“Yeah. Sorry about that.” Alexa replied as she removed Julia’s blanket from her bed.

The brief silence between them was a comfortable one. It was as though they had known each other for a long time. When in actuality, they don’t.

While it continued, Alexa’s mind started racing as she watched how Damien interacted with Julia.

She scanned his face and her best friend's limp body that he was carrying with strong arms.

As I observe how he acts with her, a sense of pride fills my heart. This could be good for her after five years without a mate. She pondered while stepping back and allowing room for Damien to walk to the other side of the bed.

Alexa squinted while watching him gently lower down carefully, and a smile grew on her face.

“Alexa, he truly cares for her. Why don’t we step away from them to give them some time alone?” Her wolf, Anabella spoke, her voice filled with wonder.

Alexa responded to her wolf, saying, “You’re right. They do need it. So, let’s go somewhere else in the packhouse.”

She straightened her back and inched closer to Damien. With each step she took, her mind was made up even more.

I know the only way for Julia to be happy is to step back and let fate take its course in her life. Alexa wondered while she placed her hand over her mouth, ready to whisper to him.

“Pst… Damien, I’m going to go. Don’t forget to close the door behind me.” Alexa declared quietly as she turned around.

Let’s see if I did the right thing. I’m not going to stop her at all. Alexa pondered as she exited the room, ready to support her no matter what.

“Thank you, Alexa,” Damien spoke, his voice just above a whisper. Then he placed Julia on the bed and covered her with the plush blanket.

Then, he sat beside her and combed his hand through her wispy hair. His brain was in a fog that he could not get out of.

It was as if everything around him and Julia faded. And they were the only two people in the world.

“My dear. I need you to wake up soon.” Damien grumbled under his breath as his eyes began tearing up.

Meanwhile, Alexa was still in the room with her arms crossed over her chest. She took a deep breath, ready to tell him something which would change how she would see her.

Despite being entranced by his mate, Damien nodded slightly. She needs me, and I need her. So, the only way for this to work is for me to agree with her best friend. He thought while still focused on ensuring Julia was okay.

Once Alexa was gone, he waved his hand, and the door slammed shut behind her. Then his eyes scanned Julia’s still face.

I can’t believe the Moon Goddess would give me someone this beautiful. But I want her to wake up now! He pondered as longing began filling up his heart.

Julia’s eyes began fluttering open as those words passed through his mind.

James began wagging his tail. “Our mate! Our mate is waking up!” He declared to Damien, his human, with excitement in his voice.

Damien had not acknowledged his presence yet. He was too entranced by the suddenness of her waking up.

She started stretching her arms over her head.

It’s good to be awake. Who knew I needed this much rest? Julia thought as she began sitting up.

Noticing this, Damien moved closer toward her, a look of concern in his eyes.

Does she feel the bond between us? How will she react upon seeing me? He wondered while observing her facial expressions.

Then he leaned forward, placing his hand on her leg.

“Are you okay? How do you feel?” He asked, his voice tinged with worry.

She scanned the room, her eyes beginning to focus, until finally, they landed on Damien.

Who’s this strange man in front of me? Why is he sitting extremely close to me? She wondered as she raised her hands to her neck.

Her heart started beating rapidly inside her chest, and she peered at him. The room was quiet, and all they could hear was the sound of their beating hearts.

Taking a deep breath, she swallowed her worry and opened her mouth to speak. But, once again, curiosity popped into her brain, causing her to stop before she had begun.

I have to know because I can’t focus on myself right now. Not unless I get the answer to the question lingering on my mind. Julia pondered as she rubbed her hand over her arm, and unease filled her body.

“Who are you?” She asked, her voice just above a whisper. She originally thought she would wake up with Alexa by her side. Yet, now a stranger was in the room she used to share with her ex-mate.

Damien lowered his eyes to his lap as uncertainty flitted through them.

Is there something that I can do to ease her concern? Moon Goddess, give me the idea, please. But only if there is one. He wondered while silently praying to her.

All he wanted was to ensure that Julia felt the bond that grew between them.

Then, out of nowhere, a romantic melody played in the bedroom, although there was no music box. But the romantic energy in the air surrounded them.

He looked at her, a playful grin forming on his face. An idea started to form, something that he hopefully wouldn’t regret.

As the music continued playing, he smiled a little. Slowly, Damien extended his hand toward Julia.

If this was the Moon Goddess’s doing, then I thank her. She knows just what we needed.

“Would you like to dance?” He asked her, trying to ease her uncertainty and the tension in the air.