Chapter 11
Nathan
The sleek black town car rolled to a stop outside an impressive modern clinic. I peered up at the glearning rows of windows critically.
Hard to believe somewhere this pristine held the answers my father’s life depended on. But I trust Dr. Amara, the last doctor that suggested her friend.
Doesn’t look like much, Derek grunted, echoing my skepticism. But we had exhausted all other options. This Dr. Terra came highly recommended, with remarkable success treating obscure conditions. If she could not help Father, no one
Squaring my shoulders, I stepped through the automated doors while Derek parked. The receptionist’s bored expression shifted to surprise then flustered deference when I introduced myself.
“Of course, Alpha, we’ve been expecting you. I’ll inform Dr. Terra right away. She hurried off down a gleaming corridor.
I paced the s**s waiting area impatiently, ignoring the curious glances from nearby patients. Likely they thought I was some eccentric billionaire seeking obscure experimental therapies, not the supernatural ruler I was,
Thankfully Derek’s looming presence discouraged any attempts at conversation.
At last the receptionist reappeared. “Right this way! Dr. Terra had to finish with a patient but will see you shortly.”
I followed her brisk clip down the hall, anticipation mounting. But when she gestured me through a plain wooden door labeled “Dr. Terra Wolfe, the name jolted through me like lightning
Wolfe. It couldn’t be. How many female wolf shifters became doctors? But surely fate would not deliver us such an unbelievable twist….
All thoughts s**d the moment I stepped inside. Fiery red curls, delicate features. wearier, but unmistakably, impossibly her. Terra those telltale emerald eyes older.
We both froze. I drank in the stunning vision before me, scarcely trusting my senses. Terra – my dearest friend, first love, lost mate. Here after endless years spent scouring the earth for her.
“Terra,” I finally rasped, her name the sweetest sound on my lips. Is it really you?”
Shock slowly melted from her face, shuttering into a cool detached mask “Hello, Nathan. I wasn’t expecting you. How may I help?”
Her formal tone cut through me. Of course she harbored bitterness. I deserved no warm reunion after the pain I had carelessly inflicted. But hearing that voice again was bliss enough for now. We had found her against all odds. Time could heal the rest.
I stepped closer, desperate to touch her, confirm this dream was reality. But she retreated stiffly behind her desk. The rejection stung, but I accepted it for now. She had every right to guard herself around the mate who broke her heart.
“Terra…” My voice cracked with emotion. How to explain all that had transpired in the years apart? “There is much to discuss But first, you must know my father is gravely ill. We need your help”
Wariness darkened her expression. “You seem to have done quite well without me before.”
The cold accusation was no less than I deserved. “Please, I entreated. “I know I committed unforgivable wrongs. But this is about my father’s life. He needs you.” I needed you. But that truth must wait until she softened.
Terra’s cool detachment shattered my fragile hopes that our impossible reunion might rekindle the powerful bond once between us
Of course she had earned the right to guard herself closely, after the “s way I severed our hearts so cleanly years ago. But her aloof dismissal still cut cruelly deep.
“Please, Terra,” I implored, scrambling for persuasive words that might sway her. “I know you have no reasons left to show me kindness or compassion after how I wronged you. But this is bigger than just us now. My father’s life hangs in the balance. Without your help….Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.
My voice broke as I forced the painful truth past reluctant lips.
“He will die. You are our sole remaining hope.”
Terra’s emerald eyes flashed, two feverish spots of color rising on her porcelain cheeks. And so I should hurry back to serve you now that it’s convenient?” she snapped. “You didn’t seem concerned about my life when you so easily cast me out after our years together.
1 flinched under her blistering fury. She was right – I deserved no grace or favors after so callously throwing away her heart. But desperation drove me relentlessly onward.
“You’re completely justified in despising me, I agreed quietly. “I know that mere words can’t undo the damage I inflicted on us both. I risked approaching her desk, keeping my hands spread in supplication. “But I swear on my father’s life and the moon herself, you will never know such pain at my hands again
Terra searched my face, looking for any hint of deception. Finding none, her rigid posture finally softened slightly. But suspicion still lurked in her intelligent gaze.
“Pretty promises cost little,” she said bluntly. “Yet I seem to recall similar ones whispered under the stars that were easily forgotten come dawn.
Her oblique reference to the tender nights we had shared stabbed painfully. She was right flowery vows had come easily when caught in our passion. I had proven my oaths woefully fragile once tested by harsh reality. Why should she trust renewed sincerity?
I ran a hand through my hair, grappling for the words to convey my true remorse, to win just the slightest chance at redemption in her guarded eyes.
“You’re completely justified in your doubts,” I conceded raggedly “I know I may never regain your trust. But please believe me when I say the greatest regret of my life has been losing your light, and the love we shared. Not a day has passed when I did not think of you.”
Her icy facade briefly slipped at my raw confession. But she turned away, avoiding my earnest gaze. The past remains past. Now return home, and I will send word if I choose to assist your father?
Her dismissive words lanced through me, but I merely bowed my head. “As you wish. I’ll await your message.”
I reluctantly moved toward the door, pausing with my hand on the k**b. “No matter what you decide, Terra, I swear I’ll never stop striving to someday be worthy of your forgiveness.”
Her face remained reserved, but the glistening sheen in her emerald eyes whispered of emotions still lingering beneath the surface. Hope flickered tentatively in my chest. Not all was lost between us. The powerful bond we had shared could be pieced back together slowly, if I proved myself deserving this time.
Over the next day I wore a rut in the polished floor pacing my suite, two wary guards posted discreetly by the grand doors leading out to the hallway.
Not that I had any intention of charging back to Terra against her wishes. But Derek knew me too well to think I wouldn’t at least consider it
I’ll patiently wait for her reply.
Just then I get a call from her and I rushed there immediately.
Terra studied me silently, emerald eyes inscrutable. The gulf between us yawned cavernous and deep, occupying all the years lost. Finally she sighed, her rigid posture slackering slightly
“Very well. For your father’s sake. I will consult on the case” Guarded hope rose in me before she added sternly. “But I cannot simply abandon my practice and patients with no notice.
Make arrangements, and in one week’s time I will travel to assess his condition.”
One week felt agonizing after so many years apart already, but I dared not argue and risk her changer her mind. “Thank you. Terra. Truly. Please let me know any needs for your visit, I’ll see to it personally.”
She inclined her head in cool agreement. I wished desperately to embrace her, but clearly future contact must proceed strictly on her terms only. I had forfeited any former closeness through my own shameful actions.
“Until then.” I murmured regretfully. Our first reunion deserved celebration and reconciliation, not stilted arrangements.
But the damage between us would not be undone quickly or easily. Patience and understanding were my only hopes of regaining her trust. I could not fail her this time – not with her guarded heart, nor my father’s fading life on the line.
After relaying the news to Derek, who was as shocked and elated as I at this impossible twist of fate, we departed to make ready for Terra’s visit
A suite in the Alpha’s residence would provide comfort and privacy during her stay.
I stocked it with fresh flowers, artisanal soaps, fine linens anything that might soften her sentiments toward the home I hoped would someday welcome her permanently again.
The lavish gestures eased my restless agitation as the long week crawled by
But I’m really hoping… Is she really coming back? My Terra?