Chapter 85
Rachel’s POV
I’d been in Eclipse territory for three days now, recovering in this peaceful room adorned with fresh flowers that filled the air with their subtle fragrance.
I should have felt relieved. Free. I’d escaped Nathan and his plans to kill me after I gave birth. Yet my heart wasn’t
at peace.
Each time his image flickered through my mind, my chest tightened until I could barely breathe.
I need to move forward.
I need to start a new life here.
But the voice in my head knew I needed more time. When left alone with my thoughts, they inevitably drifted back to Nathan–his touch, his scent, his rare smiles that seemed reserved only for me. I needed something, anything, to keep busy.
Otherwise, his face was all I saw.
A soft knock interrupted my spiraling thoughts.
“Come in,” I called, grateful for the distraction.
A woman entered with a warm smile. “I am Katherine, the Eclipse territory doctor, How’s my favorite patient
feeling today? Better than yesterday, I hope.”
“Yes, much better than before,” I replied, shifting slightly on the bed. “Some movements still hurt, though.”
She examined my healing bruises with gentle, practiced hands. “Your recovery speed is impressive–much faster than a human’s would be. I’m pleased with your progress.”
“Does that mean I can get out of bed?” I asked hopefully.
Katherine nodded. “You don’t need to stay confined to bed rest anymore. Some light activity would actually be good for you.” She patted my hand. “But don’t stand for too long periods, and avoid any strenuous activities. We
need to protect that little wolf cub.”
Another knock sounded at the door.
“Come in,” I called again.
A young woman entered, carrying several books. She smiled shyly. “Rose, I am your maid.”
I still wasn’t used to responding to my fake name. “Hi, come in.”
“I’m sorry, Katherine. I didn’t mean to interrupt your examination,” the woman said, looking apologetic.
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15.08
nu, 22 May
Chapter 85
Katherine waved dismissively. “Not at all! We’ve just finished. Everything’s healing nicely, Scarlet. Rose has strong werewolf healing abilities. She should be completely recovered in a week or two. I’ll check again next week.” She gathered her things. “Have a lovely day, both of you.”
“Thank you!” Scarlet and I responded in unison.
After Katherine left, Scarlet approached my bed, placing the books on the nightstand. “Alpha Carter thought you might be bored staying in your room for days. He sent these books about Eclipse territory history and werewolf legends.”
She smiled. “He’ll be returning from border patrol tonight and wanted to know if he might have the honor of dining with you. He’d like to see how you’re doing.”
Although Carter had been incredibly kind and had saved my life, I’d learned to be cautious. I wasn’t sure I could comfortably converse with an Alpha werewolf I barely knew–especially one who looked so disturbingly similar to Nathan.
“Dinner? With him?” I asked, unable to hide my uncertainty.
“Yes, with Alpha Carter.” Scarlet noticed my hesitation. “Don’t worry. He’s an unusually gentle Alpha, nothing like those brutal rulers from other territories.”
I forced a smile. “Umm–of course. Your Alpha is very kind.”
“Wonderful! I’ll tell Alpha Carter. He’ll be thrilled! He rarely gets to chat with new friends.” Scarlet’s enthusiasm was genuine. She glanced at the window. “The sun’s beginning to set. I should start preparing you for dinner.”
An hour later, Scarlet returned carrying a light green dress.
“Alpha Carter will be back at the territory in about an hour. We should start getting you ready.”
The dress was knee–length with short sleeves, made of a soft cotton blend. Its loose design wouldn’t press against my slightly rounded belly.
It was nothing like the elaborate gowns in Emerald Castle–this was warm, approachable, comfortable.
While helping me dress, Scarlet applied a mixture of herbs to subtly conceal the bruises that hadn’t completely healed.
As she worked, my fingers instinctively found Nathan’s moonstone pendant around my neck…
A gentle knock pulled me from my thoughts.
Carter stood at the door holding a bouquet of white wildflowers that smelled of the forest. He’d changed from his patrol gear into dark casual clothes.
