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
The morning sunlight streamed through the mansion's windows, casting a warm glow over the opulent decor. Chase and I had decided to spend the day alone together, specifically saying he wanted a day away from pack duties and the problems challenging the pack, and just wanted us to spend time together. We aimed to create a perfect day, just for us.After a leisurely breakfast of scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and freshly squeezed orange juice, Chase suggested a ride through the surrounding woods. I agreed, eager to escape the confines of the mansion and reconnect with nature.The maids were still cold towards me, but Chase had reassured me that I had nothing to worry.We walked to the stables, hand-in-hand, the crisp air filling our lungs. The scent of freshly cut grass and blooming wildflowers enveloped us as we strolled along the winding path. This place was a good reprieve from the noisy city with hooting vehicles and heavy traffic I was accustomed to. I felt really connected to natu
_Chase’s POV_I woke up to the warmth of Elodie's body beside me, her gentle breathing caressing the hairs on my chest. Last night's passion still lingered. My heart swelled as I stared at her, and I didn’t realize I could love her a bit more each day.But reality beckoned. Today was the council meeting, and I couldn't afford to be late. I gently extricated myself from Elodie's embrace, trying not to disturb her.But she woke up, her eyes fluttering open. She sat up, rubbing her eyes as she yawned and stretched, making the sheets to fall from her chest, revealing her full, ample breasts.Fuck. I became hard immediately.“Are you leaving?” She asked, her voice dripping with sleep, not realizing what she was doing to my body.“Yeah,” I replied absentmindedly, not taking my eyes off her breasts.“Like now?” She pouted.I guess being late wouldn’t be so bad.I crawled back to the bed, settling myself between her legs, and her loud giggles filled the air, fueling my desire.I closed my mou
Fear.Fear was all I knew. It was so strong in the air, rolling out of me in waves, I could almost taste it on my tongue.My feet thumped wildly on the wet grass, my lungs constricted, begging me to fill them with air, but I couldn’t.I was running through a dense forest, barefoot and alone. The moon cast eerie shadows on the trees, making them seem like skeletal fingers reaching for me.Suddenly, a snarling creature emerged from the darkness. Its eyes glowed like embers, and its fur was matted and twisted.I ran, my legs pumping, but the creature gained ground. Its hot breath wafted towards me, reeking of decay, and the hairs on the back of my neck stood erect.As I darted between trees, branches scratched my skin, and leaves crunched beneath my feet. The creature's growls grew louder, closer.I stumbled upon a clearing and saw a figure in the distance – Chase. I called out to him, but he didn't respond.The creature closed in, its jaws snapping mere inches from my skin. I felt its t
_Chase’s POV_I held Elodie close, her body trembling against mine. "What's going on, Elodie?" I asked, my voice laced with concern.She shook her head, her eyes wide with confusion. "I don't know, Chase. I just...felt something."Her words trailed off, leaving me with more questions, and we both stared into space where the creature had ran into.We walked back to the manor in silence, the moon casting eerie shadows.Elodie's behavior had been erratic lately.The dream, the rabbit, the unsettling feeling.She jumped each time I touch her. She was scared.But of what?As we entered the manor, Laila awaited us. "Chase, we need to talk," she said, her expression serious."Later, Laila," I replied, guiding Elodie upstairs.Elodie needed me, and nothing else mattered at that moment.Elodie's hand slipped from mine. "Chase, I'm scared," she whispered.I grasped Elodie's trembling hands, my eyes locked on hers. "Elodie, what's happening to you?" I asked, desperation creeping into my voice.H
I woke to the warmth of sunlight streaming through the windows, casting a golden glow across the room. The soft breeze carried the sweet scent of blooming flowers from the garden below, filling my senses with tranquility, and I took a deep breath, savoring the peaceful moment.Chase's side of the bed was empty, but his scent lingered, a subtle reminder of his presence. I stretched, feeling a sense of calm wash over me, like the ebbing tide soothing the shore.Yesterday's fears seemed distant, irrational, like a fleeting nightmare that vanishes with dawn's light. I threw off the covers and padded to the bathroom, my bare feet sinking into the plush carpet.As I splashed water on my face, my reflection stared back, eyes no longer wild, skin no longer pale. The mirror revealed a more serene version of myself, one who had her mind on the right track.I took a deep breath, letting the calm settle within me. Maybe I was just stressed, overwhelmed by this new world. Chase's world. The world
_Chase’s POV_As I wrapped my arms around Elodie in the garden, the scent of blooming flowers enveloped us, calming my restless wolf. The warm sunlight danced across her face, illuminating the gentle curves of her features, and I felt a flutter in my chest. Her smile had eased my concerns, but I knew better than to trust it entirely. Something was bothering her, lingering beneath the surface like a subtle storm.Recently, she had been acting differently. Strange even. But I couldn’t create a crack in her walls no matter how hard I tried."Hey, what's on your mind?" I asked, my voice low and gentle, as I nuzzled her neck, and took a deep breath of her scent.Elodie's gaze drifted upward, her eyes locking onto mine. "Just enjoying the moment," she replied, her smile faltering for an instant. Her voice trembled slightly, betraying her attempt at nonchalance.I sensed the unease beneath her words, like a whispered secret."Elodie, you know I can sense when you're not telling me the truth
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