Ch.6~Calden

Calden

Enid will be discharged today, and I’ve cleared my schedule just to be here. She’s been through a lot lately, and after that last coma, her body’s been too fragile to handle anything on its own.

She was born without a wolf—weak, defenseless—and every doctor keeps saying how lucky she is to still be alive. Lucky, because there’s Jodie.

They share the same rare blood type, and because Jodie has a wolf, her blood carries some kind of healing power. That blood has saved Enid’s life more times than I can count. Still, Jodie’s been acting out, losing her temper over the smallest things. I keep thinking it’s jealousy again—jealous that I spend too much time with Enid, that everyone’s attention is on Enid instead of her.

Honestly, I don’t get her sometimes. Enid’s her sister, and she is sick. What’s so wrong with donating a little more blood or just being patient for once? Jodie always wants to be the center of everything, always craving attention and affection like she doesn’t get enough already.

When she filed for divorce, I didn’t even take it seriously. I thought it was another one of her tricks, a way to get me to chase her or feel guilty. She’s done it before. But this time, she actually signed the papers. Still, I know her. She’ll be back. She always comes back, pretending nothing ever happened, just like when she forced me into this marriage years ago.

Unlike her, I’m not petty. I can overlook her childishness. Jodie is always calm and smiles no matter what. Living together for five years has been so peaceful that sometimes I miss the peace around her. She'll calm down, she's just pissed… When she calms down, I’ll give her a chance to come home. Things will go back to normal. Enid will be healthy again, and Jodie can stop being so dramatic. Everyone will get what they want.

I glance at Enid’s latest medical report in my hands. The wolf factor in her blood is still low, but her platelet count has risen. It means Enid won’t get sick or faint so easily anymore. That’s something to be grateful for, right?

Enid is beautiful and kind—she still apologizes constantly, convinced she’s the reason I had to marry Jodie. But the Moon Goddess chooses her for me. There was a time I wondered, Why couldn’t it have been Enid? Yet I have to admit that Enid could never make a suitable Luna; apart from her social graces, every other ability beside Jodie’s. Besides, Jodie is stunning in her own right—their beauty is just different.

The memory from earlier slips back into my head— Enid leaned in like she was about to kiss me. I dodged her, tilted my head away so she wouldn’t touch my mouth. It was instinct, I didn’t want to give her the wrong idea. I could see it in her eyes, that tiny spark—she still believed there was a chance for us somewhere. Like maybe fate messed up and she was supposed to be the one beside me.

But that became impossible when Jodie became my mate… it won’t happen. Jodie should be counting her blessings, not burning with envy over Enid—Enid’s already lost more than enough.

My thoughts are interrupted by the buzz of my phone on the bedside table. Enid picks it up, her eyes widening a bit, her fingers brushing the screen. She pauses for a moment, then swipes something away.

"What's it?" I ask, turning to her fully.

Enid freezes, her eyes wide. “Spam,” she says quickly, her voice small.

I nod, letting it go. But a second later, another notification pops up. I instinctively reach for the phone.

Enid frowns, trying to block me from seeing it. “This one’s from Jodie,” she admits softly.

I open the message. My heart sinks. She’s at the airport. She’s leaving town.

My jaw tightens. I throw the phone aside, feeling that familiar irritation burn in my chest. She’s trying to make me feel guilty. I know her patterns by now.

Usual emotional guilt trips. I’m tired of it.

Enid watches me carefully, her small hands clutching the phone after picking it up again “Is Jodie really leaving?” she asks softly, her voice fragile.

“She won’t,” I say immediately, with confidence I don’t even question. “You know her. She talks a lot, but she never leaves.”

Enid lowers her gaze, fingers picking at the sheet. “I… I almost hope she does,” she whispers.

I sigh. I can understand why she’d feel that way. Five years ago, Jodie hurt her and forced me into a marriage I didn’t want in the beginning. Anyone would hold a grudge after that. “She’s helped you a lot,” I tell her quietly, brushing a hand over her hair. “Try not to hate her. She’s your sister, Enid. One day, you’ll both see each other differently.”

She smiles faintly, but there’s sadness there. I know she doesn’t believe that day will ever come.

Still, I should fix the mess in my marriage with Jodie. Though our marriage was the result of her blackmail, the entire pack knows her as the Luna. I can at least tolerate this life—she is a competent wife and Luna. As long as she comes back home quietly this time and doesn't make trouble, I might even try to please her a little, maybe take her on a trip as compensation for all the years I neglected her. She deserves that much after five years.

I nod silently as the corner of my lips twitch unconsciously. Enid tilts her head, breaking me out of my thoughts. “You’re not angry with her?”

“Angry?” I repeat, shrugging. “She’s impulsive, not evil. Besides, she’s still my mate.”

Enid’s brows furrow a bit. Her eyes drift slowly to my chest, she suddenly notices another problem and her eyes flicks to my tie. “You’re still wearing what she gave you.”

I glance down at it, then back at her. “It’s just a tie, Enid. She has good taste. No point wasting something that’s still good.”

That answer doesn’t please her. I can see the slight pout forming before she turns her head away. I chuckle softly and reach for her hand. “Don’t look at me like that. You know she’s harmless. She’s just…” I pause, trying to find the right word, “emotional.”

She laughs weakly. “You always make excuses for her. Why? Because she's your mate?”

“Nah, can’t you see I’m here with you even though she’s whining about leaving?” I tease gently, but she doesn’t smile. Her fingers tremble in mine. Goddess, this is one unique thing about Jodie—she’s so easy to deal with. I never bother myself about comforting her because she gets her head back almost immediately.

*What are you doing?* I hear Erix, my wolf, growl in my head. *You sit here comforting another woman while your mate is in so much pain. How much more pathetic can you be, Calden?*

I freeze. What’s Erix talking about? Does he feel Jodie is hurt? Jodie is very strong. Although she can be emotional, I’ve never seen her truly upset over anything. She often locks herself in her room to read or write, and I have no idea what exactly she’s writing. But every time she comes out, she’s back to the soft, smiling Jodie—the one who looks like she’s sorted out her whole heart in there.

I shake my head to brush it off. My wolf’s been restless lately, always defensive when it comes to Jodie. But something about the way he said it just now makes my chest tighten.

Jodie wouldn’t really leave; she’s just trying to get my attention.

But fine...I’ll give her a reply. I grab my phone, ready to text her, but Enid’s soft voice pulls me back. “My parents are here.”

I look up as the door opens. Her father, Mr. Thornwell, steps in first—tall—followed by her mother, who immediately rushes to Enid’s bedside. Her face lights up with relief seeing her daughter awake.

I give them both a polite nod. Her father’s presence is still commanding, though I’ve never truly understood him. Years ago, he bent the knee to my father’s leadership and joined our pack. Alvin, Enid’s brother, is set to be my new Gamma soon. A loyal family, respected by all.

I clear my throat. “I’ll give you all a moment,” I say. “I’ll handle the discharge paperwork.”

But her father insists, “We’ll go together.”

Her mother nods eagerly. “I’ll accompany you.”

I don’t argue. They’ve always been overprotective of Enid, and seeing them fuss over her makes me realize Jodie never really had this. She grew up in the same house, yet somehow she always stood outside their circle. Maybe that’s why she’s so desperate for love, so needy for attention. I can understand why she demands that a lot from me—her mate.

The thought that she’s not even getting it from her mate makes Erix claw at me.

We soon finish the paperwork and are about to leave, but the hospital director’s call halts me. “Please, Alpha, we’ll need you to kindly confirm some equipment orders for the pack clinic.” I nod and follow him. It takes a few minutes, and I finally head back toward Enid’s room, but I hear Dante, my Beta, snap into my head through the mindlink.

*Alpha, you should head over to Enid’s room. Now.*

Something in his tone makes my steps quicken.

As soon as I get there, I push the door open and stop dead.

Jodie is on the floor. Her chestnut brown hair is a mess, face pale as snow, her hand clutching her cheek, tears welling in her eyes. There’s shattered glass scattered across the floor, glinting under the light. A thin trail of blood streaks down her wrist, pooling near her fingers.

Enid stands beside her, clenching her hand. There’s blood smeared on her palm too.

“What the hell happened?” My voice echoes in the room.

Neither of them answers right away. Jodie lifts her face slowly, her deep hazel eyes that used to brighten up when they see me suddenly are locking onto me with exhaustion. There’s something else there—hurt, disbelief—and then it immediately turns, her eyes flashing at me, her brows furrowing.

Her lips tremble, and before I can move, she blurts out, “Calden, are you satisfied now?”

My breath catches. What does she mean by that? Something tightens painfully in my chest, the mate bond pulling hard. What happened to her? I look around like I’ll find an answer on someone’s face, but then my eyes fall to the dark red stain spreading between her legs.

My stomach twists in horror. What is that?