"Earth to Selene!" a familiar, high-pitched voice cut through Selene's thoughts like a blade, snapping her out of her endless spiral of worry and longing.
She turned to see Eryx strolling toward her, a mischievous grin plastered across his face.
The alpha, her best friend aka 'soulmate' had only just returned from a trip abroad, and ever since he'd stepped foot back into the pack, he'd been relentless with his teasing, leaving no chance to get any information about the true blood alpha.
"Ah, Eryx," Selene muttered, pinching the bridge of her nose in exasperation. "What do you want now? If you ask me about Sorin one more time, I swear I'll throw you off this balcony."
Eryx gasped dramatically, placing a hand over his chest as if he was mortally offended. "Me? Ask about Sorin? Never!"
His grin widened as he leaned against the balcony railing. "But since you brought him up, spill. How was it? Was he tall, brooding, and ridiculously handsome, like everyone says? Did he sweep you off your feet? Or better yet...." Jimin wiggled his eyebrows. "....did he kiss you?"
Selene groaned, her cheeks flushing a deep shade of red at her friend's words, "Eryx, I swear...."
"Oh my God!" Eryx gasped, cutting her off with wide, sparkling eyes. "He did kiss you, didn't he? Look at you, all flustered and shy, you little romantic!"
"Eryx!!" Selene snapped, glaring at her best friend, her heart thumping vigorously in her chest. "I'm not flustered, and no, he didn't kiss me! Except for my forehead. Stop making things up!"
"Uh-huh," Eryx said, clearly unconvinced. "So, you're telling me that the True Blood Alpha.... Sorin Aldric.....didn't even try to kiss his mate? Are you sure you're his mate? Maybe he's playing hard to get."
Selene's jaw dropped, she grabbed a nearby pillow, throwing it at the shorter alpha, with all the force she could muster. "Stop this nonsense!"
Eryx dodged the pillow with ease, laughing loudly. "I'm just saying, babe. If I had a mate who looked like Sorin, I wouldn't be here sulking. I'd be glued to his side, maybe even chained to him for good measure."
Selene rolled her eyes, though a small smile tugged at her lips despite herself. "You're unbelievable."
"And you're hopelessly in love," Eryx shot back, plopping down on the chair next to him. His teasing grin softened as he looked at Selene more closely.
"But seriously, Selene. How are you holding up? I know this whole mate bond thing isn't easy, especially when he's not here. I know what you wanted before but now things have changed. I can see it in your eyes."
Selene's smile faded, and she sighed, running a hand through her hair. "I don't know, Eryx. It's... a lot. I didn't ask for this. I didn't expect it. And now that it's here, I don't know if I'm ready for it. I feel like I'm being pulled in a million directions but I'm scared. What if I'm not enough for him?"
Eryx's teasing demeanor disappeared entirely, replaced by a look of genuine concern. "Babe," he said softly, reaching out to place a hand on her shoulder. "You're more than enough. Sorin wouldn't have the bond with you if you weren't. The universe doesn't make mistakes with these things. You're his mate for a reason."
Selene's throat tightened, and she looked away, blinking back the tears threatening to fall. "It's just... I've never felt this way before, Eryx. It's overwhelming. He's this powerful alpha, and I'm just... me. What if I can't live up to what he needs?"
Eryx squeezed hee shoulder firmly. " listen to me. You're not 'just' anything. You're, You. You're strong, loyal, and stubborn as hell. If he doesn't see how incredible you are, then he's the fool. But something tells me he already knows. He wouldn't have left his scent on you if he didn't."
Selene reached up to touch the side of her neck, the faint scent still lingered there, her fingers brushing over it lightly. It was a constant reminder of alpha's promise, of the bond they shared. "I miss him," she admitted quietly, but Eryx heard him clearly. "I miss him so much it hurts."
His expression softened and he pulled Selene into a tight hug. "I know you do," he said gently. "And he misses you too. I can say it as you told me about him. You just have to trust the bond. He'll come back for you. He has to."
She leaned into the embrace, her chest aching with a mixture of gratitude and longing. "Thanks, buddy," she murmured.
The shorter but elder alpha knows well what his best friend wants to listen to.
He pulled back, a playful glint returning to his eyes. "Anytime. But seriously, when he does come back, you better introduce me. I need to see this True Blood Alpha for myself. Maybe I'll even ask him for some tips on wooing my future mate."
Selene snorted, shaking her head. "You're incorrigible, Ryx."
"And you love me for it, didn't you?" Eryx shot back with a wink.
As the two of them laughed, some of the weight on Selene's shoulders lifted. She felt like she could breathe. Eryx had always been her rock, and now, more than ever, she was grateful for her best friend's unwavering support.
Eryx leaned back in his chair, studying her face with a thoughtful expression. "You know, as much as I love being your personal therapist, I think there's someone else you should be talking to about all of this."
Selene raised an eyebrow, leaning back against the window. "And who might that be?"
Eryx smirked. "Your brother-in-low, obviously."
Selene's eyes widened slightly, and she immediately shook her head. "No. Absolutely not. You know how Elia gets. She'll freak out and start acting like I'm a child who needs constant supervision."
Eryx rolled his eyes, crossing his arms. " come on. Elia sister in law might be overprotective, but she's your brother's wife. She loves you more than anything, and you know she'd want to help. Besides, she's been through this whole mate bond thing with Jake brother. If anyone can give you good advice, it's her."
Selene hesitated, her fingers fiddling with the hem of her shirt. "I don't know, Ryx. I just... I don't want to worry her more.She's already got so much on her plate with the pack and brother. I don't want to add to that."
Eryx reached out and flicked Selene's forehead, earning a yelp of protest. "Stop being stubborn," he scolded. "Sister in law wants to be there for you. And let's be real, she's probably already noticed something's up. You've been moping around like a lovesick puppy for weeks. She's just waiting for you to come to her."
Selene frowned, rubbing her forehead. "I'm not moping."
''Oh, you are," Eryx said with a laugh. "And it's honestly a little pathetic. But hey, that's what mates do to us, right? They turn us into emotional messes. So go talk to Elia before she corners you herself. You know she will."
Selene sighed, running a hand through her hair. Deep down, she knew Eryx was right. The alpha had always been her biggest supporter, even if her methods were sometimes overbearing. If anyone could help her navigate this overwhelming bond, it was Elia.
"Fine," she relented, her voice tinged with reluctance. "I'll talk to her. But if she starts lecturing me or getting overly dramatic, I'm blaming you."
Eryx grinned, clearly pleased with himself. "Deal. But trust me, you'll feel better once you get it off your chest. And who knows? Sister in law might even have some tips for you on how to handle your Alpha."
Selene rolled her eyes, but a small smile played on her lips. "You're impossible."
"I know babe," Eryx quipped, standing up and stretching. "Now, go find her before I drag you there myself. And remember, no matter what, you've got this."
As Eryx walked away, Selene stared out the window once more, the weight in her chest feeling just a little lighter. Maybe talking to her brother and sister in law was exactly what she needed.
Taking a deep breath, she pushed herself off the windowsill and headed toward the pack house. It was time to face her sister in law.....and maybe, just maybe, find the clarity she so desperately needed.
Selene stood outside the door to Jake's room, her hand trembling as it hovered over the polished wood. Her heart was pounding in her chest, a chaotic rhythm of nerves and uncertainty.
She had never been good at sharing her feelings, not even with her family, but this was different. This was bigger than anything she'd ever faced before.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, she knocked lightly, the sound barely audible. She almost turned to leave, but the door opened before she could retreat.
Elia stood there, her expression immediately softening when she saw Selene.
"Bear," she said warmly, using the nickname that never failed to make Selene feel like a child again. Elia's eyes scanned her quickly, noting the way Selene was fiddling with her fingers and avoiding eye contact.
"Come here," Elia said gently, pulling her into a warm hug. Selene melted into the embrace, her tension easing as Elia held her close.
After a moment, Elia pulled back, keeping an arm around Selene's shoulders as she guided her inside.
"Sit down," she instructed, motioning to the bed. Selene obeyed silently, her head bowed. Elia climbed onto the bed beside her, pulling Selene down until her head rested on Elia's lap.
Without hesitation, Selene snuggled into the alpha's stomach, her body instinctively seeking the comfort she knew only the elder could provide.
Elia's fingers began threading through Selene's hair, the motion soothing and familiar. She didn't press for an explanation, didn't bombard her with questions. She simply waited, giving Selene the space to gather her thoughts.
For several minutes, the room was filled with nothing but the soft sound of Elia's humming and the occasional rustle of fabric as she adjusted her position. Selene closed her eyes, letting the warmth of her sister in law's presence calm the storm inside her.
Finally, she spoke, his voice barely above a whisper. "Sorin's my mate."
Elia's hand stilled for a moment before resuming its gentle strokes. Her lips curved into a small smile, though her voice remained calm and steady. "I know, baby," she said softly. "We were just waiting for you to say it yourself."
Selene's eyes snapped open, and she sat up slightly, her expression one of pure shock. "What? How? I mean... how do you know?"
Elia chuckled, pulling her back down onto her lap. "Oh, Bear," she said fondly, pressing a kiss to Selene's forehead. "I'm not your birth giver, but you're my first child. Jake and I love you just as much as we love Jay. How could I not notice such a big thing about my child?"
Selene stared up at her, her confusion evident. "But... I thought I was hiding it well."
Elia laughed softly, shaking her head. "You could never hide anything from me, baby. I've known you since you were a tiny pup running around the house. Remember? I know every little thing about you. And this? This bond? It's written all over your face."
Selene blinked, her confusion evident, but she stayed silent, letting Elia continue.
"The way Sorin looked at you when he came here....it was unmistakable," Elia explained, her voice filled with affection. " At first we were confused but I saw how he held you after you returned that night all of our assumptions turned right. He was nervous, so nervous, because he could sense your distress, just like we could. And then there's you....restless, pacing, barely eating, barely sleeping since he left. How could I not put the pieces together?"
Selene felt her cheeks heat up, a deep blush spreading across her face. "I... I didn't think it was that obvious," she mumbled, burying her face into Elia's stomach in embarrassment.
Elia's laughter grew louder, the sound warm and infectious. "Oh, baby, it's so obvious. Even Jake noticed, and you know how oblivious he can be sometimes."
"Sister in law!" Selene whined, her voice muffled against Elia's s shirt.
"What?" Elia teased, feigning innocence. "I'm just saying! But honestly, I'm happy for you. As much as I get to know from Jake, Sorin a good alpha, and from what I've seen, he already cares for you deeply. You're lucky to have him."
Selene peeked up at Elia, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "Do you really think so?" She asked softly.
Elia's teasing demeanor melted into something more tender. She cupped Selene's cheek, her thumb brushing away a tear that had escaped. "I know so, baby. And you deserve all the love and happiness in the world. Don't ever doubt that."
Selene sniffled, her heart swelling with gratitude. "Thank you. I don't know what I'd do without you."
"Well," Elia said, a playful glint returning to his eyes, "you'd probably be pacing around the house like a lost puppy, driving everyone crazy. But lucky for you, I'm here to keep you sane."
Selene chuckled, the sound soft but genuine.
Elia grin as she flipped her imaginary long hair. "Now, go to sleep, Bear. You've been running yourself ragged, and you need to rest. I'll be here when you wake up."
Selene nodded, snuggling closer to the elder. As Elia continued threading her fingers through her hair, Selene felt a sense of peace she hadn't felt in weeks and she drifted off to sleep feeling safe, loved, and content in her sister in law's embrace, thinking about a certain alpha, her alpha.