The Alpha's Silent Bride: Seventh Time's The Charm novel Chapter 43

Chapter 43: 043: Proving Kael Wrong

~ RONAN ~

When I pull back, we’re both gasping for air, our foreheads touching as we breathe each other in.

"We need to talk," I say quietly, my voice rough with emotion.

She nods, and I scoop her off the floor and into my arms, cradling her against my chest as I carry her to the bed. She weighs almost nothing, and the need to protect her burns through me like wildfire.

I place her gently on the bed and settle beside her, my hand never leaving her waist.

"Come here," I murmur, and she shifts closer, her body fitting perfectly against mine like she was always meant to be here.

I can’t help but laugh softly when I see her cheeks redden at the intimacy of the moment. I kiss her forehead again, unable to help myself.

"I can’t just have enough of you," I say, the words tumbling out before I can stop them.

She signs something that looks like a question, her eyes searching mine.

"We need to talk," I repeat, my voice taking on a more serious tone. "And you need to trust me enough to tell me the truth. I’m not going to judge whatever your past is. I’m not going to abandon you. But I need you to stop lying to me."

Her body tenses slightly. "Remember, you said no more lies," I continue, my hand coming up to touch her cheek gently.

"I know I said I was going to protect you, and yet my pack guards harassed you again. I’m sorry for failing you," I say, guilt weighing heavily on my chest. "But now, we have this room to ourselves, and I promise... from this moment on, I’ll protect you."

I pause, swallowing the lump lodged in my throat.

"Elias said you have a wolf..."

Her mouth falls open, her brows knitting together in confusion as she stares at me, clearly wondering what on earth I’m talking about.

I force down the anger threatening to rise inside me.

"What do you mean?" she signs, confusion written all over her face.

Since she’s reacting this way, it can only mean she doesn’t know about it either.

"Your wolf is being suppressed by some kind of chemical. Elias is still running tests to identify exactly what it is. Once we know, we’ll figure out how to get the antidote and bring your wolf back," I explain calmly.

My hand rises to stroke her cheek, trying to keep her from worrying.

"That’s also the reason you experienced your first mini heat," I add gently.

She’s silent for a moment, her face scrunching up as she tries to process my words.

"Do you know anyone who would want your wolf gone?" I ask carefully.

She stares at me for a long moment, her hazel eyes searching mine as though she’s fighting an internal battle. It’s as if the words are lodged in her throat, desperate to come out, yet held back by fear.

I can practically see her struggling with herself, trying to decide whether to speak while still keeping the promise she made to me—not to lie.

I know this is hard for her. Goddess, I know it is. But this can’t keep going on. Not anymore. I need to know what else they’ve done to her.

"I’m scared..." she signs.

My brows pull together. "I don’t want you waging war against my pack."

It takes me a moment to process her words. She’s protecting them.

The very people who hurt her. The people who left bruises on her body, stole her voice, and somehow managed to suppress her wolf. And she’s worried about them.

Worried I’ll lose control and bring destruction to her pack.

A heavy sigh leaves me as I shake my head. Taking both of her hands in mine, I gently tilt her chin upward until those hazel eyes meet mine.

"I promise, Rose," I say softly. "I’m not going to start a war."

Her shoulders visibly relax.

"We signed a peace treaty, and I can’t just march into Westbrook and attack your pack."

I pause, a small smirk tugging at my lips.

"But..." I add, squeezing her hands lightly, "I can’t give you my full assurance that I won’t break a bone or two if someone deserves it."

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify