Chapter 5

Kaelen's POV

I stayed in the hospital for a week. I felt remotely better after staying bedridden for five days and ready to be discharged, but Sterling wished I stayed longer.

He opened the door of his car for me. Hazel and I stepped in. We rode in silence until we got to his mansion by nightfall. It was no different from what I remembered: tall, peach paint and the giant statue of a warrior at the centre of the land.

My uncle loved this home. Sterling had managed to keep it standing all these years. “Welcome home, General,” the servants chorused, welcoming us at the door.

Sterling passed his coat to one of them, while Hazel helped with mine. “I'll show you to your room,” Sterling volunteered.

He led me down the hall and I paused at the painting of my uncle and his wife hung on the wall in the hallway. They looked lovely. Beside them was a picture of us all as a family. I could still remember when we took it.

Peaceful, calm, beautiful.

Until we dropped one after the other.

“This is it,”

I turned my head to Sterling. He pushed a door open as I walked over to him. A smile spread across my face at the sight of my old room. “You kept it intact,” I commented, smiling at him.

He nodded, sliding his fingers into his pockets. “I had to. I suspected you will be back,” he said, then sighed.

“Feel at home. My room remains the same,” he added, walking out.

I watched him leave. My wolf was yet to stir. It has been over a week and the scent that almost made me lose my life was gone.

Vanished.

Like I only imagined it.

But what were the odds I would get a second mate just after rejecting my fated?

I let it rest for the night. The next morning came rather quickly. Opening my eyes, I was met with the neatly painted ceiling, different from the one I've woken up to for the past five years.

Again, I was thinking about Merrick.

“Good morning, my lady,” Hazel greeted, opening my curtains.

She seemed more excited about being away from Bloodhound pack than I was. “I'll get your bath ready,” she said, heading into the bathroom.

By the time I was done with my bath, breakfast was ready. “I'll be receiving guests today, so I can't be with you,” Sterling informed me.

“What time?” I asked.

“Noon, but I'll have to prepare to receive them,” he said, and I nodded in understanding.

***

Hours in and I found myself before my dressing mirror, staring into my eyes. My bedroom door opened and Hazel stepped in. “General Sterling asked you take this,” she said, gesturing to a glass filled with a brownish substance. From a distance, I knew it would taste awful.

“Why should I?” I asked.

“He didn't give me a reason,”

I sighed, taking the glass from her. The substance ribbled at the movement. I stared down at the glass for a moment. “Are they here?” I asked.

“Sterling's guests?” Hazel asked, and I hummed. “Yes, they arrived an hour ago.”

And for an hour, I've been forcing myself to remain in my room. I never thought I would ever fear — not fear, hate seemed to fit it properly.

I never thought I would wish to run away from acknowledging a mate bond. I brought the glass to my lips and the strong odor filled my nostrils.

I wasn't sure why Sterling wanted me to take this, but this was the only time I will. After emptying the glass with a long, excruciating gulp, I slammed the cup on the table, my chest rising and falling to bring air back to my lungs after holding my breath.

“Take it away,” I told Hazel.

She quickly grabbed the glass and rushed out. I helped myself with a glass of water, but it only worsened the horrible taste. I felt my wolf growl inside of me, urging me to find the man who had such scents.

I shut my eyes as the smell enveloped my nostrils, enticing and soothing. Dragging my feet, I walked out of the room, but not in the direction of the scent.

Standing on the balcony, I looked out at the vast land before me. The urge of a wolf to find a mate was strong, but not strong enough to push down my determination.

“My lady, shouldn't you be resting?” Hazel joined me.

“It's an injury. I'm not that weak, Hazel,” I said.

“My apologizes,” she bowed.

I ignored her. My body sure wanted me to rest, yet my wolf wanted me to go find my mate. I was stubborn. I could fight that urge to do that. Pretend like I wasn't slowly losing this battle, the more the sweet mixture of sandalwood, vanilla, floral and spicy filled my senses.

They all came together to form something calming and alluring, that I would not lie to myself was inviting. I held on to the railing, stopping myself from going after it.

As much as I could fight all that, there was one thing I couldn't.

Curiosity.

Who could carry such scents?

Would I be disappointed?

It was important, even though I would not acknowledge our bond. With my current state, I would not mind a rejection, but I would have to delay it to avoid getting scarred.

Curiosity and stubbornness were difficult to go hand in hand.

Where I stood was the perfect position to see anyone who leaves or enters the mansion. However, if I wanted to see this man quickly and get it over with, I should find him, yet I didn't move an inch.

If I couldn't control myself now, how would I run away from it when we were close?

But this stubbornness made me stand for two hours. Waiting.

“Are you waiting on something, my lady?” Hazel asked.

I hummed, then spotted Sterling walking out of the building. He kept talking as I tried to spot which of the men around him was my mate. They all seemed invested in what they were talking about.

“Oh, the goddess!” Hazel shrieked beside me.

The men turned to the side, and I finally saw their faces. My eyes widened, and my heart skipped a beat. That is…