“Yeah, I am alright. You don’t need to worry.” Julia replied, her voice just above a whisper.

She stared at Damien, her eyes filling with concern and awe, while she sat cross-legged on the bed.

A sigh escaped her lips, and her mind raced with a million thoughts inside her head. She was overcome with so many emotions of regret, and yet nothing could prepare her for what was to come.

What did I do to deserve this type of love? On the one hand, someone caring for me in this way is exciting, but I'm not worthy of it. Julia pondered, as tears fought to come out of her eyes.

Clenching her teeth, she placed her hand on top of his. Then, like a beacon of hope, a light formed between them, causing them to inch closer towards each other.

"What? What's happening?" They whispered with awe and admiration while embracing tightly.

Upon inhaling the warmth, it began to surround them, and a wide smile formed on her face.

Why can't I get enough of this man who suddenly appeared before me? It is like a force is bringing us together despite the chaos in my life. How could this be? She wondered while he started speaking.

Each word spoken was like a cloud of doubt was removed from her eyes. And still, she held onto the thought of her dead mate who would never return. Not unless some miracle would happen.

“Okay. Well, would you like to run in the forest with me?” Damien asked, his voice filling with concern and understanding.

I don't know what to do. Considering his suggestion has never been at the forefront of my mind. Yet the thought of staying in my room makes me fed up with the whole situation. Julia wondered, biting her lip while trying to figure out how to respond.

Rubbing small circles over the top of her hand, Damien's heart beat rapidly. He inhaled, then exhaled, letting his rampaging emotions take over.

Finally, he squinted, his voice just below a whisper, "Come on, baby. I know this is hard for you. Hell, it is for me as well. But we can get through this together. But only if you could let me into your mind."

Did I do the right thing? Should I have asked her? Or should I have just not asked her? He pondered while awaiting her response.

Not fully aware of the love surrounding them, she clenched her fists.

With each passing second, her nerves grew constantly until they erupted.

I’m not going to go with him! Not until he proves his loyalty towards me! I am not ready to believe him just yet, nor his love for me. She thought as determination filled her to the brim.

But before she could second-guess herself, her wolf interrupted her. Julia scratched her arm up and down, as unease formed in her belly. Which wouldn't let her go, not by a long shot.

“Don't worry about it, Julia. I know this may sound hard to believe. His intention toward us. So, please agree to what he asks of you.” She replied encouragingly, urging Julia to give their mate the benefit of the doubt.

Serephina did everything within her power to show her how important it is to trust in the mate bond. But, after the death of their ex-mate, Julia found it hard to do so.

Once again, a sigh escaped her lips, and both desire and indignation filled her. And her eyes started welling up with tears. Meanwhile, Damien stood with his hands raking over his unkempt hair. He tried fighting whatever little strength and resilience he had left in his body.

The only thing he wanted to do was hold his mate and comfort her. But since they barely knew each other, this was the only way he knew how.

Why in the f*cking world would she say that to me? I mean, come on. Doesn't she understand the grief we're going through? What is the meaning of falling in love with another person? Wouldn't that mean I would be tarnishing the reputation and love of my dead mate? She thought as annoyance began growing with each second that passed.

Even though she didn’t remember who her wolf was, and how important she was to her, it didn’t stop her from speaking her mind.

“I know, it’s just that I don’t think I should do this. I mean, what about our mate who died? Wouldn’t he…”

Before she could continue her train of thought, Julia's wolf, Serephina, interrupted her again.

Just thinking of being let out into the forest fills me with contentment. I can't wait to roam free; it has been too long! She pondered before responding.

“No buts! You are going to take this chance. Since it had been five years, going for a run now sounds like a good idea,” Serephina replied excitedly and began wagging her tail.

Julia crossed her arms over her chest, disdain wrapping her like a cloak; which forbade her from being happy.

When, suddenly, something clicked, a realization that she had to do this.

I shouldn't be scared to take the reins on my life. F*ck, it had been five years since his death, and my grief shouldn't have gotten to this point. Julia sighed with indignation.

“Alright, fine. I’ll agree to go on this run with you. But don't think I'm ecstatic over it.” She answered while peering into Damien's eyes.

As her resolve increased by the second, he crinkled his eyes, a smile forming.

I can't believe she agreed, but I shouldn't let this get to my head. However, I will do everything I can to show her how much she means to me. He thought as he held his hand out for her to grab.

Before he could pull her up, someone knocked on the door.

Grrr... Who dares interrupt my time with my mate?