Chapter 13: Andrew's Fierce Protection

The forest was eerily quiet as Andrew prowled its edges, his huge wolf form mixing seamlessly with the shadows. Every muscle in his frame became coiled tight, ready to spring into movement at the slightest provocation. The occasions of the past few hours had left him raw, his generally managed demeanor cracking beneath the burden of fear and rage.

Jessica turned secure now, thanks to David's unexpected heroics, however, Andrew could not shake the gnawing anxiety that clawed at his insides. He'd failed her. They all had. How could they have permitted her to be taken in the first region?

A twig snapped nearby, and Andrew whirled, a low growl rumbling in his chest. But it changed into only Matthew, drawing close along with his fingers raised in a placating gesture.

"Easy, big guy," Matthew said softly. "It's just me."

Andrew forced himself to loosen up, moving back to his human shape with a grunt of frustration. "What do you want?" he growled, now not bothering to hide his irritation.

Matthew's usual cocky grin became nowhere to be seen. Instead, his face changed into etched with concern. "You've been out right here for hours," he said. "Jessica's asking for you."

The mention of her call dispatched a jolt through Andrew's system. Part of him yearned to rush to her side, to peer for himself that she became ok. But shame held him lower back. How should he face her after failing so spectacularly in his obligation to guard her?

"She does not need me," Andrew muttered, turning away. "She has James, and David, and the rest of you. I'm just the muscle, bear in mind? The enforcer."

Matthew's hand on his shoulder stopped him. "That's bullshit, and also you comprehend it," he stated firmly. "You're more than that to her, to anyone. And proper now, she desires all of her friends. That includes you, Andrew."

The sincerity in Matthew's voice caught Andrew off the shield. He became used to the younger alpha's teasing and bravery, now not this earnest situation. It chipped away at the partitions he'd been desperately trying to preserve.

With a heavy sigh, Andrew nodded. "Fine," he grumbled. "Let's cross."

As they made their manner again to the pack. Residence, Andrew's mind raced with memories of Jessica. He recalled the primary time he'd truly visible beyond her role as their prophesied luna, to the female under. It was at some point a schooling consultation, much like every other. But that day, something had been distinct.

Jessica had stood her floor in opposition to him, her eyes blazing with dedication as she faced down his charge. At that moment, Andrew had seen a heart in her that matched his very own. It had stirred something deep inside him, a reputation of a kindred spirit.

Now, as he approaches the percent house, Andrew may want to feel Jessica's presence like a bodily pull. The bond among them hummed with a combination of difficulty, alleviation, and something deeper – a longing that made his coronary heart race.

He hesitated at the brink, suddenly uncertain. But before he could retreat, the door swung open, and there she changed into. Jessica stood earlier than him, searching faded and worn-out, but alive. The sight of her hit Andrew like a bodily blow, knocking the air from his lungs.

"Andrew," she breathed, her voice full of comfort. And then she became in his arms, her small body urgent towards his large one as she hugged him fiercely.

Andrew iced up for a second, overwhelmed by the rush of feelings. Then, slowly, he allows his arms to encircle her, holding her close as if she may disappear at any second. He buried his face in her hair, breathing in deeply, letting her scent wash over him and soothe the ragged edges of his soul.

"I'm sorry," he murmured, his voice difficult with emotion. "I should have protected you higher. I ought to have—"

Jessica pulled again simply sufficient to look up at him, her eyes shining with unshed tears. "Don't," she stated firmly. "This wasn't your fault, Andrew. None of you could have acknowledged what could show up."

Her forgiveness, so freely given, threatened to undo him. Andrew swallowed difficulty, combating again the surge of emotions that threatened to crush him. "I won't allow it to show up once more," he vowed, his voice low and excessive. "I swear it, Jessica. I'll die earlier than I allow anyone to hurt you."

Something flickered in Jessica's eyes – know-how, mixed with a touch of disappointment. She reached up, her hand mild towards his cheek. "I don't need you to die for me, Andrew," she said softly. "I need you to stay for me. To be here, with me, with everybody."

The tenderness in her touch, in her words, broke through the final of Andrew's defenses. He leaned into her hand, his eyes final as he allowed himself to truly feel the intensity of his connection to her. It changed into terrifying and exhilarating all at once.

When he opened his eyes once more, Andrew saw the rest of the pack. Collected around them. There became no judgment in their gazes, most effective understanding and shared comfort. For possibly the first time, Andrew felt a part of something more than himself.

"Come on," Jessica stated, taking his hand. "You need relaxation, and albeit, so do I."

Andrew allows her to lead him into the pack. Residence, to the massive bedroom they all shared. The others observed, each locating their region around Jessica. It needed to have felt crowded, claustrophobic even. But as an alternative, it felt proper. Like coming home.

As they settled onto the massive mattress, Andrew found himself after Jessica, with James on her other side. The alpha met his gaze over Jessica's head, a silent verbal exchange passing between them. There became no blame, no recrimination – best a shared commitment to do higher, to be better, for the female they each cherished.

Jessica snuggled between them, her frame relaxing as she turned into surrounded by the warm temperature and protection of her pals. Andrew felt the last of his tension drain away as he held her, one arm draped protectively over her waist.

In the quiet of the room, damaged handiest through the smooth sounds of respiration, Andrew allowed himself to virtually mangle the whole thing that had passed off. The worry of losing Jessica, the fierce protectiveness that had surged through him, the depth of his feelings for her – it turned into all so much greater extreme than he'd ever imagined viable.

He'd always visible himself as the enforcer, the muscle of the pack. His functions were clean – to shield, to fight, to be the unyielding wall among his circle of relatives and any danger. But Jessica had changed all that. She'd seen past his gruff exterior, recognizing the loyalty and devotion that lay beneath.

As sleep started to assert him, Andrew made a silent promise. He could nonetheless be the protector, the fierce mum or dad of his. But he would also permit himself to be extra – to be the mate Jessica deserved, to be a real companion inside the bond all of them shared.

The street beforehand might no longer be clean. The cult's attack had proven to them just how high the stakes were, and how dangerous their enemies might be. But Andrew changed into not afraid. With Jessica by his side, with the energy of the pack. Behind him, he felt invincible.

In the days to come, they might face new challenges. They might want to seek out the closing cult participants, to ensure that no additional chance remained. They would need to bolster their defenses, to put together for something darkness still lurked on the horizon.

But for now, in this moment of peace, Andrew allowed himself to be. To experience the warm temperature of Jessica's body in opposition to his, to pay attention to the constant rhythm of her heartbeat. To recognize, deep in his soul, that he turned into exactly wherein he changed into supposed to be.

As he drifted off to sleep, Andrew's remaining aware notion became Jessica's. Of her energy, her compassion, her unwavering faith in them all. He might spend the relaxation of his lifestyle proving the worth of that faith, of the love she so freely gave.

For Jessica, for the, for the destiny they would construct together – Andrew could end up the person, the mate, and the protector they all needed him to be. And he might do it with a fierce joy that burns brighter than any moon.