Our Other mate

Chapter 7

Ella's POV

After what felt like an eternity, I sensed Phillip's body gradually warming between our embraces. Eventually, his form began to change, muscles shifting and bones realigning as he returned to his human state. Merrick and I clung to him, our arms wrapped around his broad frame, desperate to transfer every bit of warmth we could muster. I glanced at the Duke, his face etched with raw fear and anxiety, each line and crease a testament to his worry for his dear friend.

"How did you know to get undressed so quickly?" Merrick finally broke the silence, his eyes searching mine over Phillip's now human form. "Weren't you raised as a princess?"

A small smile tugged at my lips as I recalled my unconventional upbringing. "My father didn't have any sons, and my sister Grace, being the eldest, was destined to become the Duchess after him. She was groomed for perfection, always under strict supervision and enrolled in the royal academy. I, on the other hand, had more freedom. I attended the Blackmoore School, which, while still prestigious, imposed fewer restrictions. My father spent more time with me, allowing me the liberty to explore and learn things Grace never could. When I met Paul, my father permitted me to visit him often. Paul taught me survival skills and how to hunt—lessons far removed from the typical duchess's education." I chuckled softly, the first time I had truly spoken about Paul. "You would have liked Paul. He was incredibly loyal, much like Phillip."

I tightened my hold around Phillip's chest, feeling the reassuring thrum of his heartbeat against my skin. Merrick, rather than showing any discomfort at my intimate touch, simply smiled and rubbed his lower back, a gesture of solidarity. "I'm sure I would have liked him," he said gently.

Just then, Phillip shifted beneath our hands, and we both withdrew to give him space. He rolled onto his back, his disheveled, chin-length blond hair spilling away from his face, revealing rugged features softened by the tender rays of sunlight filtering through the window. Unlike the Duke's clean-cut elegance, Phillip possessed a raw, untamed handsomeness. His broad shoulders and chiseled physique were a testament to his werewolf heritage, towering over both Merrick and me—Merrick being at least 6'4" himself.

Suddenly, Phillip's arms shot out, pulling us closer with surprising strength, his body trembling slightly as he fought to stay warm. We instinctively embraced him, our bodies melding together to share our heat. His eyes fluttered open, those sweet brown orbs gazing at us with a hint of mirth. "...Am I lucky or what? I get both of you," he murmured, his voice thick with fatigue before his eyes drifted shut again. His grip tightened, pulling us so close that we were practically sprawled atop him. I could feel the heat rush to my cheeks at his words, and when I glanced at Merrick, I saw he had turned the same shade of crimson.

As Phillip drifted back into unconsciousness, time seemed to stretch on interminably. The doctor was still an hour away, and our priority was to keep Phillip warm. Sweat began to bead on my skin beneath the heavy blanket, and I kicked it off my feet, seeking some relief from the oppressive heat.

"You know, it's okay to talk about him," Merrick said suddenly, his voice breaking the silence that had settled over us. "After Alliyah, I had no one to talk to except Phillip. Without him, I wouldn't have made it through that dark time. He has this incredible way of making you feel better, even when you're at your lowest. He's my best friend. I love him."

His confession didn't surprise me. "I could see how close you two are," I replied, trying to comfort him. "Phillip loves you too, Merrick. Don't worry, he's going to be okay. The first few critical hours have passed, and he's still with us." I offered him a reassuring smile.

Merrick's brow furrowed with concern. "I think Luca targeted us, but why? Phillip mentioned something about their involvement in the black market, but why would they want us dead?" he pondered aloud.