_Chase’s POV_I caught Elodie as she collapsed, her body limp in my arms. I held her close, feeling her erratic heartbeat against my chest. My own heart was racing, filled with worry and fear."Elodie," I whispered, my voice shaking. I scooped her up, cradling her in my arms, and strode back to the hotel room. The city lights blurred around me, a kaleidoscope of colors that seemed to mock my despair.As I laid her on the bed, I couldn't help but think about the look of horror in her eyes. "You're a monster," she'd said. The words cut deep, but I knew I deserved them. I'd kept my true nature hidden, afraid of losing her. Now, I'd lost her trust, maybe forever.I sat beside her, gently brushing her hair back. She was so fragile, so human. And I'd dragged her into my world, a world of darkness and danger. The weight of my responsibility crushed me.Elodie's face, pale and exhausted, haunted me. I'd seen the fear in her eyes, the revulsion. How could I expect her to understand? To accept
As I stared at Chase's hand, wrapped around mine, a flutter danced in my chest. His touch sent shivers down my spine, but not fear. Not this time. A spark of curiosity ignited within me, illuminating the dark corners of my mind where doubts and uncertainty lurked.But I pushed it all down.I looked up at Chase, and our eyes met in a silent understanding. The same piercing gaze that had captivated me from the start now held a deeper significance. I saw the same man I'd fallen for – the same strong jawline, the same chiseled features. But now, I knew his secret."I'm scared, Chase," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. The words trembled on my lips, vulnerable and exposed.Chase's grip tightened, his fingers intertwining with mine. "I know," he whispered back, his breath caressing my skin. "But I'll never hurt you." His promise was a lifeline, thrown into the turbulent sea of my emotions.I wanted to believe him. I wanted to trust him. To trust that the monster he'd revealed was
Chase's eyes widened, his face pale, as if I'd uttered a death sentence. "Elodie, no," he whispered, his voice laced with desperation. "You can't stay with me."I stood firm, my resolve strengthened by our shared moments. I knew what I wanted. I wanted him, and I couldn’t even imagine a life where he wasn’t there."Why not? Or don’t you want me?" I asked, my voice steady.“Fuck, no!” He refuted with wide eyes. Chase's hands grasped my shoulders, his touch burning with urgency, and his eyes softened. "You're human, Elodie. You're vulnerable. My world is full of dangers, and I won't risk losing you."His words painted a vivid picture of the perils that lurked in the shadows, but I refused to back down. "I've seen the dangers, Chase. I've faced them with you. And I'd rather die by your side than live without you."My heart pounded with each word, but I knew this was what I wanted as well as I knew my name.Chase's face contorted, his eyes pleading. "Don't say that. You don't understand—"
_Chase’s POV_As I woke to Elodie's gentle breathing, her body nestled against mine, a sense of serenity washed over me. Our naked bodies flushed as one, our legs tangled, our hearts still beating in sync, like two rhythms harmonizing in perfect symphony. I smiled, feeling the weight of my worries slowly lifting, like the morning fog burning off under the warm sun.Last night had been more than just love-making – it was a promise. A promise to protect her, to love her, and to keep her safe from any danger that lurked in my world. And I would stop at nothing to honor that vow, to shield her from harm, and to make her feel cherished and adored.As I gazed at Elodie's serene face, my wolf stirred, content and calm, its fierce protectiveness temporarily lulled to sleep. For the first time in years, I felt whole, like the fractured pieces of my soul had finally merged into a cohesive whole. She had accepted me, flaws and all, and I knew I'd spend eternity making her happy, ensuring her smi
As we stepped into the grand foyer, I felt like I'd entered a fairy tale. The high ceilings, rustic beams, and sprawling windows left me breathless. Chase's hand tightened around mine, his warm touch reassuring."Welcome home," he whispered, his eyes sparkling.I smiled, trying to process the surreal reality. This magnificent house was now my home?“Is this really yours?” I whispered under my breath.“Now, it’s yours too,” Chase said, and I could hear the smile in his voice.I always knew there was something about Chase. Something about his aura, his command, and his voice that one could mistake for arrogance, that hinted at the kind of power he controlled, but never would I have expected him to be this wealthy and powerful.We entered the foyer, where a trio of maids stood poised, their faces a picture of politeness, their hair in a slick, tight bun. But their eyes betrayed them – flicking to Chase, then back to me, filled with curiosity and a hint of disdain.I didn’t exactly know w
_Chase’s POV_I froze, Elodie still in my arms, as Vivian's icy gaze pierced through me. Her presence was like a slap in the face, a harsh reminder of what I really way. Who I really was.Vivian's beauty was undeniable – porcelain skin, raven hair, and sapphire eyes that once captivated me. But now, her allure felt tainted, a facade masking the toxic reality beneath."Vivian," I acknowledged, my voice neutral, as I gently set Elodie down.Sensing the tension in the air, Elodie tried to wiggle her hand away from my grasp. “I’ll just…..”“Stay,” I stopped her. “Please.”She bit her bottom lips, and her hand instinctively sought mine, her touch a lifeline in the midst of this brewing storm.I turned back to Vivian, her eyes razor-sharp as she glared daggers at our intertwined hands."So the rumors are true?" Vivian repeated, her voice dripping with venom. "You brought a human, a mere mortal, here. You've abandoned our arrangement for...this...human? A child no less!” She spat icily.I st
I gazed up at Chase, his eyes burning with intensity as he explained the concept of a mate. His words resonated deep within me, and for a moment, a fleeting fear crawled into my mind.What if he finds his fates mate down the line?Chase seemed to sense my fear, and his eyes softened. His lips moved to speak, but then, the maid's interruption shattered the spell."Alpha, Laila is waiting outside to see you."Chase's expression shifted, his jaw tightening. His eyes, once warm and open, turned guarded."Excuse me," he said, his voice clipped as he moved me away from his hold.I suddenly felt cold, and it wasn’t from the air conditioning.I sensed a change in him, a subtle withdrawal. It was as if he'd erected a wall, shutting me out."I think it's time for you to get some rest," Chase said, his tone gentle but firm.I searched his eyes, but it was blank and unreadable, giving nothing away.I nodded, feeling a pang of disappointment. We'd been in the middle of something important.As I st
_Chase’s POV_I stepped into my office, shutting the door behind me. The familiar scent of leather and wood enveloped me, a comforting respite from the turmoil brewing within.My mind lingered on Elodie, her fears and doubts etched on her face last night. I'd wanted to reassure her, but Laila's unexpected arrival had interrupted us.Now, as I sat behind my desk, I couldn't shake off the feeling that I'd left Elodie vulnerable.My gaze drifted to the papers scattered across my desk, reports on pack security and alliances as well as the statistics of ailing werewolves. But my focus kept straying to Elodie.Why did I react that way when Laila's name was mentioned?Fear.Fear of what Laila's visions might reveal.Fear of losing Elodie.My mind went back to the conversation with Laila last night. When she’d mentioned Elodie, there was no surprise or even apprehension in her voice. Only intrigue, and a hint of knowing.“The girl….why did you bring her?” She’d asked.But before I could respo
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