and Nova both.

Even after prince Ivan left, the weight of his threat was still heavily pressed against my chest like a boulder. I had faced many enemies in my life: traitors, rival alphas, rogues but none of them made me as powerless as prince Ivan’s words had. Because in my mind I knew he wasn’t wrong.

I looked at Raven’s pale form laying on the bed. The children sat beside her like they were on protection duty.

And then I heard it.

A sound that was like a stab in the heart. Leo started crying.

At first it was quiet, soft and muffled–his small shoulders shook as he tried to keep his emotions hidden. But when he finally started crying, the sobs spilled out of his mouth unrestrained. He clenched the blanket gently which was near Raven’s arm. His tears sank into the blanket as he let out broken gasps.

I gulped softly as my throat closed.

I had seen Leo cry many times before when the sadness was too difficult for him to control. But this… this was different. This time he was really heartbroken. This was the sound of the child who thinks that every moment of the hope is about to get taken away from him.

I moved closer, crouching beside the bed. “Leo…” My voice cracked despite me trying to steady it. “Son, don’t—”

I wanted to comfort him but I knew my words won't have any effect, he will know I am lying to comfort him.

But the boy shook his head violently, his fists curling tighter into the sheets.

Leo sobbed his words broken between hiccups. “She is going to leave? Miss Warrior is going to leave too, just like my mama. Ivan-uncle said so! He said—he said—”

His voice broke entirely, and he buried his face in the blanket. The pain in his voice ripped a wound which was not fully healed.

I couldn’t breathe. I couldn't think. Because he was right.

He had already lost Claire. And if Ivan now keeps his work, he will lose Raven as well. The woman who stayed and didn't turn away, who chased away Leo’s nightmare..who loved him like her own child

Leo, my brave, strong boy, is scared. He was scared to lose the only motherly figure he had left.

I swallowed and tried to speak but no words came out of my mouth. What could I say to him? How could I promise him something when even I wasn’t sure I could keep it?

My hand hovered in the air, then settled gently on his trembling back. His small body felt very fragile under my palm, his sobs felt like a storm.

“I promise, I won't let that happen” I promised Leo with determination, knowing we both need Raven in our life.

But the boy didn’t believe me. He kept on sobbing his heart took out all the bottled up emotions he kept.

Nove slowly woke up.

She was quiet for some time as she looked and him with wide eyes as she held onto Raven arm like her life depends on it but then she walked towards him.

She gently hugged him.

It wasn’t a strong hug but it was warm and loving. Her cheek was pressed against his hair and her little hand patted his back as he continued to cry.

“Leo, don't cry," she said softly, her voice trembling with emotions. “Uncle Ivan was just very angry. He doesn’t mean it. Mama won’t leave. I won’t leave. We’ll stay.”

Leo’s sobs muffled against her hug. “But he said he will take you away from us.”

Nova pulled back just enough to look at him, her big eyes shining with unshed tears. “He said that because he was afraid. But mommy loves you. She will stay with you as long as you need her. And me?…”

Her small chin rested on his chin bravely. “…I won’t leave you either. Not even if you become grumpy and old or become a big strong alpha.”

Her words were innocent and simple, it pierced the tense air like a sunrise coming up from the mountains.

Leo just looked at her with a hopeful gaze, his hiccups now silent. “You promise, promise me you won't leave?” He whispered softly, his voice hoarse.

Nova nodded and continued to pat his back. “Promise. Cross my heart, Me and Mommy will always be with you, no matter what.”

I sighed with relief, somehow Nova’s words were more effective than mine to calm Leo.

Leo hugged her back as he buried his head on her belly, he was whimpering softly but no longer crying as Nova continued to caress his back.

I finally sat on the chair now relaxed a bit but the guilt was not leaving my mind.

Children shouldn’t have to carry this kind of burden. They shouldn’t have to comfort each other about the fear of losing their mothers. And yet here I see two strong children in this cruel world trying to comfort each other and trying to stay strong.

I closed my eyes for a moment, dragging in a deep, steadying breath. My guilt, Ivan’s threat, Leo’s tears and Nova's encouraging words they all made me realize something.

What Leo said was true.

He had already lost one mother. And I… I could not, would not, let him lose another. Not Raven.

Not the woman who made our life brighter, the one that made my son smile, she made the pack hall feel alive.

I looked at Raven who was motionless and in a deep slumber her breaths were soft.

“You will not leave the children,” I whispered, my voice thick. “You are not allowed to leave me.”

My wolf agreed with my thoughts as it stirred inside my mind restless. Protect her. Protect them. Hunt down the one who dared try to take her

My breath hitched as I realized that I might be falling in love with Raven. I looked at Raven as I prayed for her to wake up soon.

For the first time I felt my mind getting cleared, thanks to Ivan’s threat..

I couldn’t undo what had already happened. I couldn't stop the poison in Raven’s body and Fear in Leo’s heart.

But I could fight.

I could make damn sure no one ever got close enough to try again. And I would.

Because I had seen enough tears. Because my son had lost enough.

Because Raven had given me too much light and hope that I won't let anyone steal it away. I stayed there with Leo and Nova till I saw Leo finally calmed down. He rested his head on

Nova’s shoulder, his eyes were exhausted and swallowed. Nova still kept patting his back gently as she herself felt very exhausted and sleepy.

I tucked the blanket around both of them, watching them curl close together beside Raven. I swore to myself with determination, that nothing will tear them apart as long as I am here. As long as I am alive.