Emma's Mate (ON HOLD)

Chapter 17

Ashton Williams

My heart raced in my chest as I locked eyes with Emma, who had mistaken me for someone named Christopher. Confusion and disbelief washed over me, making it difficult to process what was happening.

"Emy, it's me, Ashton," I stammered, my voice trembling with uncertainty. "Who is Christopher?"

A small frown creased her forehead, and she shook her head in desperation. "No, Ash, we were past lovers. We have both been reborn. You are Christopher."

I couldn't help but chuckle, thinking she was playing a prank on me. "Come on, Emy. You are still groggy from waking up. This doesn't make any sense, and on top of that, this isn't funny at all."

Tears welled up in her eyes, and my heart sank at the sight of her distress. "You don't believe me," she whispered, her voice quivering with hurt. "You think I am crazy."

I had initially brushed off her claims as a joke, but the intensity of her emotions made me question if there was more to this. Lucas, who had been silently observing the exchange, seemed just as puzzled as I was.

"Emy, baby, please calm down," I pleaded, hoping to soothe her. Maybe her current state of mind was a result of something she experienced during her unconsciousness. Perhaps she genuinely believed in the concept of reincarnation now. I just didn't know what to think.

Just then, James burst into the room, accompanied by a team of doctors. His eyes widened in alarm as he took in the sight of Emma in tears.

"What's going on?" he demanded, his gaze darting between us.

Emma turned to her father, her eyes filled with desperation. "Dad, please tell him I am not crazy. I remember everything. Christopher and I were mates in our past life. We have been given another chance. We have both been reincarnated."

The room fell into a heavy silence as James processed his daughter's words. His jaw dropped, and he shared a bewildered look with me. Emma's words hung in the air, heavy with emotion. Her revelation was overwhelming, and I could see the sincerity in her eyes. I reached out and took her trembling hand in mine, trying to find the right words to say.

"Emy," I began, my voice filled with uncertainty. "I don't know how to respond to this. It's a lot to take in. Maybe after Dr. Lewis examines you, he will be able to shed some light on what's happening."

Tears welled up in her eyes as she sniffled. "I understand that it's hard to believe, but it's the truth. Christopher, I have loved you for so long, across multiple lifetimes. I thought I had lost you forever when I witnessed your murder. I was terrified that I would never see you again," she confessed, pulling me closer and planting a desperate kiss on my lips.

My heart raced in my chest, torn between the love I felt for Emma and the confusion that clouded my mind. I wanted to believe her, to embrace her words, but it was difficult to comprehend. She was convinced that I was Christopher in a past life, and I couldn't wrap my head around it. What should I do in this situation?

While I longed to hear her say she loved me under different circumstances, the weight of her words left me feeling uncertain. I let out a deep sigh, my emotions in turmoil. I had yearned for this moment, to hear her profess her love for me, but now that it had happened, it was bittersweet.

"Emy," I murmured softly, gently brushing a strand of hair away from her tear-stained face. "I am here for you, and I will listen to everything you have to say. I promise."

A small smile tugged at the corners of her lips, gratitude shining in her eyes. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice filled with vulnerability. "I love you."

Leaning down, I pressed a tender kiss to her forehead, my heart aching with a mixture of love and confusion. "I will always be by your side, Emy," I assured her. "No matter what. But right now, the doctors need to examine you. Let them do their job, and we can talk about this later, okay?"

Reluctantly, she nodded, releasing her grip on me.

Dr. Lewis and his team approached Emma, their faces filled with concern, as they initiated their examination. They asked her a series of questions, delving into every aspect of her life.

Feeling overwhelmed, I walked over to James, who stood motionless, his eyes fixed on Emma as she spoke about our supposed past lives. I couldn't help but notice the worry etched on his face.

"James," I began, my voice slightly hesitant, but in a whisper so that only he could hear me. "I am not sure how to handle this. Emy truly believes that I am Christopher, and I don't know how to tell her the truth that I am not Christopher without shattering her heart."

James let out a heavy sigh, his eyes filled with understanding. "I know, Ashton. This is a delicate situation. We need to tread carefully."

"But how?" I asked, frustration and worry lacing my voice. "She is so convinced that we were once lovers. I mean, I believe in the concept of past lives, but this? It's all so confusing. I am worried about her, James, especially with everything she's already dealing with regarding her wolf and transformation."

James nodded, his expression filled with empathy. "I understand, Ashton. But we also need to consider Emma's emotional well-being. We don't have much of a choice. She's been through so much, and we can't risk causing her any more pain."

I nodded, acknowledging his point. "So, what do you suggest we do?" I asked, hoping for a solution.

Leaning forward, James's eyes sparkled with determination. "We need to talk to Emma together. We have to explain the situation to her gently and honestly. We need to make her understand that you are not Christopher."

My heart raced, and I hesitated for a moment. "Do you think she will believe us?" I asked, my voice filled with uncertainty.

James sighed, his gaze unwavering. "I don't know, Ashton. But we have to try. We owe it to Emma to be honest with her."

Taking a deep breath, I steeled myself for the difficult conversation that lay ahead. "You are right," I said, determination seeping into my voice. "We need to talk to her."

James nodded, a glimmer of hope shining in his eyes. "I am here for you, Ashton. We will get through this together. Emma needs us now more than ever, especially you. You must be her rock."

"I know, and I will be," I replied, my voice thick with emotion and newfound determination. "I will do whatever it takes for her well-being."

As we stood there, a sense of unity washed over me. James and I were both determined to do what was best for Emma, even if it meant facing the unknown. Love and our mate bond had brought us together, and now it was love that would guide us through this challenging journey.

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Author's note: I understand that the chapter is brief, and I apologize for that. I've been extremely busy lately, which is why I didn't have the opportunity to write a longer one. I'll make up for it in the next chapter.

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