The Werewolf King’s Mate
Chapter 10

Cory's POV:

My head hurts. I tried opening my eyes, but it was dark. I remember I was in the forest, there was a tiny red cake with a candle, and someone was singing Happy Birthday to me. Oh, right! It was my birthday. Lola surprised me on my birthday with the raspberry mousse. Then, everything went blank. I hear Lola keep on shouting... Oh, goddess, Lola! Where is she?!

I tried looking around, but it was dark. I tried to recall what happened next. Before I passed out, I saw a dark shadow behind her. I don't know who or what it could have been. Could it be a rogue? I have to get up soon and check on Lola. But I don't even know where I am. Relax, Cory.

Who's there? I feel like I've heard that voice before.

It's me, Hotah. I caught sight of the white wolf with fiery ember eyes that I had seen before.

It's you again. Why are you here?

I told you last time that we would meet again.

Yes, I remember that. But why in my dreams?

Let me introduce myself. I am Hotah. I am your wolf.

M-my w-wolf? No, no, no. That can't be happening.

I know you are confused right now. Let me explain.

You have a wolf all this time, Cory. Ever since you were born, I was born too. I saw you, and I was there when everything happened to you. I want to get out of every time they hurt you to prove them wrong. I want to fight them and protect you from those wolves! Then, why didn't you? I realized the pain in my question. All my life, I was waiting and waiting and waiting to feel my wolf, but none. I want the torture and the pain to stop. I don't want to be different anymore.

Don't cry, Cory. I didn't realize that I was crying until she told me to stop.

I know you are hurt. And I am sorry for not fighting and protecting you all these years.

So, why now?

Something stronger has come. It triggered and awakened me. Before, there was not much pull or connection to wake me. That is why I haven't shown myself all these years. Do you know who or what that is?

I have a haunch. Although she was quick to hide, I saw that grin.

It could be our mate.

Austin?! But he rejected me, and I accepted it. I can also feel the mate bond fading.

No. Not Austin. Our second chance mate. This time, our mate possesses an impressive amount of strength and power. And that is why he could pull me out of the haze.

More powerful than an Alpha?! OH, goddess! I think that the moon goddess is playing with me. I chuckled halfheartedly at Hotah's words.

Yes! More powerful than an Alpha. And I think he is someone close to the Werewolf King. When the king arrived, I could feel someone trying to open the door and let me out. I think they are not sensing your wolf. They are trying to connect with us through the mate bond. They are looking for us, Cory!

I-I don't know. I don't believe this. This is just another dream! Maybe I was too tired from all the preparation and tasks today. I remember feeling dizzy before I passed out. That could be it.

Cory, I understand. But you have to believe me. This is not a dream. Our mate is here, and he is near.

I can't believe this. We have a second chance mate?

Yes, and I believe he is with you now.

Now?! I tried to look around, but I didn't see anyone else.

I heard Hotah giggle. Not here, silly. When you wake up, I believe he will be beside you.

How do you know?

Do you not smell something refreshing and earthy? It is like he emerged from the tranquil waters of a forest pond as if they were born from the very heart of nature itself.

Oh, now that she's mentioned it, I do remember smelling that scent before I lost consciousness.

I think I did smell that before I passed out! So does that mean that the shadowy figure I saw is our mate...?

It could be, Cory. Now, go back to Lola and replace out who our mate is. We will see each other again!

Wait! Wait! Hotah!

As soon as I opened my eyes, it was bright. I tried looking around, but I couldn't seem to replace my strength. As I took a whiff, the scent of alcohol and a subtle hint of peppermint filled my nostrils. Hold on; I never knew I had a strong sense of smell...The sudden realization dawned on me. It is because of Hotah! My wolf! I can feel tears sliding down the sides of my face. Then, I heard voices.

"She's awake!" A strong, deep, and gruff voice. I can feel the panic and concern in his voice.

"Call the doctor quickly! Now!" He quickly came to my side.

"Hey, can you hear me? How are you feeling?"

I could feel someone sitting beside my bed. I can't turn around because my body still feels weak and in pain. But I smell the refreshing and earthy scent. Is it him?

"W-who are you? And w-where am I?" I asked, still feeling a bit confused about what was happening.

"You are at the hospital. As I was taking a walk in the forest, I saw you and your friend there. Then, your friend screamed, and I rushed to see what was happening. Luckily, I was able to catch you, or else you would have hit your head." "Oh, thank you so much..."

"You can call me Lucas."

"Thank you, Lucas! Uhm, h-have you seen, my friend?

"Yes, I told her to get some rest. Both of you have been working hard all day."

"Oh, I am glad she is OK."

"How long was I asleep?"

"Around 5 hours. The doctor said that it could be because of fatigue."

"Five hours?!" I looked at the nearby clock and only had an hour to prepare breakfast! The Alpha is going to kill me for sure!

"I-I have to go back." I tried standing up, but I felt my back hurting a bit. I also felt a bit dizzy again.

"What? NO! You must rest. Until the doctor says you are good to go, that's the only time I will let you go."

"But I have to prepare the food for breakfast."

"Someone else will do that!" I could feel in his voice that he was irritated. But why?

"My Alpha...h-he might get angry."

I slowly turned and looked at where the voice was coming from. This is the first time I have seen this gorgeous man. He possesses an impressive appearance with his short, sleek, and jet-black hair, paired with his deep brown eyes and a strong square jawline. I can also observe that he has broad shoulders, a sturdy and well-built physique, and a fair complexion. I felt his hand hold mine. I felt a spark when our skin touched.

"Mate." I barely said in a whisper.

"So, you feel it too. I am glad."

I looked at his face carefully and saw relief from my recognition that he was my mate. Before I could say anything else, the doctor came. He did a round of checks and asked a few questions. When he was done, he looked at Lucas and said,

"She is now OK. She needs a couple more days to recuperate, eat nutritious foods, and drink her medicine. She can leave already. Let me process her discharge documents. I will also have the nurse ready for the prescription and medicines before you leave, your majesty."

"Thank you, doc," Lucas answered. With that, the doctor left.

I am glad that nothing serious happened...But wait. I think I misheard it. What did he say after me leaving, the prescription and the medicine? Did he just call Lucas, your majesty? "YOUR MAJESTY?!"