All Chapters of Winter's Awakening: Chapter 71 - Chapter 80

Without a second glance, I bolted for the bathroom, locking the door behind me as if it could shield me from the reality shattering around me. I collapsed onto the floor, my body trembling violently as the weight of my heartbreak bore down on me. My heart felt like a glass shard—splintered and jagged—and tears streamed down my face, mixing with anguished moans that echoed in the claustrophobic silence. I don't know how much time had passed, but my crying finally stopped. Aaron had listened; I appreciated that, even though it felt heavy in my chest to recognize the kindness weaving through our turbulent interactions. I composed myself, feeling the dampness on my cheeks—still raw from the aftershock of my emotional outburst—and walked to the sink. Splashing cold water on my face provided a slight relief. Each droplet reminded me to breathe, and each inhale was a desperate plea for clarity through the fog. Staring into the mirror, my reflection gazed back with swollen eyes and a deject

The thrill from our snowmobile ride still coursed through me as we hurried back to the tribe's house. My cheeks were frozen and reddened from the wind and laughter, but it all made me feel alive. I couldn't stop thinking about how much my life had changed in such a short time. Just yesterday, I was tangled in fear and worry, uncertain about what the future held, and now I was full of adrenaline and excitement.As we approached the tribe's house, however, the excitement began to turn into something else—anxiety simmered just below the surface. There was a subtle tension in the air. Braxton's and Eva's voices buzzed around me, lively discussing the grand culinary feast that celebrated Aaron's and Jayla's wedding. Still, all I could focus on was the summons to Aaron's office. My inner turmoil surged like a tide.I quickened my pace to put distance between myself and snippets of their lighthearted banter. It felt cruel to hear about the joy of their bonds when I was still struggling with

*Aaron*It felt like a thousand-pound weight had been lifted off my chest. The moment I said those words, "Winter is my mate," the silence that settled over the meeting room initially felt suffocating, but then something warmed the air—something that could only come from truth spilling into the universe. Sure, the initial shock rippled through my parents and pack members like a pebble tossed into a still pond, but for me, it was a deep sigh of relief. Still, as the silence filled the room, my heart sank a little more. You'd think the reveal of a mate—a soul meant to share your life—would be met with happiness, maybe even a playful howl or two, but all I felt was the weight of judgment pressing down on me. My mother looked at me as if I had just confessed to ripping the family's cat's head off. Yeah, she had that look—the one that made me feel like a scolded kid caught sneaking cookies from the jar."Did you just say you intended to take a chosen mate instead of a fated one?" Her sile

The storm inside the hall grew stronger as I revealed this shocking news. For shapeshifters, finding a destined mate is considered a blessing from the gods themselves. Everyone usually drops everything to reunite with their beloved and live happily ever after. But not me. I was ready to do something monstrous simply because we were different in race and age. In my people's eyes, I might be seen as unworthy of leadership, but that was a matter for another time."Today is not about discussing my choices or my situation, but about Jayla and Elder Kirth and their transgressions. I am counting on your fair judgment and appropriate punishment." I concluded, watching as Jayla stared at me with eyes filled with anger and hatred. I had just revealed to the community that she attempted to eliminate their future rightful chieftainess, and in their eyes, that was the greatest crime of all.The tension in the room was thick. I leaned forward, encouraging them to speak, but both Jayla and Elder Kir

And with those words comforting me like a warm blanket, I snuggled into the chair, turning it to face my mother's bed. I reached out and took her hand, wrapped in the crisp white sheets, a vivid reminder of her absence. Its warmth seeped through my skin, grounding me in this surreal moment. Resting my head on the edge of the bed, I let the exhaustion wash over me, the whirlwind of the past days finally taking its toll. It was as if the magic flowing through my veins had begun weaving its spell, tender and persuasive, lulling me into a deep sleep.Drifting off, I was again visited by dreams that emerged from the depths of my subconscious. This time, the girl—my spectral twin—was not the sun-kissed blonde from earlier encounters, nor did she have raven-black hair. Instead, she stood before me with a mane of rich, chestnut brown hair, her fierce expression radiating strength. It was as if her very presence summoned power and urgency, a storm bottled up beneath her surface, ready to be un