All Chapters of By Shadowlight Lake: Chapter 131 - Chapter 140

I woke up before Carson, which wasn't unusual, but the way he was lying told me his shoulder was bothering him more than he'd admit. He was on his back instead of his usual side, and there was tension around his eyes even in sleep."Carson," I said softly, running my fingers through his hair. "How's the shoulder?""Fine," he mumbled, not opening his eyes."Liar." I sat up, studying the bandage. There was some blood seeping through. "When did you last take pain meds?""Don't need them.""That wasn't what I asked."Carson finally opened his eyes, giving me that look that said he thought I was being ridiculous. "It's just a few stitches, Astraia.""It's eight stitches, plus claw wounds, plus you lost blood." I got out of bed, heading for the medical supplies Dr. Eden had sent us home with. "Sit up.""I don't need—""Sit. Up."Something in my tone must have convinced him, because he actually did it without more

The next morning, after a quiet breakfast in our quarters, Carson rolled his shoulder experimentally, testing the range of motion."How does it feel?" I asked, watching him carefully for any signs of discomfort."Perfect. Alpha healing finally kicked in properly." He flexed his arm, rotating it in a full circle. "Good as new. The stitches are barely visible now."I reached over to examine the healing claw marks. Where angry red wounds had been yesterday, now only faint pink lines remained. "Thank god. I was getting tired of playing nurse.""Liar. You loved fussing over me," he said with a grin, catching my hand and pressing it flat against his chest."Maybe a little." I smiled, feeling his steady heartbeat under my palm. "But don't let it go to your head. I'm not making a habit of patching you up after every mission.""Noted. I'll try to avoid getting clawed in the future.""See that you do." I stood, brushing a kiss across his temple. "Ready to check on Hunter?""Let's go see how our

The sound of medical equipment being wheeled down the hall announced my next visitors before they even reached my door. Dr. Eden entered with a medical bag and two younger healers I recognized from the pack medical staff."Time for your wound check, Hunter," she said briskly. "How's the pain level today?""Manageable. Better than yesterday.""Good. Let's take a look." She gestured to the healers. "Leon and Jayden will help with the examination and redressing."The younger wolves nodded respectfully. Leon was a recent graduate from medical training, eager and thorough. Jayden had been with the pack medical team for a few years and had steady hands."Shirt off," Dr. Eden instructed. "Carefully now."I struggled a bit with the buttons, my injured leg making it awkward to lean forward. Leon stepped forward to help."That's quite a collection of bruises," Jayden observed as they eased the shirt off my shoulders."You should see the other guys," I said dryly.Dr. Eden wasn't amused. "This is

Lydia settled back in her chair but maintained that warm smile. "Is there someone special in your life? I'm surprised no one's claimed you yet."The question hit a little too close to home. I felt my smile become more forced as I reached for my water glass, buying time, a little uncomfortable."Not really my focus right now," I said carefully. "Being Beta keeps me pretty busy.""That's not really an answer," she said with a knowing look. "Come on, a guy like you? There has to be someone who's caught your interest.""Speaking of interests," I said quickly, deliberately steering the conversation away, "you mentioned painting landscapes. Do you have a favorite spot to paint?"She noticed the subject change and smiled knowingly, but let it slide. "Trying to change the subject on me?""Maybe," I admitted with a sheepish grin."Fine, I'll let you off the hook... for now." Her eyes sparkled with mischief. "But I'm persistent when I want to know something.""I'll keep that in mind," I said, t

After leaving Hunter to rest, Astraia and I spent the rest of the day in meetings, pack council sessions, celebration planning, coordinating with the visiting delegations. By the time we finally made it back to our quarters, the sun had set and I was exhausted in the best possible way."God, I'm tired," Astraia said, kicking off her shoes the moment we walked through the door. "But good tired, you know?""I know exactly what you mean." I stretched, rolling my shoulders. Still perfect. No pain at all."I'm going to shower," she said, already heading toward the bathroom. "Wash off this long day.""Good idea."I settled into the chair by the window, looking out at the pack grounds bathed in moonlight. A few wolves were still moving around, night shift patrol changes, late workers heading home. Everything peaceful and normal.From the bathroom came the sound of water running, and my mind started to wander. We'd been through hell these past weeks, but somehow we'd made it through stronger