Chapter 10

Lila’s POV Valentine bowed her head to me, a smile playing on her long mouth and her white, razor-sharp, teeth being revealed. She was big and glorious; I had never seen anything like her before. This place was so life-like and incredible as well. I could practically feel the mist of the ocean on my features and the light breeze brushing through my hair.

It felt so freeing as I could finally breathe. There was no pain and there were no anxieties. It was just happiness and love all around me. Most importantly, there was my wolf right in front of my eyes.

“Valentina...” I whispered, running my hand down her soft fur, allowing it to tickle my palms. I had no idea having a wolf would feel like this. I already loved her so much.

“You are so beautiful, Lila. I’m so glad to finally meet you. I’ve been waiting to appear for some time now...” she paused. “But I couldn’t...”

It was surreal; her mouth wasn’t moving when she spoke, but I could hear her words echoing in my mind.

“The wolfbane,” I told her. “It was keeping you locked away.”

I wanted to say more to her; I wanted to spend more time with her. But I felt a cold cloth being draped over my head, taking me away from the warmth of this beach. Darkness began to close around, and my wolf started to disappear. Panic set in and I reached my hand out to grasp for her, but I only got a fist full of air.

“Valentina!” I cried to her.

But it was too late; my eyes opened, and I was gasping for air, sitting up in the infirmary bed. The nurse was standing over me, looking startled.

“I’m sorry, what did you say?” The nurse asked, appearing worried. “You passed out; you were getting warm. I thought you might be getting a fever.”

Tears burned in my eyes.

“She’s gone...” I whispered hoarsely. “She’s gone...”

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I couldn’t keep the tears from escaping; soon, they were streaming down my face.

“Oh dear...” she said, narrowing her eyes at me. “Who’s gone? What happened?”

“My...my...” I stammered. I couldn’t even get the words out of my mouth.

I hiccupped as more tears soaked my features. Closing my eyes tightly as I mourned the loss of my wolf.

This wasn’t fair... I just got her. Why was she taken from me so soon? What had happened?

“Don’t cry, Lila... I’m not gone. I’m here...” I heard her voice roaming through my mind, echoing as it did before.

My eyes shot open as I looked around the room. I didn’t see her.

“If you close your eyes and envision me... you’ll see me. But you’ll always be able to hear me. Soon, you’ll be able to shift into me. But I must warn you. Your first shift will be incredibly painful. There’s so much for us both to learn.”

“Valentina...” I spoke into my mind; my own words echoing through my head.

I could hear my wolf chuckle.

“You can call me Val if it’s easier. I’m so glad to finally be here. I can see the world through your eyes. I can experience everything you experience.”

My heart was beating heavily in my chest. I wasn’t sure I could contain it. I had a wolf; I finally had a wolf.

“Lila?” The nurse said, still staring at me with concern. “Are you okay?”

“Yes,” I answer right away. “I’m more than okay. I finally have my wolf.”

She looked shocked by the news; covering her mouth with her hands as she gasped.

“What? Are you sure?”

“Yes!” I said, tears falling from my eyes. This time, they were tears of pure happiness and bliss. My heart was so overjoyed.

“I’m calling your parents right away,” she told me. “It can’t wait much longer. Oh, Lila, this is incredible news. Wait right here.”

I wasn’t going anywhere; I wasn’t even sure I could walk straight at this point. This was so overwhelming; I wasn’t even sure what to do with myself. I couldn’t wait to tell my family. I couldn’t wait to tell my friends. I couldn’t wait to tell—

Professor Enzo popped into my mind and my heart skipped a beat. Why did I want to tell him anything?

It’s not like he would care. Though, that meant I would be able to participate fully in his class. That meant I would be even stronger.

Does this also mean I could get my Volana abilities?

I had so many questions, and I felt like I didn’t have enough time.

“Yes, it’s true!” The nurse said happily into the phone. “I’ll let her talk to you now, Alpha!”

She went to me with a phone; I knew my father was on the other end.

“Hi dad,” I said cheerfully.

“My daughter finally got her wolf!” My dad boasted. “Oh, Lila bean. This is incredible news. We need to celebrate. Your mother wants to make dinner this coming weekend. Would you be able to come home?”

“I can make that happen,” I told him.

“I’ll have Professor Enzo drive you again. Perhaps he can join us.”

My eyes widened at his suggestion; before I could protest, my mother was on the phone.

“Oh, Lila! How does it feel? What is her name? What does she look like?”

“She looks like your wolf,” I chuckled. “Snow-white fur and she has my eyes. She’s so beautiful, mom and she’s kind and gentle. Her name is Valentina.”

“What a beautiful name. This is going to be the beginning of a beautiful journey for you, my love.”

I couldn’t help but smile at her words.

“I know...”

“You can’t shift yet though. You’ll need to wait until you are home. The process is incredibly painful and you’ll need the support of your pack to get through it,” she warned. “I love you so much. I’ll see you soon!”

“Bye, mom,” I said, hanging up the phone.

I handed the phone back to the nurse and thanked her.

“You can rest for a bit more before you leave if you’d like,” she told me.

“I think I’m okay now. My headache is gone. I’m going to return to my dorm.”

I couldn’t wait to tell my roommate Rachel about this; I also wanted to tell my new friend, and combat partner, Becca. I slid out of bed and started putting my shoes back on when I smelled a familiar and strong scent roaming through the air.

I could see Val sniffing the air through my mind’s eyes; she was loving the scent, basking in it and ravishing every detail of it. She could smell the marshmallows and the cinnamon, and it was making her mouth water.

“What is that glorious scent?” She breathed as she continued sniffing the air.

I already knew who it was before he entered the infirmary. His eyes were darker than I had ever seen them before. His breathing was rash, and I could see his wolf’s fangs threatening his lips. A low growl escaped through the dept of his throat. It almost looked like he was losing control of his wolf.

What was his problem? And why couldn’t I look away from him?

“Lila...” Val breathed in awe; I had a feeling she was about to answer my question. “That’s.... that’s our mate...”