Share

Chapter 10 Staying

Author: Judith GW
last update Last Updated: 2024-09-09 19:53:02

(Hilda)

Standing at the edge of the training grounds, I watch the warriors go through their drills. The sight should bring me comfort, seeing as it’s something familiar in this sea of uncertainty. Instead, it only reminds me of what I’ve lost, and what I’m striving to regain - my sense of purpose and my place in the world.

I have to get my strength and confidence back, and this is the only way I know how.

Arlo’s pack’s different from Soren’s. The warriors move with a fluidity that speaks of years of disciplined training, but there’s an underlying tension in the air. Right now I need to keep my head down and focus on what I can control.

I approached Arlo earlier, my mind finally made up. “I want to stay,” I told him, meeting his piercing gaze head-on. “But as a warrior for now, not as your mate. I need to find myself again before I can even think about being in a relationship.”

“You think you can just decide that?” he asked irritably. His voice was low, with a dangerous edge to it. “
Continue to read this book for free
Scan code to download App
Locked Chapter

Related chapters

  • Rejected by My Mate, Fated to the Lycan King   Chapter 11 A Glimmer of Hope

    (Hilda) The early morning rays of the sun is just starting to cast shadows on the training grounds when I arrive.I notice immediately that Arlo’s already there, deep in conversation with Percy. As if his size isn’t enough to make him an imposing figure, there’s also the raw power he exudes. I swear I’d be able to sense his presence from a mile away.As always, seeing him fills me with clashing emotions. A confusing blend of gratitude and resentment. He’s been nothing but kind to me, but his constant presence is both a comfort and a reminder of my unresolved feelings. It’s easier to breathe when he’s not around.Falling asleep in his arms last night was a torturous blessing. I’d spent long minutes feeling jittery with anticipation, more than half certain he’d make some kind of move. When I finally realized he was really just going to hold me, I fell asleep quickly, feeling more than a little bereft.I have to tune out the noise in my head and focus on my training and nothing else tod

    Last Updated : 2024-09-09
  • Rejected by My Mate, Fated to the Lycan King   Chapter 12 To Take Control

    (Soren)The camp is a flurry of activity when I get back, my mind still reeling from the encounter with King Arlo and Hilda. My heart aches at the memory of Hilda’s words and her obvious pain.As I approach the edge of our camp, I see Cerelia waiting for me, her eyes narrowed in suspicion. "Where have you been?" she demands, crossing her arms over her chest defensively."King Arlo summoned me," I reply, trying to keep my voice calm as I explain my absence. "He wanted to talk about Hilda." Cerelia's eyes flash with anger. "Hilda again? What does she have to do with us?""Nothing," I say firmly. "King Arlo's just being paranoid. He thought I was trying to take her back." Cerelia's expression softens slightly, but her eyes still hold a hint of doubt. "Are you?" she asks uncertainly."No," I tell her, shaking my head. "Hilda and I are over. I'm with you now, Cerelia. I made that clear to King Arlo and to Hilda." Of course I don’t add how awful that made me feel.She turns to walk away, bu

    Last Updated : 2024-09-09
  • Rejected by My Mate, Fated to the Lycan King   Chapter 13 Familiar Warmth

    (Hilda)My days are filled with a newfound sense of purpose and I immerse myself in training and the packs’ daily activities, striving to carve out my place among them.Arlo is joining our training sessions as frequently as his duties will allow it and there’s no denying the effect his presence has on me. He seems to draw my eyes like a magnet and send my body heat soaring like he’s my own personal heatwave. Worst of all, he seems to know exactly how much his presence affects me, judging by the swagger in his walk whenever he catches me gazing at him.Thank goodness for Percy’s friendship. As determined as I am to guard myself from being hurt again, I haven’t been able to resist letting my guard down around him. Soren isn’t the only person responsible for breaking my heart. Alec’s betrayal hurt nearly as much and I keep telling myself I should be wary of trusting in anyone at all.I’m not made for solitude though and compared to the blistering effect Arlo’s presence has on me, spendin

    Last Updated : 2024-09-09
  • Rejected by My Mate, Fated to the Lycan King   Chapter 14 I’m Yours

    (Hilda)I can’t sleep and I’m sick of tossing and turning as I replay the conversation I had with Arlo earlier. I can’t deny the frisson of excitement I feel every time he says I’m his, but I’m not about to let him think he can order me around. On top of that, I suspect Percy’s been avoiding me today and that can only mean Arlo had a word with him.I’ve been lying here, hoping he’d come to my room to say goodnight, as he does most nights, but it seems I’m not the only one feeling a little grumpy after our talk.Fine. If he won’t come here, I’ll go to him. I’m not a ‘wait and see’ kind of girl. Taking the bull by the horns is usually far quicker and less traumatic in the long-run.When I reach his door, I hesitate for a moment, gathering my thoughts before knocking. I know exactly what I want to tell him, I just need to make sure the brain fog he always seems to inspire doesn’t get me."Arlo, it's me," I call out when I’m met with a terse, “Go away, I don’t need anything.” We’ll have t

    Last Updated : 2024-09-09
  • Rejected by My Mate, Fated to the Lycan King   Chapter 15 Another Way

    (Soren)The camp is shrouded in early morning mist when I wake up, the remnants of a restless night lingering in my mind. I can feel the heavy sense of anticipation hanging in the air and I know Damon’s been talking to the warriors.I find Cerelia waiting for me in the kitchen, her eyes reflecting a mixture of determination and worry. "We need to talk," she tells me, her voice low but firm. In a camp full of werewolves, it’s not always easy to keep things to yourself."Soren, we need to discuss Hilda," she says, her tone leaving no room for argument. "We can't ignore the fact that she holds valuable information. If you’re going to challenge King Arlo, we need every advantage we can get. I don’t want you walking into danger if she can help keep you safe."I hesitate, the thought of involving Hilda stirring a mix of emotions within me. "Cerelia, I don't know if that's a good idea. Hilda's already caught in the middle of this mess. Dragging her deeper into our plans could put her at even

    Last Updated : 2024-09-09
  • Rejected by My Mate, Fated to the Lycan King   Chapter 16 The Curse

    (Hilda)I wake up to the first rays of dawn filtering through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the room. Arlo’s arm is draped possessively over me, his breathing steady and calm. Last night's intense emotions has given way to a quiet intimacy, and for a moment, I feel a sense of peace.Unfortunately I can’t stay in bed forever; there’s a whole new world waiting for me outside. I carefully scoot out from under Arlo's arm, doing my best not to wake him as I dress quickly and quietly, taking a moment to watch him sleep before stepping out into the hallway. The pack house is already bustling with activity. I follow my nose to the main hall, where the enticing smell of freshly baked bread and brewing coffee is wafting from. A few pack members are seated at the long wooden tables, enjoying their breakfast. My heart sings when they greet me warmly, their smiles genuine."Good morning, Luna," a young woman says affably, her eyes shining with warmth. "Would you like to join us for brea

    Last Updated : 2024-09-09
  • Rejected by My Mate, Fated to the Lycan King   Chapter 17 The Dark Truth

    (Soren)Cerelia’s words about using Hilda as a spy is playing on repeat in my mind as I move through the dense forest, each step careful and calculated. Early morning mist clings to the ground, adding an eerie quality to the already tense atmosphere.I hate the thought of putting Hilda directly in the path of danger, but Cerelia’s right. In the end, I may need her help in order to save her. I’ve been fruitlessly attempting to mind link Hilda, to no avail. Our bond is well and truly severed and she’s no longer a member of my pack.We need her inside knowledge, which will mean finding someone loyal to King Arlo, who could be bribed, or convinced by some other means, to carry a message to her. My search doesn’t last long. The snap of a twig alerts me to the fact that there’s someone close by. Crouching low, I move stealthily towards the sound. Peering through the underbrush, I see him. One of King Arlo's men, a scout named Rolf. He’s young, barely old enough to be a guard and his nervou

    Last Updated : 2024-09-09
  • Rejected by My Mate, Fated to the Lycan King   Chapter 18 Secrets Hidden in the Shadow

    (Hilda)Arlo didn’t come to bed last night and I’m not spending another day in an agony of uncertainty.Nixie isn’t at the training grounds, so I head to the garden again. Barely noticing the way the morning sun filters through the trees, casting dappled light across the flowers.The vibrant colors of the blooms seem to mock the unease that gnaws at me. Taking a deep breath, I steel myself for the conversation I’m about to have. “Nixie,” I call out so I don’t accidentally startle her by suddenly popping up out of nowhere. She looks up, her surprise giving way to a warm smile. “Hilda! What brings you here?” she asks.“I was hoping to talk to you about something,” I say, my heart racing a bit now that I’m about to confront her with what I overheard. “Is now a good time?”“Of course,” she replies easily, setting aside her gardening tools and getting to her feet. “What’s on your mind?”“Do you mind if we sit?” I ask, pointing to a shaded bench under an old oak tree. I need to see her eye

    Last Updated : 2024-09-09

Latest chapter

  • Rejected by My Mate, Fated to the Lycan King   Chapter 288 Devotion

    AshFor a long, breathless moment, I can’t move. Tara’s lips are soft and warm against mine, trembling just slightly, like she’s not sure I’ll kiss her back.But I do. Gods, I do. My arms fold around her instinctively, drawing her closer, and everything else, everything dark and twisted and sharp, fades into nothing.The world narrows to her body pressed against mine. Her mouth, open and trusting. Her hands fisting gently into the front of my shirt.I kiss her slowly, reverently, afraid to shatter the fragile magic threading between us. Her lips taste like honey and forever. Like everything I’ve ever wanted and never dared to ask for. Every time I move to pull away, she tilts her face to follow me, like she can’t bear to stop.And gods, I think I might break.When we finally come up for air, we’re both breathless. She gazes up at me, cheeks flushed, eyes luminous in the low lamplight. “Close the door,” she whispers. “Come to bed with me.”My heart does something strange in my chest. L

  • Rejected by My Mate, Fated to the Lycan King   Chapter 287 No More Waiting

    TaraCerelia can barely keep her eyes open as Ash and I help her up the path toward her and Soren’s cabin.Her steps are slow and dragging, her head lolling against Ash’s shoulder more than once, but she’s still stubbornly mumbling that she’s fine even as she stumbles.I tighten my grip under her arm. “You're not fine. You're spent. Let us carry you.” Cerelia slow blinks at me, before shaking her head. “I’ll walk.” Clearly Hilda’s rubbed off on her.Ash says nothing, but his jaw is tight, and I can feel the way he braces her against him more firmly, almost carrying her by the time we reach the porch, but leaving her the illusion that her feet are nearly touching the ground.Soren comes sprinting over, “There you are! I ran over to look for you once we were sure the humans left our land, but you were gone!” He’s already scooping her up in his arms like she weighs nothing at all. She doesn’t complain this time, sighing happily as she turns her head into his chest.“You’re amazing,” he m

  • Rejected by My Mate, Fated to the Lycan King   Chapter 286 Justice in Flame

    HildaCerelia is swaying on her feet, pale and drained, but when I step closer, she straightens with visible effort. I hesitate for a heartbeat. She’s already given more than enough today. She shouldn’t have to give more.I can’t ask her to restore Malcolm’s memories just so I can have my revenge. “Thank you for everything. You should go and rest,” I tell her.She looks back at me, exhausted but clear-eyed, a half-smile on her lips as she informs me, “He remembers everything.”I exhale slowly, tension bleeding out of me, hugging her for giving me this gift. I need him to remember. I need him to know why he’s being punished.I double check Malcolm for weapons. I’m not taking any chances with him. Even armed, I know I can take him, but I don’t want any interruptions or unnecessary struggles. He’s taken up too much of our time already.I grab a single leash from the pile the warriors dropped earlier and snap it to the heavy collar locked around his throat. “I’ll see you back at the pack

  • Rejected by My Mate, Fated to the Lycan King   Chapter 285 Mercy and Memory

    AshThe moment Cerelia finishes weaving the last of the spell, I feel the tension ease from the air.The humans stand frozen, still blank-faced and motionless, but something subtle has shifted in the atmosphere around them. Like a storm passing just overhead without breaking.Hilda rises from where she’s crouched by a line of confiscated weapons, brushing her hands clean against her pants. She strides toward Tara and me, her expression grim but steady.“It’s your call,” she says, her voice pitched low enough that only we can hear. “You have to decide whether Redgrave goes back to the city or if we deal with her here.”Tara turns to me immediately, her blue eyes fierce and sure. “Ash, it’s only fair that you get to choose,” she says. “I’ll stand by whatever you decide. You’re the one who suffered the most because of her.”For a moment, the world feels very small. Like the two of us are the only ones in existence. And the truth has been laid bare between us.And gods, the relief that po

  • Rejected by My Mate, Fated to the Lycan King   Chapter 284 A Breath of Silence

    CereliaI hear them long before I see them. The scuff of heavy boots against the forest floor. The low murmur of voices trying to stay quiet but too weighted with nerves and suspicion to succeed. Labored breathing and faint curses.Clearly the humans haven’t taken a moment to consider how sharp a wolf’s hearing is. Never thought their whispered orders and rattling weapons would be beacons in a forest whose sounds we know like they’re our own breaths.I tighten my focus, steadying the pulse of the spell waiting in my hands. It’s nearly time and I’m so ready for this to be over.All around me, the warriors stay perfectly still, crouched low among the shrubs and trees. No one moves a single muscle. They breathe so quietly that even I can’t hear them. It’s like the entire forest has conspired to hide us, holding its’ breath for what’s about to happen.They’re very close know. Hearing the rattle of Tara’s chains makes my jaw clench. Every soft clink is a reminder of why we’re doing this. W

  • Rejected by My Mate, Fated to the Lycan King   Chapter 283 Heavy Choices

    CereliaI sit cross-legged within the circle of runes, hidden beneath a dense screen of shrubs and low-hanging branches. Around me, warriors melt into the landscape, nearly invisible even to my trained eyes. The humans will never spot us unless we want them to.At least, that’s the hope. They may have gadgets we’re not familiar with. I have to make sure my magic is faster than anything they have to offer.I roll the smooth amber stone between my palms, centering myself. The amplification spell thrums around me, delicate but vast, like a spider web stretched to its limit. It’s ready. I’m ready. Now we just have to wait.Hilda crouches beside me, watching the distant path through the trees where our enemies will appear. Her face is set in that calm, slightly amused expression she wears when she’s holding a dozen different plans in her head at once.Scarlett can be rightfully proud to have this fierce woman as her mother, I think to myself.Hilda’s head cocks to the side before she le

  • Rejected by My Mate, Fated to the Lycan King   Chapter 282 Lines in the Sand

    TaraThe air is crackling with tension.It rolls through the group like a thundercloud, thick and stifling, settling under everyone’s skin. Soldiers twitch at every noise. Eyes dart around frantically. Hands tighten on weapons.Malcolm and Redgrave walk at the front of the pack, a careful distance apart, pretending civility. But anyone with half a brain can see the truth. They’re waiting for an excuse to kill each other and their men know it.Ash walks slightly behind them, his expression schooled into something unreadable. I keep my head bowed, collar dragging at my neck, wrists still shackled tightly behind my back. The leads from my collar are held by Redgrave’s men. They seem jumpy too, hands flexing constantly around the chains and pulling the collar tight against my throat.It’s a miracle no one’s opened fire yet. I glance at Ash through lowered lashes. In spite of his impressive acting abilities, I notice the worry lines around his mouth. The way his spine is as straight as an

  • Rejected by My Mate, Fated to the Lycan King   Chapter 281 Whispers

    HildaScarlett is halfway through her second helping of blueberry pancakes and telling me a story about how Percy is definitely scared of bumblebees.“He screamed, Mama!” she says, eyes wide, hands flailing dramatically. “And he’s this big”—she stretches her arms as far as they’ll go—“and a little tiny bee made him run away! Like this!” She zooms her hand through the air, knocking over her cup of milk in the process.I catch it before it falls, mopping the few drops that splashed over the side. “Maybe Percy just didn’t want to get stung,” I say, trying to hide my smile.“He’s a werewolf, Mama. Bees don’t sting for no reason. He’s supposed to be brave. I’m brave and I’m only four.” She holds up four sticky fingers proudly.I lift a brow. “You’re brave, huh? What about the time you made daddy check under your bed for monsters three nights in a row?”Scarlett’s eyes narrow, like I’m betraying her. “That’s different. Monsters are sneaky. Bees are just bees,” she states with irrefutable lo

  • Rejected by My Mate, Fated to the Lycan King   Chapter 280 Tethered

    TaraI hate that my body reacts. Hate that I know what Ash is doing. Hate the way my thighs clenched, my breath hitched, and heat rolled through me like I was the one being touched.I hate that I didn’t want it, and I still responded. That I couldn’t stop the tears or the sick twist of shame in my stomach afterwards. Because it left me aching for him and wishing for more.What is wrong with me?By the time the first trace of morning light touches the sky, I’ve scrubbed my skin raw and changed into fresh clothes. I’m ready before they come for me, heart hammering, mind racing. I tell myself it’s because of the mission. Because of what’s at stake. But really, it’s because I can’t wait to get Ash away from her.When the door creaks open, it’s not a guard who enters. It’s them. Hand in hand. Ash walks in slightly ahead of her, dressed in black again, his face a perfect mask of disdain. Redgrave follows, her steps slow and deliberate, like a queen descending into the dungeon. She carries a

Explore and read good novels for free
Free access to a vast number of good novels on GoodNovel app. Download the books you like and read anywhere & anytime.
Read books for free on the app
SCAN CODE TO READ ON APP
DMCA.com Protection Status