The Alpha's Mate

Chapter 12: The Healing

Maya woke up in a soft, warm bed.

The first thing she saw was Kai's face. He was sitting beside her, his silver eyes filled with worry. When he saw her open her eyes, he let out a breath of relief.

"Thank the moon," he whispered. "You're awake."

Maya tried to sit up, but a sharp pain in her side made her gasp. She looked down and saw bandages wrapped around her torso.

"You were hurt badly," Kai said gently. "You've been asleep for two days."

"Two days?" Maya repeated, shocked. "What happened? Did we win?"

"We won," Kai confirmed, taking her hand in his. "The Shadow Pack and the Bloodmoon Pack are gone. They won't bother us again."

Maya relaxed, leaning back against the pillows. "I'm glad. I'm glad we won."

"So am I," Kai said. "But you scared me, Maya. When I saw you fall... I thought I'd lost you."

Maya squeezed his hand. "I'm okay. I promise. I'm tough."

Kai smiled, a tired, relieved smile. "You're the toughest person I know. But please, never scare me like that again."

"I'll try," she said softly.

Over the next few days, Maya healed. The pack members visited her often, bringing food, flowers, and kind words. They looked at her differently now, with respect, admiration, and gratitude.

She had proven herself. She was no longer the human outsider. She was their Luna.

Elena visited her too. She stood in the doorway, looking uncomfortable.

"Hey," Elena said awkwardly. "I just wanted to say... you did good. Really good."

Maya smiled. "Thanks. That means a lot."

Elena nodded and left. Maya couldn't help but smile. It was a small step, but it was progress.

One evening, Kai sat beside her on the bed. He took her hand and looked into her eyes.

"I have something to ask you," he said.

"What is it?"

"I know we're already mates," he said. "But I want to make it official. I want to do things properly. I want to ask you, with all my heart, will you be my Luna? Not just because fate chose us, but because I choose you. Every single day."

Maya felt tears well up in her eyes. "Yes," she whispered. "Yes, Kai. I choose you too."

Kai kissed her softly. "I love you, Maya."

"I love you too," she said. "More than anything in this world."