Chapter 28: A New Chapter or the Same Curse?
**Benard Walter’s Perspective**
Even Daniel, who was often oblivious to emotional subtleties, sensed that the mood in the car had grown heavy. He quickly stepped in to lighten the atmosphere. “Alright, everyone! Today is such a happy day. Let’s set aside our sorrows and focus on the good things ahead!”
Although his words lacked the comfort one might expect, they at least provided an opportunity to shift the conversation to something lighter.
“Yes, I never thought Daniel would be the first of us to find a mate,” I said, forcing a relaxed tone into my voice. “Don’t forget to make a toast at tonight’s celebration, lucky man!”
Rhode joined in, grinning as he added, “That’s right. You’ve won the heart of a beautiful woman, Daniel. We’re all jealous. Go ahead and enjoy the spotlight tonight.”
Daniel scratched the back of his head, his expression sheepish yet glowing with happiness. His bond with Teresa was obvious, almost palpable, as they exchanged glances that spoke louder than words. They clung to each other as if their connection could weather any storm, no matter how turbulent.
Feeling out of place amidst their affectionate display, I turned my attention to the blur of trees and flowers passing by outside the car window. I reminded myself that I couldn’t let the memory of Thelma, a human who no longer mattered, cloud my judgment. Finding my mate would help me sever that lingering attachment once and for all.
Thankfully, the drive ended sooner than expected, and we arrived at the gates of our pack. The news of our return had traveled quickly, and my parents, along with several pack members, were already gathered to welcome us. Their enthusiasm was infectious, particularly when their eyes fell on Teresa, the newest addition to our community. The young couple was immediately surrounded and escorted away, leaving Rhode and me to catch our breath.
At last, I could let go of the endless questions about mates and, more importantly, Thelma. For the first time in what felt like ages, I exhaled deeply, relishing a brief moment of calm.
“What a lucky guy,” Rhode said, smiling as he watched Daniel and Teresa being led toward the celebration preparations. Despite the circumstances, there wasn’t even a hint of envy or resentment in his tone.
Then, almost as if speaking to himself, he muttered, “If only Thelma were here. She loved. events like this.”
There it was again–her name, haunting me like an unwelcome ghost. No matter how much time passed, she always managed to find her way into my thoughts and conversations. It was as if her memory refused to fade, even after her death.
Feigning ignorance, I asked casually, “Are you heading back home now?”
Chap 1 h A New Chapter or the Same Cursa?
Rhode shook his head. “No, I think I’ll stop by my parents‘ place first.”
Since taking on the role of Beta, Rhode had moved into his own quarters to focus on his responsibilities without disrupting his family. It was rare for him to find the time to visit them, so his decision caught me off guard.
“What’s the occasion?” I asked, though I had a sinking feeling I already knew the answer.
Rhode hesitated before replying, his voice quieter than before. “They’ve been struggling. I want to try to cheer them up, even if just a little.
The smile on my face faltered. How much longer would her name cast a shadow over our
lives?
“I thought they had begun to move on,” I said carefully.
“I did too,” Rhode admitted. “But lately, I’ve noticed things. My parents keep Thelma’s photo in plain view, as if they’re afraid to forget her face. Sometimes, I hear my mother crying late at night. And they never lock the front door anymore, almost as if they’re waiting for her to walk in one day.”
He glanced toward the area where Thelma had fallen, his expression heavy. “They hide their pain from others, but I see it every day.”
For a brief moment, I found myself feeling pity for Rhode and his family. They were clinging/ to a memory that offered nothing but pain. I had thought they let go of the past and moved forward, but it seemed their wounds were deeper than I had realized.
If only I could go back to the day Thelma entered our lives. I would have done everything in my power to prevent the chaos her presence caused. She had been a fragile, unremarkable human, yet her influence lingered like an unwanted curse.
“Take care of yourself, brother,” I said, pulling Rhode into a quick embrace before he left.
Once he was gone, I turned my attention to another matter entirely. My goal was clear: I needed to find my second mate, someone who could finally free me from the chains of
Thelma’s memory.
I headed straight for the pack’s library. The building was nearly empty, save for the librarian engrossed in a book at his desk. This was typical; most knowledge was passed down through elders or taught in schools. Few saw the need to consult the library for answers.
However, my question wasn’t something I could share openly. It was a deeply personal matter, one that only I could resolve.
I began sifting through the shelves, pulling down books that might hold the key to my dilemma. I settled by the window with a small stack, flipping through the pages with growing frustration. Many of the texts delved into the sacred bond between mates but offered little information about second mates or replacements
| Chapp
A New Chapter or the Same Curse?
Still, I refused to give up. Book after book, I searched, hoping to find a solution. Finally, the librarian noticed my efforts and recommended a volume I hadn’t considered. To my relief, this book contained a detailed discussion of second mates.
As I read, my heart sank. “After a werewolf’s mate dies in an accident, it is difficult to form a bond with a second mate.”
The words hit me like a blow. Did this mean I was doomed to live without a mate because of
Thelma?
Anger surged within me, directed at Thelma and the fate she had cursed me with. I had never hated her more than in that moment. She had already disrupted my life while alive, and now, even in death, she continued to hold me back
Slamming the book shut, I clenched my fists. This wasn’t over. I would find a way to break free from her shadow, no matter what it took.
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