Chapter 40 More Rewards > It had been a full week since Darius brought her to Crescent Moon , and Elaine was still confined to the pack hospital . Dr. Grey had been firm - he would not release her until her wolf regained its full strength . Normally , recovery was quick . One to two days was all it usually took for a wolf to heal from injuries . But her wounds weren't physical . They were buried deep in her heart , her mind , and her spirit . Mental and emotional scars always lingered longer , and her wolf was still too fragile to risk the outside world . During those quiet days of healing , she met Darius's parents - the former Alpha and Luna of Crescent Moon . Blaine and Seline were nothing like what she had expected . They carried themselves with the quiet strength of leaders , yet their presence was warm and welcoming . They had insisted she call them by their names , not by titles . Seline in particular had been a steady presence , bringing her gentle conversation and reassuring touches whenever Elaine's thoughts threatened to spiral . " I promise ," Seline had said one afternoon , her eyes shining with kindness , " once you are well enough to leave this hospital , we'll spend a day together . A little shopping , a little relaxation . Something to remind you that you are more than what you've been through . " The Luna's promise had touched Elaine more than she could admit . She had those relaxing days with her mom and sister before , Elaine thought sadly . Seline had also brought up her living situation . " When you're ready , " she had said , " you'll need a place of your own . You can stay at the pack house , or if you'd prefer privacy , we have several homes available across the territory . The choice will be yours . " She had paused , her gaze softening with understanding before adding , " If you ask me , I'd rather you stay in the pack house - at least until you are acclimated to your new pack . That way , we can help you with anything you need , especially during your pregnancy . " Elaine remembered blinking at the suggestion , her heart tightening . She didn't want to be a burden . Darius had already done more for her than she could ever repay . Staying in the pack house , surrounded by others , felt almost like taking advantage of his generosity . " I'll ... think about it ," Elaine had said carefully , though in her heart , guilt pressed heavily . It was during one of those quiet moments of thought that a knock suddenly sounded on her door . Elaine looked up quickly . " Knock , knock ," came a cheerful voice , The door cracked open , and a young woman stepped inside . She was striking - her beauty not intimidating but vibrant , her smile so wide it almost seemed to light up the room . Her eyes sparkled with mischief and life , and she carried herself with an energy that instantly filled the otherwise calm space . Elaine blinked in surprise . 1/3 < Chapter 40 " Huh ... do I know you ? " She asked uncertainly . The woman let out a small laugh . More Forwards > " Not yet . And that is completely my brother's fault ." She placed her hands on her hips , tilting her head with mock exasperation . " I've been dying to meet you , but he kept saying you needed rest . A whole week of rest ! I've been very, very patient , but today I just couldn't take it anymore . So here I am . And thank the Goddess you're awake , because if you weren't , I'd probably just keep barging in until I caught you ." She spoke quickly , words tumbling out in a rush that left Elaine momentarily stunned . " I ... I only asked who you were ," Elaine thought to herself , slightly overwhelmed by the woman's flood of words . The woman must have noticed her confusion because she stopped mid - sentence and gave a sheepish smile . " Oh , sorry . What did you ask again ? " " Do I ... know you ? " Elaine repeated , wondering if she was mistaken . The woman's face softened instantly , her smile turning warmer . " Oh ! Right . I'm Roselyn - Darius's sister ." Elaine's eyes widened a little . That explained the familiar energy in her aura . Roselyn sighed dramatically and threw her hands in the air . " I've been asking my brother to let me meet you since the day you arrived . But noooo , he kept saying no . Always ' not yet , not today . I don't know why he's being so stubborn about it . I finally had to sneak past Dr. Grey to come here today . That man takes ' no visitors without Alpha's approval ' way too seriously ." Her playful grumble made Elaine's lips twitch into a small smile . She could already guess why Darius had been keeping them apart , though . He probably wanted her to rest without the whirlwind that was his younger sister . Still , there was something refreshing about Roselyn's presence . She was a burst of sunshine compared to the heavy shadows Elaine had been carrying . " I ... like her , " Elaine admitted silently to herself , surprising even her own heart . " You can always visit me , " she found herself saying aloud , offering Roselyn a soft smile . Roselyn's entire face lit up , as though Elaine had just given her the greatest gift . " Tell that to my brother , will you ? Because he doesn't listen to me . And once you're discharged and strong enough , we are having a ladies ' day . No excuses . I've been waiting forever for someone to do that with . Finally , I have a friend here ! " The joy in her voice was contagious . Elaine couldn't help but feel a little lighter , her chest easing in a way it hadn't since arriving at Crescent Moon . For the first time in a long while , she didn't feel so alone . Elaine was still smiling faintly at Roselyn's chatter when a low , familiar voice rumbled from the doorway . " Roselyn ." 2/3 < Chapter 40 The single word carried both authority and warning . Comments