Page 18 of The Pack

CHAPTER 18

M agnus

The forest was unforgiving, a labyrinth of gnarled roots and thick underbrush that seemed determined to trip us at every step. The cold air was heavy with the scent of moist dirt, grass, and rotting leaves, and every sound—the snap of a branch, the rustle of wind through the trees—made my skin prickle with nervous energy.

The pack stayed close, their breaths soft as we pushed deeper into the woods. Zara was quiet, her dark hair tangled and her steps faltering now and then, but she kept up.

I was proud of her.

The sun dipped lower, the golden light fading into a dull orange glow that filtered weakly through the dense canopy. We didn’t stop, not yet. We’d put some good distance between us and the cave, but I wasn’t taking any chances.

“Magnus,” Callum said from behind me, his voice soft, but urgent. “We need to find shelter. She can’t keep running like this.”

I glanced back, taking in Zara’s pale face and the way she clutched at Thorne’s arm for support. She was just barely holding it together.

“I know,” I said softly. “We’ll find something soon.”

Callum didn’t respond, but the faint worry in his gray eyes told me I’d better find a safe place to stop soon.

Ahead, the forest began to thin slightly, the dense undergrowth giving way to a clearer path. An old cottage, half-hidden by ivy and brambles, sat nestled in the trees. Its roof sagged in places, and the windows were cracked, but it was intact. Mostly.

“Perfect,” I muttered under my breath, and my chest loosened with relief. “Let’s go.”

The door creaked as I pushed it open, the sound loud and grating in the stillness. A broken table leaned against the far wall, and a small hearth sat cold and empty, its bricks chipped and blackened.

“It’s not much,” I said, stepping inside and motioning for the others to follow. “But it’ll do.”

Tobias entered first, his dark eyes scanning every corner of the room before nodding in approval. “It’s defensible.”

“Cozy,” Killian said with a grin as he glanced at the broken table. “Just needs a little love.”

Callum helped Zara inside, his arm steadying her as she sagged against him.

“Sit,” he said softly, guiding her to the edge of a battered chair.

She let out a shaky breath, her dark eyes flicking toward me. “Thank you,” she whispered.

I nodded, forcing a faint smile. “You’ve earned a break, lass.”

As the pack settled in, I moved toward the hearth, brushing away the thick layer of damp ash and debris with the edge of my boot. I pulled a small bundle of kindling from the wood pile next to the fireplace and started arranging it, my hands moving automatically as my mind raced.

I hummed softly under my breath, soothing myself with a familiar tune. The melody helped me focus on something normal and mundane after the terrifying events of the past few days.

“Magnus,” Tobias said, his voice breaking through my thoughts.

I glanced up to see him watching me, his expression unreadable.

“They won’t stop,” he said simply.

“I know,” I said. “But they won’t find us tonight.”

Tobias nodded, his jaw tightening as he moved to stand by the door, ever the sentinel. The rest of the men set about making weapons and setting up camp in the little cabin.

Soon enough, the fire crackled to life. Zara sat close to it, her face illuminated by the flickering glow. She looked exhausted, her shoulders slumped, and her hands clasped tightly in her lap.

But she was okay.

“You’re safe,” I said, leaning against the wall with my arms crossed.

She glanced up at me, her dark eyes meeting mine. “Thanks to you.”

“To all of us, you included,” I corrected, a faint smile tugging at my lips. “You held your own back there. You’re the one that saved us , remember.”

Her cheeks flushed, and she looked away, her fingers fidgeting with the edge of her cloak. “I didn’t have much of a choice.”

“No,” I said softly. “But you didn’t let them break you. You held strong, lass. I’m proud of you.”

“Thank you.” She blushed softly.

“Do you want to tell us about it?” I pressed gently.

Her lips tightened into a thin line, and for a moment, I thought she might refuse. But then she let out a shaky breath, her gaze dropping back to the fire.

“You won’t believe me,” she murmured.

“Try us,” Thorne said, his voice low.

Zara hesitated, her hands clenching in her lap. “They’re not just… people. They’re something else. Broken. Animalistic. It’s like they’ve lost whatever made them human.”

“They’re one of the only surviving human tribes left here in Ireland,” Callum said softly.

“They wanted to use me by making me have their babies. To ‘save’ their bloodline or something like that,” Zara continued, her voice trembling slightly.

The words hit harder than I expected, a low growl rumbling in my chest before I could stop it. A possessive streak tightened in my chest, and I lifted my chin.

She was ours to breed. No one else could have her.

“That’s not all. They planned to eat you lot,” she added, glancing to the rest of the pack. “After the breeding ceremony. That was their big celebration meal—a big ole pile of wolf meat.”

Killian let out a low whistle, his golden eyes narrowing. “Well, that’s bloody lovely.”

For a moment, we fell into an uneasy silence, just processing what she told us, until I finally cleared my throat.

“You’re safe now,” I said, my voice softer. “We’ll rest here for the night, but in the morning, we’ll move. We’ll make it to Dublin and find your brother. I promise.”

Her expression softened, her lips curving into a smile that sent a flicker of warmth through my chest. For days, I’d been haunted by the thought of her trapped, alone, at the mercy of those twisted people. Seeing her now, alive and safe, was doing something to me I couldn’t quite explain.

She was strong, stubborn, fierce in ways that had surprised me more than once. The fact that she’d come back for us, risking everything to free us from that hellhole… It made my chest tighten, a strange mix of pride and something warm and unfamiliar.

I stepped closer, close enough to catch the faint scent that clung to her—a mix of earth and smoke, and a smell that made my jaw tighten.

Their scent.

The men she’d been near, the ones who thought they could claim her as theirs, who thought they could take her from us, lingered on her soft skin. My wolf bristled beneath the surface, a low growl building in my chest before I forced it back.

She was here now, safe and sound. Our mate.

“Zara,” I said softly, my voice steadier than I felt. “You’ve been through hell. Let us take care of you.”

Her brow furrowed, confusion flickering in her dark eyes. “I’m fine, really. I just need to?—”

“No arguments,” I cut in, allowing a smile on my face to soften the command. “Not unless you need to find out what a real spanking over my knee feels like…”

Her eyes flicked to mine, and I saw her visibly tremble, but her gaze held no fear, only desire and my cock jumped at sight. I tucked that knowledge away for later. I had a feeling it would be useful very soon.

Callum stepped forward, his grin warm and teasing. “Magnus is right. You’ve earned a little pampering.”

“There,” Thorne said, nodding toward the corner of the room where an old cast-iron tub sat mostly hidden beneath a pile of debris.

“That’ll do,” I said, looking at the hearth. “Callum, get the fire going stronger. Killian, find something to carry water. Tobias, Thorne—keep watch.”

“And me?” Zara asked curiously.

I turned to her, keeping my smile in place. “You sit. Rest. That’s an order.”

My pack moved quickly, the small cottage bustling with quiet efficiency as we cleared the debris from around the tub and heated water over the fire. Zara sat near the hearth, her hands folded in her lap, her gaze flicking between us with a mixture of amusement and wariness.

“You’re all taking this very seriously,” she declared.

“Of course we are, lass,” Killian said, pouring steaming water into the tub. “You’ve earned it.”

Callum crouched near the fire, his sharp grin flashing. “You might even call it an apology for not being the ones to save you .”

Her cheeks flushed faintly, and she looked away, her fingers fidgeting with the edge of her cloak.

When the tub was finally ready, the water steaming gently in the soft light of the fire, I turned to her.

“It’s ready,” I said, my voice softer now. “Come on.”

She hesitated, glancing between the tub and the pack. “I can do it myself,” she said quickly.

Callum chuckled, his gray eyes sparkling. “Where’s the fun in that?”

Killian leaned against the wall, his grin turning wicked. “Besides, we’re not exactly shy, lass, but I think you know that already…”

Her flush deepened, and she shot me a pleading look.

I stepped closer, crouching in front of her.

“Zara,” I said softly, my eyes locking onto hers and my voice full of warning. “Let us take care of you.”

Her shoulders sagged slightly, the fight leaving her. She glanced down at my hands, and I saw her gulp, probably remembering my threat about how I would use them if she disobeyed. Her eyes flicked back up to mine and she finally nodded.

“Fine,” she muttered, her voice barely audible and just a tiny bit nervous.

I liked that.

Callum grinned as he stepped behind her, his hands deftly untying the cloak from around her shoulders. The rough fabric fell away, revealing the dirt-streaked, bloodstained clothes beneath it.

“See?” he said, his tone warm. “Not so bad.”

Killian moved closer, his fingers brushing against the hem of her shirt. “Let’s get you cleaned up, then.”

Her breath hitched, her dark eyes wide as she glanced between us. “You’re really doing this?”

“We’re really doing this,” I said, amusement in my voice.

Her lips pressed into a thin line, but she didn’t stop us.

Killian lifted the hem of her shirt carefully, as though he were handling something precious. The fabric peeled away, revealing her toned stomach and the faint curve of her ribs. Dirt streaked her skin, and I noticed faint scratches and bruises from her time in the caves.

They made me angry.

Callum’s soft gaze lingered on her breasts before they lifted back up to her eyes.

“You’re stronger than you look, you know. You’ve got a strength most people couldn’t dream of,” he murmured.

Killian smirked as he worked the shirt free, his playful expression glancing over her bare shoulders. “And a body to match,” he added, his voice teasing, but not unkind.

She rolled her eyes, but her cheeks burned brighter.

Her pants were next, the fabric stiff with dirt and dried blood. Callum and Killian worked together, their movements careful as they eased the material down her legs. She wasn’t wearing any panties underneath and her hands clenched at her sides, little gasps escaping her as more of her naked body was revealed.

I couldn’t help but admire every inch of her.

The curve of her shoulders, the line of her collarbone, the faint rise and fall of her breasts as she breathed—it was all maddeningly perfect. Her arms, slender and toned, hung at her sides, her hands curling slightly as if she were trying to ground herself. My gaze trailed lower, over the gentle slope of her stomach, the subtle curve of her hips, to her perfect little pussy, and her long, shapely legs.

There was nothing overtly provocative in the way she stood, but there didn’t need to be. She was beautiful, real, and utterly mesmerizing.

I could feel the heat rising in the room, and it wasn’t just from the fire. My wolf stirred beneath the surface, restless and possessive, the urge to protect her warring with the deeper, more primal parts of me.

Her dark blue eyes darted to mine, and for a moment, I thought she might call me out for staring. Instead, her eyes softened, a faint blush coloring her cheeks as she glanced away.

“Relax,” Callum said gently, his fingers brushing her arm. “We’ve got you.”

Killian let out a low whistle.

“Damn, lass,” he said, his grin turning wicked. “Every inch of you is flawless, isn’t it?”

I stepped closer, my eyes meeting hers as she stood there, vulnerable, but somehow still unyielding.

“He’s right, you know,” I said softly. “You’re beautiful, Zara. In every way.”

Zara’s lips parted slightly, her breath coming quicker as she glanced between us. Despite her embarrassment, she smiled.

“Get in the tub,” I commanded gently.

She hesitated for a moment longer, then nodded, stepping carefully into the steaming water. I offered her my arm, steadying her as she lowered herself beneath the surface.

Zara let out a soft sigh as she sank into the water, her tense shoulders finally relaxing beneath the soothing warmth. The steam curled around her, and her dark hair spilled over the edge of the tub, tangled and wild, framing her face in a way that made my chest tighten.

“Better?” I asked, my voice low.

She nodded, sighing with obvious bliss. “A little. Thank you.”

Callum crouched beside the tub, his usual smile soft, warm, and genuine.

“It’s going to get even better, lass,” he said, holding up a bar of soap he’d found among the supplies left in the cottage. “We’ll see to that.”

Killian let out a low chuckle, leaning against the wall. “Aye, we’ll make sure of it. You deserve the royal treatment after what you’ve been through.”

Her blush deepened, her hands gripping the edges of the tub as she glanced between us.

“This is ridiculous,” she muttered, though there was no real heat in her voice.

“And yet, here you are,” I teased, kneeling beside Callum.

Callum dipped the bar of soap into the water, working it between his hands until a rich lather formed. He reached out, his fingers brushing lightly against Zara’s shoulder as he began to work the suds into her skin.

She stiffened slightly at the touch, her gaze flicking to his. “You don’t have to?—”

“Let us,” he said softly. “You’ve done enough on your own.”

Her lips parted as if to argue, but she let out a shaky breath and nodded.

Callum’s hands moved with gentle precision, his fingers gliding over her arms, her shoulders, the curve of her neck, over her pretty pink nipples. The soap left a trail of shimmering bubbles in its wake, the firelight reflecting on the water that clung to her skin.

Killian stepped forward, his grin softening as he knelt on her other side. “Can’t let Callum have all the fun,” he said, taking the soap from him and working it between his own hands.

Her breath hitched as Killian’s hands brushed against her back. He worked the soap down her spine, his movements slow and careful, his touch lingering just long enough to make her shiver.

I couldn’t hold back any longer. Moving closer, my eyes locking onto hers, I reached for the soap.

“My turn,” I said, my voice low and warm.

She stared at me for a long moment before she nodded, her hands loosening their grip on the edge of the tub.

I worked the soap between my hands, the rich lather spilling over my fingers. I started at her throat, my palms gliding over the delicate curve of her collarbone, down her torso, lingering at her breasts before moving back up. Her skin was impossibly soft beneath my hands, warm and slick with water and soap.

Her breath quickened as I moved lower, my hands skimming over her ribs, the faint curve of her waist, the sensitive under-curves of her breasts.

“You’re absolutely stunning,” I murmured, the words slipping out before I could stop them.

Her cheeks flushed, her dark eyes flicking to mine. “You keep saying that,” she whispered.

“Because it’s true,” I said simply.

The room grew warmer, the air dense with steam and her growing arousal. Callum’s hands moved to her legs, his fingers gentle as he worked the soap over her calves and up to her knees. Killian’s touch lingered at her back, his rough hands gentle as he rinsed away the lather. Tobias and Thorne stood by the door, watching the entire thing.

Zara let out a soft sigh, her head falling back slightly as she closed her eyes.

I leaned closer, my hands stilling at her waist. “How are you feeling?” I asked.

“Safe,” she whispered, emitting a sweet, contented sigh.

Her reply settled deep in my chest, and I tightened my grip on her waist just slightly, a bit possessive. With a deep breath, I relaxed, my fingers lingering on the gentle curve of her hips.

I couldn’t help but think that this—this soft, intimate moment—was the next step toward what I suspected we were now all hoping for.

Maybe after all this time, we hadn’t just been surviving. Maybe we’d been waiting— waiting for her .

And now that she was here, maybe we could finally have something more.