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Chapter 33 : I Love You
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2023-07-01 14:04:15Related chapters
The Alpha's Orphaned Mate Chapter 34 : The Rogue
*Estelle* Gabe followed me up the stairs toward our bedroom. We were both exhausted, physically and emotionally. I was angry that he would doubt me, but I understood it. If I thought that he was interested in someone else, it would hurt. Besides, Isolde was good at getting under people's skin. She seemed to be able to tell what a person was most insecure about and use it against them. She'd done it to me and I'd broken her nose. The fact that Gabe felt insecure about our relationship bothered me. Looking at him, you would never guess that he could feel insecure about anything. Gabe was stunning to look at, and his deep voice was practically hypnotic. He effortlessly commanded every room he entered. He was intelligent and charismatic. Insecure was the last word I'd use to describe him.From what I'd learned of Gabe's childhood, expressing his emotions wasn't exactly encouraged. There was no way to know how much he'd been hiding. His face wasn't guarded now. He looked miserabl
Last Updated : 2023-07-01The Alpha's Orphaned Mate Chapter 35 : Dealing with Isolde
*Gabe* Val leaned heavily on the door frame and breathed heavily. His shirt was hanging open and his shoes were untied, making it clear that he was pulled out of bed. "We have to get to the border," he said frantically. "They've caught the rogue." I looked at Estelle, but she was already waving me out. "Go get the bastard," she said. Val nodded enthusiastically. "They're holding him at the checkpoint," he explained. "I'm right behind you," I said. I grabbed my shirt from the floor and slipped my shoes on before following Val down the stairs. He hurried out the door as soon as he knew I was following. The moment we were out, we both broke into a run. Val was ahead of me, as he always was. This wasn't even full speed for him. We wove around the trees as we ran. My heart was hammering from the adrenaline coursing through me. I couldn't detect any unfamiliar scents, but I could tell that a large number of people were gathered nearby. We reached the checkpoint and fo
Last Updated : 2023-07-01The Alpha's Orphaned Mate Chapter 36 : Stripped
*Gabe* The adrenaline of the encounter with the rogue was wearing off by the time I reached home. I was exhausted, but there was too much to be done for me to sleep. Estelle apparently felt the same sense of immediacy, because she was waiting for me just inside the door. She looked relieved to see me. "What happened?" she asked anxiously. "It was the same rogue that attacked you," I confirmed. She looked upset, but not surprised. I pulled her into my arms and kissed the top of her head. We were alone, and I wanted the comfort of holding her just as much as she wanted to be held. She wrapped her arms around me and sighed heavily. "I'm glad he was caught, but it's terrifying to think that he's been trying to get to me this entire time." I had to wonder how much this had been weighing on her mind. So much had happened in the past few months, it was hard to even keep track. "We can't lower our guard," I said. "We don't know if he's the only one." I didn't want to add t
Last Updated : 2023-07-01The Alpha's Orphaned Mate Chapter 37 : Poisoned Minds
*Val* It was mid-autumn, and the evening was cold and crisp. The cool air normally helped to clear my mind, but even that wasn't enough to calm my racing thoughts today. It had been two days since Gabe announced his decision about Isolde. I was surprised by how lenient he was, but I had a feeling Estelle was responsible for that. Nevertheless, there was unrest in the pack about the announcement. It had been years since anyone had been ousted from their position. Isolde had her supporters, and they didn't believe that she had lied to Gabe. Isolde went out of her way to help around the community. I could see why it would be difficult to reconcile her good deeds with the harm she'd done. There was debate throughout the village. Some had overheard the argument between Charles and Gabe. As a result, many praised Estelle for choosing to show mercy. The unrest wasn't as severe as the rumors that had circulated when Esetlle first arrived. I suspected that was due to Isolde's silenc
Last Updated : 2023-07-01The Alpha's Orphaned Mate Chapter 38 : It's Not Over Yet
*Estelle* Things in the village were quiet for the past few days. It seemed that the initial unrest after Isolde's punishment was starting to die down. I was nervous about going out on my own for a few days after. The memory of the riot at the craft fair and the painful bruise on my ribs made me weary of venturing too far from Gabe or Val. But Val had invited me to visit Lucky at their house, and I couldn't pass up the opportunity. I was so excited about her pregnancy and I wanted to ask her a million questions. I'd tried to be polite about it, but I know she'd seen how overeager I was. She was nice about the whole thing and just laughed when Val finally asked me to stop. I was embarrassed. I hadn't meant to get personal, I was just fascinated. I wasn't ready to have a baby anytime soon, but I knew that I wanted to one day. Val had offered to walk me home, but I'd declined. I wanted to stop by the inn and see Mama Iida first, and I wasn't about to ask him to stand around waiti
Last Updated : 2023-07-01The Alpha's Orphaned Mate Chapter 39 : Loss of a Reputation
*Estelle* My heart was pounding in my chest. Val was enraged in a way I'd never seen him. I felt frozen to the spot as the weight of the confrontation hit me. The men who had accompanied Charles looked just as uncertain and startled as I was. Gradually, they backed away from Val. None of them wanted to anger him further, and I didn't blame them. After an uncertain moment, the men followed Charles. Once Charles and the strange men were far enough away not to pose an immediate threat, Val turned to me. "Are you alright?" he asked. The look of rage fell from his face as if it had never been there, and concern took its place. "I'm fine," I said softly. "Just a little freaked out. That was intense." I shook my head in an attempt to clear it. "What do you think he meant?" I asked softly. "I'm not sure," Val said. He looked as concerned as I felt. "If he knows about my parents and he starts telling people, won't the pack be upset? Considering the history with Bear Lake…"
Last Updated : 2023-07-01The Alpha's Orphaned Mate Chapter 40 : Back to Bear Lake
*Val* Estelle was spending a lot of time with Lucky and I was grateful for it. As her pregnancy progressed, it was harder for me to understand what she was experiencing. I did my best to take care of her and make sure that she didn't have to lift a finger if she didn't want to, but there was only so much that I could do. Having another woman to talk to about her experience helped. Estelle was so fascinated with the entire process. I knew it wouldn't be long before Gabe had a little one on the way, too. The pack was finally stable enough that it felt safe for us to start a family. My anxiety over the pregnancy was driving me a little mad. I did my best to hide it from Lucky. I didn't want her to have any additional stress to manage. The best thing that I could do to assuage my fears was to prepare for our pup's arrival. It was still many months away, but it was never too early to get ready. I'd already renovated the guest room in our home to be a nursery. There was no furnit
Last Updated : 2023-07-01The Alpha's Orphaned Mate Chapter 41 : A Missing Mate
*Gabe* The preparations for the delegation from Crystal Lake were completed yesterday, but it had done nothing to settle my nerves. We haven't hosted a delegation for more than a night or two since I became the Alpha. I wasn't sure what to expect. I went to the inn early this morning to check in with Mama Iida. She assured me that everything was ready for the guests. Estelle had gone ahead to meet with Lucky and help her prepare for her parents' arrival. I was glad that I was able to arrange for her parents to join the delegation. With her first pup on the way, I knew that having her parents nearby would be comforting to her. Val was clearly excited that they were coming. His parents both passed away years ago, so Lucky's were the only grandparents the pup would have. Preserving the family bonds that we could was important to both of us. It was the least I could do for Val in light of everything he'd taken on for the pack. I had expected Val to join me this morning, but he
Last Updated : 2023-07-01
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The Alpha's Orphaned Mate Chapter 50 : Together
*Estelle* The scent of herbs and smoke was strong in the dimly lit room. Edwyna had left me alone in the small ritual room. I had flowers woven in my hair and I was dressed in an elaborate embroidered white gown. I was sitting cross-legged in the center of the room and staring at a candle as it flickered. I was supposed to pick a spot to look at and clear my mind. Edwyna assured me that a vision would come, but she wasn't able to tell me how long it would take. I had no idea how long I'd been sitting in here. I could hear that the feast in the town square was in full swing. The sound of music and laughter was muffled through the walls, but it was present. I loved hearing the pack celebrating. Their joy made me proud. It wasn't as though all of our problems were over. There were still mysteries that haunted us. There were fears that wouldn't be easy to assuage. Now that we knew the Bear Lake pack had survived in the form of the Bear Island settlement, many in the pack were u
The Alpha's Orphaned Mate Chapter 49 : Marry Me
*Estelle* "Are you sure you're feeling better?" Lucky asked. She looked skeptical as she pulled the stethoscope away from my chest. It had been nearly two weeks since the day Charles was banished. It was strange to think of how much everything had changed in that time. I was finally feeling better and Gabe had brought me to Lucky for one more check-up. He was hesitant to believe that the danger had really passed. I didn't really blame him, but I couldn't help but tease him for the overprotective and doting way he'd cared for me. "I'm not at 100%," I said. "But I do feel much better." "Alright," she said with a sigh. "Then you're free to go with no further restrictions. If you notice any heart palpitations or weakness, you are to tell me right away," she said sternly. "Yes, ma'am," I said with a laugh. "Thank you, Lucky." I turned to Gabe and smiled. "You hear that?" "I heard," he said with an eye roll. "So you'll have to stop hovering over me like I'm some Vict
The Alpha's Orphaned Mate Chapter 48 : Trial for the Ages
*Estelle* I had been struggling to remain conscious when Giles had rushed me to the examination table, so I didn't remember much of what happened. My heart was beating slowly and it felt like I couldn't get a full breath. Lucky had rushed to my side, and I'd felt the punch of a needle being administered to my chest. I know that it was adrenaline because Lucky told me later. It had burned, and the way my heart had sped up was alarming. I thought that I was going to die. Thanks to Lucky, I survived the poison. She was truly a miracle worker. The knife was going to leave me with a scar, but it was a small price to pay for protecting Gabe. I had to stay with the healers for a couple of days before I was allowed to go home with Gabe. It was a little surreal being stuck in the bed beside Charles. He'd been unconscious for the most part, but it was still uncomfortable. Giles had made the decision to amputate Charles's right arm above the elbow. Gabe had crushed and splintere
The Alpha's Orphaned Mate Chapter 47 : Killer Instincts
*Gabe* The smell of Estelle's blood filled the air, and it was all that I could sense. I was frozen in shock and fear as I watched her lift her head and stare at Charles. I'd only looked away for a moment. It was a novice mistake. I knew better than to take my eyes off an opponent in a fight. "You look just like your mother," Charles said. He was looking at Estelle like she was garbage, like it wasn't worth the time it was taking him to kill her. It filled me with a rage I'd never felt before. He yanked the dagger out and Estelle gasped softly and put her hand over the wound. "But you're going to die like your father!" He raised the dagger to strike her again. The world went still around me. My heart was hammering into my ribs. The taste of copper was stinging my tongue. Estelle's breathing was all that I could hear, and I could smell the fear that overtook her. I would not lose my mate. I jumped at Charles and sunk my teeth into his arm. His dagger clattered to the g
The Alpha's Orphaned Mate Chapter 46 : A Luna is Born
*Estelle* I watched Gabe run out onto the street, helpless to stop him. The prick of the needle in Lucky's hand brought me back to the moment. Val needed me right now. As soon as I was able, I would go after Gabe. I could hear shouting from outside. It was impossible to know what it was about. So much had just happened. I looked at Lucky. She was completely concentrated on what she was doing. Being able to help Val when he was in this state must have been comforting and terrifying. I couldn't imagine the fear and pressure she was feeling. "Val," she said. "Keep your eyes on me, sweetie." "Where else would they be?" he asked weakly. Lucky smiled at him, but I could tell it was forced. Val looked so weak. It was terrible to see him like this. "Thank you," I said softly. It probably wasn't appropriate given the situation, but I had to let him know that I was grateful for what he'd done. Val looked at me and nodded. "I'm glad that I was able to get some answers." He la
The Alpha's Orphaned Mate Chapter 45 : Answers for the Past
*Val* After going over more details and documentation with Astra, I had a much clearer picture of the tragedy that had unfolded. I had left Bear Island with a promise to return. I had left Astra with the few documents I'd brought with me and promised to bring more. As I'd thought, they had very few records remaining. She'd asked me not to pass through the old village on my way out. It was treated as a memorial for those who had died in the battle. The same men rowed me back across the water. They seemed much less tense this time, and the taller man shook my hand when I disembarked. I secured my bag around my shoulders and shifted. It was a long run home, but I needed to get there soon. Lucky was going to be furious with me for being late to meet her parents. Despite the fact that I hadn't slept, I was making good time. The sun was still low in the sky and I was halfway home already. I considered taking a break, but I decided against it. The forest had been calm all morning,
The Alpha's Orphaned Mate Chapter 44 : Gone Rogue
*Gabe* Estelle had trouble getting back to sleep after her conversation with Edwyna. We managed a couple of hours before I had to be up for feast preparations. The children at the school were entertaining our guests for now. I was fielding questions and finalizing the plan for tonight, but I was having a hard time focusing. Val still hadn't returned and neither had Charles. I tried not to think about the worst that could happen to them. I regretted not going after Val myself every second that he was gone. Lucky was holding up incredibly well. She was a strong woman, but I knew that she was scared. She'd told her parents that Val had to take care of a last-minute issue. Being the Beta is a big responsibility; I think her father was impressed, though he tried to hide it. Estelle was with Edwyna, discussing her vision in detail now that she was calmer. I didn't know if she would be able to identify the traitor. Nearly twenty years had passed since the night her visions took pl
The Alpha's Orphaned Mate Chapter 43 : With the Help of the Goddess
*Estelle* The concrete had injured my paws, but I couldn't stop running. He was still following me. The city wasn't far now; my only hope was to lose him there. My body was seized by a muscle spasm and I stumbled. I lay on my side, shocked by the bizarre sensation that had hit me. Realization came over me slowly and with it, came horror. The sensation hit again and I knew; I was going into labor. I got to my feet and ran. The contractions were sporadic and slowed me down each time they hit, but I pushed through them and kept running. I would not let him catch me. I would not let my baby be hurt. There were houses around me, but I didn't stop moving. I shifted to my human form as I continued to run forward. I could only pray that someone would see me and intervene. My hands and feet were bloody and I held my stomach as I ran. I was off-balance in this form, but I was so afraid a human would shoot me if they saw a wolf in their neighborhood. I could feel my baby kicking a
The Alpha's Orphaned Mate Chapter 42 : Stella's Baby
*Val* Surprisingly, I made better time than I expected on my run to Bear Lake. It was most likely because of the sense of urgency that took a hold of me, but I still couldn't help but be impressed with myself. When I knew that I was close to the old village, I shifted out of my wolf form. I took the canvas bag from around my shoulders and quickly dressed. I didn't smell anyone nearby, but there were so many wildflowers around that I didn't trust my sense of smell. I took a moment to steel my nerves and then continued into the village. It certainly seemed to be abandoned. The houses were overgrown with moss and vines, and most of the wooden features, like roofs and windows, were beginning to rot. It was eerie, like stepping into a ghost town. I didn't remember the layout of the village very well, since I had only visited a few times when I was a kid. I headed in the direction that I thought the pack house was in. I didn't have high hopes that I would find many intact records, b
