Chapter 7 His Former Mates

(Soren)

The night was cold, but the chill I felt had nothing to do with the weather. As the newly-crowned Luna Cerelia lay sleeping beside me, I found no peace in her presence. The guilt gnawed at me, festering like an open wound. 

Hilda. The thought of her name was like a dagger to my heart, twisting deeper with every breath I took. 

I had made my decision. In a moment of desperation and confusion, I had convinced myself it was the right thing to do. Hilda had been in a coma for a year, and the mate bond had faded. When I met Cerelia, it felt like fate was giving me a second chance. But now, all I felt was regret. 

I couldn’t sleep. The image of Hilda’s eyes, filled with pain and betrayal, haunted me. I had promised her everything: love, loyalty, and the title of Luna. And I had taken it all away in the blink of an eye. Rising from the bed, I dressed quietly and slipped out into the night. 

The pack house was still and silent. I moved with purpose, heading towards the healer’s quarters where Hilda had been recovering. When I reached her room, the emptiness struck me like a blow. The bed was neatly made, and there was no sign of her. Panic surged through me as I turned on my heel and rushed to find someone who knew what had happened. 

I found the healer in the next room, preparing herbs for the next day. She looked up in surprise as I burst into the room. 

“Where is Hilda?” I demanded, my voice harsher than I intended. 

The healer’s eyes widened in fear. “She’s… she’s gone, Alpha Soren. Damon’s men took her. You gave her to him… remember?” 

The memory hit me like a punch to the gut. I had been so consumed by the Luna ceremony, the need to secure peace, and my misguided belief that Hilda would be better off away from me. But now, the reality of my actions was unbearable. 

“I didn’t… mean…” My voice trailed off, the words sounding hollow even to my own ears. I had to find her. I had to make this right. 

My heart pounded in my chest as I turned and ran from the kitchen, shifting into my wolf form as soon as I was outside. The night air was frigid, but I barely felt it as I raced through the forest, my senses on high alert.  

Hilda’s scent was faint but unmistakable. I followed it with desperation, pushing myself to run faster. The trail led me to a small clearing, and my heart sank at the sight. Blood stained the grass, and there were signs of a struggle. 

I shifted back to my human form and fell to my knees, my hands trembling as I touched the ground where she had lain. “Hilda,” I whispered, my voice breaking. I had failed her. 

Just then, a presence loomed behind me. I turned, ready to fight, but froze at the sight of the imposing figure standing there. Alpha King Arlo. 

“She’s mine now,” King Arlo announced, his voice deep and commanding. 

“King Arlo, what…” I started, but my words trailed off. I couldn’t breathe. The weight of my mistakes crashed down on me, and I knew there was no way to undo the damage I had caused. 

King Arlo turned away from me with a warning in his eyes. “Stay away,” he growled, and then he disappeared into the forest. 

I had lost Hilda. Forever. And it was my own fault. But isn’t this what I wanted? 

I stood there for what felt like an eternity, the cold night air biting at my skin. My mind replayed every moment with Hilda, from our childhood to the battlefield, to the promises we made. I had betrayed her in the worst possible way. 

I thought she wouldn’t wake up. I thought I was waiting in vain. I thought she was gone. I grieved for her before I met Cerelia. But now… now the consequences were staring me in the face. 

Turning back towards the pack house, I moved like a man possessed. I couldn’t leave things like this. I needed to find a way to make amends, even if it meant facing the wrath of the Alpha King. 

I had to try. But I have to do it discreetly, to keep her safe.

There had been rumors that the Alpha King’s temper is unpredictable. I can't give him any reason to hurt Hilda…

The dawn was breaking as I arrived back at the pack house. The celebration from the night before seemed like a distant memory, overshadowed by the weight of my guilt. Cerelia was waiting for me in the common room, her eyes wide with worry. 

“Soren, where have you been?” she asked, her voice trembling. 

“I need to find Hilda,” I said, my voice hoarse. “I need to make things right.” 

Cerelia’s face fell, her expression a mixture of hurt and confusion. “But Soren, we’re mates now. You can’t just leave.” 

“I’m not leaving,” I said, though the words felt hollow. “I just need to make sure she’s safe.” 

Cerelia looked at me for a long moment, then nodded slowly. She knew she couldn’t stop me. 

“Be careful,” she said softly, trying to hide the pain in her voice. “I don’t want anything to happen to you.” 

I don't deserve her. I don't deserve any of them.