Share

Chapter 73 In the Forest Glades

Author: Judith GW
last update Last Updated: 2025-01-06 11:37:59

Hilda

We’re traveling at an easy pace, more focused on stealth than speed, in hopes that Maelor and his companions don’t know we’re coming for them. The thought that by tomorrow this could all be over is exhilarating. I want my honeymoon period with Arlo. Uninterrupted and without any concerns that pull us out of each other’s arms.

It’s good to see Cerelia and Soren bonding. He’s different with her than he was with me. Much gentler. Of course I was an incredible brat who was always courting trouble, but it’s more than that. I don’t know if it’s possible for the magic of the mating bond to make mistakes. It shouldn’t be. Yet, as content and in love as we were once, we’re both far better matched and happier now.

Soren and I loved one another deeply, but I don’t think we were ever truly, madly, deeply in love. We would have been at peace together if I was never wounded and left comatose. I prefer what I have now, which is ecstatic bliss. I’m sure Soren would agree with that sentiment.

Af
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 74 Unseen Enemies

    Hilda We push forward and the fog disappears as suddenly as it came. The relief at being able to see barely sets in when an arrow comes flying out of nowhere, straight into Arlo’s chest. Blood immediately starts pouring from the wound, dripping in thick splotches to the ground, forming a puddle in seconds.No! No, Arlo, don’t you dare die on me, hang on. Take some of my life essence. We’ll get you out of here and to a healer, I tell him, desperately attempting to share my animus with him. It should be possible, but no matter how hard I push, nothing happens.He sways on his feet, then falls heavily to his side, sending up a flurry of leaves as his large body hits the forest floor. I’m howling in agony, calling the others to us, but they’re nowhere to be seen. It’s just me and Arlo in the half-light of the forest and his eyes are starting to dim.I can’t. This can’t be happening to me again. I won’t survive this loss. Please Arlo, I beg again, but his eyes are wide open and blank. He’

    Last Updated : 2025-01-06
  • Rejected by My Mate, Fated to the Lycan King   Chapter 75 Illusions

    HildaI’m not sure how close we are to Maelor and the other mages. Cerelia assured us they were all in the same area and I suspect it’s taking their combined power to send the illusions. If he was able to do this over a substantial distance, he would have tried to stop us earlier, or lure me to him when I was alone.The thought terrifies me. If Arlo hadn’t been here to stop me, I’d have run straight back into whatever trap Maelor had waiting. More proof that Arlo and I are stronger together. Hopefully strong enough to defeat a cabal of mages.I wonder whether Maelor figured out yet how I got away from him. The wards must have warned him that we’re on our way, but I’m sure he knew that we’d be coming for him sooner or later. Leaving them to continue plotting would be foolish and I trust he knows Arlo is no fool.We have to continue, Arlo says. Even if we can’t get to them, we have to give Cerelia and the others a fighting chance at freeing the women. He’s right. I have to ignore the tr

    Last Updated : 2025-01-07
  • Rejected by My Mate, Fated to the Lycan King   Chapter 76 Hidden Entrance

    CereliaSoren’s true to his word, he doesn’t leave my side for a second and I’m very grateful. I know the others here have their doubts about me. I’m finding it difficult enough to reconcile being a mage and a werewolf, how can I expect them to simply accept it?The pull to the source of power is still strong and Soren and I take the lead, with Percy flanking my other side. “You’re sure we’re still on the right path?” he asks carefully as we’re struggling through a thicket of underbrush.Soren tenses next to me, ready to defend my honor from this perceived slight. “Yes, I can feel them and this is the most direct route, if not exactly the easiest to travel.” Percy smiles at me comfortingly, “As long as we find them, that’s all that matters.”“It would be easier if we could just travel as wolves, but my powers don’t seem to work when I change,” I continue apologetically. “That doesn’t matter,” Soren interjects forcefully. “You’re the only one who can find the women, you’re not inconven

    Last Updated : 2025-01-07
  • Rejected by My Mate, Fated to the Lycan King   Chapter 77 Underground

    Soren POVPercy turns around to call for torches and to warn his soldiers. “We don’t know what’s lying in wait down there, keep your eyes and ears wide open and use the mind link if you notice anything that may warrant further inspection. You can rather be the wolf who cries danger when there’s nothing, than ignore a possible threat.”Most of the squad are still in wolf form, with only a handful changing human again to carry torches. We have excellent night vision, but it’s impossible to see in pitch darkness and there’s obviously no natural source of light underground.The steps are narrow and high, leaving me wondering what kind of creature they’d originally been made for. Undoubtedly something with very long legs. It’s not exactly a comfortable climb and the darkness seems to be doing its best to swallow our light.When we finally reach level ground, I’m sure we’ve descended at least 2000 feet. The air is freezing cold and musty, but the worst thing down here are the faint whispers

    Last Updated : 2025-01-08
  • Rejected by My Mate, Fated to the Lycan King   Chapter 78 The Women

    Hilda POVThis place is creepy as hell. Being lost down here on your own would be a nightmare. We catch up to Soren and Cerelia, who seem to be unable to stop smiling at each other. We obviously missed a special moment between the two. I’m in no position to judge where they find joy in each other, considering Arlo and I didn’t make it out of the caves without ripping each other’s clothes off.“We only got four of them and Maelor got away,” I tell them, briefly filling them in on what had happened to us. Cerelia looks at me wide-eyed, “I should have stayed with you. What if Arlo hadn’t been able to catch you in time?”“He did, so we’re not going to fret about what ifs. This was more important anyway. Percy let us know how difficult it was to find the entrance and if Maelor and the others decide to chase after us, I’d rather we have a head start on saving these women’s lives.”Cerelia smiles at me and it’s the first time there’s no hesitation in her eyes. I can’t explain why it means so

    Last Updated : 2025-01-08
  • Rejected by My Mate, Fated to the Lycan King   Chapter 79 Intricate Work

    CereliaI imagine this is what being a tick feels like. Instead of blood, I’m a skin sac bloated with magic, right on the edge of bursting at the seams. Soren, Hilda, King Arlo and Percy are working on the pillar, handing the tatters of material they’re tearing loose to the soldiers waiting below.It’s taking a while, but lives are at stake and everyone’s being extra careful. The pods are very slowly getting closer to the ground around the perimeter of the chamber and I’m looking forward to the moment when I can release the power I’m hoarding.The relief of letting go is profound and I watch in relief as the magic races back to where it came from. The power is more than the weakened structure can contain and everyone scatters when it crumbles to dust, sending molecules of magic draining into the earthen floor.“It’s like walking on a carpet made exclusively from static electricity,” Hilda says, grinning at the way everyone’s hair is standing up and floating around their heads. I hope

    Last Updated : 2025-01-09
  • Rejected by My Mate, Fated to the Lycan King   Chapter 80 A Moment’s Peace

    Soren“Thank you for guarding me so fiercely today,” Cerelia says, leaning her back against the wide trunk of a tree. “Are you kidding?” I hope she hears every ounce of disbelief in my voice. “Cerelia, what you did was extraordinary. Protecting you will never be something you need to thank me for. I love you and keeping you safe is as important to me as breathing.”Her soft smile makes my chest ache with unspoken emotions. “I love you too,” she admits and I work at tamping down the joy her words bring me. She’s admitted before that she still cares about me, but can’t forget what happened with Hilda. I shouldn’t get carried away.“And I’ve realized how unfair I’ve been to blame you for events you had no control over. You’re the most decent man I’ve ever known and I adore you. I don’t want anything to divide us anymore. You’re my mate and I’m proud to be your Luna.”My heart is thundering so loudly, I can barely hear myself think. Which is fine, because the next thing she says completel

    Last Updated : 2025-01-09
  • Rejected by My Mate, Fated to the Lycan King   Chapter 81 Awakenings

    HildaI can’t tear myself away from the hall where cots have been set up for the women. All of them have woken for short periods and we’ve managed to get them to ingest a little bit of broth and water, but they seem oblivious to their surroundings. Obediently doing what they’re told before lying back down again.“Do you think they’re minds have been destroyed?” Arlo asks, looking haggard next to me. “You need to go and get some sleep,” I tell him gently, but he shakes his head obstinately. “I need to know they’re truly saved and not just in a new environment. Besides, you haven’t left here yet either.” I frown at him, “I slept for several hours in your arms. If you’d like to come and sit in my lap I’m happy to oblige.”He rolls his eyes at me, “I’ll squash you like a little lady bug. I need those legs to be able to wrap around my waist later.” He’s quiet for a while, before admitting uncomfortably, “I’ve been trying to remember who the ones are that I took to their doom, but only 5 of

    Last Updated : 2025-01-10

Latest chapter

  • Rejected by My Mate, Fated to the Lycan King   Chapter 294 Sweet as Honey

    CereliaIt’s still very early. Soren’s arm is slung lazily over my waist, his breath warm against the back of my neck, and for once everything is quiet. There are no spells humming through my bones. No humans to manipulate. No wolves to protect. Just warmth and peace in the arms of the man I love.And the deep, delicious ache in my muscles from a night spent in his arms. I close my eyes and sigh contentedly.And that’s when the knock comes. Three quick raps on the door. Then silence. Another two knocks, this time faster.Followed by, “I know you’re awake! I can hear you breathing!” Soren groans into my shoulder. “She’s back.”“I’m not going away,” Scarlett adds through the door. “And I’m very hungry.” I bite back a laugh and start to roll over, but Soren tightens his arm around me with a huff.“She’s our godchild, I have to let her in,” I tell him. “It’s too early,” he groans. I pat his hand before wriggling out of bed and pull on one of his shirts, which falls all the way to my knees

  • Rejected by My Mate, Fated to the Lycan King   Chapter 293 All Mine

    ArloI can’t keep my hands off her and I have no intention of trying to.The second we shut the door behind us, I pin her against it, mouth crashing down on hers with what feels like weeks of pent-up want. Hell, years of it. A lifetime of need. Even though I spent all night worshipping her just last night. I will never get enough of her.Hilda kisses me back like she’s starving.Her fingers dive into my hair, tugging just the way she knows drives me mad, and I groan, grinding against her, feeling her swell press into me. Our child, safe and warm in her body while I press her against the wall like a man possessed.“Arlo,” she pants, pulling back enough to look at me, her lips swollen, her cheeks flushed. “We should get to the bed-”“I’ll carry you,” I growl, already sweeping her into my arms before she finishes the sentence. She squeals and laughs, smacking my shoulder. “Caveman.”“My caveman charm worked on you, didn’t it?” I ask cockily. “It worked once,” she says with a giggle.I dr

  • Rejected by My Mate, Fated to the Lycan King   Chapter 292 Everything We Wanted

    HildaThe clearing is glowing with golden lantern light, strung from tree to tree like stars caught in the branches. Music floats through the air, lively and cheerful, and the scent of roasted meat, baked bread, and spiced cider wraps around everything like a warm embrace.Laughter, chatter, music, love, and everyone I care about safe and sound. It’s perfect.Scarlett darts past me, her curls bouncing, a sticky bun in each hand and powdered sugar smudged across her cheek. She’s already danced with half the warriors here, been given three new hair ribbons, and convinced Nixie to teach her the “grown-up” steps to a waltz. The child is utterly spoiled and utterly adored. Just as she should be.My gaze drifts across the party, a small smile tugging at my lips.Nixie and Percy are twirling in the open space near the fire, laughing as Percy dips her dramatically, nearly dropping her before catching her again. She swats him playfully and he leans in to kiss her shoulder. They’re so in love i

  • Rejected by My Mate, Fated to the Lycan King   Chapter 291 Not Going Anywhere

    TaraThe tea is barely warm, but I don’t care. It’s quiet in the cottage, and Ash is here, lounging on the couch like he owns the place, one long leg stretched out, the other bent so his arm can rest on his knee. He’s watching me sip my tea like it’s the most fascinating thing in the world.And he keeps leaning closer. I give him a mock glare. “Ash.” He brushes his nose against my cheek, kissing the corner of my mouth. “What?”“You know what.” His grin is wicked. “I’m just admiring you,” he protests, his innocent tone completely at odds with the glint in his eyes. “I swear, if you kiss me again, we won’t make it back to the party-”He kisses me again and I lose myself in him for several minutes before gathering the strength of will to pull back.“Ash,” I laugh, pushing lightly at his shoulder. “I’m serious! Hilda will drag us out of here naked if she has to. And I will never recover.”“Neither will she,” he mutters. “Which is why I’m being very responsible right now.” I snort. “Your d

  • Rejected by My Mate, Fated to the Lycan King   Chapter 290 The Job's Not Done

    AshAfter two days in Tara’s bed, I honestly wasn’t sure my legs still worked. They do, but just barely.We’ve both managed to stumble out into the daylight today, blinking and dazed like creatures dragged from some romantic fairy tale.Sore, hungry, and maybe a little too pleased with ourselves. Tara’s gone off to help Cerelia with decorations, and I’ve been assigned the incredibly noble task of carrying boxes of cider to the main clearing where Hilda’s preparing to throw what I’ve been assured will be a “respectably rowdy” victory celebration.The werewolves are happy. Relaxed. They laugh louder. Touch more freely – which is saying a lot. The tension that used to hum just beneath the surface is gone for now.They survived. And they’re still free to live as they choose. The human world blissfully unaware of their existence.I’m halfway through hauling the second crate of bottles when I hear the unmistakable patter of quick little footsteps, followed by an even quicker voice.“There y

  • Rejected by My Mate, Fated to the Lycan King   Chapter 289 All of You

    TaraI’ve never felt anything like this.Not just the physical sensation of Ash’s hands and mouth on my skin, though even that alone would be enough to steal my breath. It’s the bond. The raw, unfiltered tether between us. Every touch he gives me, I feel twice. My own response and his.His hunger. His awe. His aching, consuming need. It rushes through me like fire laced with starlight.Every pass of his lips over my skin, every brush of his fingers, echoes back into my body in waves, dizzying and electric. I arch beneath him with a soft cry, overwhelmed, and he moans into my throat like he feels it too.Because he does. I glance up at him, his hair falling loose around his face, his pupils blown wide with desire, and my heart stutters.“Ash,” I whisper. “It’s too much. I feel everything you do-”“I know,” he murmurs, voice wrecked. “Gods, Tara, I know. It’s driving me mad and I don’t want it to stop.”He kisses down my stomach, his hands holding my thighs open like I’m something sacre

  • 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

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