Chapter 31%
I pulled away, frustrated. Tm not the person you think I am, Nok. You don’t know me…. And i am not going down that memory ”
He tilted his head, his voice softer. “I know you’ve been hurt, but that’s not all you are. You’re more than that “8
I exhaled sharply., feeling my walls crack just a little more with him “I don’t need saving.“%
“I’m not trying to save you, Lynia,” he replied quietly. “I just want to be here with you. I’m not going anywhere.“8
My heart skipped a beat, and I turned away. “You say that now, but ”
“But nothing,” he interrupted, grabbing my arm gently to stop me. “You think I’m like your old pack, don’t you? That I’ll throw you aside like they did? That i would stop choosing you? I’m not them. You don’t need to hide here. Not from me.”
“Because,” he said, his tone steady, “you’re the mate I chose. I’ve waited for you…..I knew i wasn’t hallucinating when I told the moon goddess to bring you here”
I felt something in my chest tighten, “Nok…
“You don’t have to say anything yet,” he said quickly. “I know this is all new. But when you’re ready, I’ll be here. I’m not going anywhere.
The next two weeks, Nok swept me off my feet, showing what it meant to be chosen. Today, we were heading to his mother’s chambers, a secret place that’s heavily guarded.
ir scent w
was
The moment Nok and I stepped into his mother’s chambers, I could feel the weight of the wolves‘ eyes on me. Their everywhere–wild, earthy, and sharp. I had only been here for a week, but every day felt like a battle, my instincts screaming at me to run, to find a way out. But when Nok held my hand, his strong grip steadying me, I stayed
“Nok,” I muttered softly, “I don’t know if I can do this. What if she-”
He squeezed my hand tighter, cutting me off, I choose you, Lyria. No one here will ever hurt you.” His words were low and full of promise. But a part of me didn’t believe him. I had learned long ago that promises often meant nothing. Especially with innocent eyes.
The last time I met a mother figure in this world. Damon’s parents had chosen my sister over me, leaving me abandoned, rejected and feeling like an outcast
The bitterness of that memory was still there, making me stay on guard…I had no idea what to expect from Nok’s mother, but I didn’t feel ready to face the woman who would judge me, who would decide if I truly belonged in their pack. My past haunted me, and my heart raced as we walked closer to the door
When we reached the front door, Nok let out a short, sharp howl, a sign that we were entering his mother’s home. The door creaked open, and a woman emerged from within, her sharp green eyes narrowing as she surveyed me from head to toe. She was tall, with a commanding presence, the kind that made the ground beneath me seem unsteady.
“Nok, is this the mate you’ve been telling me about?” she asked, her voice smooth, but with an edge of curiosity.
I swallowed hard, feeling the sharpness in her tone cut through me like a knife. “Yes, Mother,” Nok replied, stepping closer to me. “Lyria. She is the one. The mate I’ve waited for
I wanted to step back, to escape, but Nok’s hand on my back kept me firmly in place. This wasn’t the time to run, no matter how much my wolf was begging me to. My breath hitched as I braced myself for whatever carne next.
For a moment, Nok’s mother didn’t speak. Her gaze flicked between us, almost as if she were weighing me, studying my very soul. I could feel her eyes pierce me, my own wolf shifting uncomfortably under my skin.
“Well, Lyria,” she finally said, her voice softening just a fraction. Tve heard much about you. The struggles you’ve endured, the pain you’ve carried. I’ve seen the way Nok looks at you, how much he cares. I can tell you’re the one he’s been searching for.” Her words were kind, but I couldn’t shake the unease in my chest.
“You don’t need to do this,” I murmured, my voice shaky. “I’m not the kind of wolf who deserves this.“2
Her eyes softened. “You are the one Nok chose. That’s enough for me. You have every right to be here, Lyria.”
believe 3
I was stunned. No harsh words. No judgment. Just acceptance. But my guard remained up, unsure of what to b And then, to my surprise, Nok’s mother took a step forward and cupped my face with her warm hands. “Come,” she said, leading me into the house. “Let me give you something.”
The house smelled of wood and herbs, a familiar scent that made my heart beat a little faster. She led me to a large table in the center of the room, where a velvet–lined box sat. She opened it slowly, revealing a jade bracelet. The green hue of the stone gleamed in the light, and for a moment, I couldn’t breathe. The bracelet was beautiful, perfect, and I could feel its power
This is for you,” she said, her voice gentle, but firm. “A gift from me. To honor you as my son’s mate.”
I couldn’t speak. A gift like this was too much. It was too precious. I had never been given something like this, not by anyone.. They made me thought I was unworthy of gifts, of kindness.!!
“No,” I whispered, my hands trembling. “This is too much. I can’t accept it.”
Nok’s mother smiled, her eyes twinkling. “It’s not too much. You’re his chosen one. You’ve already earned it. Now, take it‘
I accepted the bracelet.
I wanted to pull away, to shield myself, but Nok’s voice stopped me. “Lyria,” he said softly, stepping closer, his eyes full of warmth, “you belong here. With me. And with my family”
2:25 PM
