Lysa
I went down to the infirmary, expecting the usual hustle and bustle of healers attending to the wounded. After spending hours helping yesterday, I had grown comfortable here, finding solace in bandaging wounds and mixing herbs. But what surprised me was the kindness of the Red Crest Pack members. They were genuinely grateful, the complete opposite of the cold indifference that I was used to.
I spent the next hours helping the healers, tending to the injured, and offering comfort where possible. I was so focused on wrapping a bandage around a young warrior’s sprained wrist that I almost didn’t notice Alpha Elias enter the infirmary. His scent was overpowered by the smell of blood, and I missed that, too.
The pack members greeted him with a smile, unlike the fearful submission I was used to seeing with Alpha Kade. Here they loved and respected their leader, at the Crescent Pack, they fear so they submitted to Alpha Kade.
I looked up and met his eyes, and that pull of the mate bond felt like it electrified me. My wolf stirred and kept whispering, "Mate! Mate!"
Alpha Elias nodded at the healers, giving a few instructions before making his way over to me. I quickly finished tying off the bandage and wiped my hands on a towel, trying to compose myself. He walked towards me all smiling.
"You’ve been busy," he said, his eyes serious as they studied me.
"I like helping out. It feels good to be needed again," I admitted, but feeling a strange flutter in my chest.
Alpha Elias smiled and moved closer that we were almost inches apart.
"You know, I’m beginning to think you’re staying because you like it here," he said jokingly.
I raised an eyebrow at him, trying to hide the smile. He might be joking, but why did it feel like he was flirting with me?
"Maybe I do."
Alpha Elias laughed, it was unexpected and warm that it made my wolf perk up. She was practically waging her tail in my mind.
"Well, if that’s the case, how about taking a break? I was planning to head down to the river. Thought you might want to join me."
I hesitated, glancing around the infirmary. The other healers were busy, but they didn’t need me. I turned back to Alpha Elias, who was watching me expectantly. I found myself nodding before I even made up my mind. "Sure, why not?"
The walk to the river was filled with light conversation. It was easy and comfortable, and I realized how different this felt compared to the guarded silences I’d shared with Alpha Kade, who was usually a snob. With Alpha Elias, I didn't have to hide my thoughts and emotions. He made it easy to talk and express what I felt.
We settled on a blanket, facing the river. Alpha Elias handed me an apple, his fingers brushing mine. It sent an unexpected spark up my arm. My wolf was practically jumping out of her skin, begging to be noticed. I could feel her yearning for him to claim us.
"So, are you still pretending you are only here to help?"
I choked on the piece of apple I was chewing, coughing, and spluttering as I looked at him in shock.
"What do you mean?"
He shrugged, but his eyes twinkled like he was teasing me, but there was something more. And for a moment, I thought I saw the intense attraction.
"You could leave anytime, Lysa. But you’re still here. It makes me wonder why."
I tried to argue but stopped. He was right. I could have left yesterday or even this morning. But I was still here, helping in the infirmary and sitting beside him.
"I like it here. It’s different. The people, the pack... You," I shyly admitted, feeling my cheeks heat.
"And I like having you here."
He brushed a strand of hair behind my ear. The touch was gentle, but my heart ached with longing. I longed for this moment with Alpha Kade, and I couldn't believe it was happening now. We sat there in silence and listened to the river until the sun started descending.
"Come on. Let me walk you back to your quarters to rest."
When we reached my quarters, he stopped by my door.
"Lysa, I would like you to stay a little longer. Not just as a healer but... as someone I want to get to know better."
My heart clenched, and for a moment, I didn’t know what to say. I remembered how I was a mate to Alpha Kade, and he just replaced me. I didn't know if I could believe that this was something different.
"I'm... I'm not sure what you mean by that?" I asked, trying to sound confused although I understood what he meant.
Alpha Elias only smiled. I thought he was somehow shy or afraid to speak what he really wanted to mean.
"I think you know what I mean, Lysa. I am really interested to know you better."
"I don’t know if I’m ready," I whispered.
"I'm sure you could feel our connection was something we can't do away, but that's okay. I understand. Just think about it."
"I will," I said nodding.
I stepped into my room, closing the door behind me. I saw a pink rose on my bed; I touched it gently. Maybe, this was something that I had hoped for.
But before I could let that thought settle, a sharp knock sounded on the door. I opened and standing in the hallway was Alpha Kade. His eyes were dark, his face a mix of anger and desperation that scared me.
"Lysa, we need to talk now," Alpha Kade ordered.
My blood turned cold as I looked into his eyes. Alpha Kade had destroyed the comfort and warmth I had felt a moment ago. And I realized I couldn't stay that long here in the Red Crest, Alpha Kade would never allow it.
