The Werewolf King’s Mate
Chapter 17

Content Warning: The chapter contains scenes that may trigger or traumatize some readers. Lucas' POV:

The doctor tried to get more details out of Cory. He asked more questions, such as what they did, what kind of abuse they were doing, who did those to you, did they go above and beyond their abuse. Hearing those questions and looking at Cory's blank face is "Doctor, let's stop this. She is struggling enough to recall those things."

enough to t*****e me and my wolf.

"Uh, yes, your majesty. We will transfer Lola to a ward and prepare everything else."

"I will go with you. I need to see how she is myself." Silas said.

As soon as they left, I carried Cory. This pulled her out of her trance.

"L-Lucas?"

"It's me. Let's go back now. You still need to rest."

"How about Lola?"

"Silas will be taking care of her. He will keep her company until she regains consciousness. I asked him to mind-link me if there is any progress. I will tell you if there is anything. Alright?" She nodded. Then she said,

"I couldn't answer his questions. My mind went blank after every question. I hoped I could answer those questions to help Lola, b-but I just couldn't."

She started sobbing. I gripped her tighter in my arms to comfort her.

"Shhh, it's OK. You don't have to answer anything now. Take your time."

She continued to sob in the cabin. After entering my room, I assisted her with getting ready for a shower by setting up everything she needed. I told her to take a quick shower and switch to cleaner clothes. After she finished, I gave her the prescribed medication and a glass of water and assisted her in bed.

"Rest for tonight, Cory. I will wake you if there is any update on Lola." I quickly planted a kiss on her forehead and stood up.

"Where are you going?"

"I will just do a quick run. I will be back soon, OK?"

Before I left, I asked Ellie and Iris to watch over Cory. I told everyone what happened in the doctor's office. They were shocked, angry, and concerned for Cory and Lola. As soon as I left the cabin, I didn't bother removing my clothes before shifting. I am impressed I could calm myself down when I was around Cory. I want to ask who hurt her to get this over with and what they have done for years.

Why are we running in the woods?! We should be looking for those monsters! Kali growled.

I need a plan! And I can't do that when all I think of is k*lling someone!

Well, you should have asked her so we could snap the neck of that b*st*rd!

I couldn't because she looked hurt recalling her past.

Is this why I can't feel much of her wolf? He made a good point.

Probably! Her wolf might have been weakened because of the abuse. Do you think you could try reaching her?

I will try.

I ran for a few more minutes. I looked for a pair of shorts in the woods before heading back to the cabin. I mind-linked Silas for just a little while to see if there are any updates. They put an IV into her arm to facilitate getting the nutrients back into her body. But, unfortunately, Lola is still unconscious.

I went into my room and woke Ellie and Iris. I told them to go back to their room to rest. I took a cold shower and stayed there for a little while longer. When I am calmer, I step out and change into my new clothes. I didn't think twice about lying beside Cory. I want to be near her and hug her tight. I want to take all the pain away from her. A few minutes later, I could feel myself falling into a slumber.

When I opened my eyes, I roamed, and panic set in. Cory is not beside me, and I am not in my room. I am deep in the woods, and a white wolf is on the river bank. I looked at her, and she looked familiar. I tried to get closer to her.

"Hey, where am I? Where is Cory?"

The wolf looked at me.

"So, it is you. A pleasure to meet you, your majesty." She bowed her head.

"H-how did..."

"I knew you were coming. I told Cory that someone powerful would be entering her life."

"How do you know? And who are you?"

"I am Hotah. I am Cory's wolf."

"Her wolf?!"

"Yes, I could feel you reaching out to me, and I guess you wanted to talk to me about something."

"Why is your presence so faint? We couldn't send you the first time we met."

"I started waking up when Cory was nearing her 18th birthday. It was our 2nd meeting when she turned 18. I told her that our second chance mate was coming to us."

"Her what?! Second chance mate?!" This has been the most shocking day of my life! I learned that Cory was abused, and now this?!

"I can tell you the details, but it is better to have Cory tell you. And I know you didn't come for that. You'd like to know something else. Some other information you couldn't ask Cory."

Some part of me was raging with anger about the pain of rejection that Cory had been through, and part of me was glad that I was now with her. Hotah is right. Her ex-mate should be the least of my problems now. So, I told Hotah what had happened and started asking my questions. Questions about how this pack treated my mate.

"It all started six years ago. When rogues attacked our pack, and most wolves were gone, we were taken in by Alpha Henry. We were too young back then to know that that man was anything but ruthless."

"So, it was Alpha Henry? Just him?"

"No, the whole pack turned against us. At first, they were kind to us, and only Alpha Henry overworked us. However, on Cory's 16th birthday, she couldn't shift."

Hotah continued to tell me the story of when the abuse started. The kind of punishments and physical abuse Cory and Lola got. I know how big a deal it is to have to shift at 16, but it doesn't give anyone the right to punch, kick, and torture someone just because they couldn't.

"Did..." I didn't know how to ask my next question. I couldn't fathom the thought of it.

"Did she try to take her life away?"

I nodded.

"No. The thought never crossed her mind. She is stronger than you think and survived all this because of Lola. If Lola is not here to be her friend, I think we wouldn't meet at all, your majesty."

I was supposed to ask now about her ex-mate, but something is pulling me back.

"She is waking up, your majesty. Don't worry; we will meet again soon!"