Kevin’s POV
Ella had undergone significant changes; she had grown, emanating resilience and confidence that had matured during the years unknown to me. At the thought of this, guilt overwhelmed me. Beta Ariana, before her death, entrusted me with taking care of her, a promise I broke.
Her appearance had changed drastically too. Her hair had turned golden, and her eyes were now a light hazel, similar to her mother’s, portraying a beautiful mother wolf. The overwhelming rush of emotions almost made me tear up; I felt an urge to hug her, my wolf stirring with excitement.
The feeling of regaining what was lost was damn satisfying, Kevin! Our mate is beautiful, sexier than any mother wolf we’ve seen before, right?
I silently agreed within me, captivated by Ella. Greedily, I breathed in her scent, but her vigilant and angry gaze prevented me from embracing her and taking her back to the Blood Moon Pack.
Hey, quickly talk to her, tell her your thoughts, express your apologies, beg for her forgiveness.
My wolf was getting impatient.
I was a little nervous, and didn’t know where to start explaining, not wanting to scare her. With a foolish smile, I babbled some nonsense.
“Sweetheart, you are so charming tonight. I have to say, you are the most beautiful wolf I have ever seen.”
Ella didn’t respond, just stared at me. Okay, good, at least she didn’t slap me or curse at me. It was a decent start, I reassured myself.
“Well, Ella, I’m sure you’ve guessed it by now,” I removed my mask, “Long time no see, Ella, you look beautiful now.”
Finally, she reacted, shocking me by being able to speak. Her muteness was cured!
I’m truly amazed, I gaze at her mouth, and every word that comes out of it is so captivating, crisp, and gentle. I have to say her voice fascinates me; I want to talk to her more and listen to her voice more. Now, I am filled with curiosity about her, eager to know what she has experienced in these five years. I want to ask her many questions. However, the upcoming twist renders me speechless; all my words are choked up.
Just as I was ecstatic, she claimed she wasn’t Ella but Anna Edwards. I couldn’t accept it; I believed she was lying. Then, we fell into argument, leaving me terrified that she harbored such hatred towards me.
“… Have you heard about the Second Chance? I believe all werewolves know that after one side rejects the other, the Moon Goddess arranges a second mate for them…”
Until she said these words, I began to waver.
Second mate…
I had never thought that the mother wolf in front of me might be my second mate. Considering her differences in body language and appearance, she indeed was different from my impression of Ella.
As I realized this, a sense of loss almost choked me.
“Second mate?” I murmured, unable to conceal my inner sadness, hoping that if she was truly Ella, she would stop this torturous joke.
Five years of long waiting felt like an eternity for me. I couldn’t accept that the sensing of my wolf and the Red Witch’s divination about my mate was, in fact, the Moon Goddess’s provision of a Second mate. If this woman was that damned Anna Edwards, then where was my Ella?
“Yes, second mate. Honestly, my wolf does sense yours. Although it’s a coincidence, it seems the Moon Goddess has chosen me as your second mate. But I must clarify, I won’t be anyone’s substitute.”
As she continued to speak, each denial of her being Ella pierced my heart like a knife.
Then, I was in such anguish that I could hardly speak. I still couldn’t accept everything that had happened. Then, she told me her grandmother was waiting at home, and she needed to leave.
Kevin, pull yourself together. Don’t let emotions engulf your rationality.
My wolf jumped out to speak.
Anna’s POV
I returned to the clinic, feeling annoyed as Kevin and his Beta followed.
“Grandma, I’m back.”
“Anna, who are these two male wolves?” Camila looked at Kevin and his Beta behind me with suspicion. In fact, the day after I could speak, Camila already knew the secret of recovery, and I had no intention of hiding it from her. She is now the most trustworthy person for me. She respected my ideas and did not expose me in front of other werewolves.
But now, because of Kevin, I have to expose it.
I shrugged, “I don’t know. I just met them at the bonfire party. It seems they mistook me for a friend.”
I couldn’t drive Kevin away, but with Grandma’s personality, they wouldn’t be able to handle it.
“Huh? Mistook you for a friend?” Camila looked at me and then at Kevin, with an expression as if she was looking at fools. “Young men, leave now.”
Kevin didn’t say anything; his blue eyes just gloomily stared at me, standing behind me.
“Hi, madam. There might be a misunderstanding,” Kevin’s Beta spoke and bowed respectfully. “We’re sorry for disturbing you at this late hour. We actually followed your granddaughter here because my friend is suffering from a peculiar illness. We came seeking treatment.”
The Beta gestured towards Kevin, who was momentarily taken aback. “Yes, I am indeed afflicted with an unspeakable strange illness. We’ve heard of your exceptional medical skills and specifically came to visit. We apologize for the disruption, madam.”
What? An unspeakable strange illness. I looked at Kevin and his Beta in astonishment; they seemed like a scam.
“Sir, we’re just a regular clinic; we may not necessarily be able to help, so please lea-”
“This is just our deposit. If you cure the illness, we can offer three times this amount as compensation.” The Beta took out a pouch from his pocket and handed it to Camila.
Camila opened the pouch, her eyes lighting up at the sight of it filled with coins.
“Well, well, since it’s a misunderstanding, as healthcare providers, we certainly won’t ignore any sincere patient seeking treatment. Come in, young men. You can stay here tonight,” Camila said, satisfied, clutching the pouch.
“But, Grandma…” I tried to stop her.
“Anna, now go prepare guest rooms for our esteemed guests.”
“Fine, ” I frowned, glaring at Kevin and his Beta.
The light was dim in the small clinic. After Camila received the pouch, she happily yawned and went back to her room to sleep, leaving me to look after these two “patients.” I clenched my teeth, arranging a makeshift room out of the storage shed for them.
“Cough, cough, cough. Can people really stay here? Miss Anna, are you holding a grudge against us?” The Beta waved his hand, dispersing the dust in the air, looking displeased.
“Our clinic is small, and this is the only room available. If you’re not satisfied, you’re free to leave now,” I retorted unapologetically.
“Okay, we’ll stay here. Thank you,” Kevin finally spoke, his voice much deeper now, his eyes still fixed on me.
His gaze felt uncomfortably intense, maybe my earlier words had really hurt him. I quickly went to the storage room, grabbed two sets of blankets and pillows, tossed them to them, and then left.