CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED & NINE
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CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED & NINE
Talia’s POV
Two days later, I was cleared to leave the hospital. My body still felt weak, but the doctors agreed I was well enough to leave. Father arranged a dinner that evening to thank both Leslie and Nolan for what they had done.
The long table in the dining hall was set with all my favorite foods. Leslie sat across from me, her red hair loose around her shoulders. Nolan sat at the far end of the table as if he was trying to stay as far away from me as possible. Father took the central seat, and Solon sat beside him.
Father raised his glass and said, “To Healer Leslie for using her skills to save Talia, and to Nolan, who risked his life. Without either of you, Talia would not be here.”
Everyone lifted their cups. Leslie grinned and clinked her glass against mine. “You were a challenge worth taking,” she said.
After the first course, Father leaned toward her. “Silverfang could use a healer like you. Will you stay here? You would be honored and well provided for.”
Leslie shook her head and declined, “No. I am happy at Windpaw. I came only because I heard the case was difficult. I wanted to test myself. That’s all.”
Father’s face fell slightly, clearly disappointed that Leslie did not agree. He would not beg Leslie, but I was sure my father would be sending gifts in an attempt to persuade Leslie later.
Then, Father looked at me and asked, “Your wolf still has not returned, has it?”
I shook my head. “No, Father,” I replied.
Leslie leaned back in her chair and chimed in, “That’s not unusual after trauma. Sometimes, a wolf won’t return until the bond with a mate is complete. Once she mates, the wolf will answer again.”
I clenched my hands in my lap. The thought of my wolf being tied to something so personal made me uneasy. It felt like I didn’t have a choice if I wanted to return to being normal.
Solon noticed my discomfort. He touched my arm lightly. “Don’t worry. You’ve gotten through worse. You’ll get through this. The Moon Goddess does grant second chance mates. She would not fail you a second time.”
“Indeed Solon. In half a month, we will hold the Sacrifice Ceremony,” Father added.
With everything going on, I had completely forgotten about the Sacrifice Ceremony. It is time to thank the Moon Goddess for all her blessings. It was also the time when single wolves sometimes found their mates. For bonded pairs, mating ceremonies
follow soon after.
“I will help you choose a mate, Talia,” my father said. “The time has come.”
The words shocked me. “I already had a mate.”
Father nodded. “And you will have another. It is the way of our kind. You are of age, and the packs will expect it.”
Before I could respond, Leslie laughed. “And what about Alpha Nolan? Will he stand beside his mate at the ceremony?”
The question froze me. My mind went back to the dream I had while unconscious. I had called him mate in that dream. The memory made me blush. I found myself staring at him.
Nolan scowled and said, “I don’t have a mate. Mate bonds cause unnecessary distractions.”
Relief washed over me, but for some reason, I also felt disappointed. I looked down at my plate trying to process the feeling. Again, I wish my wolf was here to talk to. She always knew what to say.
Leslie smirked. “I agree with you. Mate bonds only tie people down. They are restraints. I’ve avoided them since I became of
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CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED & NINE
+25 Bonus
age. I take herbs that hide my scent so no bond can claim me.”
Solon balked at Leslie’s response. “That’s irresponsible. The Moon Goddess gives us bonds for a reason. You’re turning your back on what it means to be a wolf,” he argued.
Leslie rolled her eyes and countered, “You’re only thinking about yourself, Prince Solon. You are a Prince. No one can touch you, but other wolves like me can’t take the chance to be chained to someone you might not even like or someone that goes against your very morals. To let fate rule your life is a gamble and I would rather choose for myself. That is my responsibility.” 1
“You’re just selfish and immature,” Solon responded.
“Enough,” Father said firmly, glaring at Solon. “You will apologize. You will show her respect.”
“I apologize,” Solon said through gritted teeth. He downed his glass of wine, and I nudged his shoulder.
Leslie gave him a mocking little smile and turned back to Nolan. “You’re quiet, Alpha. If you ever tire of fate pushing you around, I can give you the same herbs I use.”
“Perhaps I will take you up on your offer,” Nolan stated.
She leaned forward and smiled seductively at him. “And maybe I’ll stay long enough to see if you reject me when you finally meet your mate,” she continued.
I felt my stomach twist. Watching the way Leslie smiled at him annoyed me. What was their relationship? What happened while I was unconscious?
