The Mate's Forbidden Secrets

Chapter Seventeen

I was dropped off in the largest library I had ever seen. The Ravenwood Pack library paled in comparison to this.

I remained in awe at my surroundings and looked back to see Aria and Melanie waving at me, a heavy smile settling on my face.

I headed into the library, my eyes scanning my entire surroundings as I trailed deeper into the large space, filled to the brim with books of all kinds.

My insides felt like that of a kid being shown candy.

What could I possibly be doing here?

I timidly moved into the room, reigning in my excitement as my eyes searched for Elder Isolde—and they zeroed in on her.

She noticed my presence the same second I noticed hers.

“Child, you’re here, come,” Elder Isolde called, her eyes drifting back to the book lying in front of her.

I cautiously walked closer, nearing enough to take a peek at the large book opened before her.

The moment I was near, she pulled off her glasses and gave me her full attention, her eyes brimming with worry as they looked over my figure.

“Are you alright, child?” she asked, still looking me up and down. I folded my arms around myself under the attention.

“Yes,” I assured her.

“It was such a terrible thing to experience just upon your arrival at the Royal Pack.” She let out a long sigh. “Rogues are a rare sight on this side of the realm.” Her words rang in my ears, and my heart raced.

“Never?” I asked. Elder Isolde looked up and met my eyes.

“Rogues haven’t been sighted around the Royal Pack in almost fifteen years. It’s a cause for worry, but the council is hoping it doesn’t happen again to avoid a full-blown panic amongst the pack members.” Elder Isolde shook her head, her eyes shining in deep thought while unease began to brew down my spine.

My chest grew heavy with burden, and my breathing turned ragged.

Did I do this?

Did I bring my curse all the way here—so soon?

I felt the back of my eyes burn and my mind reel forward.

“I’m just sorry you had to go through that. I’m glad the King was around when it happened.” Elder Isolde smiled warmly at me, though her eyes still swam with worry.

I folded my shaking fingers behind me, doing my best not to give anything away.

“Uhm, okay, you’re just to help sort out the books in the library and to sit at the desk over there.” She pointed toward an all-white desk accompanied by a chair.

“It’s not much of a job, just something to keep you company and out of that room.” She smiled at me, and I returned the gesture with a forceful smile of my own.

My eyes drifted to the open book, and curiosity suddenly weighed in my chest.

“What are you reading?” I asked quietly, nodding toward the book behind her. A cautious, almost guarded look clouded Elder Isolde’s eyes before she sighed, deciding to let me in on it.

“I’m reading a book on the wolf species—” she began, and I nodded absentmindedly, my eyes still on the open page. “—ones who cannot shift.”

My head snapped toward Elder Isolde, and her eyes were already focused on mine.

My heart slammed against my ribs, and a pulse of pain bloomed in my head. A voice screeched angrily in my mind.

“What?” I breathed out.

“It’s rare—it’s rare, but it’s not unheard of to find a wolf who couldn’t shift. It usually means that their human side is stronger than their werewolf side—an effect of mixed genes. But it’s a whole different story to hear of one who almost shifted but didn’t complete the shift. I’ve lived for centuries and it’s unheard of—that I can tell you. It’s almost… fascinating.” Elder Isolde spoke like I was some kind of experiment, and I didn’t know how I felt about that.

“M-maybe the Alpha was confused,” I countered, my lips feeling heavy.

She shook her head. “The King is almost never wrong. He’s not one to get these things mixed up.” She flipped her hands, her eyes glancing back at the book.

“Did—did you find anything?” I whispered, a heavy lump forming in my throat.

Elder Isolde shook her head. “I’ve been searching all morning and came up with nothing. I’m sorry, dear, if I sound crazy. Seeing something this unusual just got this old lady rattled. Some part of me wanted to know if there was anything we could do to help you and your wolf out.” She smiled up at me and I bit into my lip.

“Why?” I whispered.

Why would she want to help a mere stranger?

“There’s no werewolf creature I’ve come across in all my long years who didn’t spend their life in excruciating pain for not being able to possess the gift that makes us who we are. You had that same look in your eyes when you awoke.” Her eyes squeezed as she stared at me—like she could feel my pain.

But she couldn’t.

She had no idea what I had suffered in the hands of my own kin.

“Let me know whenever I can help.” She had the most soothing look in her eyes, and I looked away like it burned me.

I didn’t want this kindness.

I didn’t want the worry.

I didn’t want their affection.

They barely knew me.

“When can I get started?” I whispered, desperate to change the topic.

I did not need their pity.

“Now, dear. Go on along. Danny will explain the rest to you.” She nodded toward the desk she had pointed at earlier, and I headed toward it.

I swallowed the question on the tip of my lips, wanting to ask if I could read the books, but I didn’t want to cross any unspoken lines.

Being allowed in the Royal Pack’s library was a privilege enough—and I would soak in this privilege.

Elder Isolde closed the large book and headed through a thick set of double doors.

I meekly sat in front of my desk. It was still early, so there were only a few people in here.

“Hi.” A voice from the side startled me, but I quickly pulled on a blank face.

“Hi,” I replied quietly.

“I’m Danny,” she said with a steely smile, her eyes assessing me.

Ohh.

“I’m Valerie,” I mumbled.

“I know. The entire pack knows who you are,” she told me, c*****g her head slightly, and we both fell into silence.

I had no reply to that.

I’d made a fool of myself enough last night for the entire pack to know who I was.

“Uh, Elder Isolde asked me to show you around if you want. My desk is just at the second aisle over there.” She informed me after a moment of silence. I nodded before forcing my lips to move.

“Sure, I would like that,” I told her awkwardly, unsure of how to act.

With Melanie, I didn’t have to be bothered—she always had something to say. It was new but brought me great relief. And Aria—she was more calm, but she always knew the right moments to speak. Otherwise, she remained quiet.

Danny seemed a lot more reserved. She looked like someone who spoke only when it was absolutely necessary. It was very similar to me, which made her showing me around painfully awkward.

We kept letting out nervous chuckles and false smiles. She looked plain exhausted by the end of it all, and I couldn’t blame her.

I kept my own exhaustion hidden behind the mask I always wore. I was used to doing this—pretending all was well when it wasn’t.

Her next words, though, had my skin tingling with excitement, and it brought a pleasant smile to her own face.

“There are amazing books of all genres in here. If you’re a book lover, you can always pop one out for a read—as long as you take care of it and always return it,” Danny said with a glint in her eyes. “As night watchers of the vale, we’re allowed to take three books at a time.” She laughed softly, and my lips curled into a smile of my own, holding back my bouncing excitement.

This was exceptionally thrilling—until a scent assaulted my nostrils.

Citrus and sandalwood.