Cleopatra's Redemption
Williams’ POV
I remember every detail of the moment Cleopatra slid off the horse, her eyes blazing with a mix of fury and determination. We had just left the cabin, riding back to the palace with an unspoken bond growing between us. But peace is a fragile thing in our world, easily shattered. The shadows that crept out from the trees, surrounding us, reminded me of that harsh truth.
They were waiting for us.
“Cleopatra, stay close,” I said, but she was already moving, stepping ahead with that fearlessness I both admired and worried over. She knew who sent these men—I saw it in the tight set of her jaw, the flicker of recognition. It stoked my rage. No one had the right to threaten her.
“He thinks sending his lackeys will stop me?” she spat, voice cold and cutting. No response came, but their movements said enough—they attacked.
It all happened so fast. Cleopatra met their charge head-on, moving with a speed and precision that was mesmerizing and terrifying. I barely had time to dismount before she’d already dropped three of them, her strikes brutal but somehow still merciful. She didn’t kill when she could’ve, and I didn’t know if it was compassion or something else holding her back.
But there was no time to question it. I surged forward, taking on the attackers who closed in around us. The clash of claws, the heavy thuds of fists meeting flesh, and the scent of blood filled the air. I stayed close to Cleopatra, fighting as if every swing of my sword would keep her safe. She was relentless, a force of nature, but I saw something in her eyes—something haunted.
“He's here,” she growled as she stared into the distance. I followed her gaze as she matched forward but she stopped abruptly as one of the attackers lunged at her.
Marcus fought harder without sparing us a glance, making sure any wolf who came across him was brutally wounded.
“Why aren’t you killing them?” I demanded, my voice rough as I cut down a man who’d gotten too close. She didn’t answer, just kept fighting with grim resolve. Something held her back. But it wasn't fear as I could see the smirk dancing on her lips.
Finally, we broke through, leaving our attackers on the ground—either unconscious or retreating. My heart was still pounding as I turned to her. Her hands were trembling, her gaze distant. I reached for her and covered her bloodied hands with mine, asthoughto shield her from the filth.
“Cleopatra, are you okay? Does it hurt anywhere?” I asked, concern etched in my voice but she gave a small soothing chuckle as I helped her mount the horse.
When we reached the palace borders, a different kind of tension hung in the air. My pack was waiting. They knew. The weight of Cleopatra’s past under Kane’s influence still hung over her like a shadow. Would they accept her? But that wouldn't change a thing. She's mine and also their Luna whether they like it or not.
I needn’t have worried.
Renee stepped forward first, her eyes soft but strong. She embraced Cleopatra without hesitation, whispering words that made my mate’s eyes glisten with tears. One by one, others followed, offering their acceptance. Relief surged through me. Renee had prepared them, helped them see Cleopatra beyond her past.
I muttered a soft ‘thank you’ to her when our eyes met briefly.
Renee's mate, Alex was all over Cleopatra as he hugged her with tears in his eyes. I held myself back, clenching my fists in jealousy but I knew that he had no hidden intentions.
The night turned into an uneasy celebration. Music played, food was passed around, and laughter echoed through the halls. For a brief moment, it felt like things might be okay. But I couldn’t ignore the tension in Cleopatra’s shoulders or the shadows still flitting across her face.
Later, I found her sitting alone by the window, bathed in pale moonlight. She looked so small and tired, like the weight of the world was crushing her. I crossed the room and tilted her face up to mine. “No more hiding,” I whispered, and kissed her softly. She kissed me back, but there was a desperation there, an ache that made my chest tighten.
I led her to bed, slow and deliberate, wanting her to feel every touch, every promise I was making without words. “Just feel,” I murmured when she tried to take control, her usual defense cracking.
She resisted, but I silenced her with another kiss, tracing every scar and every curve until she trembled beneath me. When I kissed the mark that bound us, the bond flared. She was mine. I was hers.
We fell asleep entwined, the world outside momentarily forgotten.
But it didn’t last.
A scream ripped through the silence, jolting me awake. I turned to find Cleopatra thrashing in her sleep, her face twisted in terror. “Cleopatra!” I barked, grabbing her shoulders as I tried waking her up.
Her eyes flew open, wild and unfocused. She gripped me so tightly I felt her nails dig into my skin. “They’re coming,” she whispered, her voice raw and broken. “We’re all going to die.”
Chills ran through me. This wasn’t just a nightmare. It was a warning. I pulled her close, my resolve hardening. Whatever was coming, we’d face it together. No matter the cost. I wasn’t letting her go—not now, not ever.
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