Mated to My Intended's Enemy novel Chapter 85

Chapter 85: Chapter 85 Let the Elders come

The scent of antiseptic and herbal poultices filled the air as I made my way through the Shadow Pack infirmary. Despite the grim reminder of our recent battle with Marcus’s forces, I felt a swell of pride seeing how efficiently Johnson and Uncle Alessio were managing the recovery efforts.

"Alpha Victoria," Johnson greeted me with a respectful nod as I approached. His white coat was spotted with blood, but his expression remained calm and collected. "The warriors are recovering well. Most should be back on their feet within the week."

I smiled, relief washing over me. "Thank you both for your tireless work."

Uncle Alessio, his silver-streaked hair pulled back in a neat ponytail, looked up from bandaging a young warrior’s arm. "It is our honor to serve the pack," he said, his Italian accent more pronounced when tired. "These brave wolves fought valiantly."

I moved among the wounded, offering words of comfort and gratitude to each warrior. I needed them to know their sacrifices hadn’t gone unnoticed. My wolf, Ava, hummed with approval inside me.

"Victoria?" A familiar voice called from the infirmary entrance.

I turned to find Emma standing there, a basket covered with a checkered cloth in her arms, her honey-blonde hair pulled into a messy bun. The sight of my human best friend sent a wave of nostalgia through me. Despite everything that had changed in my life, Emma remained my anchor to normalcy.

"I brought your favorite rosemary bread," she said, lifting the cloth to reveal several still-steaming loaves. "And blueberry muffins for the wounded."

The warriors’ faces lit up at the mention of Emma’s legendary baking. I crossed the room and embraced her, inhaling the comforting scent of flour and vanilla that always clung to her clothes.

"You’re a godsend," I whispered. "Let’s take these to the common area. I think we need to talk."

Once we had distributed most of the baked goods, Emma and I retreated to a quiet corner table. The moment we sat down, her expression turned serious.

"So," she began, tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear. "Are you going to tell me what the hell happened back there? "

I winced, glancing around to ensure no one was within earshot. "It’s... complicated."

"Victoria," Emma leaned forward, her blue eyes intense. "We’ve been best friends since we were seven. I’ve stood by you through everything—your parents’ disappearance, Enzo’s bullying, even you suddenly becoming the mate of the most feared Alpha in the territory. I think I deserve the uncomplicated version."

She was right. After everything Emma had done for me, she deserved the truth.

Taking a deep breath, I explained what I had learned about my mother—that she hadn’t been human as I’d always believed, but a forest spirit, explaining my unique connection to plant life and why Marcus wanted me so badly.

Emma’s eyes widened with each revelation, but to her credit, she didn’t interrupt until I finished.

"Holy shit," she finally breathed. "My best friend is half werewolf, half forest fairy. That’s... that’s..."

"Crazy? Terrifying? The reason a psychopathic Alpha wants to dissect me?" I offered grimly.

"Amazing," Emma countered, grasping my hands across the table. "Victoria, do you realize what this means? You’ve always been special—not because of your bloodline or who your parents were—but because of who YOU are. And now you have the power to protect yourself and those you care about."

Tears pricked at my eyes. Leave it to Emma to see the silver lining in my supernatural identity crisis.

"You’ve changed so much," she continued softly. "Not just physically, though—damn girl—but you carry yourself differently now. You’ve found your strength."

"I don’t feel strong," I admitted. "Most days I feel like I’m fumbling through, trying not to disappoint everyone who’s counting on me."

Emma squeezed my hands. "That’s called being a leader, honey. And from where I’m sitting, you’re crushing it."

The infirmary door opened, drawing our attention. Lilith entered, looking exhausted. Dark circles shadowed her eyes, and her normally immaculate appearance showed signs of strain. When she spotted us, she hesitated briefly before approaching.

"Alpha Victoria," she greeted me with a respectful nod, then turned to Emma. "You must be the famous Emma. I’ve heard so much about your baking prowess."

Emma blushed slightly. "All good things, I hope? And please, just call me Emma. Any friend of Victoria’s doesn’t need to be formal with me."

I gestured to the empty chair. "Join us? There’s still half a loaf of rosemary bread left."

To my surprise, Lilith accepted, sinking gratefully into the chair. "Thank you. I haven’t eaten since... I can’t remember when."

As she took a bite of bread, a small moan of appreciation escaped her. "This is divine," she told Emma. "No wonder Alpha Victoria speaks so highly of your skills."

"Thanks," Emma grinned. "So you’re... Enzo’s mate?"

Lilith nodded, a flicker of pain crossing her features at the mention of her mate.

Emma winced. "I should apologize—I may have called him some... colorful names earlier. Before I understood everything."

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