Page 32 of Bond & Mate


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“It was chaotic,” he begins, his voice hoarse. “When the Rift opened up, it felt like a whirlwind pulling me in. The monsters, they... they swarmed me immediately. Their hunger for emotions was overwhelming. I didn’t think I was going to make it until Mahalia turned up.”

I rest my hand on his shoulder as I can see him struggling with everything.

“Mahalia, she was incredible,” he continues, his eyes glancing down to where she lies in his arms. “She saved me. When I was at my breaking point, she... she stood her ground, faced those creatures, and fought with everything she had. I don’t know how she did it,” Lars admits, his voice filled with awe. “But she confronted those monsters, wielding a dagger like a warrior. And she found a way to push through the Rift’s barriers, to breach the protective shell around me. It was like she had tapped into something... something beyond our understanding,” Lars continues, his gaze distant. “And when she finally reached me, the monsters recoiled. It was as if they couldn’t bear the light that she brought with her. And then the Rift… it seemed to just disappear around us. We only just got out of it in time. It almost crushed us both. She saved my life, Vaughn,” he says, looking at me with sincerity. “I owe her everything. We both do.”

I nod in agreement, deeply moved by their story and the unwavering spirit of our pack members. “We’re grateful to have you both back with us,” I say, my voice filled with conviction. “And we’ll face whatever challenges come our way, together.”

“Where is everyone else?”

I sigh heavily. “They’re still struggling to overcome what the Rift did to them too. Everyone is having a hard time.”

Carrying Mahalia and Lars back to the safety of the waterfall, I lay Mahalia down gently, making sure she’s as comfortable as possible. She stirs slightly, her eyes fluttering open, but she’s too weak to speak or move much. Lars remains unconscious, his breaths shallow and labored. Desperation courses through me as I realize the gravity of the situation. With no other options left, I make a difficult decision.

I crouch down beside Mahalia and place a gentle kiss on her forehead. “I’ll be back soon,” I whisper, my voice filled with determination. “I promise.”

As I rise to my feet, I can feel the weight of responsibility pressing down on me. Leaving them behind, even temporarily, fills me with a sense of unease, but I know that their safety depends on me finding help quickly. Because all of my pack is struggling right now. I’m the only person who can sort everyone out and I need to make sure we’re all okay.

With one last lingering look at Mahalia and Lars, I sprint out of the forest, my heart pounding with each step. The world around me blurs as I move with purpose, guided by the instinct to protect my pack members. Every second counts, and I need to find assistance as soon as possible.

Once I reach a phone, I dial a number I thought I’d never need to call again. It’s my ex-wife on the other end of the line, and I can hear the sympathy in her voice. She had faced a similar situation not too long ago, nearly losing her new mate in a car crash. Wolves typically prefer to run instead of drive like humans, but circumstances sometimes force us into those metal contraptions.

I find a secluded spot in the forest where I can get a semblance of cell phone signal. My hands tremble as I dial Laura’s number, my ex-wife. The phone rings, and after a few moments, her warm voice answers.

“Hello?”

“Laura, it’s Vaughn,” I say urgently, my voice tight with worry.

“Vaughn? Is everything alright?” Concern seeps into her tone. She knows I wouldn’t just call her for nothing.

I take a deep breath, trying to steady myself. “No, Laura, everything’s not alright. It’s the pack I’ve been working with to close the Rift. We’re in a dire situation.”

There’s a brief pause, then she responds, “Tell me what happened.”

“Two of the pack got sucked into the Rift, and now… and the other two are still affected by the emotional effects of it. Basically, they need help, Laura,” I say, desperation creeping into my words. “I can’t lose them.”

“I understand, Vaughn,” she replies softly. “I’ll send you the special salve my grandmother made for emergencies. It’s a powerful healer, but it comes with some side effects. It might be their only chance.”

Relief washes over me as I thank her profusely. Laura promises to send the salve right away and gives me instructions on how to use it. With a heavy heart, I end the call and prepare to return to Mahalia and Lars, hoping that Laura’s grandmother’s remedy will be the lifeline they need.

Her laughter rings in my ears, a sweet melody that warms my heart, as she shares the story of how the same salve had saved her husband, followed by the miraculous news of her pregnancy. I can’t help but chuckle along with her; her joy is contagious. It feels like a ray of light in the midst of our darkness.

“Thank you so much, Laura,” I say sincerely, gratitude filling my voice. “This means everything to me.”

Now all I have to do is wait. Wait for Laura to help save all our lives. I just hope I can trust her…

As I anxiously wait at the waterfall for the arrival of the messenger from the pack, the tension in the air is palpable. Every minute feels like an eternity, and I can’t shake the gnawing worry for Mahalia and the rest of the pack. The thought of losing them is unbearable, and I’ll do whatever it takes to help them.

Finally, less than twelve hours later, a member of our pack arrives with the salve that Laura had sent. Relief washes over me as I take the package in my hands. It’s a small jar, unassuming in appearance, but it holds the promise of healing and hope.

“Thank you,” I tell the messenger, my voice filled with gratitude. They nod, understanding the urgency of the situation, and then quickly make their way back to the pack.

With the precious salve in my possession, I feel a renewed sense of determination. I can’t waste any more time. Everyone is depending on me to bring them back from the brink, to restore them to health, and to reunite our pack.

I carefully follow the detailed instructions written in neat but thick pen strokes, as if the writer had struggled with her eyesight while jotting them down. The steps are clear, and I can’t afford to make any mistakes. The pack is depending on me, and I refuse to let them down.

First, I gently apply the salve on the areas where everyone is injured, being as gentle as possible. Mahalia most of all, because her wounds from the Rift are still fresh, and I can see the pain etched on her face even in her unconscious state. I silently pray that the salve will work its magic and bring everyone relief.

It doesn’t take long for the magic to unfold. As I watch over Mahalia, a soft, radiant glow begins to emanate from her skin, casting a gentle, otherworldly light around her. It’s a sight to behold, and I find myself in awe of the salve’s mysterious powers.

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