Chapter 4
The healer’s clinic stands on neutral territory governed by the High Council, beyond the control of any pack.
When the examination ends, he puts away the moonstone in his hand. “Skye responded to the treatment. It was faint, but it proves she wants to wake up.”
He gives me three bottles of medicine and instructs me to return once a week.
Noah hurries toward me the moment I leave the room. “Will Skye hurt?”
“Maybe a little.”
He immediately pulls a piece of candy from his pocket, softened from being clenched in his fist, and places it in my palm. “Then eat this for her. Dad says sweet things chase away the hurt.”
My eyes sting as I stare at the candy.
After Grant completed the rejection, the pain became too much for Skye and she fell into a deep sleep. Not one wolf in the Holloway family cared whether either of us would survive it; they only wanted me gone so Grant’s new Luna could take my place.
Yet this pup has known me for only a few days. He learned Skye’s name today, remembered it immediately, and already worries that she might be in pain.
I crouch and pull him into my arms. Noah stiffens before raising one small hand to pat my back.
“When my wolf wakes up, I’ll make him protect you and Skye.”
I smile through the tears. “Then we’ll wait for you.”
When we leave the clinic, a black royal vehicle is parked at the curb. Ronan stands beside it, and every passing wolf bows as they move around him.
“Why are you here?”
“Gideon told me Noah left the estate.” Ronan lifts his son and checks that he is not trembling. Only then does the tension in his face ease.
Noah keeps hold of my hand. “Dad, the outside isn’t so scary when I’m with Elara.”
Ronan looks at me. “I see.”
After dinner, he has an amendment to my allowance delivered to me. I close it the moment I see the new figure.
“At this rate, I’ll be afraid to speak to Noah.”
“Why?”
“Because every time I say something to him, you give me more money.”
Ronan is silent for a moment. “Then what do you want?”
“Help me find an ordinary used car. A few thousand dollars is enough.” I will need to visit the healer regularly, and I want to take Noah out more often.
“You may use any car in the royal garage.”
“Those cars make every wolf on the street pull over.” I shake my head. “I only want to leave the estate without attracting attention.”
Ronan finally agrees.
The next day, an ordinary old car appears in the royal garage among rows of luxury vehicles. It looks painfully out of place.
Along with the car comes a royal healer who specializes in dormant wolves. After examining my connection with Skye, he approves the original treatment plan and replaces my medicine with stronger formulas.
Before leaving, he tells Ronan, “Medicine can restore Skye’s strength, but only a safe and stable life will truly wake her.”
Ronan gives a slight nod.
The next day, I take Noah out again. Strange scents once sent him into panic, but now he is willing to keep moving as long as he can hold my hand.
We visit an adventure center for unawakened pups on neutral territory, then stop at a public werewolf market on the way home.
Noah carries a box containing a live crab. As it repeatedly snaps its claws, his little face grows tighter and tighter.
“Elara, it wants to attack me.”
I give him a calm look. “You’re the future wolf who promised to protect Skye and me.”
Noah clenches his teeth and holds the box farther away. “I’m only protecting you two. This crab is not included.”
I suppress my laughter all the way to the parking lot.
Then a familiar voice speaks behind me.
“Elara?”