Marco Draven pov
As we slept, I felt movement beside me. At first, I thought she was simply shifting in her sleep, but then I realized she was struggling.
My eyes snapped open immediately.
Matilda was caught in a nightmare, her body twitching, her breath coming in quick, uneven gasps. Her face was twisted in fear, her brows furrowed, and soft whimpers escaped her lips.
I reached out, shaking her gently. "Matilda," I called, my voice firm but soft enough not to startle her. "Wake up, love."
But she didn't.
Instead, her whimpers turned into desperate pleas. "No.please, Richard, let me go!" she sobbed, shaking her head as if trying to escape something or someone.
Richard.
A snarl rumbled in my chest. Who the hell was Richard?
Then, she screamed. A raw, terrified sound that made my heart clench painfully. Her eyes shot open, wild and filled with fear.
I pulled her into my arms instantly, my voice calm but firm. "You're safe. It's okay, Matilda. I'm here."
She trembled against me, her breathing fast and panicked. I could feel the rapid beating of her heart, and it only made my protective instincts flare stronger.
Her eyes darted around the room, as if she wasn't sure where she was. Still trapped in the nightmare.
I cupped her face gently, forcing her to look at me. "You're in my room, Matilda. You're safe."
Tears welled in her eyes as realization slowly sank in. I watched as the fear in her expression softened, but it didn't disappear completely.
Whoever Richard was. whatever he had done to her he would pay.
When I gently asked about the nightmare, Matilda didn't say a word. She just held onto me tighter, burying her face into my chest as if afraid I would disappear.
I didn't push her. She would tell me when she was ready.
I glanced at the clock 1 AM.
Neither of us could sleep after that. The room was silent except for the steady rhythm of our breathing. She lay against me, curled into my warmth, her fingers gripping my shirt as if it was the only thing keeping her grounded.
She listened to my heartbeat, her breathing slowly evening out. I stroked her hair absentmindedly, letting the quiet comfort us. We stayed like that, wrapped in each other, until the first hints of dawn crept through the windows.
Finally, I felt her body relax as exhaustion claimed her. Just as she began to doze off, the door creaked open, and one of the maids entered.
Then clatter!
A cup slipped from her hands, hitting the floor with an obnoxious noise.
I stiffened instantly, my fury flaring. Matilda stirred slightly, and I felt a dangerous growl rise in my throat.
I didn't speak out loud I didn't need to.
I sent a sharp command through the pack link.
"Get yourself out of this room before I kill you."
The maid froze for a second before scrambling out in sheer terror, slamming the door behind her.
I looked down at Matilda. She was still asleep.
Good.
I exhaled, tightening my hold on her slightly. She needed rest. And nothing nothing would disturb her again.
After hours of sleeping, Matilda finally stirred. I felt her shift slightly, her breathing changing, and when her eyes fluttered open, relief washed over me.
"You're awake," I murmured, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face.
She gave a small nod but said nothing. I could tell she was still drained.
"Are you hungry?" I asked gently.
She shook her head.
I exhaled but didn't push. "At least drink some tea," I urged. "Just a little."
After a moment of hesitation, she nodded slightly. I helped her sit up carefully, making sure she was comfortable before handing her the warm cup. She took slow, cautious sips, and I watched her closely, my wolf still on edge from everything she had been through.
After a while, she leaned into me again, seeking warmth, comfort. I held her without question, stroking her back gently.
Then, her soft voice broke the silence.
"Richard Anderson. he was my uncle," she whispered.
My entire body went rigid.
She continued, her voice barely above a breath. "He was my father's brother. After my parents died… I had nowhere else to go. So I stayed with him."
I remained silent, listening, letting her speak at her own pace.
"At first, it was just words. He would insult me, call me worthless. But then.it got worse. He started hitting me. Pushing me. And when he drank." She paused, gripping my shirt as if she was afraid saying it out loud would make it real again. "He would get drunk and… and hurt me."
A growl built in my chest, low and dangerous.
I forced myself to stay calm for her sake, but my mind was already burning with rage. Her own uncle had done this to her? The man who was supposed to protect her?
I clenched my jaw, my grip on her tightening slightly.
"Where is he now?" I asked, my voice sharp, cold.
Because if he was still breathing.he wouldn't be for long.
My blood ran cold.she did not reply instead
She kept speaking, her voice trembling, her hands gripping me like I was the only thing keeping her grounded.
"One night.he brought home a man. A stranger. He,he wanted him to sleep with me." Her voice broke, and I felt her body tremble.
I stopped breathing. He did what?
My claws extended before I could stop them. Rage flooded every inch of my being, my vision darkening with pure, unfiltered fury.
Matilda kept going, lost in her memories. "I struggled. I tried to get away… and somehow,I found a knife. I I stabbed him."
A shaky breath left her lips. "I killed him, Marco," she whispered, tears spilling down her cheeks. "I ran away that night. I had no choice. I'm a murderer."
Her sobs broke me more than her words did.
She pulled away slightly, looking up at me with wide, searching eyes. "Didn't you hear me?" she asked, desperation in her voice. "I killed someone. I ran away. Do you still want to be with a murderer? Do you still want me as your wife?"
I almost laughed. If only she knew.
If only she knew the things I had done. If only she knew that if she hadn't killed that man, I would have hunted him down and ripped him apart myself.
I cupped her face, wiping away her tears. "Matilda," I said, my voice firm but gentle, "what you did was self-defense. You are not a murderer. That man got what he deserved."
Her lips trembled, uncertainty still clouding her eyes.
"Listen to me," I continued, tilting her chin so she could see the truth in my gaze. "You survived. You fought back. And if you hadn't. you wouldn't be here now. I would rather have you alive and free than suffering at the hands of that monster."
Tears welled in her eyes again, but this time, something else flickered there. Hope.
I wasn't done yet.
"Tell me his full name," I said, my voice low and deadly.
She hesitated before whispering, "Richard Matthew Anderson."
I memorized the name instantly.
I would find him. And when I did.he would beg for death.
Matilda shook her head, her voice pleading. "Marco, let it go. He's dangerous. He deals with drugs. he moves with bad people. That's why I can't stay. I need to leave, go far away before he finds me."
I clenched my jaw. She still thought she was in the human world. Still thought running was her only option.
But she didn't understand.
I pulled her closer, my arms wrapping securely around her fragile frame. "You don't have to run anymore, Matilda," I murmured, my voice firm but soothing. "You are safe here. Your uncle will never get close to you again,I promise you that."
She trembled slightly, but I could feel her resolve waver.
"You have more reason to stay now," I continued, stroking her back gently. "Stay with me, and I will protect you. I will give you everything you need.food, warmth, safety. You will never have to look over your shoulder again."
She hesitated before whispering, "What about your men? What if. what if they try to hurt me again?"
A sharp growl rumbled in my chest at the mere thought. "That will never happen," I assured her, my tone absolute. "If anyone so much as looks at you the wrong way, they will answer to me."
She exhaled shakily, her body relaxing against mine.
She still had doubts, but she was tired exhausted. And for now, my words were enough.
Slowly, her breathing evened out, and she drifted into sleep once more.
I watched her for a moment, brushing a soft kiss against her forehead. Then, carefully, I slipped out of bed and left the room.
I had unfinished business.
I made my way straight to my office and mind-linked Darius.
"Come to my office. Now."
Within minutes, Darius entered, bowing slightly in respect. "Alpha?"
I met his gaze, my voice cold and unwavering. "Find Richard Matthew Anderson. Now."
Darius's eyes darkened, understanding the weight of my command. He nodded without hesitation.
"Consider it done."