CHAPTER 3

(ORION’S POV)

Under Sheila's attentive care for about twenty-two nights, I steadily regained my strength, with most injuries healing significantly. Seven nights ago, I heavily relied on a crutch for walking support, but now, as I walked to the hut's entrance, I stood more steadily on my own. Pausing at the door, I glanced back at Sheila who was seated on the bed's edge, her smile evident even behind a veil, radiating joy at my progress.

A surge of warmth filled my chest as Sheila's hands clapped together in praise. Her enthusiastic words reached me like a gentle breeze, lifting my spirits. "It's incredible how quickly you're recovering, Orion," she exclaimed, her genuine amazement evident in every syllable. "You must have been quite the warrior back in your pack," she admired.

In the subdued lighting of the hut, my blush remained hidden, a silent testament to my embarrassment. I hadn't anticipated Sheila's praise, and the unexpected compliment left me feeling pleasantly flustered.

Trying to deflect the attention away from myself, I shifted my gaze to the floor, feeling the need to change the subject. "Ah, well," I mumbled, clearing my throat to compose myself, "Who knows? I suppose I just got lucky." My attempt to downplay my achievements masked the flutter of emotion stirred by Sheila's genuine words.

Sheila hummed in disagreement, her genuine reaction evident once again as she spoke. "Luck can only take you so far, you know," she said, emphasizing her point. "You’re strong, Orion! There's no doubt about it!"

I shifted uncomfortably, my cheeks still warm from Sheila's unexpected praise. Judging by her words, I was certain she was oblivious to my shyness, a typical trait of hers.

"Well, yeah… thank you, I guess," I mumbled, acknowledging her compliment. I raised my head to meet Sheila's gaze, replying with sincerity this time. "Your healing skills have truly made all the difference. And the food here, it's amazing. It's definitely helped with the recovery."

I watched as Sheila nodded in acknowledgement. "Glad to hear that," she said, her tone soothing as she crossed the room to the table where my clothes lay waiting. She picked them up with purpose, her actions deliberate. "Just to be safe, I believe it's wise to seek Elder Willow's counsel about your condition, Orion," she suggested. As she handed me the clothing, I could sense her silent plea for approval. "If you're feeling up to it, of course."

I silently stared at the clothing for a moment, feeling hesitant about the idea. Despite mostly staying in Sheila’s hut throughout the twenty-two nights in Silverthorn Haven, I couldn't help but notice that the haven was predominantly comprised of omegas—if not entirely. My keen senses picked up on the faint citrus scent unique to omegas permeating the damp soil of Silverthorn Haven. Perhaps it was a hunch molded by my forgotten past, but I was certain that in-pack werewolves harbored a stronger awareness of the diverse dynamics within the werewolf community. My intuition also hinted that some omegas in the haven were wary of my presence.

And so, I accepted the fresh clothes from Sheila. "Think the haven’s okay with me strolling around, Sheila?" Despite not caring about whether people hated me—omegas, or alphas, or whatever—my primary concern was avoiding trouble for Sheila.

With gentle yet firm motion, Sheila placed her palms on top of mine. "I might never know what's going through your mind, Orion," she began reassuringly. "But please trust me, Elder Willowhart is one of the kindest souls you'll ever come across. She treats everyone with compassion. And hey, I'll be right there with you every step of the way. Don’t worry."

I slightly opened my mouth in response, though no words escaped. Nonetheless, I made sure Sheila’s gesture of kindness was greatly appreciated. With a nod, I began to prepare myself before going outside.

--

I maintained a composed posture on the wooden stool while Willowhart conducted her examination. Sheila, standing nearby, watched me closely as she slightly fidgeted her fingers.

Willowhart focused on me, delicately pulling down the lower lid of my left eye and scrutinizing it with precision. Our proximity allowed me to observe the details of Willowhart's aging features—the lines of wrinkles, the darker spots on her cheek, and a healed burn scar marring her forehead.

The elderly doctor hummed, lost in her thoughts, before she carefully leaned back in her log chair. Her expressions were unreadable.

Concerned, Sheila interjected, "How is Orion, Elder Willow?"

Willowhart nodded in amusement as she wrote on her neatly squared dried bark note. "He certainly is fine, my dear," she said, pausing to glance at me with keen interest. "I must admit, your recovery is quite a marvel, young alpha! Your wounds, they've mended up just splendidly, not a single hint of infection!"

As my face relaxed into a small smile, Sheila breathed a sigh of relief, her worry dissipating.Willowhart completed her notes and handed them to Sheila. "I've made sure to cover all that's needed for Orion's ongoing recuperation," she stated. Turning her attention to me, she offered some advice, "Now, young alpha, do keep working on your walking without leaning too much on that crutch of yours. Before you know it, you'll be bidding it farewell for good. But mind you, don't push yourself too hard."

I nodded appreciatively, pleased at the prospect of soon being able to discard the crutch. "Thank you, Willowhart," I said gratefully.

With a glimmer of pride shining through her weathered features, Willowhart turned towards Sheila and spoke with genuine warmth, "You've truly done wonders looking after him, Sheila. Excellent job, my dear."

Sheila nodded in response, her hand slipping beneath her veil. Her voice trembled slightly, reflecting her tears of joy. "Thank you, Elder Willow," she said, her emotions evident. "I'm just glad to see Orion healthy!"

After leaving the community healer hut, Sheila and I ventured slightly away from the haven's inner walls to a serene river flowing nearby.

I settled onto a sturdy rock by the water's edge, joining Sheila who was already there. Her playful demeanor caught my attention as she dipped her feet into the water, the sunlight filtering through the trees casting a warm glow on our surroundings. Sheila's laughter filled the air, her joy palpable as she relished the clear water.

Watching her, my heart skipped a beat. Sheila, with her auburn hair and infectious laughter, seemed to defy the harshness of our world with her authenticity. When I had stepped outside her hut that morning, I couldn't help but notice she was the only one in the haven wearing a veil. It was a silent testament to the hardships she must have faced, compelling her to conceal her face from the world.

Despite my initial reservations, I found myself inexplicably drawn to her. My fingers hovered tentatively towards her veil, an unspoken question lingering in my mind. ‘What kind of smile hid behind your veil, Sheila?’ I thougt as I was captivated by her enigmatic presence, unable to shake the desire to unravel the mystery that surrounded her.

"Orion," Sheila's voice slipped out as a warning, and she instinctively drew back from his outreaching fingers. "Orion, what are you doing?" Her tone carried a note of nervousness.

I withdrew my hand, sensing Sheila's discomfort. Offering a quick apology, I tried to lighten the mood with a joke, though it fell somewhat flat. "Sorry about that. Couldn't resist reaching out in awe of this beautiful place, especially with you here," I said, my words carrying a hint of sincerity.

Through the veil, I caught a glimpse of a smile playing at the corners of Sheila's lips. "My, why the sudden flattery?" she responded, her tone slightly teasing.

Returning her smile, I confessed my earlier intention with genuine curiosity. "I've always wondered what lies behind this veil of yours. May I?" I asked gently, hoping to unravel the mystery she seemed to guard so closely.

Sheila's demeanor shifted, a mixture of apprehension and hesitation evident in her gesture. "I’m sorry, Orion," she softly rejected, her voice tinged with sadness. "Some things are meant to remain veiled." Despite her words, I couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to her story than met the eye.

I paused, my gaze fixed on the veil that concealed Sheila's face. A fleeting urge to assert my alpha's authority tugged at me, tempting me to command Sheila's obedience. But I resisted, determined to approach the situation with fairness.

Uncertainty churned within me as I wondered whether Sheila would return my feelings. "Fair enough. But there's something I need to tell you, Sheila," I began, my voice steady despite the nervous flutter in my chest.

Sheila remained silent, her gaze fixed on me. I detected a subtle shift in her scent, a hint of spice that betrayed her nervousness.

"I think... I like you, Sheila," I confessed, my words hesitant yet sincere. "No, I know I have feelings for you."

Sheila's breath caught in her throat. For a moment, silence stretched between us, heavy with the weight of my confession.

“Orion, I... I can't,” Sheila's voice came, tinged with pain.

My expression fell, my heart sinking at her words. “But why, Sheila? Can't you give us a chance?” I pleaded, desperation creeping into my voice.

Sheila looked away, her whisper barely audible. “It's complicated, Orion. There are things you don't know... things I can't explain.”

I reached out to touch her arm, but she pulled away. With a swift movement, Sheila rose from the rock and disappeared into the woods, leaving me alone and bewildered by the river's edge.