As Chase's unspoken words hung in the air, I felt a shiver run down my spine. His eyes locked onto mine, and I could see the sincerity burning within them. I tried to look away, but I was trapped in the depths of his gaze.I waited for him to say the rest of the words, and my heart thumped loudly in anticipation, but he seemed to be having an internal battle within himself as different emotions flashed through his eyes.Just as I was about to say something to break the awkward silence, the waitress interrupted us, her soft voice piercing the tension. "I've got your orders ready. We've got a lot to get through, so let's start with the appetizers."I pulled my hand away from Chase's, feeling a sense of relief wash over me.The tension in the room was suffocating, and I knew I needed a moment to gather my thoughts.The waitress began to unload a barrage of dishes onto our table, each one more delicious-smelling than the last. My stomach growled in anticipation as I took in the spread befo
Chase's pov As I drove away from the diner, my mind was a jumble of emotions. Elodie's questions had stirred up a hornet's nest, and I knew I had to tread carefully. The last thing I wanted was to drag her into the dark part of my life.My phone buzzed again, and I glanced at the screen. Alex's name flashed, and I knew I couldn't ignore it. I answered, my voice low."Chase, we have a problem," Alex said, his tone serious.I frowned, my grip on the wheel tightening. "What is it?"“The Coastals were here. They were asking questions, and they looked determined,” he informed me.“I know,” I said, through gritted teeth, trying to keep my responses as vague as I could, knowing Elodie was watching me like a hawk.“I guess they've come there already,” he breathed out.My gut twisted into a knot. This was the last thing I needed. "Take care of it," I growled."Already on it, but we need to get Elodie to a safe house. You can't take her back to the house. There's every possibility you're being
Chase's pov“What was that?” I heard Elodie's shaky voice filled with fear. “What happened to their eyes?” Their eyes were back to there normal colors, but dread poured out of Elodie's voice, and as much as I wanted to comfort and reassure her, I knew this wasn't the time.“Alex, take Elodie inside,” I said, not turning around to look at them.“I'm not going anywhere with him,” she said defiantly. “You have to tell me who these men are and why they're after you and….”“Elodie!” I yelled, my body vibrating with anger.She jumped, but the defiant glare in her eyes remained.“This is important. Alex, take her inside,” I said more firmly, my voice leaving now room for arguments.Her nostrils flared, and she balled her hands in fists before turning on her heels, and I was left to face the Coastals.I stepped out to the night till I was in front of the four men who were once like family.I stood tall, my eyes locked onto the Coastals' leader, Victor. His eyes gleamed with a malevolent ligh
I lay in bed, my mind racing with thoughts of the night's events. Chase's sudden departure, the sound of fighting, the way he had come back injured... it all felt like a mystery, a puzzle I couldn't solve.But one thing was certain - something was bothering Chase. He had been distant, cold, and dismissive since the moment he walked back into the restaurant.I thought about the way he had growled at me, the way he had pushed me away and shut me out when I tried to help him with his wounds. It was like he was hiding something, like he was afraid of letting me in.I felt a shiver run down my spine as I remembered the look in his eyes, the fierce intensity that had burned within them.I didn't know what to make of it all. Part of me was scared, scared of what Chase might be hiding, scared of what he might do to me even though deep down, I had the conviction that he wouldn't hurt me.But another part of me, a part that I couldn't ignore, was drawn to him. Drawn to the power and strength th
The ride back home was excruciatingly awkward. Chase and I barely spoke a word to each other, the tension between us thick and heavy. I stared out the window, trying to process everything that had happened. Chase's secrets, his lies, his sudden change in behavior... it all swirled together in my mind like a toxic storm.Chase tried to break the silence a few times, but I shut him down. I didn't want to hear his excuses, his justifications. I just wanted the truth, which he obviously wasn't ready to give.As he rounded the corner to the house, Chase turned to me, his eyes softening. "Elodie, can we talk?"I shook my head, not looking at him. "No, Chase. We can't."He sighed, frustration etched on his face. "Elodie, please. I need to explain-""No, Chase," I cut him off, my voice firm. "You had your chance to explain. Now it's too late."I got out of the car, slamming the door behind me. Chase followed, but I didn't look back. I didn't want to see his face, his eyes. I didn't want to fe
Chase's pov I stood in there, my eyes fixed on Elodie as she descended the stairs, and time seemed to stop.She looked up, and her eyes locked on mine. I saw the momentarily hesitation, but she quickly masked it, concealing all emotions in her eyes.“I didn't think we were expecting someone,” she said, and I felt a jab in my chest.“Elodie!” Her mother scolded, while Daniel chuckled.Elodie shrugged, and walked past us."I'm sorry about that. She can be really cranky. Come join us for dinner," Meredith said, her smile radiant. "We're having your favorite, grilled turkey with garlic bread."The aroma of roasted turkey and freshly baked bread hung heavily in the air, making my stomach growl with hunger. But my appetite was dampened by the awkwardness that hung between Elodie and me like a challenge.As we sat down at the dinner table, the silence was palpable. Elodie's eyes avoided mine, her gaze fixed on her plate. I tried to make small talk, but her responses were curt, her voice ba
I stood frozen at the window, my heart still racing from the sight of the glowing eyes. I couldn't shake the feeling that I was being watched, that something was lurking just out of sight.And then, I heard the soft creak of my door opening. I spun around, my heart leaping into my throat."Chase?" I whispered, my voice barely audible.He stood in the doorway, his eyes fixed on me with a mixture of concern and longing."Elodie, I couldn't sleep," he said, his voice low and husky. "I had to see you."I felt a flutter in my chest, despite myself. I didn't want to feel this way, not after everything that had happened.“Are you okay?” He asked, looking past my shoulders, his brows knitting with concern.It must have been weird to see me standing by my window by well past midnight, but what was worse was probably my pale face.“Elodie….” He started, taking a step closer to me when my silence stretched out for too long.“I thought I….never mind,” I stopped myself, squaring my shoulders.Ther
Chase's pov I walked out of Elodie's room, feeling like I'd just been punched in the gut. I couldn't believe I'd let things go this far. I'd pushed her away again, lied to her again. And for what? To protect her from myself?I couldn't shake the feeling that I was losing her, that I was driving her away with my secrets and my lies. But what choice did I have? I couldn't tell her the truth, not yet. Maybe not ever.“Chase?” A voice from behind had me snapping my head back. Daniel.He looked between me and Elodie's room where I just walked out from, and a crease formed on his brows.Fuck.“What are you doing here?” I asked him.His cautious eyes turned to me. “I was thirsty,” he said, an edge in his voice. “Were…..were you coming from Ellie's room?”“No, I….I was just coming from downstairs,” I said firmly.His eyes flickered to the door again, and I wasn't entirely sure he believed me, but he didn't say anything further.As I walked back to my room, I couldn't help but think about th
I stood in front of the mirror, staring at my reflection. My 21st birthday, and I felt like a whale. Seven months pregnant, and I was huge. I puffed out a sigh, running my hands over my swollen belly, as I was told to expect popping soon since my babies had Alpha growth.Pups, they called them."I look like a hippopotamus," I muttered, feeling tears prick at the corners of my eyes.Chase appeared behind me, his arms wrapping around my waist. "You're the most beautiful woman in the world," he whispered, his lips brushing against my ear.I rolled my eyes. "You're biased."Chase chuckled. "Maybe, but it's true. You're glowing, Elodie. You're perfect."I turned to face him, my eyes searching his. "You really think so?" I sniffed my tears back.Chase nodded with a boyish grin. "I do. You're carrying our child, and that makes you even more beautiful to me."I felt a lump form in my throat. Chase had been my anchor throughout this pregnancy. He'd moved his work home, spending every day with
_Chase’s POV_I sat beside Elodie's hospital bed, my eyes fixed on her pale face. It had been a week since she'd been admitted, and still, she lay unconscious, her body hooked up to machines and oxygen tubes. The beeping of the monitors and the hiss of the ventilator were the only sounds that broke the silence. My heart ached with every beat, my soul torn apart by the sight of her fragile form.I reached out, taking her hand in mine, feeling the warmth of her skin, but it was a faint warmth. I’d tried to reach her wolf a number of times, but she too was very weak.It was like grasping at smoke. She was there, somewhere, deep within her, but she was weak, so weak. I poured all my energy into the connection, willing her to respond, to stir, to come back to me. But there was only silence.The hospital had provided a bed for me beside hers, and I'd spent every waking moment by her side. I woke up every morning with her hand in mine, and slept every night with her fingers intertwined with
Chapter 162_Chase’s POV_I paced back and forth in front of the barrier, my mind racing with every possible scenario, most of which I’d rather not recount lest they became real. Elodie had been in there for what felt like an eternity, and I was starting to lose my mind. I tried crossing the barrier again, but it was like running into a brick wall. I was pushed back, my body slamming against a nearby tree."Dammit!" I cursed, my fists clenched in frustration.Laila approached me. I’d seen more empathy in her eyes in the last few minutes than I’d done in my entire life, and if it were under any other circumstances, I would have laughed and asked her if she was losing her touch."Chase, calm down. You're going to hurt yourself,” she placed her hand on my shoulder, and from her misty eyes, I could tell how hard she was trying to control her tears.I turned to her, my eyes blazing with anger. "Calm down? You want me to calm down? Elodie's in there with a man who’s capable of doing……God k
My mind was a jumble of emotions as I stood there, frozen in shock. But as I gazed into the face of the man before me, a memory long buried rose to the surface. I was a child again, sitting on my father's lap, listening to his deep, rumbling voice as he read me a bedtime story. His eyes sparkled with amusement, his hands making animations, and his smile was warm and gentle. I felt safe, loved, and cherished."Elodie, my little star," he whispered, his breath tickling my ear.His voice cut through the daze, and I felt like I was dreaming. I wanted to believe I was dreaming. But as I looked into his eyes, I knew it was real. He was really there, standing in front of me, unchanged since the day he...since the day he died.I stumbled backward, my mind reeling. It couldn't be. My father was dead. I had mourned him, blamed myself for his death. The pain and guilt had haunted me for years.But there he was, not a day older, not a single strand of gray hair. His eyes, his smile, everything wa
Chase's face contorted in rage, his eyes blazing with fury. "I'll never let you go in there alone!" he thundered, his voice echoing through the night. My heart broke at the desperation in his eyes, and I rushed back to him, wrapping my arms around his waist."Chase, please," I whispered, burying my face in his chest. "I'll be fine. I promise."But he was beyond reason, and his body trembled with anger. "You're not going in there!" he shouted, his voice hoarse. "I won't let you!"He lightly pushed me away, his eyes scanning the warehouse as if daring the lone wolf to come out. "You want her?" he yelled, his voice carrying across the distance. "You want my mate? Come out and face me, you coward! If you think you're man enough!"The others tried to calm him down, but Chase was unstoppable. He paced back and forth, his eyes blazing with fury, the veins on his neck and forehead pulsing so hard I feared they would erupt. I tried to reason with him, but he wasn't listening."Chase, please,"
As we stepped out of the office, the crisp night air enveloped us, carrying the scent of damp earth and the distant howl of feral wolves that made my heart squeeze painfully. "We'll need to be discreet," Chase said, his voice low. "Let's shift."I nodded, the pain momentarily giving way to a thrill of excitement. My wolf stirred within me, eager to be free. I closed my eyes, focusing on the transformation. My body began to shift, my bones snapping, my muscles stretching. My senses heightened, and my skin itched as my fur grew.But as I opened my eyes, I realized everyone was staring at me. Laila's eyes were wide with wonder, and even Gideon's gruff expression softened. I felt a flush rise to my cheeks, but Chase's gaze was the only one that mattered. His eyes shone with pride, his face radiant with awe."Elodie," he whispered, his voice husky. "You're...breathtaking."My wolf, pure white and majestic, stood tall, her fur glistening in the moonlight. I felt a surge of power, of freedo
_Chase's POV_I stared at Elodie, my jaw clenched, and I felt myself about to snap in half with frustration. How could she be so stubborn? Didn't she understand the danger?But as I looked into her eyes, I saw something that made me pause. A fierce intensity burned within them, a determination that told me she would do this with or without my permission.I recalled my conversation with Laila earlier that evening, her words echoing in my mind."Chase, we've tried everything. We've lost so many pack members. This is the only way to stop the lone wolf," she'd said, her eyes solemn."I won't risk Elodie's life," I'd growled.Laila's expression had been somber. "I understand your concerns, but we can't keep running. We need to take a stand. And Elodie...she's the key. I don’t know how, but she is."I'd rejected the idea, but now, looking at Elodie, I realized that Laila might be right.The past 24 hours had seen more pack members go feral. The lone wolf's poison was spreading, and I knew w
I woke to darkness, the silence a heavy blanket that wrapped around me. My eyes adjusted slowly, and I made out the familiar contours of our bedroom. But it was the figure sitting beside me that made my heart skip a beat.Chase.His eyes, piercing in the dim light, locked onto mine. My panic, residual from the day's events, dissipated under his gaze."Hey," I whispered softly as if speaking too loud would break whatever spell his eyes had put me under.A soft smile creased Chase's face, but his eyes told a different story. They were dark, troubled.I pushed myself up, my movements cautious, my wolf senses on high alert. Chase's gaze never wavered, his focus solely on me."Hey," he replied, his voice low, husky.I reached out, my hand brushing against his jaw. His stubble prickled my fingertips, sending shivers down my spine."Couldn't sleep?" I asked, my brow furrowing.Chase shook his head, his eyes evading mine. "Just watching you."My smile faltered, sensing something was off. "Cha
_Chase’s POV_I held Elodie tight, her body trembling against mine. The room's stunned silence was a distant hum, my focus solely on my fragile mate.As the reality of what had just happened sunk in, Elodie's strength began to wane. Her legs buckled, and I swept her into my arms, cradling her like a child."Elodie, love, stay with me," I whispered, alarm coursing through my veins as her wolf grew weaker by the second.Her eyelids fluttered, her gaze unfocused. "Chase...""I'm here, baby," I replied, my voice shaking.Laila approached, her brows pinched together in concern, and her lips curled downward. "Chase, we need to—""Not now, Laila," I growled in a double voice, my wolf rising to protect our mate.Laila squinted her eyes at my tone, and I could almost hear the retort at the tip of her tongue, but she said instead, "Take care of her. We'll discuss the details later."I nodded, the pulse in my neck straining to burst, already striding out of the conference room.Elodie's head lol