SONIA’S POV

"I’m so glad you’re fine. I don’t know what I could have done if you didn’t survive this," Ivy said, as she hugged me deeply, her arms wrapping around me with surprising strength.

"I’m glad you feel that way. Also glad to know someone cares about me."

She pulled me to the couch, and we sat side by side with each other, our shoulders touching in a comforting way.

"When Blane told me you were awake, I thought he was just pulling my legs. I ran all the way here to see for myself. I’m so glad you’re fine, Sonia." She touched my face tenderly, kissed my hand, and hugged me all at the same time, her actions overflowing with emotion.

I felt a fuzzy sensation in my head when she mentioned Blane. It was almost like my brain was trying to tell me something, but the images were blurry and out of reach.

However, I was also happy about Ivy’s excitement in seeing me, and so I pushed whatever that feeling was to the back of my mind for now.

"Thank you for being here for me."

"I could never not be here for you. You’re my best friend in the entire world," she declared proudly, her voice thick with sincerity.

"Really?" My eyes grew teary as I hugged her back tightly. "I just don’t remember a lot. I don’t remember anything."

She jerked away from me, and when she looked at me, her eyes widened with concern.

"Please tell me he didn’t do it."

"Who didn’t do what, Ivy?" I asked, confused.

"Moon. It wasn’t Moon that hurt you, right? I’m not mistaken about the kind of person he is, right?" She grabbed my hand, and I could see the glimmering hope in her eyes. It was almost desperate.

"Of course he didn’t hurt me. I don’t remember anything from the time I left Ramon’s room, but I know he didn’t hurt me."

She sighed in relief, grabbing her chest victoriously.

"For a second there, I was really worried. I know how menacing Alpha Ramon can get when he sets his sight on something. He was going to kill Moon, you know? All because of that Lorena."

"Lorena?"

The same fuzzy feeling I felt when she mentioned Blane returned again.

My brain was once more trying to communicate something across, but I just couldn’t grasp it.

"Yeah. It was Lorena who told—"

"Are you ready for something new and exciting?" Adelaide interrupted, bursting into the room.

Ivy and I both turned at the same time to see the excitement written all over her face as she approached us with a book in her hand.

"It’s just like that one," Ivy whispered to me.

She was right. It was like the book my mother allegedly left me.

I was beginning to think I needed to really read that book, because there could be a lot of information I would need to navigate a whole lot of things.

"Move over, Ivy," Adelaide said when she got to us.

Ivy instantly rose to her feet and bowed.

"You don’t have to do that, Ivy. I’ve told you not to bother," Adelaide reprimanded her gently.

She laughed nervously as she apologised for being overly courteous.

"I’ll just be in the other room with Carl and Jenner then. Call if you need anything at all, okay?" Ivy said.

"Thank you so much."

"Don’t even mention it. Excuse me, Adelaide."

She was about to leave when Daniel stormed into the room.

"It’s true, you’re alive!" He blurted.

I forced a smile, grateful for the enthusiasm he had in seeing me.

"I am alive. Thanks for caring to know."

"Of course, I have to care. Do you know how broody the Alpha can get? He already didn’t make it to the full moon ceremony because of you," he said.

I didn’t know he had not made it to the full moon ceremonial event. It was supposed to be an important event too.

In all honesty, I haven’t put much thought into the fact he had been with me all night through the full moon.

That kind of sacrifice was so dear to my heart.

He had been gone for barely thirty minutes, but I already missed him.

The space in my heart where my wolf usually was longed for his presence.

It was like I had awakened from that near-death experience with a strong desire to crave and be craved by him.

"Oh, and before I forget, the Alpha wants to see you," Daniel said, interrupting my thoughts.

I looked up to see he was talking to Ivy. Foolishly, I had wished it was me.

"Alright then. I guess I’ll see you later, Sonia. Take care, okay? I’ll be back as soon as I’m done with the Alpha’s task."

She blew me a kiss, and together with Daniel, walked out of the room.

"You two really care about each other, don’t you?" Adelaide asked when we were alone.

"Yeah. She’s one of the best things that happened to me in this pack."

"The other is Ramon, I’m guessing?" She gave me a knowing smile.

A blush crept up my face. "I don’t know," I said, throwing my face to the side shyly.

She laughed. "You don’t have to be shy. It’s a good thing he’s your fated mate. I promise you that no one, no matter how they try, will ever be able to take you away from him."

"What are you two talking about?"

We turned at the same time to see Carl and Jenner walk into the living room.

"I was just telling Sonia that Ramon is always going to be hers."

"That’s right, Sonia," Jenner said, taking a seat by my other side. "You’re fated mates. You can’t come against such a strong bond without grave consequence. Your future is literally written in the stars."

"But how do you know that?" I asked, genuinely curious.

"Take it this way. I’ve been around for a very long time. I lived through an attack that tore this pack inside out. You kinda pick up a few things on the way," she said, offering me a warm smile.

"So it’s okay if I believe in the novelty of it all? If I’m delusional and believe in happy ever after?"

"Oh baby, it’s your dream. You shape it. Never forget that," Adelaide said, and patted my head gently.

For the first time in my entire life, I felt the heavy presence of my mother I never got to meet.

She spoke through these women. I could just feel it.

"You ready now?" Jenner asked.

I nodded confidently. I was more than ready.