Elara had run all her life from the curse she bore—the witch and the wolf.
When she descended the stairs, the hospital was eerily quiet. The main healer, Tamara, was lounging on the sofa, a cup of wine in her hands. Soft music played in the background, creating an atmosphere so serene it almost seemed impossible that the stern, cold healer, known for her unflinching demeanor when it came to treatments, could be so relaxed.
"Elara. Come, sit with me," Tamara said, patting the space beside her with an unexpected, rare smile. Elara hesitated, surprised by the softness in her tone.
"I've been too hard on you lately," Tamara continued, a sigh escaping her lips. "My son, he was a warrior who died long ago in the Shadowborn pack's raid. They haven't attacked since, but now…" She trailed off, her voice thick with the weight of old wounds. Elara blinked, surprised by the vulnerability in the woman's voice. She instinctively reached out and rubbed her hand, her touch a silent comfort.
"He would've had a mate like you," Tamara said, her smile full of more sorrow than warmth. Elara's curse let her feel the deepest emotions of those around her, and right now, it flooded her chest with an ache she couldn't explain.
"You don't need a house, Elara. You can live here with me. I'll adopt you." The words weren't a question or a request—they were a decree. Elara knew Tamara well enough to understand that this wasn't up for debate. The woman truly cared, and that understanding made Elara's throat tighten with emotion.
"Callen is a good warrior," Tamara added, her tone shifting as she continued, "He's kind and caring. He'll be the next beta soon. If you don't find your mate, he would be a perfect choice. But I hope you wait for your mate first. You're still young. What if you regret choosing him later?" Her hand gently rubbed Elara's, her voice a soft murmur of concern.
Tamara paused, a thoughtful look in her eyes before she spoke again. "Callen is a hopeless romantic. I thought he'd wait for his mate. But now… he's smitten by you." A sly grin tugged at her lips, the playful note in her voice making Elara's heart flutter in unexpected ways.
"He is important to the pack," Elara admitted quietly. That was the only thing keeping her from accepting his advances. She longed to stay hidden from the pack's eyes, unnoticed and unimportant. But Callen... he made her feel seen.
Tamara's eyes softened, her smile warm and knowing. "Yes, he is. But if he chooses you, he will protect you. Don't let your past or your fears cloud your decision."
Tamara's words were filled with such warmth and care that Elara felt her breath catch. If only this intimacy, this closeness, were real. If only she could open her heart the way Tamara had. But Elara knew better than anyone—her curse, her past, the wolf inside her—none of it would let her embrace this life.
"Tamara…" Elara's voice wavered, thick with unspoken fears. "I have something to confess." The tears she had been holding back came to the surface, her eyes glossing with the weight of her secret.
Tamara turned, concern flooding her face. "What is it, Elara?"
Her chest tightened. She had barely known Tamara for a month, yet this woman had shown her more care than anyone else ever had. She had told Elara about her deceased son, about her desire to adopt her. Surely, she could trust her with this?
Elara opened her mouth to speak but was interrupted by a knock at the door.
"Callen, again?" Tamara muttered under her breath, though Elara could hear the excitement hidden in her voice. She tried to push down the fluttering in her stomach. Could it be Callen, finally coming to confess? His advances had been frequent, but she hadn't been ready to face him yet. What if she wasn't ready? What if—
"What happened?" Tamara's voice, full of worry, snapped Elara out of her thoughts. She followed Tamara outside, only to find two warriors she had treated earlier.
The warriors paused when they saw her, and Elara instinctively took a step back.
"It's late, I'll return to my room," she said, but Tamara gripped her hand, stopping her.
"No, we need you here. The more, the better. Tell me what happened," Tamara insisted, her voice firm yet laced with concern. The warrior before them didn't hesitate, his voice steady and grave.
"The Shadowborn pack sent a letter," he said, his tone serious. "Their alpha is coming to meet us. He claims he's searching for his mate and believes she's here." The words hit Elara like a blow. Her heart skipped a beat.
The warrior continued, his voice filled with dread. "We are to gather every woman in the pack. The alpha will meet with each one to determine who his mate is." His eyes flickered briefly to Elara before narrowing in concern. He wasn't suspicious of her, but he was worried for her. Elara felt a knot form in her stomach.
Tamara's face darkened as the weight of the words settled over them both. "Tomorrow. Midnight. The gong will sound at his arrival."
The warrior left soon after, and the hall was left in a heavy silence. The whispers around them were filled with fear. Tamara pulled Elara inside, her hands trembling slightly with anger.
"That vile creature…" Tamara hissed under her breath. "I've heard he's killed three wives already." Her grip tightened around Elara's hand, her voice now full of fury. "You must choose Callen before he arrives. I won't let him defile you."
Elara's breath hitched. She wanted to laugh it off, to reassure Tamara that she wasn't the alpha's mate, but the weight of Tamara's words made it impossible.
"I'm sure I'm not his mate," Elara said softly, but Tamara didn't share her certainty.
"How are you so sure?" Tamara demanded, her eyes sharp. "Do you even know who your true mate is?"
Elara fell silent, her thoughts racing. She couldn't choose her mate—not Luca, not Callen. She couldn't— shouldn't—be with anyone. Not with her curse. Not with what she carried inside her.
Tamara's eyes softened when she saw Elara's hesitation, her concern deepening. "I'm sorry if I sound panicked," she said, her voice thick with emotion. "But you would never want a future with a monster, Elara. Callen is the best choice for you. If I were in your shoes, I would have chosen him already."