\[Elise’s POV\]
I wait as Denali examines me, a look of longing in her features, and when she rushes toward me, pulling me into a hug that damn near smothers me, I can feel just how badly she missed me. And even though I know I should be hugging her back, I’m left motionless, as for the first time in my life, I feel the feeling of family.
“I knew it.” She whispers, slowly releasing me so she can stare down into my eyes. “I felt it the minute I saw you.”
Nodding, I consider her words as I try to get my emotions in check and ignore the nagging fear that I will die.
“But why did you lie before?” She continues when I don’t speak. “Is there a reason that you’re hiding it? Is something going on? Is someone possibly chasing you?”
“Woah, there,” I sigh, stopping her before she can go into full panic mode. “It isn’t anything like that. Instead,” I continue, wondering if I’m actually allowed to speak of the deal I made with the goddess. “I had my reasons.”
For now, I would keep that reason close to my heart, as even though I now knew that I could reveal my identity if the person discovered it first, I still wasn’t sure just how deep this loophole I found went.
“Just trust me when I say it isn’t anything like you’re thinking.”
“That’s good, then.” Denali says. “I’ve missed you, Elise.”
Opening my mouth, I find myself wanting to say the same thing, but the words get caught in my throat.
“Yeah,” is all I manage. “I’m sorry that you’ve had to think I was dead this entire time.”
I could only imagine what everyone who knew me had to suffer while I was completely oblivious up until three years ago, when my wolf awakened.
“It’s a miracle.” Denali announces, snapping me out of my head. “You must have been lonely too, having to harbor this secret for so long.”
“Actually,” I counter, feeling slightly uneasy about what I was about to say. “I’ve only known who I was for a few years. Before that, I was someone completely different.”
At my words, a flash of confusion appears in Denali’s eyes before shock comes to settle there.
“What do you mean you were someone else completely?” She asks, though it is the simplest thing to understand. “Are you saying that your soul isn’t the only one in this body?”
“That,” I begin, but stop as I realize that she may be right. “Fuck, I never even thought about that.”
Although I felt bad for taking over Eleanor’s body after she inhabited it for so long, I didn’t think much about the switch. I only assumed that all along it was me, and I just didn’t realize it, but what if Eleanor was still here somewhere?
“Well shit,” I growl. “It wasn’t like I didn’t have more things to worry about.”
\[Serenity’s POV\]
I stand in the hall just outside Eleanor’s room, unable to move as the voices inside drift around me. My eyes widen as what was said slowly settles in, along with disbelief over something like it even being possible.
“My aunt.” I whisper as Eleanor’s words race in my mind. “Eleanor is my aunt.”
Turning, I begin to move, knowing that I shouldn’t be listening in on this and not wanting to be caught.
As I move, my mind whirls with what this information I just overheard means.
My aunt was Eleanor. Eleanor was my aunt. She was alive, and she was here at the academy.
“That’s why!”
Stopping, I feel another wave of shock rush through me as I remember how Eleanor approached me. So that was the reason she was so bold. It had nothing to do with an ulterior motive; she just wanted to know me.
Feeling awful for doubting her, I begin to move again but stop as I slam into what feels like a brick wall.
“Crap!” I gasp, scurrying backward and lifting my gaze to the dark depths of Maverick’s gaze. Instantly, memories of earlier in the morning hit me.
“Are you okay?” He asks as I try to get my wits about me. “Are you hurt anywhere?”
Maverick begins to examine me as he speaks, and where he touches, it comes alive causing my heart and stomach to do strange things. Goddess, what the hell was going on with me?
“I’m fine.” I finally manage, unable to handle everything I was feeling. “I was just…”
Wait. Could I share what I just learned with Maverick? I mean, I was certain that I could and that he would keep it secret, but I was sure Aunt Elise didn’t want a whole lot of people to know about her.
“Nevermind.” I continue lamely, earning myself a look of concern. “I was just thinking about what happened the other night.”
Growing quiet, I wait to see if he will buy what I am saying, and although he doesn’t seem to quite do that, he doesn’t question me any further.
“Don’t worry yourself to the point of being sick.” He sighs.
Smiling, I feel a wave of warmth rush through me over the genuine worry and concern that are in his voice. But it quickly disappears as guilt replaces it over my lying to him for the first time in my life.
“If you’re alright, you should go and get ready for class.” Maverick says now distracting me. “And make sure to bring your training clothes; there is a test in your combat course.”
“Got it,” I respond. “You know,” I continue, beginning to walk and waiting until Maverick falls into step beside me. “Sometimes you sound like my dad rather than my bodyguard.”
At my words, Maverick stops walking and gives me an unreadable look.
“Just know,” he says slowly, his face becoming serious. “I have absolutely no intention of being your father. Nor do I want to be considered just your bodyguard.”
“What?”
Eyes widening, I try to make sense of what it is that Maverick is trying to tell me. However, his steady gaze and stoic expression don’t give way to what he is hinting at.
“I’m supposed to be your mate, remember?” He finally says, relaxing. “Wasn’t that what you want the world to believe?”
“Y-yeah,” I squeak, blushing slightly for overthinking things. “That’s right.”
“If you want that, then we should put on this act properly, don’t you think?” He continues, beginning to move while I stand in place. “Coming?” He asks, peeking over his shoulder at me. “Later today, we should really sit down and hash out what exactly we should do to make this act seem real, don’t you agree?”
“Yeah,” I respond, starting to follow. “You’re right.”
“Great,” he says, giving me a smile that was meant only for me. “Then we’ll meet at our spot to do just that.”