Her Mates

34

I woke up to the scent of my mates lingering on my skin, the warmth of their presence still wrapping around me even as the space beside me in bed was empty. My body ached in a delicious way, a reminder of the night before, but my mind was already racing ahead. Something didn't sit right with me after everything that had happened—the rumors, Lena's interference, and now the lingering tension between me and my mates.

I wasn't naïve. The bond between us was undeniable, but trust? That was something different entirely. And after what Lena had said, the doubt she'd planted in my head refused to fully go away.

As I stretched, the door creaked open, and Emilia peeked in, her golden hair slightly tousled. "Morning, little star," she murmured, her voice husky from sleep. "You okay?"

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "I don't know," I admitted. "I just... I can't stop thinking."

Emilia stepped inside, her eyes soft with understanding. "About Lena?"

I nodded. "It's not that I believe her. It's just—I hate that there's even a seed of doubt."

She sat beside me on the bed, tucking a stray strand of hair behind my ear. "That's normal, Maeve. Trust isn't instant, not even with a bond like ours." Her fingers traced absentminded patterns on my hand. "But you don't have to figure it all out alone."

Her warmth was comforting, but I could feel her own hesitation underneath. There was something she wasn't saying. Before I could ask, the bedroom door swung open, and Dorian strode in.

"We need to talk," he said, his expression tense.

Emilia sighed, standing up. "I'll give you two a moment." She kissed my temple before leaving, casting Dorian a knowing glance as she passed.

I sat up straighter, folding my arms. "What's going on?"

Dorian rubbed the back of his neck. "Lena isn't done."

My stomach tightened. "What do you mean?"

"She's been running her mouth again, Maeve. But this time, she's trying to do more than just plant doubts in your head. She's talking to the Elders."

I stiffened. "About what?"

He exhaled sharply, jaw tightening. "She's claiming that our bond is unnatural. That something isn't right about it. She's playing on old fears—talking about how rare a bond like ours is, how it's never happened in recorded history." His dark eyes met mine. "She's trying to turn people against us."

A chill ran down my spine. "Why would they care?"

"Because fear is a powerful weapon," he said grimly. "And if the Elders start doubting your place in the pack, they might decide to intervene."

My heart pounded. "Intervene how?"

Dorian hesitated before saying, "They could call for a trial. Or worse... they could separate us."

A cold wave of dread crashed over me.

"No," I whispered, shaking my head. "They wouldn't—"

"They might." His expression darkened. "If Lena convinces them that you're a threat to tradition, to balance... They have the authority to make you leave."

My breath caught. This wasn't just about a jealous girl trying to break us apart anymore. This was about my place in this pack, my right to be with them.

And I was not going to let anyone take that from me.

I met Dorian's gaze, fire lighting inside me. "Then we fight back."