Chapter Title: Blood Between Us
The morning after the forest revelation broke over Ivy like a storm, the sun dared to rise gently, casting amber light through her windows. Yet the warmth outside couldn't touch the cold, coiling ache inside her chest. Jayden hadn't left her side all night. He sat now on the edge of the bed, watching her stir beneath the blankets with concern etched into his eyes.
Ivy's mind replayed Jake's voice like a broken record: "Because I'm your brother, Ivy." That sentence had shattered her world.
Jayden brushed a strand of hair from her face. "Are you okay?" he asked softly.
She opened her violet eyes slowly. "No… but I will be."
He nodded, hand lingering on her cheek. "He meant it. I could feel it. He's your blood."
"I know." Her voice cracked. "But that doesn't mean I know how to feel about it yet."
There was a knock on the door. Not heavy. Not rushed. Just… present.
Jayden stood. "I'll get it."
He opened the door to find Jake, his expression a mix of caution and quiet longing. He wasn't wearing his leather jacket today, just a simple shirt and dark jeans. Without the shadows, he looked younger—softer.
"I came to check on her," Jake said.
Jayden didn't move. "You shook her world last night."
"I know. But it was time."
Jayden studied him for a moment, then sighed and stepped aside.
Jake entered slowly. Ivy was sitting upright now, knees pulled to her chest, wrapped in a soft blanket. Her eyes met his, unsure and wide.
"Hey," Jake said.
"Hi," she murmured.
He walked closer, then sat in the chair beside the bed. Silence stretched between them like a fragile thread.
"I wasn't lying," he said finally. "After the wolves attacked… I was barely alive. I was found by a werewolf couple from a distant pack. They didn't know who I was at first. But they raised me. Taught me how to control the wolf. Taught me everything. And when I was old enough, I rose as Alpha of their pack."
"You were raised by werewolves?" Ivy whispered.
Jake nodded. "Good ones. Not like the rogues who took our parents. That's why I never gave up. Because I knew if they took you too, you wouldn't be safe. I searched everywhere."
Tears welled in Ivy's eyes. "I thought I imagined your voice… your face. I thought maybe I made you up."
Jake reached out, hesitant, then placed his hand gently on hers. "No. You didn't. I've always been real. I never stopped being your big brother."
She let out a shaky breath, then threw her arms around him, sobbing into his shoulder. Jake held her tightly, his own eyes wet.
Jayden watched them, something easing in his chest. He could see now—it wasn't a threat. It was family.
Moments later, a tiny voice echoed from the hallway. "Mommy?"
Xander stood sleepily, rubbing his eyes, his wolf plushie dangling from one hand.
Ivy wiped her tears quickly and smiled at him. "Good morning, baby."
Jayden went to pick him up and carried him over.
"Who's that?" Xander asked, peeking at Jake.
Ivy glanced at her brother, then at her son. "That's your uncle, sweetheart."
Xander's eyes lit up. "Uncle?"
Jake blinked, stunned by the tiny boy's smile. "Yeah… Uncle Jake."
Xander reached for him. "Do you play dragons and heroes?"
Jake chuckled, lifting the boy onto his lap. "I used to be a dragon-slayer champion."
"Really?!" Xander gasped.
Jayden and Ivy shared a soft laugh, watching their son bombard Jake with questions.
"Do you like pancakes? Daddy makes good pancakes."
Jake grinned. "Only if I can help make them."
And just like that, the bond formed. Not through blood alone, but through laughter and light.
Later that morning, the four of them sat together at the table. Ivy sipped tea while Jayden flipped pancakes, and Xander sat on Jake's lap as he told a story about a golden wolf who defeated shadow beasts. The house felt fuller than it ever had before.
When Jake caught Ivy's gaze across the table, there was understanding in it. Not pressure. Just presence. She smiled softly.
Maybe healing didn't come all at once. But maybe it came in moments like these.
With family.