35

~Vaela

“Mate huh.”

I chew on my fingernail. “I know.”

Glancing at Eyla, I scowl at her smirk. She’s been infinitely amused since Hale brought her up to the cave, and we told her together that we are mates. Naturally, she was overjoyed for a moment, before she went on a rant about how obvious it was.

“I knew it, and so did you, you just didn’t want to hear it,” she says, jabbing me in the side multiple times teasingly, making me jump.

I'm still not entirely held. Being mortal again has reminded me of how long the recovery process can be.

“He made it seem impossible. I’m just glad he was wrong about it," I admit, stretching out over the bed. I've spent most of my days here, trying to pretend my thoughts aren't driving me crazy.

I want to be normal again. I want to be me.

“Have you slept with him yet?” Eyla asks.

I sigh. “No, I only found out a little while ago.”

It's not like it hasn't been on my mind. In fact, each time I look at Hale I think about it, and I know he's thinking about it