Second chance mates are rare.

So rare, that whenever it happens, it had to be reported to the council for documentation. This was done because the pairing felt like something worthy to be recorded.

Wolves who were given a second chance mate by the Moon Goddess are considered blessed. Our kind believes that they are her favored children.

I, however, did not.

Second chance mates are cruel.

I'm a second choice.

There was someone before me who owned Storm's heart. Someone who got to know him, shared memories with him, loved him.

And he loved her back.

I will always be compared to that person; will always share his heart with her. My heart dropped at the thought.

Storm would never love me wholeheartedly.

I wanted to be as kind and as giving with this situation for the person that I am. I wanted to carry on with life as blissfully as I could, but I can't find it in me to do so.

My parents always told me I could be anything I want. I could choose to go out of Pennsylvania and travel around the world, but I stayed.

The shimmer of love in a mate's eyes was why I stayed. I longed to have what my parents had, what Ben and Mae had. To be his and only his. And he, mine.

I was his. But he was not mine.

I was brought out of my misery when I heard footsteps approaching my room. Hurriedly wiping the tears off my face, I ran to the mirror to make myself presentable.

There was a moment of hesitation from the other side before knocking at my door. I traipsed towards it and opened for me to see him standing there.

My lips trembled as I raised them to a smile, "Hello, Alpha."

"Call me Storm, Yzavel. You are my...mate." I hated the hesitation from his words.

Why did you do this to me, Moon Goddess?

"Of course, Storm."

He entered the room in a long stride, looking around and about. We were yet in another awkward situation; him not saying anything, and I, too heartbroken to do so.

Where his name should've left me with nothing but sweet dreams, it only brought a bittersweet jealousy within me.

Who was she?

His eyes finally aligned with mine, but I quickly looked away, afraid he would see my heart bleeding through my eyes.

"How was your day? I heard Suzie brought you to town."

Was she more beautiful than me? Sweeter, kinder?

A sigh escaped my lips with remembering Suzie's reaction, "It was fine. I loved the ice cream."

Storm frowned at my sigh; concerned eyes met with mine, "Is something wrong, Yzavel?"

How did she die? I wanted to ask desperately. But the words got stuck in my throat.

The questions remained screaming inside my mind, shattering me over and over with insecurities.

"Nothing. I'm just tired from the journey and the tour." He nodded and began walking towards the door, but paused before fully stepping out.

"I'll officially introduce you to the pack tomorrow at dinner," my eyes widened by a tiny fraction. New agonizing thoughts pierced my already fragile heart.

___________

I saw Suzie again and she brought me to town to shop for my things. It seems like she didn't want to dwell on what happened yesterday and chose to greet this day with new optimism.

Truth was, I loved shopping for clothes, especially lingerie. But even as Suzie found this out and shoved me towards the Victoria's Secret store, it didn't even serve enough as a distraction from her.

Going back, I asked if the pack had a library. Fortunately, she said yes. Upon arrival, I dashed for the library.

I needed a book to make me happy again.

Quickly finding solace within the confines of their library, I started scanning through titles upon titles. I felt like Belle, scavenging through heaps of books just to find the perfect read.

I was already using the ladder to search through books when I saw a very plain looking book in the farthest topmost shelf. I silently laughed at its audacity to be amongst the beautifully designed books.

I slid the ladder nearer to reach it and saw a flash of silver hue behind it. My eyes twinkled as I found a carefully hidden box at the back.

Nice hiding place, but unfortunately, I found it.

Open it! My wolf excitedly barked. I  looked around to see if someone heard my embarrassing debacle.

Bella, it would be nice if we be more conscious of our actions, yes? You're making me look like a fool!

She huffed and silently complied. I was also actually curious as to what lies beyond this box. My heart pounded irregularly at the excitement of finding something akin to a treasure chest.

May my heart
be the softest place you fall,
May this love
be the wildest place you run.

Butterflies Rising

To say that the poem gracefully scribbled on the box's cover didn't intrigue me would be a lie; It spiked my curiosity at a high.

I knew it was wrong- I was invading someone's privacy. But goddess be damned, those words...

I was almost on to unclasping the lock when a voice called out to me, "Yzavel, where are you? You need to get dressed already!"

I hastily placed the box back to its spot and hid it carefully. I went down and followed Suzie out of the room.

I'll be coming back to get you.

• •
DARLINGS YOU MADE US AT 1K!!! MY GODDESS 😭❤️

What do you think is inside that box? Hmmm.

Also, can I just do a little shoutout to world_joy_ for being such a kind-hearted inspiration and commenting and replying to my long-ass message lmao. I've been following her on my other account (reading one) for ages and she's one of the people who inspired me to write again. Thank you and ilysm 🥺

See you on the next chapter!