All Chapters of His Mate Or His Step-Sister: Chapter 31 - Chapter 40

~HAZEL~It was already late in the afternoon, with the sun hanging low in the sky and casting long shadows, and of course, just like the many failed attempts since we got here, we hadn't found any edible food source anywhere, no matter how hard we searched."I knew it was difficult from watching the live streams, but this is absolutely ridiculous," Ariel says in frustration, her brow furrowing as she scans the area. "It feels like we're literally going in circles around here. And all this walking only makes me hungrier, which is the last thing we need right now."Ashton, noticing her increasing fatigue, looks concerned for his mate as he gently takes her hand in his, his grip reassuring. "If you're tired, you can get on my back, I'll carry you back to the cave where you can rest and regain some strength," he offers kindly, his eyes full of care.I would usually feel in awe of the way Ashton treated his mate—always gentle, attentive, and loving. But now, knowing that things were differ

~ASHTON~I felt a surge of anger and frustration directed at myself. I shouldn't have been so consumed with worry about Hazel, especially considering my mate was right beside me, seeking a rare moment of solitude away from the chaos. It irked me that my thoughts kept drifting back to my step-sister's safety. Despite her reassurance and the limited training sessions we had together, I still harbored concerns about her ability to handle any unforeseen dangers that might come her way. It fucking bothered me that I was the one who was more worried about her safety than she was. Despite her confidence and ability to handle herself, I knew that the creatures lurking within these shadowy woods were unpredictable and dangerous. Their silent stalking and sharp instincts made them formidable opponents, and I couldn't shake the feeling that anything could happen at any moment."What's wrong?" Ariel asks me softly, her voice tinged with concern as she gently shifts her gaze from her comforting e

~HAZEL~"I have to get you back to the cave, where I can ensure you receive proper care," Ashton tells me, his voice tense. "There should still be some medicine left that Ariel brought for me, which might help ease your pain and stabilize your condition." "I don't think that is necessary," I lie. "I should be okay in a few hours. The bruises aren't that deep."He frowns as he looks down at the sharp cut to the side of my breast. "This is deep, Hazel," he tells me, his voice tense. He runs his finger gently along the edge of the cut, making me shiver—not from pain, but from desire. The cool sensation of his fingertip against my skin contrasts with the warmth in my body, intensifying the moment. "You cannot stay like this," he tells me, concern etched across his face. "We need to heal these bruises quickly before they worsen." I hesitated, my mind racing. I did not want him using that medication on me. Ariel had brought it here with the intention of saving him if he ever faced real d

~HAZEL~It was Ariel's final day with us, a bittersweet moment that left me conflicted. Her frequent presence near Ashton often compelled me to suppress my feelings for him, yet witnessing her close attention towards him only heightened my internal struggle, making the situation more emotionally draining than I had anticipated. "They may send me back in," Ariel tells Ashton as she leans into him to kiss his neck, her voice tinged with a mixture of uncertainty and hope. "Since I'm the first person they've ever sent in after the mate hunt has begun, based on how everything unfolds, if they like the outcome of having me here, I think they will send me back in." I realized what she was trying to convey: once the viewership skyrocketed due to her presence—adding suspense and tension—officials would almost certainly decide to send her back later in the hunt. Despite Ariel's apparent desire to stay with us here, I doubt she truly understands how terrible this place really is. Throughout t

~ASHTON~"There is something I want to ask you before I leave," she finally admits softly, her voice trembling slightly, with a cautious expression etched deep in her eyes that reflect a tumult of unspoken fears and concern. The tone of her voice makes me tense a bit, sensing the weight of her unspoken questions. I wasn't sure exactly what she wanted to say, but I could feel the heaviness in her silence, hinting at a lingering uncertainty she was hesitant to voice. What exactly did she want to ask me? And did I truly want to hear what it was? It felt like she could see straight through me right now and I hate that I'm suddenly hiding things from her. These feeling inside my chest, I was trying my hardest to keep it from her. I knew she would not be able to handle the truth. "Tell me," I encourage her gently despite the thoughts racing in my mind, leaning slightly forward with a warm, reassuring smile. "I don't want anything to be bothering you while I'm here. Ask me whatever it is