_Mira’s POV_ When I woke up, everything felt hazy and disoriented. My head pounded, and my body ached everywhere. I opened my eyes, blinking against the bright lights overhead. It took a moment to realize I was lying in a bed, soft sheets tucked around me. My heart started racing as memories of the rogues filled my mind. Panic bubbled up in my chest, and I looked around frantically, afraid that they were still nearby. But then, I felt something warm on my hand. A gentle pressure, steady and calming. I looked down and saw a large hand covering mine. I slowly lifted my gaze and found myself staring into the face of the man who had saved me. He was sitting beside me, watching me closely. Now that I could see him clearly, I realized he was incredibly handsome. His dark hair framed his strong face, and his eyes were a warm, intense blue. He looked at me with a mix of concern and kindness that made my heart flutter. “How are you feeling?” he asked, his voice soft and soothing. I swallowed. My throat was dry. “I… I have a headache. It hurts.” He nodded, a hint of worry crossing his face. “I’ll call the doctor to check on you.” He stood up and pressed a button on the side of the bed. Within moments, a doctor came into the room, a middle-aged woman with a gentle smile. She looked me over, checking my pulse, shining a light in my eyes, and murmuring soft reassurances. “Your vitals are stable,” she told me. “You need to rest so you can heal properly. Don’t push yourself too hard.” I nodded, feeling a bit more at ease. The doctor left, and I found myself alone with the man again. He sat back down beside me, his presence comforting in a way which I couldn’t explain. “You are safe now,” he said, his voice low and gentle. “If you need anything, just call the nurse. She will take care of you.” “Thank you,” I whispered, feeling a wave of gratitude wash over me. “You… you were very kind. You saved me.” He smiled, just a small one, but it made my heart feel lighter. “I am glad I got there in time. You are safe now.” For a moment, silence settled between us. I could still feel the weight of his hand over mine, grounding me. Then he shifted slightly as if hesitating. “Do you mind if I ask you a question?” he asked, his tone careful. I shook my head, curious and maybe a little nervous. “No… go ahead.” He took a breath, his gaze steady on mine. “What were you doing in the forest?” The question made my chest tighten, memories I had tried to bury flooding back. I looked away, feeling the sting of betrayal all over again. I hesitated, but there was something in his eyes, a warmth that told me I could trust him. “I… I ran away from my pack,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper. “I… I caught my mate… he was with my sister… in bed.” The words felt heavy, and I had to force them out. “He rejected me.” His expression softened, sympathy and something else flashing in his eyes. “I am… I am very sorry that happened to you,” he said, his voice full of sincerity. “No one should have to go through that.” I nodded, swallowing the lump in my throat. “Thank you.” He reached over and gave my hand a gentle squeeze. “Listen,” he said, his voice calm and reassuring, “you can stay here, in my pack, for as long as you need. Until you find another place or… whatever you want to do next.” The offer took me by surprise. “Really? I don’t… I don’t want to be a burden.” “You won’t be a burden,” he said firmly. “My pack members will welcome you. You will be safe here, I promise.” I felt my heart lift a little at his words. For the first time in a long while, I felt like maybe things would be okay. “Thank you,” I whispered, my voice thick with emotion. “Thank you so much.” He smiled at me again, a warm, genuine smile that eased some of the lingering pain in my chest. “You are welcome.” We sat in silence for a moment, but it wasn’t uncomfortable. It felt like a calm I hadn’t felt in ages. I looked at him, really looked, and noticed the strength in his features, the way his presence seemed to fill the room, making me feel safe just by being near him. “By the way,” he said suddenly, his tone lighter, “my name is Aaron. Alpha of this pack.” I blinked in surprise. “Alpha Aaron?” He chuckled. “You can just call me Aaron.” “Aaron,” I repeated, the name feeling strange yet comforting on my lips. “Thank you, Aaron. Really.” He gave a slight nod. “If you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask. The nurse will be here if you need help, and you are welcome to stay in the guest quarters once you are feeling better.” I nodded, grateful beyond words. “Thank you. You are… you are very kind.” A shadow passed over his expression, and he looked away for a moment. “Kindness is something we all need sometimes,” he said quietly. Then he looked back at me, his gaze steady. “Get some rest. I’ll check on you later.” I watched as he stood up, giving me a reassuring nod before he left the room. As the door closed behind him, I let out a slow breath, sinking back into the bed. I still felt the pain of what I had been through, the betrayal and the loss, but there was something new now—hope. For the first time since everything had fallen apart, I felt like maybe I wasn’t completely alone.