The air in Diarmid's home felt heavier than before, filled with unspoken tension and a swirl of emotions that I couldn't quite name. As Diarmid guided me into the spacious living room, my heart raced. I had already met some of the pack, but now it felt like I was meeting them again—under a completely new light.
I stood at the edge of the room, close enough to feel the warmth of Diarmid’s presence beside me, but not quite sure how to bridge the gap that had suddenly appeared between us. The way they looked at me was different now—like they could sense the change, the weight of the secrets that had come to light. I wasn’t just Arwen anymore. I was something more, something that tied me to Diarmid in a way I wasn’t sure I fully understood.
Brigit’s laughter cut through the silence like a soft breeze. She was perched on the back of the couch, one leg casually dangling over the edge, her eyes bright with curiosity. “So, this is the Arwen?” she asked, her grin playful.
I swallowed the lump in my throat, my nerves momentarily overwhelming me. “Guess so,” I said, trying to match her lightheartedness.
Finn, who had been leaning against the wall, didn’t immediately say anything, but I caught the approving look he shot in my direction. His arms were crossed, but there was a quiet strength in his stance, as if he was silently evaluating me. I felt his gaze more than I saw it.
Roisin, who stood next to him, broke the silence with a low chuckle, his mischievous smile dancing at the corners of his lips. He was tall, with sharp features that carried the same intensity as Diarmid’s, though tempered by the softer, more approachable air of someone who didn’t take himself too seriously. “So, Diarmid,” he said, his voice light but carrying an unmistakable edge, “finally getting the girl?”
I blushed at his words, but there was a warmth in his voice that made me feel oddly at ease. Diarmid’s hand tightened on my waist, and I caught the subtle flicker of annoyance in his eyes. But Roisin, sensing the tension, immediately raised his hands in mock surrender, his grin widening. “No offense. Just teasing.”
Rhyian, standing next to Roisin, tilted her head with a soft smile. Her eyes, always a little more calculating than her twin's, studied me for a moment before speaking. “You don’t look like the type to be rattled by jokes,” she said, her tone light but thoughtful. “Good. You’ll need that around here.”
I managed a small laugh, my unease fading with their warmth and humor. Despite all that had changed in the last 24 hours, it was clear that their acceptance meant more than I expected. They weren’t just the pack I’d heard about—they were my pack now, too.
Rhyian stepped closer, offering me a welcoming smile. “Don’t worry about him,” she said, gesturing toward Roisin, who was still looking at me with that mischievous glint. “He only bites when he’s in a bad mood.”
“That’s not true!” Roisin protested immediately, but the playful challenge in his voice made it clear he was far from serious.
Brigit laughed, hopping off the couch to stand beside me. “Welcome to the family,” she said, her voice full of sincerity despite the teasing tone. “If you can survive Roisin’s jokes, you’re in for a good time.”
I smiled, feeling the first real sense of belonging since all of this started. It was overwhelming, to say the least, but comforting, too. These weren’t just Diarmid’s pack members. They were my friends, my family now.
Finn uncrossed his arms and took a step toward me, offering a nod of approval. “You’ve got a good head on your shoulders,” he said, his voice deep and calm. “That’s important here.”
The warmth in his eyes reassured me further, and I nodded back, grateful for his silent support.
“And you’re not alone, either,” Rhyian added, her smile kind. “We’ve got your back. Always.”
Diarmid’s grip on my waist tightened, his presence solidifying my sense of security. As his pack gathered around us, it felt like the chaos of everything that had happened finally found a bit of balance. I wasn’t just a human caught in a world of supernatural chaos. I was part of something bigger, something that was slowly starting to feel like home.
“So, what do we do now?” Roisin asked, his grin softening as he looked between Diarmid and me.
Diarmid glanced at me, his expression unreadable for a moment before it softened, and he nodded slightly. “Now, we start figuring out what’s going on,” he said, his voice carrying the weight of his responsibility. “And we do it together.”
The room fell into a quiet understanding. Despite the uncertainty that loomed ahead, I knew I wasn’t facing it alone. Not anymore.
Brigit clapped her hands, breaking the silence. “Dinner’s on me tonight!” she announced with a grin. “It’s about time we celebrated Arwen joining the family, don’t you think?”
I couldn’t help but laugh, feeling the warmth of their acceptance surround me. “Sure, why not?” I said, my voice light. “I think I’m going to need all the support I can get.”
As laughter filled the room, I realized that, even in the face of everything still unknown, there was one thing I was sure of: I had a place here. And for the first time in what felt like forever, I didn’t feel so alone.
The next morning, I felt the pressure building before I even got out of bed. Diarmid had warned me not to overthink everything, but after last night, it was hard not to. So much had happened in such a short time. My life felt like it was spinning out of control, and now, on top of everything, I had to go back to school—like everything was normal. It wasn’t normal. Not anymore.
But there was one thing I couldn’t escape: Brigit had promised me something special for the day, and I had made the mistake of promising her to wear whatever it was.
I had barely finished brushing my hair when Brigit and Rhyian came rushing in with that look on their faces—the kind of look that told me it was already too late to back out.
“You’re going to look amazing,” Brigit said, her voice so full of enthusiasm that it almost made me want to run back into my room. “This is for me, okay? It’ll be fun. A little extra never hurt anyone.”
The dress she held in her hands was… a lot. It was stunning, I couldn’t deny that, but it was way more revealing than anything I’d ever worn in my life. The deep crimson fabric shimmered under the light, with a daring slit running up the side, and straps that left almost too much of my skin exposed. It was beautiful, but it was also borderline scandalous.
I opened my mouth to protest, but when I looked at the gleam in both Rhyian and Brigit’s eyes, I knew I was about to lose the battle.
“You’ll look like a goddess,” Rhyian said with a knowing smile. “It’s just for today. Please? For us?”
The smile on Brigit’s face made it impossible to resist. I sighed, giving in. “Fine. But only because you two are so persistent,” I muttered, my cheeks burning as I took the dress from her hands.
Before I knew it, I was being dressed and made up in ways that felt foreign to me. Brigit pulled my hair into soft curls, and Rhyian applied makeup with careful precision, adding just the right amount of color to make my eyes pop. Every move they made seemed to be with purpose, and they acted as if this was the most natural thing in the world. I, on the other hand, felt like a deer in headlights, unsure of how to feel in something so glamorous.
Finally, when they were done, I hesitated before stepping in front of the mirror. I barely recognized myself. The dress clung to my figure in a way that made me feel exposed but... powerful too.
“You look stunning,” Brigit said, practically glowing with pride.
Rhyian’s smile was softer, but it held a lot of warmth. “You’re going to turn heads. Trust me.”
I swallowed hard, not sure if I was ready to turn anyone’s head today, but there was no turning back now.
Diarmid was waiting for me outside the room, and when I stepped into the hallway, I couldn’t help but notice the way his eyes immediately locked on me. His gaze swept over my form, his jaw tensing slightly. I could almost see the internal battle waging inside him.
His eyes flickered with a dangerous hunger, the kind that I’d seen before, but it was deeper now, stronger. But he stopped himself. I could feel his restraint, like a thin thread pulling him back from crossing a line.
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“Arwen...” His voice was low, almost like a growl. “You should change. It’s too much. I don’t like it.”
Before I could say anything, Rhyian and Brigit stepped in, both shaking their heads. “No. She promised. Let her wear it,” Brigit said, her tone firm. “Besides, it’s her choice.”
Diarmid’s lips parted, but he didn’t say anything more. He ran a hand through his hair, clearly frustrated, but he didn’t push the issue any further. Instead, he walked towards me, his hand lightly brushing the small of my back as he guided me toward the door.
We headed downstairs, and the three of us—me, Diarmid, and his pack—climbed into one of the three black SUVs waiting outside. I couldn’t help but feel the weight of the eyes on me as we drove to the university. In the other vehicles, I could see Brigit and Finn, who looked as effortlessly confident as ever, and Rhyian with her twin Roisin, who had that same quiet intensity in his eyes.
At the university, I was met with the usual hustle and bustle of students hurrying between classes. But when we stepped out of the car, I felt the difference. Heads turned. Whispers followed us. I kept my head low, trying to ignore the stares, but I could feel Diarmid’s presence beside me like a wall of protection.
Inside, Josh and Leroy were already waiting for us by the classroom door. Josh, with his usual playful smirk, caught sight of me and raised an eyebrow. “Well, well, look at you. Who are you trying to impress?” he teased, grinning from ear to ear.
Leroy stood beside him, rolling his eyes but offering a small smile in my direction. “Don’t listen to him,” Leroy said with a shrug. “You look great.”
Diarmid, ever the gentleman, kept his charm turned on, answering Josh’s teasing with a calm smile of his own. “You know how it is. She’s got to look good for me, right?”
Josh laughed, giving Diarmid a sideways look. “I’ll bet you’re enjoying this more than you’re letting on.”
Diarmid’s lips quirked, but he didn’t give Josh the satisfaction of a response. Instead, he turned to me, placing his hand lightly on my back, his presence grounding me in the midst of the chaos. It wasn’t just a possessive touch; it was a way of reassuring me that, no matter how much I stood out today, I wasn’t facing this alone.
“I’ll be right here,” Diarmid said softly, just loud enough for me to hear, “through all of it.”
His words were like a balm for the nervous tension in my chest. Despite the drama, despite the teasing, despite the whirlwind of changes in my life, I knew that Diarmid had my back. And for now, that was enough to keep me grounded.
"Let's go," I said, trying to push aside the nerves and focus on the normal, the mundane. School. Life. Pretending that everything was just... fine.
But inside, I knew it wasn’t. Everything was different now. And I had no idea how to navigate this new world that had opened up before me.
The warm, golden afternoon sun cast a soft glow over the open field, the gentle breeze rustling the grass beneath our feet. We had decided to come out here to hang out, and though part of me wanted to just enjoy the peace, my mind was elsewhere. Diarmid had insisted on this outing, wanting to see if the hooded figure would show itself again. It was clear he was trying to keep me safe, but the uncertainty was starting to weigh on me.
My phone buzzed relentlessly with messages from my parents, checking in, asking if I was okay. Michael had relocated them somewhere safe, but I couldn’t shake the worry gnawing at me. I was doing my best to stay calm, not wanting to cause them any more stress than they already had, but it was difficult. They were far away, and I was here.
I could feel the weight of Diarmid’s presence beside me, his sharp eyes constantly scanning the surroundings. It was clear that the idea of me being exposed to danger didn’t sit well with him. I could feel it in the tension radiating off him. His gaze flicked to every person that dared to look at me for more than a second. It was getting unbearable. Every time someone turned in my direction for too long, I could hear the low snarl building in his throat. It wasn’t a sound he could easily suppress, and it was starting to make my ears ache.
“Diarmid,” I whispered softly, rubbing my temples. “You need to calm down. You’re making my head hurt.”
He shot me a glance, but the snarl didn’t cease. “I can’t help it,” he muttered, his jaw clenched. “I don’t like how they look at you. I don’t like how they look at my Arwen.”
Brigit and Rhyian, who were sitting nearby, exchanged amused glances before bursting out in laughter. They clearly found it entertaining, much to Diarmid’s annoyance.
Brigit waggled her fingers in the air like she was casting a spell. “You’re going to make him lose his mind, Arwen. Poor Diarmid can’t stop the possessive instincts from showing.”
“Let him pay for it,” Rhyian added with a playful grin, her eyes twinkling. “He’s going to have to get used to it. If you want her to be safe, Diarmid, you’ll have to let go of that intensity a bit.”
Diarmid narrowed his eyes at them, but he didn’t retaliate. Instead, his attention shifted to me again, his gaze softer now. His lips parted as though he was about to say something but stopped himself, visibly trying to calm down.
“You’re right,” he said reluctantly. “I’ll try.”
I couldn’t help but smile at his stubbornness, even though I knew he meant well. I didn’t want him to suffer through that tension, but I also understood that he couldn’t just turn it off. It was in his nature.
Josh and Leroy wandered over to where we were sitting, both of them grinning mischievously.
“So, how’s the Princess doing?” Josh teased, nudging me playfully. “I see you’ve been keeping Diarmid busy today. Is he always this intense?”
I rolled my eyes, trying to hide my smile. “You have no idea. But let’s just say, I’ll be staying with Brigit for the next few days, so I won’t be around to get under his skin so much.”
Josh raised an eyebrow, clearly having a blast with this new information. “Staying with Brigit, huh? Yes Arwen, lets pretend that Brigit is not Diarmid’s sister. You sure that’s a good idea? I’m sure she’ll keep you out of trouble,” he teased, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
I could feel the heat creeping up my neck. “Yes, Josh,” I sighed, trying not to blush. “It’s for the best. I’ll be safe there.”
“Of course you will,” Leroy added, though he was smiling more gently. “Just don’t forget that we’re always a phone call away.”
“Yeah, yeah,” I muttered, feeling both grateful and embarrassed by their overprotectiveness.
The teasing was relentless, but I couldn’t help but feel a strange sense of comfort in it. Despite the chaos that seemed to be following me everywhere, there was something grounding about having my friends around, even if they were relentlessly teasing me. And it felt nice to know that, for now, I had people who cared—people I could count on.
I looked over at Diarmid, who was still scowling at the other people around us, but his gaze softened when he caught my eye. He was trying, I could tell. And even if he couldn’t completely let go of that possessiveness, it made me feel safer in a way that nothing else could.
“Let’s go,” I said after a while, my voice a little firmer now. “I’m done being the center of attention for today. Michael will have my head if I make a scene.”
Brigit grinned, giving Diarmid a pointed look. “Finally, some peace,” she said with a wink. “Come on, let’s get out of here before Diarmid ends up scaring half the campus.”
Diarmid’s voice lingered in the air as we walked toward Josh’s place, his words carrying a sense of frustration. “The hooded figure didn’t show up at the university. But that doesn’t mean it won’t show up somewhere else.”
I glanced at him, sensing the tension in his tone despite his calm demeanor. "Is that a good thing or a bad thing?" I asked, feeling a knot tighten in my stomach.
His eyes briefly flickered to me, his expression unreadable. "It’s hard to say. It’s just… unnerving." He paused, looking around as if he expected the figure to materialize from the shadows at any moment.
“We’ll stop by Josh’s, get your things, and head back to home.” His eyes flicked to me for a moment, giving me a reassuring look. “You need to stop wearing whatever they keep forcing on you.”
I couldn’t help but smirk. “I’m not the one picking out the outfits,” I pointed out, raising an eyebrow. But even as I said it, I knew Diarmid’s mind wasn’t on my clothes—he just wanted to make sure I wasn’t running around in something too revealing like Brigit and Rhyian had insisted.
Once we arrived, the convoy of three SUVs pulled up to Josh's place. Brigit and Finn climbed out of one car, Rhyian and Roisin from another, and Diarmid and I from the last. I was relieved to finally be out of the uncomfortable stares from earlier. But as we walked toward the door, Josh and Leroy stood waiting, their teasing expressions unmistakable.
Josh raised an eyebrow, glancing between me and Diarmid. “What’s with the entourage?” he joked, his voice light.
I rolled my eyes, stepping past him into the hallway. “Don’t mind them. I just need to grab a few things.”
Diarmid, still close behind me, was practically hovering, his usual calm face betraying a subtle edge of protectiveness. He didn’t seem to care for the teasing or the lighthearted atmosphere Josh and Leroy were trying to create. All he wanted was for me to grab my things, then get out of there.
As I gathered my clothes and packed a bag, I heard Diarmid murmur to Rhyian and Brigit, his tone low and firm, “She’s not wearing that anymore.”
Brigit’s laugh echoed from the other room. “Relax, Diarmid. She agreed to wear it.” But I could sense the teasing in her voice.
I tried not to roll my eyes as I stuffed more clothes into the bag, determined not to let anyone dictate what I wore anymore.
Finally, the task was done, and we headed back outside. As we made our way to the SUVs, I couldn’t help but feel the weight of the situation, the fear of the unknown pressing in on me. But even though I was worried about the hooded figure and the looming threats, something shifted in the air as we neared the cars.
I stopped, my heart skipping a beat. There, just outside Josh’s place, I saw the figure—a shadow, indistinct but unmistakable. It stood motionless, waiting.
My breath caught in my throat. “Diarmid...” I whispered, fear creeping into my voice.
Diarmid’s body immediately stiffened beside me, his gaze darting in the direction of the figure. He didn’t hesitate. With a growl, he moved in front of me, shielding me from whatever danger lingered just beyond the doorway.
"Stay close," Diarmid commanded, his voice low and filled with intent.
The figure didn’t move, but I could feel its presence, cold and unsettling. It wasn’t leaving.
“This isn’t good,” Diarmid muttered, his eyes scanning the figure as if trying to read its next move. "We need to get you back home, now."
I nodded, heart pounding, as we quickly made our way to the SUV. Diarmid, protective as ever, climbed in beside me, keeping a close eye on the figure.
As we drove away from Josh's place, the figure faded into the background, but its presence stayed with me. I couldn’t shake the feeling that it was waiting, watching, and it wasn’t done with me yet.