62. Epilogue #4 Mates!
sixty-two
Epilogue #4 Mates!
*CAELAN*
T he werebears have been completely shaken by the war, by the manipulation they were put through by their own leaders. It’s going to be a difficult task to unite them again. Even more difficult to build relationships with other shifters.
Even before the war, the werebears hadn’t been too well liked.
Now, it’s even worse.
With Cailleach’s help, Azadeh was able to pick a trustworthy leader. One of the fucked-up Alphas had a daughter. Yrsa was one of the first to wake up from the spell. She was furious, and ready to seek justice and revenge. She instantly joined the battle on our side. I don’t know much about her, but it takes courage to stand up against your own people.
I like courageous people. So, at least I can respect her for that.
Alpha Yrsa was invited by Ende and Aza for a political get-together along with King Favian. The four of them plan on mending their relationships further. Endellion said he wants to strike while the iron’s hot. Yrsa needs our alliance now, and if we help her, she will grow into a strong ally to us one day.
When I walk down the staircase, Alana passes me, basically running up the stairs and disappearing onto a balcony. Not even a minute later, the young dragon king follows. None of them seem to notice me.
Is that guy hitting on my sister? I frown. Should I intervene?
Before I can turn around and follow the man, a fresh scent hits me. Like the leaves of a conifer tree, and lemon. My wolf rises from his sleep and looks around with a frown. Can’t be, can it?
We will see.
The thought of a mate is so far away for us that we have difficulties adapting to this new reality. To the fact that there is someone out there for us. I follow the scent, arriving just as Azadeh shakes hands with a tall woman. She is clearly a warrior, but dressed like a ranked member of the pack. She has fur draped around her shoulders instead of a coat. When she turns around, I notice a scar marring her face. She has wild brown hair and a stoic expression. There is a hint of vulnerability in her eyes once she sees me, though.
“Oh, good thing you are here, Caelan,” Endellion says. “Let me introduce our guest to you. This is Yrsa, Alpha of the werebear sleuth.”
I stare at her, noticing how the hint of vulnerability is gone, and she just looks serious and slightly annoyed. “It’s a pleasure,” she says.
“I haven’t even introduced myself yet,” I declare, shortly. “I am Caelan, one of the triplet princes.”
At that, Yrsa indeed looks surprised. She probably didn’t take me for a prince. I can’t believe it, though. For years I thought I was without a mate bond, and then Ende and Aza choose each other, releasing Flinn and me from this curse, and I’m overjoyed, excited, curious to end up being fated to a werebear.
I try not to be judgemental, but it’s not like they are the most exciting choice for anyone at the moment. Most of them fought on Penelope’s side. It’s true that they were victims too, but unlike the dragons who were slaughtered and yet never changed sides, remaining heroic while facing the abyss beneath them, the werebears changed sides without even thinking twice.
Maybe we shouldn’t judge them so fast, my wolf says, without sounding too convincing.
Try better, I mutter.
Maybe we shouldn’t judge our mate, he offers. Without talking to her, at least.
I glance at Yrsa, wondering if she can feel or see my indecisiveness and disgust toward her species. I hate being judgmental, and if Endellion knew, he would probably call me out for it.
But, that’s my mate! A werebear, of all species. I always thought I’d never mind who my mate was, but apparently I do.
“Please join us for dinner, Caelan,” Endellion says. He turns to Yrsa. “My brother is one of our most skilled warriors, if not the best. He will be of great help. That is, if he agrees.”
“Agree to what?” I ask.
“We will tell you over dinner,” Azadeh says, eyeing me curiously.
You don’t look too happy. She links me. Is something wrong?
No, everything is fine. But, please give me a head’s up.
Alpha Yrsa agrees on both a treaty and wants to be our ally, but her sleuth needs help. They are decimated in numbers, while a group of werebears is still in hiding and out for her head. To them, she is a traitor.
I feel anger bubbling in my chest. Someone is out to hurt my mate? Never!
I will help, I hear myself offer without even knowing what they need me to do. I might not want a werebear as my mate, but I certainly won’t allow her to get killed.