A Werewolf's Unexpected Mate-Chapter 74: Unburdened Hearts, Unfinished Business
Ovelia’s POV
The male fairy still rested gently in my hands, his tiny body warm and fragile. I wasn’t sure if I should call him Wind—he hadn’t answered my question earlier. His rainbow wings shimmered faintly, and his gray eyes stared up at me with an unreadable expression.
"Ovelia, the fight is over," Ann said, her voice calm but firm. She stood beside me, her gray eyes scanning the area for any lingering threats.
I glanced toward Ace and saw him walking toward Ray, Philip, and the other allied werewolves. Relief washed over me as I realized they were all safe. The tension in my chest eased, and I felt a slight smile tug at my lips.
Ann crouched low, her fur brushing against my legs. "Hop on, Ovelia. It’s safe now. We can go closer to them. And you can hug Sir Ace," she teased, her tone playful.
"Ann, you’re always teasing me," I said, my cheeks flushing as I climbed onto her back.
"Am I?" Ann laughed, her voice light and carefree.
"Ann!" I protested, feeling my face grow even hotter.
I carefully placed the fairy in the pocket of my dress, ensuring he was secure. Then, I wrapped my arms around Ann’s neck as she began to run toward Ace. Her fur was soft against my skin, and the rhythmic motion of her strides was oddly comforting.
Ann was right—I really did want to hug Ace. Now, I felt a little guilty for denying it earlier.
Ace’s POV
As Kai and I approached Ray, Philip, and Colt, the Crimsonheart and Silverhowl troops knelt in unison, their heads bowed respectfully. Even Colt and Kai followed suit.
"Prince Ace, Prince Ray, we apologize for being late," they said in unison, their voices echoing through the clearing.
"Rise and stand," Ray and I said together, our voices firm but not unkind. The troops obeyed immediately, their postures straight and disciplined.
Philip chuckled, his tone lighthearted. "Wow, seeing all these people respect you like this... it seems like the two of you are wonderful princes."
We all smiled. The Silverhowl 1st Division had been under Ray’s command for years, and the Crimsonheart troops had been our allies for just as long. Their respect was hard-earned and well-deserved.
Suddenly, I heard the sound of approaching footsteps.
Ovelia’s POV
Ace was massive in his werewolf form, his silver fur glinting in the moonlight. As Ann ran toward him, I stood on her back, balancing carefully.
"Ovelia, be careful! You might fall," Ann warned, her voice tinged with concern.
It felt comforting to know Ann cared so much about me.
When we reached Ace, I leaped from Ann’s back toward him. He caught me effortlessly, his strong arms wrapping around me.
"Ovelia?" Ace said, his voice filled with surprise.
I hugged him tightly, burying my face in his soft fur. He hugged me back gently, his warmth enveloping me.
"Are you not afraid of me? I’m still in my werewolf form," Ace asked, his voice soft but uncertain. 𝑓𝑟𝑒𝘦𝓌𝑒𝑏𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝘭.𝒸𝘰𝑚
I looked up at him, meeting his silver eyes. "Nope. You’re my friend and husband, after all," I said, my voice cheerful.
"Thank you for showing no fear when hugging me like this in my werewolf form," Ace said, his tone filled with gratitude.
I knew Ace had done terrible things to me, especially on the night we first met. I couldn’t forgive him for that. But every day I spent with him, he became kinder and more considerate. I had learned so much from him and couldn’t bring myself to hate him anymore.
I wanted to tell him how I felt—that I no longer saw him as just a friend but as my husband. But I couldn’t say it out loud, not when part of me knew he was still in love with someone else.
Ace’s POV
Her warmth was comforting. I was relieved she was safe. I had done unforgivable things to her, yet here she was, still by my side. Maybe I couldn’t change my fate after all. The words I’d said to her on our first date flashed in my mind.
"I want to embrace our fate step by step. We can start as friends."
It had only been a week since I’d said that, but what I felt for her now was no longer just friendship. She was my wife, and soon, she would officially be my mate when I marked her. My wolf was overjoyed, his happiness radiating through me like he’d just won a jackpot.
Without thinking, I licked Ovelia’s cheek.
"Ace!" she exclaimed, her voice a mix of surprise and amusement.
Her reaction was priceless.
Ray’s POV
The werewolf and witch bandits were still unconscious, and seeing Ovelia and Ace together brought smiles to everyone’s faces. It was as if nothing terrible had happened, as if these bandits didn’t exist.
But I was happy for them. I never thought my brother would fall for her so quickly, especially when he was already in love with someone else. I could feel his dream coming true by accepting his fate little by little.
My wolf, however, was jealous. We still hadn’t found my mate, and as much as possible, I didn’t want to meet her.
"Ahem," I cleared my throat, drawing everyone’s attention. "I don’t want to break this happy moment, but we still have unfinished business," I said, my tone serious.
Ace’s POV
Ray was right. We still had work to do. We needed to finish this so we could finally rest.
I gently set Ovelia down. "Stay close to Ann," I said, and she nodded.
I turned to face the bandits and our allies. Five members from Crimsonheart and five from Silverhowl—ten backups in total. It would have been easier for Ray, Philip, and me if they’d arrived earlier.
"How many werewolves and witches did we capture?" I asked.
"Eleven witches and twenty werewolves, Sir Ace," Colt reported.
"It’s not normal to catch this many bandits in one place," Kai remarked.
"You’re right," Ray agreed. "They wouldn’t gather in such a large group, especially in a vulnerable location, without a good reason."
These bandits were planning something big.
Suddenly, A low groan emanated from Khaleed, his eyelids fluttering. A twitch in the black-and-green-haired witch’s fingers hinted at returning consciousness. Their eyes remained closed, but the subtle shifts in their bodies suggested the stirring of awareness.
