Nightmares at Everglade Falls

27. Chapter 27

Chapter 27

Gabriel

When Isabella and I transformed back into our human forms, she looked at me with less contempt than before. Her eyes softened just a bit. She thanked me quietly and then left. I watched her go, feeling a strange mix of relief and regret. I was looking forward to resting, maybe even finding some peace. But as soon as I stepped outside, I was met with a panicked Owen.

“Gabriel!” Owen’s voice was urgent. “Ophelia transformed into a wolf last night. She attacked Aurora. She’s in the infirmary, and Principal Celestia is looking for you.”

My heart stopped for a moment.

Ophelia? A wolf? Attacked Aurora?

My mind raced with questions, but I forced myself to focus. I had to see her.

When I arrived at the infirmary, I found her small, scared frame lying on the bed.

But there was something else there.

The way my blood hummed and sang for her was undeniable.

Mine. Mine. Mine.

My mate.

So much had changed in just one night.

“Hi, Ophelia…”

She looks brighter, her green eyes a darker shade of green, filled with confusion and fear.

Principal Celestia stands beside her. “Gabriel, explain the ins and outs of being a wolf to Ophelia. She needs to be taken to Roselia Villa, a room kept for guests.”

“Would you rather come back to my place?” I ask Ophelia gently. “I’ll help you.”

She hesitates, her fear palpable. But eventually, she nods. I help her off the bed, feeling a protective urge surge through me. We head back to my place in silence, her hand in mine.

When we arrive, I turn to her. “I need a quick shower. You can lie down for a few minutes.”

She nods again, looking exhausted. My whole body is on high alert as I shower.

My mate is in the next room, and she doesn’t even know she’s mine. The thought consumes me.

After a quick, hot shower, I throw on some clothes and walk back into the room. Ophelia is sitting on the edge of the bed, looking lost.

“How are you feeling?” I ask, sitting beside her.

“Confused,” she admits. “And scared.”

I reach out, taking her hand in mine. “I’m here to help you. We’ll figure this out together.”

She looks at me, her eyes searching mine for reassurance. “Why is this happening to me?”

I take a deep breath, trying to find the right words. “Sometimes, these things happen without explanation. But you’re not alone. You have me, and I’ll help you navigate this.”

She squeezes my hand, a small sign of trust. “Thank you, Gabriel. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

I feel my heart swell with a mix of pride and protectiveness. “You’re stronger than you think, Ophelia. We’ll get through this.”

We sit in silence for a moment, the weight of the situation settling over us. Then, I break the tension with something more practical.

“Let’s start with the basics. Being a wolf means heightened senses—smell, hearing, sight. You’ll be stronger and faster. But it also means dealing with the full moon. It’s when our wolf side takes over.”

She listens intently, absorbing every word. “So last night...?”

“Last night was the full moon,” I explain. “It was your first transformation. It’s always the hardest. But it gets easier with time and practice.”

She nods, still looking a bit overwhelmed. “What about the attack? I didn’t mean to hurt Aurora. I didn’t even know what was happening.”

I squeeze her hand again. “It’s normal to be disoriented during your first transformation. Your instincts take over. You weren’t in control. Aurora understands that.”

“But she was so scared,” Ophelia whispers, her voice breaking.

“She’ll be okay,” I assure her. “And so will you.”

I can see the guilt and fear in her eyes, and I wish I could take it all away. But all I can do is be there for her, help her through this.

“There’s one more thing,” I say, my heart pounding in my chest. “When wolves find their mates, there’s a bond that forms. It’s powerful. And it feels like... this.”

I reach out, placing my hand on her chest, over her heart. Her eyes widen as she feels the connection between us.

“You feel it too, don’t you?” I ask softly.

She nods, tears welling up in her eyes. “I do. But it’s all so much. I don’t know what to think or feel.”

I pull her into a hug, holding her close. “We’ll take it one step at a time. I’m here for you, Ophelia. Always.”

She clings to me, and I feel a fierce protectiveness surge through me. This is my mate, and I will do everything in my power to keep her safe.

“Thank you,” she whispers against my chest. “For everything.”

I kiss the top of her head, my heart aching with the intensity of my feelings. “You’re welcome. Now, let’s get you settled. You need rest.”

She nods, her exhaustion evident. I help her lie down, tucking her in gently. “Get some sleep. I’ll be right here if you need me.”

As she drifts off to sleep, I watch over her, my mind racing with everything that has happened. My mate is finally with me, but the challenges are just beginning. I need to protect her, to guide her through this new reality.

And most of all, I need to help her understand the bond between us. It’s a lot to take in, but I am determined to be the support she needs. Because she is mine, and I am hers.

The hours pass slowly as I watch over her, my mind replaying the events of the past few days. The guilt I feel for everything that has happened is overwhelming, but I know I have to focus on the present. On Ophelia.

When she finally wakes up, I am sitting beside her, my hand resting on hers. She blinks sleepily, her eyes focusing on me.

“Hey,” I say softly. “How are you feeling?”

“Better,” she replies, her voice still groggy. “Thank you for staying with me.”

“Of course,” I say, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. “You’re my mate, Ophelia. I’ll always be here for you.”

She looks at me, a mix of emotions playing across her face. “I still don’t understand everything, but... I trust you, Gabriel.”

Those words mean everything to me. “We’ll figure it out together. One step at a time.”

She nods, a small smile forming on her lips. “Okay. One step at a time.”

And then she surprises me when she kisses me.