Thirty-eight

Pov

Tessa

The loneliness of the house was suffocating. The days since the battle with Loomis had dragged on in almost absolute silence, except for the occasional sounds of the wind shaking the windows and Tessa's light footsteps as she wandered through the empty halls.

She found herself sitting on the living room sofa, staring intently at the unlit fireplace. The house, once a safe haven, now felt like a prison. The absence of Bennett and Mason was like a hole in her chest, a constant pain she couldn't shake.

Tessa sighed, getting up slowly. Her steps echoed on the wooden floor as she made her way to the kitchen in search of some distraction, anything to keep her occupied. As she filled a kettle with water, her mind wandered back to the moments she had shared with the brothers. The warmth of their bodies, the intensity of their gazes, the touch of their hands. Each memory was a painful reminder of what she was missing.

She turned on the stove and waited for the water to boil, watching the blue flame dance under the kettle. Anxiety and uncertainty about Bennett and Mason's whereabouts gnawed at her. They had promised to protect her, but now they were gone, leaving her alone with her thoughts and fears.

The kettle finally whistled, and Tessa poured the hot water into a cup, adding a tea bag. She sat at the kitchen table, wrapping her hands around the warm cup, seeking comfort in the heat. Her eyes wandered around the kitchen, noticing details she had never paid attention to before: the small crack in the wall near the window, the way the morning sunlight streamed through the window, creating patterns of shadow on the floor.

But even these small details couldn't distract her mind from Bennett and Mason's absence. She knew they were dealing with Loomis, trying to ensure he couldn't hurt them anymore. But the waiting, the uncertainty, was unbearable.

Tessa got up and went to the window, looking out at the garden. The view was peaceful, with colorful flowers gently swaying in the breeze. But to Tessa, that peace was a cruel lie. Her heart was tumultuous, full of fear and longing.

She turned and went upstairs to her bedroom. The room was in disarray, reflecting her mental state. Clothes scattered, the bed unmade. She threw herself on the bed and grabbed a pillow, hugging it as if she could absorb some comfort from it.

The familiar smell of Bennett and Mason still lingered on the pillow, and Tessa felt tears welling up in her eyes. She curled up, allowing herself to cry for the first time in days. The tears came fast and silent, relieving some of the tension she felt.

Eventually, the tears stopped, and Tessa lay there, staring at the ceiling. Her thoughts returned to the promises they had made to each other. Promises of protection, of always being together. She clung to those promises, trying to find strength in them.

But reality was relentless. They were not there, and she didn't know when, or if, they would return. The insecurity haunted her, and every noise in the house seemed like a harbinger of danger.

Tessa got up from the bed and went to the window of her room, looking out at the horizon. The night was falling, and shadows were stretching across the yard. She knew she needed to be strong, but the loneliness and uncertainty were overwhelming.

As she looked at the darkening sky, she heard a noise coming from downstairs. Her heart raced, and she stood still for a moment, listening.

The sound repeated, louder this time.

Filled with a mix of hope and fear, she descended the stairs cautiously. Each step seemed to echo through the silent house. As she approached the living room, she stopped, listening intently.

The front door opened slowly, and relief flooded Tessa as she saw Bennett and Mason entering. They looked exhausted, with dirty clothes and battle marks, but they were alive.

"Bennett! Mason!" she exclaimed, running to embrace them. The feeling of safety and comfort returned as they wrapped her in a tight hug.

"We're back, Tessa," Bennett said softly, stroking her hair. "And we're here to stay."

Mason smiled despite the evident exhaustion in his eyes. "We'll never leave you alone again."

Tessa felt the tears returning, but this time, they were of relief and happiness. "I missed you both so much," she whispered, holding them closer.

The three of them stood there, embraced, feeling each other's presence and finding strength in the reunion. The house that once felt like a prison now filled with warmth and hope.

After a few minutes, they separated, and Bennett looked at Tessa with a smile. "We need to clean up and eat something. Can you make us some tea?"

Tessa smiled, wiping away the tears. "Of course. I'll prepare something for you."

As she moved around the kitchen, preparing tea and something to eat, relief and happiness filled her heart. They were back. And as long as they were together, she knew they could face anything.

After eating, the three of them sat together in the living room, talking about everything they had been through. Bennett and Mason recounted to Tessa the fight with Loomis, how they had managed to defeat him and ensure he would no longer be a threat.

"It was difficult," Mason admitted, looking at the fire now burning in the fireplace. "But we did it. And we'll make sure he can never hurt anyone again."

Bennett agreed, looking at Tessa with a firm gaze. "We promised we would protect you, and we'll keep that promise."

Tessa felt warmth from their words. "I trust you. And I'm so happy you're back."

As the night progressed, the feeling of safety and belonging grew. The house, once a symbol of loneliness, was now a home again, filled with their love and determination.

And so, together, they would face the future, knowing that no matter what came, they would be ready to face any challenge. The fight was far from over, but with Bennett and Mason by her side, Tessa knew she could find the strength to continue.