Chapter 103

Lucas’s POV

The clicks from my keyboard are drowned out by the movie Harper is watching. I glance at her from behind my laptop to find her exactly where she was when I entered my apartment two hours ago.

The wolf souls surround her in a sort of dog pile on the floor as she watches an animated movie, and she lays back into them like they’re her personal stuffed animal pillows. It’s cute, seeing her so fully submerged in the wolf soul pack, but it also reminds me that she’s not that welcomed by our own pack.

Something I’ll need to rectify soon.

My computer dings, signaling a message. The file I requested from the Council two days ago pops up on the screen, and a picture of a woman greets me. The name Willow Sage is printed just off to the right of the picture as well as a whole three pages of information about the witch. I scan the document, noting that her Coven is sanctioned by the Council, her magic is at level four—with level six being the highest recorded and two being average—she has previous experience reunifying wolf souls with their other halves.

However, she has recently taken leave from her Coven for a period of time. I read over the document again but find no reason as to why she’s taken time away from her life to go into seclusion.

Grabbing my phone, I dial the number under her contact information and slip out of the apartment. It rings so many times that I don’t expect her to answer.

But, the call connects just before I hang up to try again.

“This is Willow Sage,” her airy voice speaks.

“This is Alpha Lucas of the Moonlight Pack. I apologize for interrupting your seclusion, but I have an important matter to discuss with you.”

“To what do I owe the honor of a call from the Alpha himself?” She questions, her tone taking on a hint of interest.

“My mate was forcefully separated from her wolf soul a year ago, and we have just recently found the wolf again. I would like to request your help to reunify them,” I answer, praying to the Goddess that she agrees.

I have other witches that could do it, but none come as highly qualified as her.

“I assume this was not a Council sanctioned separation.”

“That’s correct. Her father, the former Beta, falsely accused her of a crime and removed her wolf without consulting anyone.”

She hums and tisks, “Some people shouldn’t have power. Alpha Lucas, I would be thrilled to help your mate. I will be in contact soon with directions to my cottage.”

“Thank you, Ms. Sage.”

Harper’s POV

The girl on screen runs toward her best friend, and they throw their arms around each other as they reunite after years of being apart.

Tears sting behind my eyes. The ache in my chest grows at the sight of the two girls reuniting, and I wrap my arms around Erie because the girls’ reunion hits close to home. We weren’t separated for five years, but one year without the other half of your soul is long enough. I couldn’t imagine five years.

A sound behind me draws my attention to Lucas as he enters the apartment. I hadn’t noticed that he left, and when he sees me, he goes still.

“Is everything alright?”

I nod, reign in my tears, and sit up.

“Can you come here?” The words leave my mouth before I can stop them, and Lucas is so fast. Before I can rephrase the question, he’s kneeling at my side, carefully avoiding the wolves, and touching my cheek softly.

His voice is soft when he speaks, matching the light brush of his fingers along my cheek, “What is it? Do you need anything?”

“I feel empty,” I admit, unsure of why my words keep throwing themselves at Lucas without my permission. “Erie is right here with me, but I still feel incomplete without her… without…”

I don’t know how to finish or explain myself, and a frustrated whine fills my chest. Lucas’s blue eyes darken as he settles beside me. His hand is gentle when it curls around mine, the warmth seeping into me and creating a sense of calm that helps clear my mind.

“There’s this hollow ache in my chest where I used to be able to feel Erie,” I whisper, touching Erie’s head with my free hand. “Ever since Hank took her from me, I’ve felt disconnected and alone. I can’t help but wonder…”

I don’t even want to speak the thought into existence, but it tugs at my mind. It eats at me, creating this pool of worry I’m afraid I’ll drown in if I don’t tell someone.

And right now, Lucas is here. He’s willing to listen. The sincerity and understanding in his eyes urge me to continue.

“What if it’s been too long to restore and reunite our souls? Will reuniting our souls get rid of that gut-wrenching hollow feeling?”

I can feel the tears pooling in my eyes again as I squeeze them closed. I let myself hold onto Lucas, my hand tightening around his for support. He doesn’t protest, doesn’t move, doesn’t speak. He just sits with me, allowing me to squeeze the life out of his hand for a few minutes.

When I open my eyes, he’s looking at me with a deep kindness that reaches within me and tucks itself around my broken heart. The little cracks are being slowly mended by his care and concern, making more tears fill my eyes.

Without saying anything, he moves closer and pulls me into his lap. I let him because it’s the only thing that feels right. Letting him touch me, comfort me, and hold me… it calms the raging sea of worry and anxiety fighting to tear my insides apart.

“That won’t happen,” Lucas murmurs. His lips briefly touch my forehead, and I focus on his words. “The restoration will work. I found a powerful witch who has completed the restoration process many times. She is confident there won’t be any issue.”

“Are you sure?” I whisper, not wanting to give in to the hope he inspires.

“I would stake my life on it.”

A shiver runs down my spine, and I lean further into his warm. My hand curls into the front of his shirt, anchoring us together in the same way his arms do as they wrap around me. The wolves scoot in closer, surrounding us in a cocoon of fur and warmth.

It’s cozy, and the entire situation touches the need for affection inside me. I relax into the feeling, closing my eyes and leaning into it. I need it like I need to breathe. I’ve gone too long without a family unit, and I feel starved.

“As soon as I finalize the details,” Lucas starts, pulling my attention back to him. “We’ll travel with some of my men to keep you and Erie safe. The witch, Willow, will send the location of her cottage, where she will perform the restoration…”

He continues explaining how he thinks our trip will unfold, but his words soon turn to a deep lulling melody that has my eyelids growing heavy.

Briefly, as I slip further into the comforting darkness that is sleep, I wonder if the mate bond is what’s making me feel so comfortable, or if it’s just Lucas.