Here to protect you

RAFAEL POV

Traveling through the darkness was no easy task, and being in an unknown territory made it even worse. What had transpired between Jude and me weighed heavily on my mind. I knew I was partially at fault, but Winter putting all the blame on me was unwarranted.

If Jude hadn't intercepted me while I was out and provoked me about not being good enough for Winter, I probably wouldn't have thrown that punch. He taunted me, and I responded in kind by mentioning that I had kissed Winter. Though I never revealed the real reason for telling Jude about the kiss that led to our fistfight, I doubted Winter would want to hear it from me. She seemed furious, and I suspected she had already made up her mind about sending me away.

Maybe, just maybe, if I had tried harder to convince her, I wouldn't be aimlessly wandering here now. Yet, the urgency to do so had escaped me at the time. Exhaling a breath, I paused by a massive tree, leaning against its trunk before closing my eyes.

A calm bree