Tyler’s POV
been several weeks since my late–night conversation with Nathan about Rachel. His unexpected decision to postpone her breeding assignment left me with mixed feelings.
Part of me was relieved–she wasn’t ready, physically or mentally. Bu another part knew this was merely delaying the inevitable.
I made my way down to the medical ward where Emina was finishing Rachel’s latest check–sip. Emma looked up from her clipboard when I entered.
“She’s doing much better, Emma said, her voice low enough that Rachel couldn’t hear from behind the curtain. “The nutrition plan is working. Her blood work shoes significant improvement, and she’s finally gaining weight.”
I nodded, glancing toward where Rachel sat. “And mentally?”
Emma sighed. “That’s more complicated. She’s cooperative, even pleasant, but there’s a sadness I can’t seem to break through.” She hesitated. She needs more than just medical care, Tyler. She needs some normalcy, some freedom. Being confined to the castle is only adding to her stress.”
Nathan won’t allow her outside the castle grounds, I reminded her firmly.
I’m not suggesting that,” Emma countered. “But letting her explore the courtyard market, maybe the gardens–it would give her some sense of autonomy.”
I considered this. Emma was right. Rachel had been dutifully following her recovery plan.
Perhaps she deserved some reward. Besides, Victoria had been begging to take Rachel around the castle more.
Tll allow Victoria to accompany her on
n short outings,” I finally agreed. “But n
not alone. I’ll watch from a distance.”
Emma’s face brightened, “Thank you, Tyler. I think it will make a word of difference.”
Over the next few weeks, I observed Rachel from afar as Victoria led her through various parts of the castle. The change was remarkable.
Rachel’s posture straightened, her movements became more fluid, less guarded. Sometimes, when she thought no one was watching. I’d catch the ghost of a genuine smile cross her face.
Victoria had grown attached to Rachel, treating her more like a sister than a breeder. This worried me.
- ih. Victoria’s heart would shatter.
When Nathan eventually gave the order to dispose of Rachel after the birth,
But there was nothing Lcould do to stop their friendship from blossoming.
The truth was, I understood Victoria’s attachment. There was something about Rachel that made you want to protect her.
Despite everything she’d endured, a gentle kindness radiated from her. She had done nothing to deserve her fate, and sometimes, in my weakest moment I questioned why I was participating in this plan at a
“Tylert!
Victoria’s voice rang out down the corridor, interrupting my thoughts I turned to see her hurrying toward me, her hair bouncing as she moved.
1/2
Chapter 14
“What’s wrong” 1 frowned, noting the frantic look in her eyes
“Nothing bad,” she assured me quickly. “I just need a favor. Something came up with my marketing project for Alphar’s business, it a urgent–and I need someone to take Rachel to the courtyard market today. She clasped her hands together. Please? post this onerŢ
Me? Take her out? I asked incredulously.
Please, please? You’re the best big brother ever!” Victoria hatted her eyelashes, knowing full well I couldn’t refuse her looked at me like that.
Besides, I’d been monitoring Rachel’s outings anyway, just from a
“best this once,” I said, attempting to look stem but failing miserabl
“Yes! Thank you!” She squealed, throwing her arms around me before skipping away.
“What just happened….” I muttered to myself, shaking my head with a reluctant smile as I headed toward Rachel’s suite.
1 knocked on Rachel’s door, waiting patiently. Regardless of her position in the pack, she deserved basic respect.
When the door opened, I found myself looking into those deep eyes that seemed to shift between shades depending Today they were clear, like a calm lake on a sunny day.
“Tyler?” Her voice was soft, tinged with surprise.
on her mood.
I couldn’t help but offer a polite smile. “Victoria had to handle something urgent, so I thought I could take you to the courtyard
market instead.”
Rachel blinked in surprise before quickly nodding and following me out the door. She wore a simple pale blue dress that Emma had likely helped her select–modest but flattering to her recovering figuer.
The courtyard market was bustling that day. Vendors from the local area had set up stalls selling everything from handcrafted jewelry to fresh produce. The air was filled with the mingled scents of baked goods and flowers.
For hours, I watched Rachel interact with the pack members. She moved cautiously at first, but gradually relaxed as people responded to her gentle demeanor.
With men, especially those she didn’t know, she remained hesitant, her body language guarded.
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