A Werewolf's Unexpected Mate-Chapter 25: Chaos and Care

Ovelia’s POV

Ann’s scream pierced through the haze in my mind. My vision swam as I blinked, the fog of alcohol slowly lifting. When my eyes finally focused, I realized I was sprawled against Ace’s chest, his arms wrapped protectively around me.

Turning my head, I saw Ann standing frozen in the doorway, her face a canvas of shock and mortification.

"I-I’m so sorry, Sir Ace and Lady Ovelia!" she stammered, her cheeks burning crimson. "I had no idea you were— I thought something bad happened when I heard the crash!" Her voice trembled with guilt, fingers twisting in the fabric of her skirt. "I’m ready to accept any punishment. I can even end myself right now."

Before I could process her words, Ann’s hand flashed to her hip, drawing a dagger with lethal precision. The blade glinted as she pressed it to her throat.

"No, Ann! Don’t do that!" Ace’s shout tore through the room, raw with panic.

The door burst open, and Ray skidded in, his breath coming fast. His eyes darted from Ann’s poised dagger to our tangled limbs on the floor, confusion warring with alarm.

"What happened, Ann?" he panted.

"It’s all my fault, Sir Ray," she whispered, the blade trembling against her skin.

Ray’s shoulders relaxed slightly, a chuckle escaping him as he shook his head. "I just checked the wagon outside, and look what I find!" His amusement did little to ease the tension.

My head still spun, the remnants of alcohol clinging stubbornly to my thoughts, making everything feel surreal.

Ace’s POV

It would have been fine if Ann had caught us like this, but why did Ray have to arrive so soon?

"Why don’t you guys lock the bathroom, Ace?" Ray teased, crossing his arms. "And Ovelia? Really? On top of you?" His grin was infuriating.

I resisted the urge to wish he’d just go sleep in the damned wagon.

"It’s not what you think!" I snapped, carefully shifting Ovelia in my arms. "She’s drunk. I still have my clothes on, and she’s just wrapped in a towel."

Ray’s smirk deepened. "Why are you so defensive? Something happened between you two, didn’t it?"

Frustration simmered within me, a potent mix of anger and embarrassment. I wanted nothing more than to wipe that smug expression off him.

"So what if there is? She’s my wife—so it’s perfectly fine," I ground out, forcing a smile that felt more like a baring of teeth. 𝕗𝚛𝚎𝚎𝐰𝗲𝗯𝗻𝚘𝚟𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝕞

Ray’s laughter echoed off the wooden walls, and I exhaled sharply, defeated.

Gently, I adjusted Ovelia—who had nestled against my chest like a sleepy kitten—and helped her sit upright.

"Ann," I said, my voice firm but quiet, "please take care of her. I’ll get her clothes. Can you help her dress?"

"Yes, Sir Ace. Whatever you need," Ann sheathed her dagger in one fluid motion, her professionalism returning as she stepped forward to take Ovelia from my arms.

As I turned to rummage through our packs, my mind raced. This night couldn’t get any more chaotic

Ovelia’s POV

Clarity returned in slow waves. I found myself wrapped in Ann’s embrace, her face pressed against my chest. Heat flooded my cheeks.

"Ann, I’m so sorry!" I blurted, mortified.

"It’s alright, Lady Ovelia," she murmured, smiling softly. "I’m happy to help."

But as comfort settled over me, my stomach lurched violently. A leaden weight seemed to press against my insides, and I barely had time to pull away before retching into the nearby bowl.

"Why did you finish that entire mug of beer?" Lady Firera’s voice chided in my mind.

"Sorry," I mentally groaned. "I didn’t know it would feel like this. I didn’t think one mug would—"

"Bleurgh!" The retching began, an unwelcome relief spilling forth.

I sensed Ann positioning herself behind me, her presence soothing yet strong.

"Ovelia, just take it slow," she urged softly, brushing my hair back. "You’ll feel better soon," she added, her touch gentle as she rubbed my back.

After what felt like an eternity, I finally finished and stood, flushing the bowl before making my way to the sink. I splashed water on my face, trying to wash away the discomfort.

Ann handed me a towel, and I accepted it gratefully, a smile breaking through my earlier distress. "Thank you, Ann," I said, wiping my face clean.

"You’re welcome, Lady Ovelia," Ann responded with a bright smile, her kindness wrapping around me like a warm blanket.

I felt grateful for Ann’s presence; knowing someone genuinely cared for me was comforting.

"Ovelia, do you feel better?" Ace’s voice was laced with concern as he approached, my clothes folded in his arms.

"A little, but my head..." I winced, pressing a hand to my throbbing temple.

A soft smile spread across Ace’s face as he handed my clothes to Ann. Ann helped me dress, her hands steady and reassuring. With their support, I made it to the bed, sinking into the soft mattress with a sigh. Ace sat beside me, his presence a steady anchor.

I scanned the room; its atmosphere was surprisingly cheerful and inviting. My gaze met Ray’s, who was curiously observing me.

Ray’s voice cut through the quiet. "Looks like you’ve sobered up, Ovelia. Any embarrassing memories coming back?" His grin was downright mischievous.

The bathroom scene flashed in my mind—Ace’s lips on mine, the heat between us—and my face burned. Ace shot Ray a glare.

"Stop teasing her, Ray. We need to focus on our plan for tomorrow," Ace said, his tone serious and commanding.

It slipped my mind that we only came here to rest for the night.

Ray’s demeanor shifted, his teasing replaced by focus. "Before we plan for tomorrow, let’s go over the intel Ann and I gathered about the bandits."

Ace nodded. "Go ahead."

"Sir Ace," Ann interjected, "while you discuss, I’ll tend to Lady Ovelia’s wound." She offered, her tone professional yet warm as she approached me.

Ace nodded, acknowledging her suggestion.

I had removed the bandage from my wound earlier, just before my shower, so I felt a sense of vulnerability as Ann began to apply medicine to my injury.