Chapter 118 118

Chapter 118 118
Leah

Several months have passed since we brought Tristian back to Royal Pack. Since then, he's been going through a harsh hazing but otherwise seems in high spirits. Going from Alpha to Omega didn't drag him down too much—he seems to have something to look forward to. The fact that it's me always makes me blush.

The more I watch Tristian, the prouder I am to have him as my mate. He never complains about how he's been treated and just does his work. Of course, it’s mostly cleaning and carrying things around. He’s hopeless at cooking—no need to poison anyone with that!

I giggle at the thought, though my stomach twists with anxiety. I have something I need to tell him, something very important, but every time I try, I feel like I’m going to faint or my heart will explode.

You'll do fine, Leah, Eden tells me. I sense her wagging her tail with excitement. I have a feeling you’ll be very warm and comfortable tonight as well. She’s teasing me, yet she’s just as anxious as I am.

“We both will,” I murmur aloud as I mix some herbs together. I like to keep my herbal medication fresh, but it’s also nice to have a mixed version on hand in case of an emergency. It's always good to be prepared, after all.

“You’ll what now?” I jump at the sudden voice and nearly drop the bottle I was holding.

“Oh! I’m sorry!” I turn around and see Tristian standing behind me, wearing a sheepish grin—and no shirt.

I blush but also take in the scars from Penny that Tristian now bears. I healed him as best I could, but there’s no way to erase the many scars that remain. I reach out and touch his chest, a pang of sadness washing over me.

“You don’t have to feel sorry for me… nor do you have to pity me either,” Tristian mutters, rubbing the back of his neck. “These just remind me of my past mistakes. I should bear them at all times—never forget, so I never make them again. That’s how I see them, anyway.”

Realizing how close we are, I blush and notice the intensity in his gaze. I quickly pull my hand away and step back.

“Still… I hate that you have to bear them physically like this,” I say, feeling shy once more.

I hesitate for a moment, gathering my courage before clearing my throat. “When you’re done with your work for the day… I’d like you to come and see me. I have… something I want to say… or rather, do,” I tell him. “Something for later, I mean.”

Tristian tilts his head curiously and watches me. “Oh? Of course… I always love coming to see you when I have time off, Leah.” He smiles warmly. “I look forward to hearing what you have in store.” He winks and walks out to get back to work.

I cover my face with my hands and groan faintly. “Leah… what have you gotten yourself into?” I mumble quietly. Eden murmurs gently, but I know she feels the same way I do in this moment.

The way Tristian says my name… the way he looks at me with heated eyes… it all makes me blush and sends shivers down my spine. He tempts me so easily without doing much—though I suspect he comes to see me shirtless on purpose. Even if he didn’t, I’d still feel the same way.

I take a deep breath and focus on completing my tasks for the night. If everything goes according to plan… I won’t have time to do anything else through the night as I normally would.



As the sun sets, I find myself incapable of sitting still. My heart continues to pound as I wait for Tristian to walk through those doors, praying to the Moon Goddess for just one night without any need for her healing abilities. Tonight, if all goes well, won’t allow time for such things. My mind will be elsewhere… among other things.

Calm down, Leah, Eden tries to soothe me, pacing around in my mind. Everything will go fine. No need to be nervous at all. He’s already shown great interest in us—and no one else.

I scowl and close my eyes. That’s not what I’m nervous about. What if I’m no good? What if I disappoint him? He’s been with others—what if I mess something up? So many thoughts run through my mind... and they never stop.

The door opens, and I look up quickly to see Tristian walking in. He’s all smiles—until he sees the state I’m in.

“Leah? What’s wrong?” He walks over and puts his hands on my shoulders. “You look ready to run away and never return. What’s gotten you so anxious?”

I swallow hard and, for a moment, can’t meet his eyes. I nearly lose my nerve, but I know I can’t stop now.

“It’s… nothing to be worried about. This is just something I’ve never done before.” I look up at him, getting lost in those hazel eyes of his.

Tristian looks puzzled. “Something you’ve never done before… Well, that could be a lot of things, honestly…” he murmurs, tilting his head. There’s hope in his eyes—he’s not dense—but there’s also caution in his voice.

“Right… Compared to you, I…” I trail off and clear my throat. This is the start of a new chapter in our lives. I need to do this right.

“I, Leah, healer of Royal Pack…” I begin, and see Tristian tense, his grip tightening slightly. “…accept you, Tristian Parker, as my mate. I wish to spend the rest of my life with you… if you’ll have me,” I add quietly.

Tristian stares at me for a long while. The silence is killing me, making my nerves worse, but eventually, he pulls me into a hug and nuzzles me.

“I, Tristian, accept you, Leah, as my mate,” he says, then pulls back and kisses me deeply.

I gasp at the sparks once more and kiss him back just as deeply. I’m rather clumsy, so I’m happy that Tristian takes the lead. The kiss ends far too soon, leaving me wanting more—but all Tristian does is hold me close.

“…Thank you…” he whispers, his voice light with relief. “Thank you, Leah… You have no idea how happy I am right now.” His hands tremble as he holds me tight. “I’ll never hurt you… If I do, poison me with your medicines or something.”

I let out a small laugh and pull back to look at him with a smile. “I doubt you’ll hurt me…” I poke his cheek, watching him. “…I want you to make me yours tonight,” I say, feeling bold—but only for a second. His wide, startled eyes make me nervous again. “I-it’s another first I want to do… that’s all.”

Tristian stares at me again, and it only frustrates me more. Does he not want to? Will I be a disappointment in his eyes? I start to pull away, feeling foolish, but he tightens his grip. When I look at him again, that heated look is back—and it makes me blush.

Tristian does want me—but he looks just as nervous as I feel.

“Are you sure, Leah?” he asks. “Are you… wanting us to mark each other?” His voice is cautious once again. “You know I want you bad, Leah… but I don’t want to push you. Are you—?”

I cut him off with a bold, deep kiss. Taking it as my answer, Tristian seems to lose control. Before I know it, I’m falling back onto my bed as Tristian takes off his shirt.

This may be a longer night than I expected.