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Chapter 5 - The Past

If someone would've told me that I would end up being mated with Derek I probably would've cussed them out. But with what he's saying, what Ragnar is saying is just way too much to handle. I've literally avoided since our conversation at lunch, even now sitting in the car I wanted to leave and go home.

But a part of me wanted to stay, I want as many answers as I could possibly get. Not once has Derek ever shown the slightest dir of interest in me. And now that we're mates I have to give it to him, and even if I did how would it work. Just because of one agreement long ago doesn't mean it'll be accepted. A union between an alpha wolf and the high witch, not only would it be unheard of but it'd be outrageous.

My train of thought is interrupted my a light tap on the glass, Derek waves slightly and motions for me to open the door. As he gets in, I wait for him to settle in before starting the car. "You disappeared, I went looking for you but didn't see you inside." He said a slight sense of worry in his tone, something I wasn't quite used to. "Silas could you say something please the silence is killing me." he said which made me sarcastically giggle, 'Yeah what after never having a meaningful conversation its important now.'

I didn't mean to say it out loud, "Look Derek all I'm saying is that after never once having a conversation outside of our duties, you now because we're mates need me to talk to you." I turn to look at him quickly his eyes on me, I turn back around for a moment.

"And even if this worked, how would we navigate the challenges that come with being mates from different worlds? Our responsibilities, expectations, and even our very natures are so different. It's not just about the societal barriers, but also about our individual growth and compatibility. Can we truly find a way to make it work and build a strong, fulfilling relationship?"

He brushes his hand through his hair and lets out a groan. "I know it sounds outrageous and definitely a little mad. But why is it impossible to try and see where it goes." he says, "I know I'm asking you to just take chance, but I know we can make this work. Maybe we are two completely different species who historically have hated each other. But I want to change that with you, no matter what happens."

The tone of passion and confidence in his voice makes me giddy. Which just like the situation I find myself, is weird and unsettling. Looking out the window eases my mind the slightest bit as I notice we're closer to home.

"I'm still not giving you an answer, I just need to think and do some reading in the coven library maybe there's something on our situation there." I say as I pull in front of his house so he could get out. As he's getting out he turns and leans into the car, "I'm going to be dealing with Max by the way, if he bothers you again let me know."

I watch as he heads up his drive way and turns back around smiles and heads inside. My first and immediate thought is to bang my head against the wheel but I refrain from doing so. I back out and head home, hoping to slip in and find some piece and quite.

I slip into my comfortable hiking boots, the ones worn from countless journeys through these woods, and grab my backpack. As I step out onto the porch, the fresh scent of pine fills the air, and the distant cawing of a crow reminds me of the world beyond our quiet town, and the wonders beyond.

With each step into the woods, I lose myself in the tranquil beauty of nature. The leaves crunch beneath my boots, and the sunlight filters through the dense canopy overhead. Birds sing their melodies, and the gentle rustling of leaves in the breeze forms a soothing backdrop to my thoughts.

I know the path well, a winding trail that leads deeper into the heart of the forest. It's a place of solace, where I can reflect on the mysteries of our coven and the secrets hidden within the library. As I walk, my mind races with questions, and I can't help but wonder what knowledge awaits me among those ancient tomes.

As I approach the heart of the woods, a sense of anticipation washes over me. The coven library, hidden away in a clearing, is a place of wonder and intrigue. Its ancient stones and enigmatic symbols have always held a mysterious allure for me.

The forest path opens up to reveal the library, nestled beneath the towering oaks. Its wooden door creaks open as I enter, the scent of old parchment and aged leather welcoming me. Rows upon rows of dusty books line the shelves, each containing the wisdom of generations of witches.

I make my way to a familiar corner, where an ornate desk was. The top engraved with the old tongue runes older than the coven itself. I at my belongings beside it before is look at the numerous books on the shelves. I look for at least an hour, finding scrolls almost 500 years old. But not a single one on witches and wolves mating.

My search is stopped by my phone ringing in my bag. The ringtone indicating it's my mom gets me moving towards it, "Hey ma I'm at the library, bout to head home now, where are you and dad." I say picking up my things and heading for the door. My mothers vice fills my ear through the phone "Me and your father got back and you weren't here. What's got you out there, and at the library of all places."

My mom has never understood my obsession with the forest or the old coven lands but she allowed me to visit them. "I'll tell you about when I get there, you might be able to help me with it." I say closing the door and heading back home.

All while in the back of my mind I'm thinking about Derek, and if this was all worth it.