Soothing Rubble

l
Ashina's POV
The morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting a gentle light over the room. I stirred, slowly waking to the comforting feeling of Zeeb’s arms wrapped around me. His warmth and the steady rhythm of his breathing were the perfect way to start the day. I opened my eyes to find him gazing down at me, a tender smile on his face.
“Good morning,” he murmured, his voice a soothing rumble that sent shivers down my spine.
“Good morning,” I replied, a smile spreading across my face. I reached up to trace the line of his jaw with my fingertips, marveling at the reality of this moment. “How long have you been watching me?”
“Long enough to appreciate how beautiful you are when you sleep,” he said, his eyes twinkling with mischief.
I laughed, feeling a lightness in my heart that I hadn’t felt in a long time. “You’re ridiculous.”
“Only for you,” he said, leaning in to kiss me softly.
We lay there for a while, wrapped in each other’s arms, exchanging lazy kisses and whispered words. The world outside seemed distant, unimportant compared to the warmth and love we shared in that moment. It felt so different from my time with Lobo. With Zeeb, everything was genuine, unforced, and filled with a deep, abiding affection.
“Zeeb,” I began, my heart pounding as I prepared to say the words that had been building inside me. “I love you.”
He stilled, his eyes widening with surprise and then softening with joy. “Anisha, I love you too. More than anything.”
Hearing those words felt like a balm to my soul. For the first time, saying “I love you” didn’t feel forced or hollow. It was real, and it came from the deepest part of my heart. Zeeb leaned in and kissed me again, this time with a passion that left me breathless. Our kisses deepened, and soon we were lost in each other, our love expressing itself in the most intimate way.
Afterward, we lay tangled together, catching our breath. Zeeb brushed a strand of hair from my face, his eyes filled with adoration. “You are everything to me, Anisha.”
“And you to me,” I replied, my heart full.
Reluctantly, we got dressed and ventured outside. The park was already bustling with activity. The rogues, now our allies, were training with a fierce determination. It was an impressive sight, and I couldn’t help but feel a swell of pride and hope.
Zeeb, a natural leader, joined the training. His experience as a beta was evident as he guided the wolves, demonstrating techniques and offering encouragement. I watched him with admiration, marveling at his strength and skill. He was a born leader, and seeing him in his element filled me with confidence in our cause.
“Alright, everyone, gather around,” Zeeb called out, his voice carrying authority. The wolves immediately formed a circle around him, their eyes attentive and eager to learn.
“Today, we’re going to focus on close combat techniques,” Zeeb began, demonstrating a series of moves with fluid precision. “These skills are crucial for when you’re up against an opponent who is just as strong and fast as you are.”
I watched as he moved among the wolves, correcting their stances and offering tips. His dedication to their training was evident, and it was clear that they respected and admired him. My heart swelled with pride as I watched him work.
Just then, Estel’s son approached me, his expression tense. “Anisha, can I talk to you? It’s urgent.”
I turned to him, noting the urgency in his eyes. “Of course. What’s wrong?”
He led me to a quieter spot away from the training grounds. “I overheard something. The leader of Rewa Park was talking to Lobo. They were discussing plans to overthrow you.”
A chill ran down my spine, but I didn’t doubt his words. “Thank you for telling me. This is serious.”
He nodded, his expression grim. “I thought you should know.”
I placed a hand on his shoulder, appreciating his bravery. “You did the right thing. We’ll take care of it.”
As he walked away, I turned back to the training grounds, my mind racing. The threat was closer than I had realized, but with Zeeb and our allies, I knew we could face it. We had to stay vigilant and strong.
I joined Zeeb, who was still in the midst of training the wolves. He looked up, sensing my approach, and his expression shifted to concern when he saw the worry on my face.
“What’s wrong?” he asked, stepping closer.
I took a deep breath, steadying myself. “We have a new threat. The leader of Rewa Park is working with Lobo. They’re planning to overthrow us.”
Zeeb’s eyes darkened. “Then we’ll be ready for them. We’ll protect our pack, no matter what.”
Together, we would face whatever challenges lay ahead. Our love and our unity gave us strength, and with Zeeb by my side, I knew we could overcome anything. The future was uncertain, but our bond was unbreakable, and that gave me hope.
As the morning unfolded, I couldn’t shake the weight of the news Estel’s son had shared. I watched Zeeb continue to train the rogues, his focus unwavering despite the looming threat. His strength and resilience gave me comfort, but I knew we needed a plan.
When the training session ended, Zeeb gathered everyone around. “Good work today,” he said, his voice carrying authority and encouragement. “Remember, our strength lies in our unity. Together, we can overcome any challenge.”
The wolves nodded, their determination evident. As they dispersed, Zeeb turned to me. “Let’s talk,” he said, his tone serious.
We walked to a secluded spot, away from prying ears. “What exactly did Estel’s son say?” Zeeb asked, his brow furrowed with concern.
“He overheard the leader of Rewa Park talking to Lobo,” I explained. “They’re planning to overthrow us. We need to be prepared.”
Zeeb nodded, his expression grim. “We need to strengthen our defenses and make sure everyone is ready. We can’t afford to be caught off guard.”
I agreed, the gravity of the situation weighing heavily on me. “What about Rewa Park? Do you think they’ll join Lobo?”
“It’s possible,” Zeeb said, his eyes narrowing in thought. “We need to reach out to any allies we have left and ensure they’re with us. We can’t fight this battle alone.”
The rest of the day was spent fortifying our defenses and rallying our allies. Zeeb’s leadership was invaluable, his calm and decisive nature keeping everyone focused and determined. As night fell, we gathered in the main hall to discuss our strategy.
“We need to hit them before they hit us,” Zeeb said, his voice steady and commanding. “We can’t afford to wait for them to make the first move.”
I nodded in agreement. “We should also try to gather more information. If we know their exact plans, we’ll have a better chance of countering them.”
One of our scouts, a young wolf named Darek, stepped forward. “I can try to infiltrate Rewa Park,” he offered. “I know the terrain well, and I’m good at staying unnoticed.”
Zeeb looked at him, considering the offer. “It’s risky, but it could give us the advantage we need. Be careful, Darek. We can’t afford to lose you.”
Darek nodded, determination shining in his eyes. “I won’t let you down.”