Chapter 14 - Amelia

I can’t remember the last time I slept this well. Even before finding out Ignazio was my fated mate, I didn’t sleep well. I was too scared to sleep. Worried about Ivan and crying, missing my parents. 

Yet as I open my eyes, I realize I slept the whole night, and given the sun’s position through the window, I may have slept in late. I frowned, sitting up rubbing my eyes, confused.

‘Where is Stephen?’ I questioned, feeling panic, anger, and disappointment to find he wasn’t in the room and his side of the bed was cold. I’ve seen enough movies and read books about guys ditching a girl after sex.

‘Stephen’s our mate, he marked us, and we marked him. So, stop with your wild ideas. He’s not going to leave us. He can’t. So don’t jump to such conclusions.’ Faith calmly suggested. 

I sighed, nodding as I looked around. I sighed, seeing the notepad left by the bed. Instinctively pulling the blanket to keep my naked body covered, I reached for the paper thinking maybe Stephen had left a note.

I smiled as I scanned the note. At least Stephen left a note and obviously had a good reason to go. He did come here to fight in this war, and I’ve kept him from that for three days. 

Though it worries me that he’s going to fight. What if Stephen gets hurt? What if he gets hurt by Ignazio? What if our mating didn’t kill Ignazio, and he’s out there?

‘Please stop with the what-ifs. Our mate is strong, and he won’t do anything foolish. Fighting Ignazio, if he’s still alive, is the responsibility of the Incubi Alpha. Stephen won’t be the one to face him.’ Faith once again managed to calm me.

I smiled, touching the words ‘love you’. I’m not sure if he means them or that’s just how he felt he should end a note to his mate. Either way, I’ll take it. 

I chuckled a little as I saw the makeshift map with four locations marked. Our room was marked with a ‘you are here,’ and the other three locations had an x. It was very considerate of Stephen to ensure I could find my way around. 

I sighed, putting the map and note down climbing out of bed. I quickly collected my clothes that had gotten thrown aside last night. Maybe with the war ending, I can go home. I can actually wear clothes that are mine.

Will my home still be standing? Or would Ignazio have destroyed the Furlan villa in the capital? Would he have destroyed our home at the coast where I’d been staying?

I hope not. Ignazio already took so much from me. I want to at least have the pictures and memories of my family. I want to be able to show Stephen my family’s home and pictures of my parents since he can’t meet them.

I started digging through Stephen’s bag, hoping to find some bath supplies. I can deal with smelling like his soap. I was relieved to find a plastic bag with bathroom supplies. 

With the bag, map, notepad, and pen in hand, I quietly made my way in the direction of the bathroom. It was so quiet here it was creepy. But I suppose it makes sense that it would be. Everyone has reported in for the battle. 

I hadn’t run into anyone after my shower and wondered if I should have stayed in the room. Perhaps it’s not safe to be wandering the halls like this? I finally ran into someone when I went to the kitchens, searching for something to eat.

Based on the scent, they were Incubi Omegas that work here. They froze, turning to look at me, eyes narrowing. Why are they looking at me like that? Then it made sense, my scent. I’m from Madonie, and they are at war with my pack.

I held a finger up, asking them silently to wait as I quickly wrote on the paper. Turning the page to them, one of the girls raised an eyebrow reading my message aloud.

“I am not an enemy. I’m mated to a Bloodmoon warrior.” She read the message skeptically. I sighed, moving my hair to show my mark. I’d gotten a look at it in the bathroom. 

It was rather cute, like a combination of marks. I know my parents’ mark was just a wolf head outline, but the wolf head has a cherry blossom, unlike my parents. That must be from Stephen’s family.

The three she-wolves nodded, relaxing as they determined I wasn’t a threat. “Why are you using a piece of paper to talk?” One of them questioned as they returned to food prep.

I sighed, but I just opened my mouth, showing them why, rather than writing it down. “Oh, my Goddess! You poor dear! Sit, we’ll make you something to eat. What’s your name?” The older looking of the trio encouraged.

I nodded in gratitude sitting at a table in the kitchen. I wrote my name down, holding it up, so they knew what to call me. I left my last name off just to avoid more questions. 

“Nice to meet you, Amelia. Here, you eat up. Our Alpha will end this war fast, so you’ll have your mate back soon.” The older she-wolf smiled, putting out dishes for me. I bowed my head in silent thanks.

After eating and leaving a note thanking them for the meal, I went back to Stephen’s room. I considered looking at the lounge he marked, but I didn’t want to run into more people and have to explain who I am and why I can’t speak.

It was really boring sitting in his room. I had found his cell phone, but beyond that, it was locked. I wasn’t going to do more than check the time with it.

His phone wallpaper was adorable. It was him with what I guess is his family. 

They looked so happy having a picnic at a beach. Stephen looks like his father, but he has his mother’s cinnamon eyes. His little sister looks more like their mother but with their father’s green eyes. I’m eager to meet them. I hope they’ll like them. 

I hadn’t realized how quickly the day had gone as soon I could hear the clamoring of people in the halls. Cautiously I poked my head out, seeing warriors returning. Stephen must be with them.

I can feel it, feel him nearby. So I let the string of the bond guide me through the hallways. My heart started beating faster as I smelled the aroma of cinnamon and knew it was him.

I pushed through the sea of people. It pays to be big. And there he was talking to another male. “Tanner, I’m happy for you, really, man. But I want to get to my mate.” Stephen sighed.

‘She’s right behind you.’ I called out through our link. I felt the spark of joy from him and saw it in his eyes as she turned and looked at me.

“Amelia.” His face lit up as he cupped my face. He’s just so adorable. I couldn’t help myself. I kissed him. He’s back, and he’s safe.

‘I’m sorry I left without waking you this morning.’ He apologized in the link, pulling back from the kiss rubbing his nose against mine sweetly. 

‘It’s okay. I understand you had a job to do. And you did leave me that note. The map was beneficial too.’ I assured him. 

A cough brought us apart, and I blushed, realizing his friend was still there. “Right. Um, Amelia, this is my packmate, Tanner Alston. He found his mate during the fight. She’s from Madonie too.” Stephen explained.

“Tanner, meet my mate Amelia Furlan.” He introduced me, slipping his arm around me. This is my first time being introduced in such a manner. I nodded my head in greeting.

“Good to meet you. If you’re from Madonie, you might know my mate, Zelma. I would have brought her with me, but she was injured. I should get to the hospital to check on her.” Tanner was so happy talking about Zelma.

I nodded, keeping my smile. I won’t burst Tanner’s bubble by telling him Zelma used to date my brother. Or Zelma was a two-faced bitch that would be sweet as sugar to me when Ivan was around but a cruel, hateful bitch when he wasn’t.

“It’ll have to wait.” Stephen frowned. I cocked my head, not sure what was happening.

“Captain Darren has requested everyone to report out front.” He explained, keeping me at his side as we went outside with the rest of his packmates. 

There are probably many reasons that Darren would call everyone out. The war did end, so he would want to debrief or be sure everyone was safe.

I thought after the headcount we could go back inside, but Darren called Stephen and me to him. I was surprised to hear the Crone knew of my power. I barely knew what I could do. But if my gift can save my people, I’m in. 

I wasn’t shocked to hear that Darren is the Incubi Alpha heir’s mate. The way the two behaved did not seem like just good friends. And I don’t know Darren well, but even I took a step back when he slammed that male into the wall for insulting his mate. 

I had been worried about using a spray from some witch on my people, but if it could rid them of the curse that bitch placed on them, I was willing to try. To my relief, it worked.

As happy as I was that we could free my people of this curse, I was overjoyed when Darren told me I could see my brother as a reward.

I have missed Ivan so much. I hope he won’t be upset or disappointed that I’m mated to Stephen.

We made quick use of the spray on everyone I saw magic emanating from. I don’t think my pack has ever been so happy to see me or expressed their gratitude to me like this. It was a bit weird to have them thanking me with tears in their eyes. 

But finally, it was time to see Ivan. I could feel Stephen tense next to me as we headed where Darren said we’d find my brother. I reached out, holding his hand to reassure him. 

‘It’ll be okay. Ivan is just a big teddy bear, I promise.’ I smiled, pushing the door open.

My heart broke to see my brother sitting cross-legged on the floor with silver shackles on his ankles, wrists, and even around his neck. I knew I couldn’t use our link with all the silver he was bound with.

Ian’s head raised, his eyes softening as he looked at me. I saw a single tear drip down his scruffy cheek. I pulled from Stephen’s hand, rushing forward, reaching to try and touch him, but Ivan shook his head. 

I frowned and looked back at Stephen. ‘Why wouldn’t he want me to touch him?’

‘Probably some security used on the cell. Ivan doesn’t want you to be hurt.’ Stephen explained. 

“I’m glad you’re safe, Amelia. They told me what Ignazio did to you. What he is to you. I’m so sorry.” Ivan apologized before his eyes narrowed, looking at Stephen.

“Who is this outsider? The one they told me about?” Ivan basically growled.

I felt Stephen tense next to me and started to step back. I took his hand, stopping him. ‘Can you speak for me?’ I questioned through our link.

Stephen sighed but nodded. ‘Good. Repeat what I say, please.’ I sighed.

“I’m going to speak for her, only the words she tells me to say. Please do not get offended.” Stephen warned.

“This is my chosen mate, Stephen Walterson. And don’t you dare growl at him. He has shown me more kindness and love than anyone outside our family ever did.” It was strange to hear my words coming out of Stephen’s mouth, but he was true to his word to say only what I said.

Ivan blinked, taken back by what was being said.

“He was the one that held me as I cried, feeling like my body was ripping apart when Ignazio would be intimate with another. He is the one that freed me from that pain and has given me a future with a mate who will treat me with love and respect.” 

I could tell it wasn’t just Ivan affected by my words. I admitted to things I hadn’t yet and made Stephen say them. 

I pushed aside my hair to show my mark. “And as of last night, I am free of Ignazio and bound to this sweet and patient man at my side. And as of, I suppose a few hours ago, our pack was freed from Ignazio by Alpha Alec.” 

I smiled at my brother. “I don’t know what the future will hold, but I am hopeful for it. I love you, big brother, and hope you will accept my choices and Stephen as family.”

Ivan sighed. “You made your choice, so I must accept it. I wish you all the best, Amie. You deserve happiness.” He assured me.