The lost mate
Chapter 56: A small piece of paradise

Chapter 56: A small piece of paradise

Chris drove Heather and Emily in silence. The air grew cooler as they neared the lake, and the dense trees lining the road began to thin out, revealing glimpses of calm waters shimmering in the fading sunlight.

As they turned onto a narrow path that branched away from the main road, a small, cosy house came into view. Nestled on the outskirts of the pack’s land, just across the lake, the house was charming—quaint with a wraparound porch, its wooden beams glowing softly in the evening light. The land belonged to the pack, but the small town was predominantly inhabited by humans, giving it a peaceful, secluded feel.

Emily’s eyes lit up as they approached, and Chris could already see the awe on her face. He pulled the car to a stop and stepped out, turning to help Heather and Emily with their bags. Emily barely waited for the car to fully stop before hopping out and wandering around the small property, taking in the sight of the house and the beautiful lake beyond it.

"This is... perfect," she breathed, her voice barely above a whisper as she made her way to the porch. The view of the lake, its surface reflecting the last of the sunset’s golden hues, was breathtaking. She leant on the wooden railing, her fingers tracing the smooth grain of the wood as she stared out at the peaceful scene.

Chris stood back for a moment, watching Emily’s reaction with a quiet smile. He’d hoped the house would suit them. Seeing her admire the lake, her face illuminated with a rare moment of peace, filled him with satisfaction.

Heather, on the other hand, was more subdued. She moved with slower steps, taking in the surroundings with a quieter appreciation. She set her bag down by the porch and turned to Chris, offering a soft smile. "It’s beautiful. Thank you," she said, her voice steady but filled with gratitude.

Chris nodded, his gaze lingering on Heather for a moment. "I’m glad you’re comfortable here. The house may be small, but it’s got everything you’ll need. It’s far enough from the pack that you’ll have privacy, but close enough for me to check in when necessary."

Heather’s lips curled into a smirk. "Close enough to keep an eye on us, you mean?"

Chris chuckled, though there was a hint of seriousness in his tone. "Something like that."

Emily, who had wandered to the far end of the porch, turned back to them with a wide smile. "Look at this view! It’s like something out of a postcard." Her eyes sparkled with genuine joy as she gazed at the serene lake, the water now casting soft pink and purple hues as the sun dipped lower.

Chris’s smile grew as he joined her on the porch, leaning against the railing besides her. "I thought you’d like it."

Emily glanced up at him, her cheeks warming slightly under his gaze. She quickly turned her attention back to the lake. "Like it? I love it. This feels... peaceful."

Chris nodded, pleased with her reaction. He hadn’t known if Emily would adjust well to the move, especially given everything that had happened with Heather’s arrest and the sudden upheaval of their lives. But seeing her smile like this, he felt reassured.

Chris leant against the porch railing, watching her as she stood there, soaking in the scenery. "I thought you might. It’s one of the best spots in the area. Not too many people know about it, except me, of course." His tone was teasing, a hint of flirtation slipping into his words.

His tone amused Emily, who raised an eyebrow. "Oh, so you’re saying we should be thanking you for this little slice of paradise?"

He grinned, leaning a little closer, his voice dropping to a lower, more playful tone. "I wouldn’t mind a little gratitude, sure. Maybe a thank-you dinner sometime?"

Emily’s cheeks flushed slightly, though she quickly masked it with a laugh. "Are you always this smooth, Chris?"

He chuckled, giving her a shrug. "Only when I’m around pretty women." His eyes sparkled as he spoke, and Emily couldn’t help but smile, feeling a mixture of flattery and amusement at his casual flirtation.

"You’re incorrigible, Chris."

"Me? Incorrigible? I’m just being hospitable, that’s all."

Emily rolled her eyes playfully, but there was no denying the lightness in the air between them. She glanced back at the lake, feeling her pulse quicken just a little at his attention. It was weird.

After a moment, Chris pushed himself off the railing and straightened up. "I should probably get going. I’ll leave you two to settle in." He turned to Emily with a grin. "But seriously, if you need anything—anything at all—don’t hesitate to call me. I’m just a phone call away."

Emily nodded, her smile lingering. "I’ll keep that in mind."

Chris gave them both a final nod before heading back towards his car. He paused just before opening the door, glancing back over his shoulder at Emily, who was still standing on the porch.

"Don’t forget that dinner," he called with a wink before getting into the car and driving off down the gravel road.

Emily watched the car disappear into the distance, her heart still fluttering slightly from the exchange. She turned back to the house, catching Heather’s knowing look.

"You should invite him over for dinner," Heather teased lightly.

Emily’s smile vanished. "We don’t have any future mums. Besides, he is a wolf."

Heather took a deep breath and said,.

"I just want you to be happy, Emily. Don’t let fear hold you back from potential happiness."

"I am happy, mum." I have you."

Heather smiled.

"I might not be with you always. Life is too long, and you are very young."

Emily didn’t want to argue with her mum and explain the intricacies of mate bonding among wolves.

"Mum, don’t talk like that. Now come on, let’s explore the house." She walked inside. "Wow ! There’s a fireplace too. These wolves are pretty rich , huh?"

Heather laughed and went inside with her daughter. She thought about her most recent doctor’s appointment. How was she going to tell Emily that she was dying of cancer?