Her Fears
Sebastian POV
+25 BONUS
The weight in my chest is suffocating, an anger I can barely contain roiling within me. Helios, my dragon, is restless, roaring his rage at what these monsters have done to her. Every time she flinches, every bruise and scar on her fragile body makes him thrash inside me, demanding justice. He senses her wolf struggling beneath layers of suppression, clawing to be free, yet unable to break through.
And then there’s the magic. It clings to her like a second skin, yet she fears it. It’s hers–part of her essence -and somehow, she’s completely unaware of it. How could she not know she’s more than just a werewolf?
I never thought I’d find my mate. I had resigned myself to the idea that she didn’t exist, that the fates had overlooked me. Then she appeared, in the darkest, most wretched place imaginable. She’s broken, scarred inside and out, her trust shattered by years of abuse. I ache to know her, to hear her story, but I know better than to push.
She clings to me now, trembling as Aurlena gently presses the needle against her arm. Her shaking is so violent it feels like she might come apart in my hands. Helios surges forward, desperate to comfort her, but I hold him back. Revealing myself as her mate now would only add to her confusion and fear.
I wrap my arm more securely around her, stroking her hair in an attempt to soothe her. Her breathing slows, her body softening against mine, and I realize she’s fallen asleep.
“Your Majesty,” Aurlena whispers, her gaze flicking between me and Celine. “Shall I administer the healing magic while she’s unconscious? It will help her recover faster.”
I hesitate, then nod reluctantly. “A small amount. She might sense it, even in her sleep. And give her fluids–she’s, dangerously dehydrated.”
Aurlena works swiftly, her movements careful and precise. watch every flick of her wrist, every adjustment she makes, ready to intervene if Celine so much as stirs. To my relief, she doesn’t react. At least now, I know she’ll heal faster.
The tent falls quiet, save for the soft sounds of Celine’s breathing. After a while, Aurlena speaks again. “The maids asked where you’d like an extra bed set up for her.”
“She’s staying with me,” I say without hesitation.
“Your Majesty…” Aurlena’s tone is cautious, her disapproval evident. “With her history, it’s not appropriate for you to share a bed. She needs time and space to heal.”
I glare at her, my voice low and commanding. “She’s my mate. I won’t have her anywhere else but near me.” Aurlena’s eyes widen, and she bows her head. “My apologies, Your Majesty. I didn’t realize.” Joseph steps into the tent, his face tense. “What’s the plan Father? Are we leaving or attacking?” “We attack at first light,” I reply. “Ensure all guards and soldiers are prepared.”
Joseph nods, then hands me a bullet. “What about these? The weapons they used to capture us?”
I pass the bullet to Aurlena, who examines it closely.
“It’s laced with magic,” she says grimly, her eyes flicking to Celine. “Her magic.”
“How can her magic disable dragons?” I ask, my frustration bubbling to the surface.
“Only the most powerful beings–children of the Moon Goddess or the Goddess herself–could wield magic strong enough to suppress royal dragons,” Aurlena explal, her voice dropping to a whisper. “But even then,
their magic shouldn’t work on you.
I glance at Joseph. “How long were you disconnected from your dragon after being shot?”
The entire time the bullet was in me,” he replies. “Once it was removed, it took about five to ten minutes before I could feel him again.”
Aurlena nods thoughtfully. “I suspect they’re siphoning; her magic to create the bullets. While she’s within their territory, her magic fuels their weapons.”
H
My decision is immediate. “She stays behind when we attack.”
Joseph looks like he wants to argue, but he doesn’t. He knows I’m right. If her magic can weaken us, she can’t risk being there.
I lift her gently, her head resting against my chest as I leave the tent. The cool night air brushes against my skin, and I breathe deeply, trying to calm the storm inside me.
As I step into my tent, she stirs in my arms, her eyes fluttering open. They’re wide with confusion, her vulnerability clear as she peers up at me.
“Sebastian?” she murmurs, her voice soft and hesitant.
“Yes,” I reply, my heart thundering at the sound of my name on her lips.
Her breathing quickens, and I can see the uncertainty in her expression. “Don’t worry,” I whisper, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “I expect nothing from you as my mate.” I press a light kiss to her temple, hoping to ease her fear.
“You can’t be my mate,” she whispers, her voice trembling
I smile gently. “I can, and I am, Celine. Focus, and you’ll feel the bond between us.”
Her eyes dart away, her expression conflicted. “I already have a mate,”
a blow.
she says quietly, and the words hit me like
“What?” I manage, my voice sharp despite my best efforts Who? Where is he?”
Her body stiffens at my tone, and I immediately regret my reaction. “I’m sorry,” I say softly, trying to calm myself. “Please, tell me.”
She hesitates before speaking. “Before I was sold at the auction, I lived with my mother’s partner. His sons were my mates.”
The air leaves my lungs. Sons. Plural.
“Alex and Wes rejected me the day I was sold,” she continues, her voice barely above a whisper. “Dolton didn’t. He said it wrong on purpose.”
The jealousy that surges through me is unlike anything I’ve ever felt. Three mates. She had three mates, and one of them refused to let her go. I search her body for a mark, a sign of their claim, but find nothing.
“Tell me about them,” I ask, my voice strained.
Her hesitation tells me everything I need to know. She’s mine now. No matter what happened before, I won’t let her go. I’ve waited too long for my mate, and nothing–not even the ghosts of her past–will take her from me.
Her Story
