Our Other mate

Chapter 8

Phillips POV

After bidding the newlyweds goodnight, I retreated to my room, keen to give them some well-deserved privacy. They had spent precious little time alone, with me always shadowing them, and tonight, I wasn't feeling well. The heavy dinner sat uneasily in my stomach, and I could feel my strength ebbing away. I left Merrick and Ella in the sitting room, their laughter and conversation fading as I made my way to my bedroom, longing for a hot shower.

The warmth of the water was a balm to my aching body, cascading over my skin and easing the tension in my muscles. For a few blissful minutes, I let it wash away the day's stress. But as I stepped out, a rush of cold air hit me, chilling me to the bone. I shivered violently, hastily wrapping my robe around me. My stomach churned ominously, and before I could react, I was doubled over the toilet, vomiting violently. My wolf, normally a source of strength, was trembling within me, a clear sign that something was gravely wrong.

I considered seeking out Merrick and Ella, but it was their night, their time to celebrate their union. My illness was the last thing they needed to deal with. Struggling to my feet, I took the wastebasket to bed with me, fearing another wave of nausea. I crawled under the blanket, clutching a pillow close, trying to will myself to sleep despite the turmoil in my stomach.

Despite the pain gnawing at my insides, I eventually drifted into a restless sleep. My wolf, sensing my distress, settled down, giving me a momentary reprieve. It felt like an eternity passed before I awoke, an urgent need pulling me from my fitful slumber. The room was still shrouded in darkness, and a glance at my phone revealed I had been asleep for barely an hour. As I sat up, a searing pain coursed through my body, originating from my stomach and radiating outwards, leaving me weak and trembling.

With great effort, I stumbled towards the bathroom, barely making it before retching once more. Lightheaded and on the brink of unconsciousness, I knew I couldn't hold on much longer. Desperation clawed at me, and I let out a scream, hoping Merrick would hear my cry for help.

"Phillip!" Merrick's voice, filled with alarm, reached my ears just as my body gave out. My wolf, sensing my imminent collapse, tried to shift, to save me, but it was too late. Darkness enveloped me, and I felt myself falling, tumbling into an abyss.

When I opened my eyes, I found myself in a serene, otherworldly forest. The towering red oaks stretched towards the sky, their branches swaying gently in a nonexistent breeze. The air was filled with the soothing scents of lavender and vanilla, and the ground was soft under my feet. I began to wander, calling out for Merrick and Ella. "Hello? Ella... Merrick... where are you?"

A rustling from a nearby bush caught my attention, and to my astonishment, an amber-colored wolf emerged. It was my wolf, but how could that be? "What is this?" I whispered, reaching out to stroke his fur. He whined and licked my hand, clearly frightened.

"Phillip DePointe, you are early," a voice, soft and melodic, spoke from behind me. I turned to see the most ethereal being I had ever encountered. She seemed to float above the ground, her presence radiating an otherworldly light. My wolf immediately went to her, sitting beneath her, as if in reverence.

"Who are you? Where am I?" I asked, my voice trembling with confusion and awe. She smiled gently and descended to the forest floor, extending a hand to help me up. I took it, her touch calming my frayed nerves.

"I am the moon goddess, Electra. Welcome to the Eternal Forest," she said, her voice like a soothing lullaby.

"Wait, no, that can't be right. Am I dead?" Panic welled up within me, but her hand on my chest brought an immediate sense of peace.

"No, you are not dead, yet," she chuckled softly, her laughter like tinkling bells. "You are here because you were poisoned. But do not worry, I am sending you back to watch over Eleanore and Merrick. I have decided to alter the threads of fate. All three of you have been without a mate for too long. I am giving you a chance at love again. It is your duty to protect them."