35

NICKLASUS’S POV
As those words slipped from her lips, a rush of worry washed over me, engulfing my senses.
My body tensed, and I sat up straight, my eyes fixed on her, desperately seeking answers. The urgency in my voice betrayed my anxiety as I blurted out, “What is the matter? What do you want to talk to me about? Baby, speak up. I’m listening.”
Her voice, usually soft and gentle, now carried a weight of hesitation and apprehension. It pierced through the air, fueling the wildfire of thoughts racing through my mind. What could it be that she wanted to discuss? My heart pounded with a mix of fear, curiosity, and anticipation, each beat echoing the uncertainty that hung between us.
“Uhmm… so I’ve been thinking about this for a while now,” she began, her words quivering slightly, “and I didn’t know how to tell you about it without making you angry.”
The uneasy tone in her voice sent shivers down my spine, amplifying the intensity of my emotions.
A flurry of questions cascaded through my mind. What could be so significant that she feared my anger? Was it something I had done or failed to do?
I struggled to maintain composure, my fingers anxiously tapping against each other as I waited for her to continue.
“Babe, please,” I pleaded, my voice a mixture of desperation and concern. “Just tell me already. I’m here. I’m listening.”
Silence filled the room, hanging in the air like a heavy fog. The seconds ticked by, elongating the agony of not knowing, heightening my senses to their limits. I observed her closely, searching for any clues in the subtle shifts of her gaze, and the slight tremor of her lips. The weight of her words pressed down on me, threatening to crush the fragile hope I clung to.
Finally, her eyes met mine, and she took a deep breath as if mustering the strength to share her burden.
The vulnerability in her expression tugged at my heartstrings, mingling my apprehension with a fierce protectiveness.
I yearned to understand, to bridge the chasm that had formed between us, threatening to engulf our once-unbreakable bond.
“I’ve been grappling with this in my mind, trying to find the right words,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. “I know it’s going to be difficult, but I need you to listen with an open heart.”
Her plea resonated deeply within me, stirring a mix of emotions that threatened to overwhelm my senses.
Uncertainty mingled with an unyielding determination to support her through whatever storm lay ahead. I leaned in closer, my eyes locked on hers, silently urging her to continue.
“I know you can take care of me,” she began, her voice laced with vulnerability and certainty. “I know you’re capable of fighting for me. With you around me, I don’t need to fear or worry.”
Her words, though initially intended to provide reassurance, only served to deepen my sense of worry.
The way she trailed off, the hesitation in her voice-it all pointed to a conversation that held more weight than I could have anticipated.
Where was this conversation heading? My heart raced, and a knot tightened in the pit of my stomach, threatening to suffocate me with its presence.
“Gabriella, speak to me,” I implored, reaching out to gently caress her cheeks. The touch of my fingertips against her soft skin was meant to convey tenderness and understanding. “Why are you going around in circles? Are you afraid that I might get angry?”
Fear flickered in her eyes, confirming my suspicion. It struck me with a sharp pang of realization-I had inadvertently created an environment where she felt the need to be cautious, to tiptoe around my potential anger.
The weight of that realization bore down on me, the heaviness of my actions becoming a painful burden to bear.
“Come here, talk to me,” I whispered, my voice filled with genuine concern. I gently pulled her into an embrace, cradling her in my arms. “Don’t be scared, Gabriella. I could never hurt you.”
As her body leaned into mine, seeking solace and security, the fragility of the moment enveloped us both. I held her tightly, wanting to convey my unwavering support and love.
It was a silent promise, an unspoken vow that I would always be there to protect and cherish her.
But then, unexpectedly, the sound of her sobbing shattered the fragile equilibrium we had found.
Each tear that fell tugged at the strings of my own emotions, sending tremors through my being. Panic welled up within me, threatening to consume every rational thought.
Why was she crying? What had led her to this point? The desperation in her sobs sent waves of anguish crashing through my chest.
“Baby, why are you crying?” I choked out, my voice raw with concern. I cupped her face in my hands, searching her tear-filled eyes for answers. “You’re getting me worried. Talk to me, and please, stop crying. It hurts me to see you like this.”
Bending down, I pressed my lips gently against her tears, offering whatever solace I could at that moment.
Each kiss carried the weight of unspoken promises and an unwavering commitment to weather any storm together.
I held her close, my arms wrapping around her trembling form, hoping to provide a sense of safety amidst the swirling sea of emotions.
The room grew still, punctuated only by her sporadic sobs and the sound of our shallow breaths. At that moment, the world outside ceased to exist, and it was just the two of us, caught in the throes of uncertainty.
“I feel useless,” she sobbed, her voice choked with despair. “I can’t fight. I can’t defend myself. I want to be strong too.”
As her words washed over me, a mixture of relief and concern flooded my being.
Relief, because the weight of my worries had momentarily lifted, realizing that it wasn’t a more alarming issue at hand.
Concern, because her pain and longing for strength resonated deep within me. I wanted nothing more than to shield her from harm, to bear the burden of protection on my shoulders.
“But, darling, I’m here,” I whispered, my voice filled with tenderness and reassurance.
I cupped her tear-stained face in my hands, my thumbs gently wiping away the evidence of her sorrow. “You don’t have to fight alone. Your fight is my fight. So if a matter arises, I’ll be there to fight for you, for us.”
Her tears continued to flow, as if unable to quell the storm of emotions raging within her. She clutched onto me tightly, seeking solace and support in my embrace.
But her sobs grew more intense, echoing the depth of her pain. It was then that she uttered words that both surprised and unsettled me.
“No, train me,” she pleaded, her voice shaking. “I want to be able to fight by myself. Train me. I want to be strong for you, for our daughter, for the pack, for me.”
The idea of her training, of willingly stepping into the realm of danger and conflict, didn’t sit well with me. Fear gripped my heart, threatening to suffocate the voice of reason within me. I had always been the one to protect her, to shield her from harm. The mere thought of her putting herself in harm’s way sent shivers down my spine.
Gently, I pulled her even closer as if my embrace could shield her from the dangers that loomed beyond our grasp. “My love,” I murmured, my voice trembling with a mix of adoration and apprehension. “I understand your desire to be strong, but I can’t bear the thought of you getting hurt.”
She clung to me, her grip tightening as she spoke through her tears. “I don’t want to be helpless anymore. I want to be able to stand on my own, to protect those I love. I want to be strong for you, for our daughter, for the pack, for myself.”
The raw determination in her voice, even amid her vulnerability, struck a chord deep within me.
Her longing for self-empowerment and the yearning to contribute on an equal footing stirred a mixture of awe and unease. I knew I had to find a way to support her, to honor her desires, while still preserving her safety.
Taking a deep breath, I met her gaze, my eyes conveying a love that knew no bounds. “If this is truly what you want,” I said, my voice steady but tinged with worry, “then I will train you myself. But promise me that we will approach this with caution and care. We will find a way for you to grow stronger while prioritizing your safety.”
Her tear-streaked face softened, a glimmer of hope shining through her sorrow. She nodded, her trust in me unwavering, and at that moment, I knew that our journey would be challenging, but together, we would face any obstacle that stood in our path.