Lahat ng Kabanata ng Still Here for You, My Mate: Kabanata 1 - Kabanata 8

That evening, I was helping my little brother Jim prepare for his first shift.We were alone in the backyard, just the two of us under the dim light, when my phone buzzed."Raven?""Bella, I'm so sorry," he said, his voice trembling. "I just heard what happened today. I feel terrible."I forced a smile, even though he couldn't see it."It's nothing, Raven. Don't worry. It was your bonding ceremony—you should be with your mate.""The ceremony's over now, but… I couldn't stop thinking about you. I really was worried."There was a silence. Something thick and bitter lodged itself in my throat, but I didn't let it out.Raven spoke again, trying to ease the tension."How's Jim? I brought a pack of candies for him, but you left before I could give it to you."I softened. "Thanks. He'll love that."Then his tone shifted, cautious but caring."Is… is he going in for surgery again soon? How's the payment going? Were you able to gather the money?"I clenched my teeth, swallowed the lump in my th

Seven years ago, my entire life was turned upside down by that fire.I had always dreamed of going to the Werewolf Research Academy.But that dream was destroyed.My wolf was severely injured in the fire, and my eyes were burned—my vision permanently damaged.Becoming a werewolf researcher became nothing more than an unreachable fantasy.Two years passed, but Draven never came back.I only saw his mother once during that time.She showed me a few photos. In one of them, a she-wolf stood close beside him.In that photo, I saw his handsome face, his strong build, and that same confident, defiant smile—the same one I had fallen in love with all those years ago.He hadn't changed at all.I wanted to smile.But I couldn't.My heart had already shattered into too many pieces.I held those photos in my hands, numb and hollow, not even knowing how I made it back home afterward.But I didn't have the luxury of breaking down. I had no time to grieve.Because I had to survive. I had to earn mone

I had scattered dreams—fragmented and strange—before I finally woke up.But even then, my vision remained blurred.The room was bright, and when I reached up to touch my head, I felt a bandage tightly wrapped around it.I fumbled my way to the door.When I looked out, I saw a tall figure slouched on the sofa. Empty bottles cluttered the table, and the heavy scent of alcohol hit me all at once.Then it came back to me—Before I lost consciousness, he had shouted my name.I murmured weakly, "You… are you okay?"His voice was hoarse and cracked, like it had been scorched by fire.When he noticed me, he froze, then slowly turned his head toward me.He got up, staggering as he approached.The stench of wine clung to him—he'd clearly drunk too much."Okay?" he sneered. "Bella, do you even have the right to ask me that?"His hand shot out, gripping my jaw tightly. His bloodshot eyes bored into mine.He leaned down, his breath hot with the sharp sting of liquor.It hurt—to the point of breakin

"Sister."Lying on the gurney, about to be wheeled into surgery, Jim looked anxious.I rushed over.He held my hand tightly."Don't worry, don't be afraid. I'll be waiting for you right outside.""Just like before, I'll have a dream, and when I open my eyes, I'll see you again."I smiled and gently ruffled his hair.The doors to the operating room slowly closed.Sealing off Jim's reluctant gaze.I couldn't hold it in anymore.My trembling hands clenched into fists.Someone walked over."He'll be fine."I turned my head.Draven hadn't left.He stared straight at the surgery room."Jim's with you now? He's grown so much."I only nodded.Seven years ago, he was just over five year old.Back then, Jim had been placed with our father. When I was with Draven, he had only seen Jim once or twice.Draven stayed for a long time.I didn't understand why.But I still suggested,"You should get your hand treated."He nodded.And actually left.This seemed to be the first calm interaction we'd had s