Second Chance Mate

Chapter 4: Second Chance Mate

Madeline 

“My love, are you okay?” 

William , my husband's voice snapped me out of my thoughts, pulling me back to reality and realising I had been staring at the boiling pot for too long. The stew was almost burned. 

“I'm fine,” I whispered, trying to catch my breath. 

But I wasn't fine. Not at all. I wanted to say it out, and then break down in William's arms, but I couldn't. If I did, I knew what he was capable of and I wouldn't want to turn him into a monster because of me. Especially when he doesn't even know what's going on. 

I'm really terrified. My life is at risk right now. I'm being wanted by the almighty Rowan. The biological father of my children. My old best friend. 

The Alpha of the moon crest pack wasn't just any wolf. He was ruthless, relentless. The kind of man who will never stop until he gets what he wants. 

He had sent his men three times to drag me back, each time I always managed to escape their grips and run away but I wouldn't continue to run forever. 

I know it's only a matter of time before Rowan comes to look for me here in the Human world or forces me since I'm not ready to give in. 

he won't rest until he gets me. Especially with the fact that I always turn down his request. Even though I'm scared of what he might do, I wouldn't give in easily. I won't be used like a toy for the second time. 

I wonder if he knew I left the pack that night with pregnancy. I wonder if he knew about his children. Our children. 

For weeks now, I have been hiding, skipping shifts at the hospital, keeping the kids home from school, pretending everything was fine, but deep down, I know I can't keep running away.

People at the hospital needed me. The patient trusted me, and today, I decided I would return to work. No more hiding, no more fear. If Rowan dared to come for me again, I would fight back. If he wants war, I would give it to him. 

Starting with his warriors, those men he's sending to tempt me here. I'll go after them, one after the other since they've become a threat to me and my household. 

 *******

When William heard I was going back to work, his eyes lit up in excitement. 

“ That's my Madeline,” he said smiling, pressing a kiss on my forehead. “I'll drop the kids off at school so you won't be late.” 

As usual, I let out a feign smile. Even though my heart was surging with worries and ached. Of the secret I have hidden from him. 

If only he knew the trouble that's waiting. If only he kows who my baby father was, the man I birthed those children for, he would probably stay away from me. 

William has no idea 

Of course I couldn't bring myself to tell him the truth. I lied to him about Rowan. About myself. William has no idea I'm a werewolf, I'm sure the moment he will find out, he would definitely freak out And then probably divorce me. So I gotta make sure he never finds out the truth. 

And for Rowan, I should be ready because I know he's coming. Either to take his children or claim me. But I won't let him have his way. 

*****

ROWAN 

I made sure a background check was done on her before I stepped foot into the human world. 

So I have every detail about Madeline. How she became a doctor and became successful in the human world which I'm proud of, except for the fact that she has a child, for a human husband. Named William. I also have every detail about him as he'd be kidnapped soon, in the next few minutes. 

Of course I'm very happy how great and successful she turns out to be. 

Today , I came to the hospital where she works, since she might likely be here. with her picture in my phone, I stood quietly in the hospital corridor, watching to see if she might pass by. While still fixing my eyes on the picture, I'd recognise her the moment she walked by. 

I'm sure I can still recognise her even without the picture, but I just need to be sure. 

And then after some minutes, a scent hit me. 

a sweet alluring, intoxicating fragrance, warm honey mixed with fresh roses hit my nose, and in the next second a familiar figure walked in.  

Mate. 

It was her. Madeline. My wolf recognised her scent even before I saw her. 

My wolf continues to stir inside me, restless and howling in recognition. In a second, I tried to ignore what just happened but my heart felt troubled and doubtful. 

She was mine. A second chance mate. 

For years, I believed the moon goddess had cursed me with loneliness after my first mate ran away with her lovers. I thought my fate was sealed, to rule, to fight and die alone. 

My heart fluttered as I watched her entering a ward, quickly, I took a step closer and stared from the transparent window. Gosh, she's so breathtaking. 

I almost didn't recognise her just now. She had grown from the little girl I knew her to be to a strong, beautiful and gorgeous woman. 

She couldn't see me, not yet. I studied every detail, her dark hair pulled into a messy bun. The way she adjusted her White coat as she attended to her patients. 

She was everything I had stopped believing I could ever again. 

*****”

I didn't want her to see me, so I went out and when it was almost her closing time, I went to the parking lot to wait. The only quiet place I'd get to see her without pulling attention. 

The moment I saw her walking in, I stepped out of the darkness and called her name. 

“Madeline..”

She instantly froze, and her key slipped from her hand and hit the ground. Slowly, she turned, and her eyes widened in shock when it met mine. 

For a while, she was shocked and dumbfounded. 

“You,” she whispered, her voice trembling 

“Do you really think you can hide from me forever?” I rasped in at her, taking a step closer. 

She gasped,panic flashing in her eyes as she backed away. Fear clung to her like a second skin, suffocating her slowly. 

“Stay away from me, Rowan. Why are you doing this?” 

“Because I need your help, And….” I pause my throat. “ because I missed you.” 

I don't have much time to waste here so I'm just gonna be honest with her. 

Her countenance wasn't having it. Her eyes were filled with a fiery rage. She didn't even need to say the word she hated me. She despises me. Her hatred for me burned clear in every breath she took. 

“I'm sorry I'm doing this but I need you back in my life. I've missed you and I'm ready to make it up to you.” 

I said in a hushed tone, hoping she'll be convinced enough to follow me. I didn't even plan on doing this, but the second I caught her scent and realised she was my second chance mate,everything changed. 

I won't hesitate this time around before I claim her. I wouldn't lose her again, even if I have to take her by force. 

“I'm sorry, but I'm not some tool you can use. And I'm not a toy you can command.” 

Her defiance made me burst into laughter and it stung me down there. It's obvious she has no idea of who I am now, or how far I am willing to go. 

I'm more than capable of killing her human husband, if he stands my way. 

Now I think in order to do this peacefully, I'll have to blackmail her. 

While still blocking her path, I pulled out my phone and held it up, the screen lit with a video of someone familiar to her. A video of William,her husband. Bound, surrounded by my men who were ready to slaughter her neck if I gave them the order. 

A whimpering sound escaped her mouth, as her hands flew to her chest, her eyes widened in disbelief and her mouth slightly agape. 

“Why are you doing this?” She questioned with a shaking breath. “What exactly do you want?” 

She asked. Finally the question I've been anticipating. 

“I want you, Madeline.” I whispered to her, “I want my childhood best friend back, and I want my second chance mate.” 

Her eyes widened in shock as the words rolled in her ears. Of course I expected her to be shock. Just the same way I was when I found out she was my mate. 

“That explains why you're here,” she murmur in a perplexed tone. “Because you think I'm your fucking second chance mate?” 

Her voice broke as she continues 

“I am not, and I will never be someone's second option. Rowan. I am happy here in the human world. Living my best life with my husband and children. Why do you want to destroy the peace I fought so hard to build? Why do you want to ruin my life now?” 

Her words was heartening, excruciating, full of hurt. I could understand her deeply and I felt a little sorry for her, but if she wants to put the blame on someone, it should be the moon goddess. Not me. 

Even though I loved her, I was still ready to suffer the punishment of living without her but I guess fate change and the moon goddess interfered. 

“You used me knowing you already have someone in your life, and still , six years later, you think it's okay to walk back into my life?” 

She has every right to be angry, every right to be mad at me. But I wasn't here to beg for her approval, I was here to claim her back, to be mine. 

I held up my phone, showing her the video of her husband on the screen once more. A slow smile curved my lips. 

“ Let's make a deal. Madeline,” 

“My father is in a critical condition. You'd treat him, and in return, you'll become my mate, my bride. Only then will your husband be free.

You don't have to accept me willingly. But if you don't, and my father dies.. then I promise, your husband and children won't escape the same fate.”