Haylie POV
As I made my way downstairs after a long bath, I found my Aunt Camelia and, Amora, bustling around the kitchen, preparing supper. The kitchen was large and brimming with clutter—mostly tins and bottles filled with natural herbs, a clear sign of Delia love for collecting them.
My curiosity got the best of me, and I couldn't resist taking a closer look at the assortment of jars on display in the cupboard.
Each jar held something unique. One contained dried lavender flowers; another was packed with leaves. But there was one bottle in particular that caught my eye—a jar containing a beautiful small white flower inside that seemed to look so delicate. It must be smelling amazing because it looked so beautiful the small flower.
I picked it up, and unable to resist, I unscrewed the lid. As soon as the jar was open, an incredible fragrance filled the air, overwhelming my senses. It was like nothing I'd ever smelled before.
"What are you doing, Haylie?" my aunt's voice rang out, startling me. I quickly closed the jar and placed it back in its spot, turning around with a sheepish smile.
"Nothing," I replied, a bit too quickly. "Just looking around, that's all."
Aunt Camelia gave me a long, searching look before finally nodding. "Alright," she said, "but supper's ready."
I nodded back, but suddenly, a wave of dizziness hit me. I swayed, feeling lightheaded, and had to steady myself to keep from fainting. Once I felt a little better, I made my way to the table.
My aunts certainly knew how to cook a proper meal, and I found myself eating as though I hadn't in days.
The food was delicious, hearty, and comforting. But as I continued eating, a sharp pain shot through my stomach, making me clutch it instinctively. Nausea bubbled up, the food in my stomach churning as if it wanted to come back up.
" ouch my stomach hurts" I mumbled, covering my mouth with my hand.
Aunt Camelia looked over, her brow furrowing in concern. "Haylie, are you alright?"
I forced a reassuring smile, but my body ached, the nausea worsening with each passing second. My other aunt, Delia, looked at me worriedly. "Sweetie, you don't look so good."
\I wasn't feeling good at all. If I didn't get to the bathroom soon, everything I'd just eaten would come up.
"Excuse me, I need to go to the bathroom," I said, rising quickly from my chair. I hurried toward the stairs, each step making the old wood creak loudly beneath me.
By the time I reached the bathroom, I felt completely drained. I barely made it to the toilet before I started to vomit, my whole body shaking from the effort.
When there was nothing left to bring up, I grabbed a tissue, wiped my mouth, and washed my face with cold water. The strong smell of a flower from earlier popped into my mind, and I wondered if it could be causing this strange reaction.
I'd been fine just moments before, but now I felt like I was coming down with something—and I didn't feel well at all.
Instead of going back downstairs, I decided to head to my bedroom, which was closer. My head felt heavy, the dizziness consuming me, and I had to breathe slowly just to make it there without stumbling.
As I entered my room, I went straight to the bed and sat down. Just then, Aunt Camelia's voice sounded from the doorway. "Haylie are you okay?" she asked gently, her tone full of concern.
I looked up at her and shook my head weakly. "I don't feel so good," I whispered.
Aunt Camelia looked worried, placing her hand on my forehead. "You're a little warm," she said softly.
"Would it be okay if I went to bed a little early?" I asked, feeling like I could fall asleep right there.
"Alright," she said, patting my hand gently. "Go on to bed, then. We'll see how you feel in the morning." She leaned down, and I gave her a goodnight kiss on the cheek before slipping under the blankets.
It didn't take long for me to drift off into sleep, the day's strange events and my lingering exhaustion lulling me into a deep rest.
I woke up in the middle of the night, drenched in sweat. My bed felt damp beneath me, and my entire body ached.
A wave of intense heat washed over me, making me want to strip off my clothes. As I tried to sit up, my throat felt raw, and I felted like I was moving with the world as it turn.
I try to stand up so that I could get these sweat clothes of me, but my knees gave way, and I collapsed onto the wooden floor and sound of me falling eco in the room.
I was burning up, my legs numb and weak, my body in agony. What was going on with me?
My nose starts to run, and each minute past feels like my whole body was stab with knifes. If this was from that mysterious flower, then I cursed it for what it had done to me.
Suddenly, my bedroom door creaked open, and I saw Aunt Camelia and Aunt Amora enter with worried expressions. "Haylie, are you okay?" Camelia's voice echoed with concern as they hurried toward me. I tried to answer, but my voice barely came out.
"I tried to get up, but I fell," I managed to say, my voice sounding rough and broken.
Within minutes, both were by my side, each taking hold of one of my arms. "Let's get you back into bed," Aunt Amora said gently. They lifted me, guiding me back onto the bed. Camelia placed her hand on my forehead, her eyes filled with worry.
"Haylie, you're burning up," she said, her face creased with concern.
I was weak as I looked at my two aunts before my then I hear, Aunt Amora spoke up, glancing at Camelia. "We need to get her into some cool water to break this fever. This is too high for her body."
Camelia turned back to me, her eyes soft but serious. "Haylie, we have to bring your fever down."
Feeling too weak and sick to argue, I gave a small nod. They lifted me gently, supporting me on either side as we made our way to the bathroom. Once there, Aunt Camelia began running cool water into the tub.
"Alright, let's get you undressed so you can cool off in the water," she instructed, her tone both kind and firm.
I was too weak to pay attention to what was happening around me. The room was dimly lit, and the air smelled slightly musty.
My aunt gently undressed me, peeling off each article of clothing. As my clothes were removed, a rush of cool air enveloped my body, causing me to shiver uncontrollably.
The sound of water running filled the room, and I could hear the gentle splashing as my aunt helped me into the bathtub. The water was cold at first, sending a shiver down my spine and causing my teeth to chatter.
I slowly lowered myself into the tub, feeling the cool water against my skin. Despite the chill, was my body in acne.
My aunt, Camelia, knelt beside me and began to wet my hair, her touch gentle and soothing. I looked up at her, and through blurry eyes, I could see a faint smile form on her lips. "It's okay, sweetheart," she reassured me.
I nodded weakly, curling my legs up to my chest in an attempt to warm myself. However, my body seemed to have lost control of its temperature regulation.
I alternated between feeling cold and hot, my skin prickling with goosebumps one moment and then breaking out in a light sweat the next. As I shivered, Aunt Camelia tried to comfort me by stroking my back, the cool water trailing down my spine.
Suddenly, Aunt Amora appeared beside Aunt Camelia, holding something in her hand. "Haylie, let me check your temperature," she said softly. I looked at her with weary eyes as she placed a small, white object in my mouth.
The inside of my mouth felt uncomfortably hot as I held the thermometer under my tongue, waiting for it to beep.
When it finally did, Aunt Amora took it out and examined it, her face immediately filling with worry. "It's definitely a fever," she murmured, glancing back at me with concern. I tried to manage a faint smile, but the weakness and ache in my body made it impossible.
"We should get her some medicine," Aunt Camelia said from beside the tub. "What about that old recipe we used to make back then?" She exchanged a look with Aunt Amora, who nodded.
"Give us just a minute, Haylie," Aunt Amora said softly before the two of them left the room, their voices fading as they discussed what to do next.
Left alone, I let my head fall back against the edge of the tub. My body felt too heavy to hold up, and the aches seemed to sink deep into my bones. I couldn't even feel the chill of the water anymore; I was just... exhausted.
Despite trying to stay awake, my eyes grew heavy, and before I knew it, I'd drifted into a deep, restless sleep.
I don't know how long I was out, but when I finally woke up, I found myself back in bed, dressed in fresh clothes.
The faint light filtering through the window suggested it was early morning. My body still ached, but the intense heat seemed to have lessened. Sitting beside my bed was Aunt Camelia, her eyes fixed on me, full of worry.
"How are you feeling, sweetheart?" she asked gently, her voice comforting. I opened my mouth to reply, to say that I was better but still in pain.
But as I tried to speak, no sound came out. I cleared my throat, hoping it was just from sleeping, but again, nothing. My head felt too heavy to lift, and I could only lie there, my breaths shallow and fast. I looked over at my aunt, feeling sick and weak.
Aunt Camelia's face twisted in worry as our eyes met. I tried to speak again, but only silence greeted me.
"Your voice is gone," she said softly, her concern deepening. I nodded weakly, feeling helpless as an overwhelming urge to drift back to sleep crept over me.
Aunt Camelia's voice broke through my haze. "Haylie, this doesn't look like the flu. These symptoms… they're different," she murmured. "Let me go get Delia. I'll be right back."
As soon as she left, an overpowering wave of weakness swept through me. My body ached, and my eyelids felt impossibly heavy. I wanted to stay awake for her, but the exhaustion was too much.
Before I knew it, I drifted off again, slipping into a deep, dreamless sleep.
Liam POV
That night, I tossed and turned, unable to sleep. There was an eerie stillness in the air, as if a presence lurked in the shadows. The faint sound of a distant howl echoed through the night, and I could not stop thinking of Haylie.
I reached for my phone, hoping for a message from Haylie, but there was only silence. The next morning, the sun slowly rose, casting a golden glow over the world. I hastily dressed and devoured my breakfast, eager to pick up Haylie for school.
Anticipation filled my chest, providing a glimmer of comfort amidst the unease.
As I parked my truck in front of the red wooden house, the scent of freshly bloomed flowers enveloped me, their delicate fragrance mingling with the crisp morning air.
Memories flooded my mind as I remembered visiting this house with my father long ago.
Stepping out of the truck, I closed the door gently and made my way towards the house. The door, made of dark wood, stood tall and imposing before me.
I raised my hand and knocked, the sound echoing through the stillness. Glancing at my watch, I noticed it was already six thirty, adding to my growing sense of urgency. The door swung open, revealing Aunt Delia.
A smile graced my face as I greeted her, but the concern etched on her features made my stomach churn, turning the remnants of my breakfast into a nauseating mix. "Good morning, Aunt Delia. Is Haylie around?" I asked, my voice filled with apprehension.
Aunt Delia's gaze shifted to one of worry, causing my heart to race and my mind to flood with unanswered questions. "Liam, I don't think Haylie is up to seeing anyone today. Maybe you should come back later," she said gently.
Her words hit me like a tidal wave, causing panic to rise within me. "Where is Haylie?" I pressed urgently, my need for answers overpowering any concern of what they might think of me.
Aunt Delia's frown deepened as she looked at me, her eyes filled with a mix of sadness and hesitation.
Determined, I made up my mind to see Haylie for myself. I entered the house, ignoring their opinions, and followed the intoxicating scent of daisies, the scent that belonged only to Haylie.
The fragrance wafted through the air, soft and alluring. It guided me through the house, up the creaking stairs, and to the second room down the hallway. The door stood closed, but the aroma of Haylie grew stronger, emanating from behind it.
Taking a deep breath, I steeled myself and turned the doorknob, ready to confront whatever awaited me inside.
I opened the door and stepped into the room. It was quiet, but then I heard a soft, sleepy whimper coming from my left. I turned and saw Haylie on the bed, sleeping. My heart skipped a beat, and my throat went dry at the sight of her lying there so peacefully. I walked up to her and felt something was off.
Her skin looked pale, and she seemed to be sweating in her sleep.
I kneeled by her bedside, noticing that her hair was damp from perspiration. Gently, I reached out, touching her forehead. She was burning up—feverish. At that moment, my wolf stirred in my mind, breaking free.
This isn't good, Liam, Ace, my wolf, warned. I'm sensing something strange.
"What is it, Ace?" I asked desperately, feeling a growing panic. Haylie looked so fragile, her skin flushed and hot.
Liam, I think she's been poisoned… with a flower called Hydrangea.
I stood back up, panic surging as I shot back at my wolf. "What do you mean she's been poisoned?" A chill ran through my body as I waited for Ace's reply.
"I can smell the Hydrangea flower all over her, Liam," Ace answered. "And all her symptoms point to it—the fever, the weakness. I'm afraid she's slipped into a deep sleep."
Panic gripped me as I knelt back down by Haylie's bedside, desperately trying to wake her. I took her hand in my shaking grasp and gently shook her, whispering her name, but she didn't stir. Her body lay still, too weak to respond.
My heart pounded, a sickening reminder of the day she'd been stung by a bee.
I stumbled to my feet, hurrying out of the room to find her Aunt Camelia or anyone who could help. I found the three sisters in the kitchen, all of them turning to look at me as I burst in, my face pale.
"Liam, what's wrong?" Camelia asked, her expression alarmed.
I took a deep breath, my throat dry as I forced out the words. "Haylie's been poisoned by the Hydrangea flower."
Their eyes widened in shock, and Delia rushed to a cupboard filled with jars. "Oh no…" she whispered, grabbing one of the jars.
I felt my stomach drop as I saw her face pale. She looked at me with wide, emerald-green eyes. "She must have opened the jar and inhaled the flower's toxic scent last night," Camelia murmured.
My world felt like it was collapsing around me. I turned and ran back to Haylie's room, dread settling deep in my chest.
When I reached her bedside, I checked to see if she was still breathing. Leaning down, I pressed my ear to her chest, relief flooding me as I heard a faint, slow heartbeat and shallow breaths.
Tears pricked at my eyes as I looked at her, desperation clawing at me. "Ace, is there anything we can do to get the poison out of her?" I pleaded, praying for any solution to save her.
The three sisters stood there, worry etched across their faces as they watched me, uncertain and afraid.
I had just risen from Haylie's bedside, my heart heavy as I gazed at the woman I loved, lying there so fragile. Tears slipped down my face. I couldn't lose her, not when we had just found each other.
"Please, there must be a way to save her," I pleaded, my voice trembling while looking at Camelia. "Her heartbeat is faint."
Aunt Camelia looked at me and then tears start to full her blue striking eyes. "Liam if it is the flower who poising her then the only thing, we could do is take her to the hospital and they will put IV bag on her. But that is all that we could do"
There have to be away to get the poison out of her. I could not give up on her now. Turning back to Haylie, I took her hand, feeling the chill of her skin. A deep ache settled within me, a desperate fear that I was losing her.
That's when my wolf, Ace, stirred within me, his voice a quiet but firm whisper in my mind. "Your blood," he murmured. "The blood of a wolf could save her."
Confused, I wiped a tear from my cheek and frowned. "What do you mean, Ace? How could my blood save her?"
Ace's voice was steady. "Our blood has powerful healing properties, far stronger than hers. It could help her fight against the poison in her body."
I glanced at Aunt Camelia, who had come to stand beside me, her hand a comforting weight on my shoulder. Then, a spark of hope ignited in me. Ace was right—our blood was different, potent. Why hadn't I thought of it before?
I turned to Aunt Camelia, my voice firm but filled with desperation. "My blood—it has healing properties. It could save her."
Aunt Camelia took a step back, exchanging a look with her sisters, Amora and Delia. Their faces reflected a mix of hope and concern. I clung to the possibility that this could work. It was my only chance, my only hope.
But then, Amora's worried voice broke through my thoughts. "But she's human. What if something goes wrong when we mix your blood with hers?"
I looked down at Haylie, her face pale and motionless, and my heart clenched. "I have to try," I said, my voice soft yet determined. "She's my fated mate. I can't lose her now." Saying those words aloud—"I love you"—brought both fear and strength. She was everything to me, and I couldn't stand by and watch her slip away.
Aunt Camelia nodded solemnly. "Okay."
I turned to her as Aunt Delia spoke up. "There's a blood transfer spell we could use, but it's risky. It could be dangerous for both of you."
A spark of hope lit within me, and I met Aunt Delia's gaze. "I'm willing to take that risk," I replied, feeling my heart pound with both fear and resolve.
"Then we'll do it," said Amora, her voice steady with determination.
Aunt Camelia moved closer, her expression serious. "You'll need to lie next to Haylie on the bed and take both of her hands in yours. We'll stand on each side of the bed and begin the spell."
I nodded then make my way to the other side of the bed and climbed onto the bed beside Haylie, feeling the weight of the moment settle around us.
Taking her cold hands into mine, I focused on the steady beat of my own heart, willing it to become hers, willing my life to become hers.
As the three sisters began their incantation, chanting ancient words aloud, a powerful energy filled the room.
My eyes stayed locked on Haylie, my heartbeat thundering in my chest as I felt warmth spreading through my body. Then I saw it—my hands, entwined with hers, started to glow softly.
My blood was flowing into her, a strange yet beautiful magic unfolding before me.
"Hold on, Liam. I think this is working. Our mate will soon be better," murmured my wolf, Ace, his voice a gentle encouragement in my mind.
It was the first time he'd called Haylie "mate" instead of simply "human." She wasn't just anyone—she was my everything, my fated one.
I watched in awe as color began to return to her cheeks, a soft, rosy hue blooming across her face. Her lips, once pale, regained their natural red, like ripe raspberries.
But with every passing moment, I felt my own strength wane. My vision began to blur as my eyelids grew heavy, but I held on, clutching her hands, refusing to let go.
I needed Haylie. I wanted to live a life with her, to grow old beside her. But as the energy continued to flow, I could feel myself slipping, my breaths shallow and faint. I fought to stay conscious, willing myself to stay with her, but the pull of exhaustion was too strong.
And then, as the spell reached its peak, I drifted into a deep, dreamless sleep.
I didn't know how long I had been unconscious, but when I finally opened my eyes, the room was silent.
The chanting had stopped, and the air felt calm. As my vision cleared, I found myself staring into two beautiful emerald-green eyes, shining with warmth and life.
Haylie's radiant smile sent an instant warmth to my heart, and I felt Ace, my wolf, leaping with joy in my mind—our mate was alive.
Though my body felt weak, I managed a small smile. "Haylie, you're okay," I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper.
Her smile grew brighter, and she reached out to brush a hand along my cheek. "Because you saved me," she said softly.
Taking a deep breath, I tried to sit up, but my strength failed me, and I sank back onto the bed. Her gentle voice filled the room, her concern evident. "Liam, you should be careful. You're still weak."
Haylie lay on her side beside me, her hand resting warmly against my face, sending a gentle surge of energy through me. "You need to rest a little longer," she said, her gaze meeting mine. "What you did for me... no one could have done that. I'll always be grateful."
I brought my hand up to hers, letting our fingers intertwine. Gently, I lifted her hand to my lips, pressing a soft kiss against her skin. "I did it because I couldn't lose you, Haylie," I whispered.
Her emerald eyes locked with mine, and a wave of warmth washed over me, filling me with a love deeper than I'd ever known. Slowly, I moved closer to her on the bed, feeling the magnetic pull between us.
When I was close enough, I leaned in, pressing my lips to hers in a gentle kiss. Her lips were soft, sweet, like golden honey I had yearned for, and as she kissed me back, I felt myself surrendering to the moment, weak and lost in her.
She deepened the kiss, her tongue exploring mine, making me crave even more of her touch.
My hand slid to her side, fingers intertwining with hers, and I lifted her hand, guiding it above her head as I leaned over her. Our kiss grew more intense, filled with the unspoken promise of love and the relief of knowing we were both here, together and alive.
The intensity between us was undeniable. Every fiber of my being wanted to stay in this moment, to lose myself in her touch and her warmth.
When her lips met mine, it was like a spark igniting a fire, and for a fleeting moment, my body's weakness was a distant memory. The mate bond pulled us closer, creating a connection so powerful it was impossible to ignore.
My lips traced the line of her jaw, moving down to her neck, where her pulse beat steadily beneath my touch. My hand moved instinctively, finding its way to her chest, move my hand to over her breast feeling the softness of her night shirt material under my hand as I cup my hand gently over her breast, a soft sigh escaped her lips.
The mark on her neck, the symbol of our bond, looked perfect against her skin, and I felt a primal satisfaction knowing she was mine.
But just as my hand drifted lower, eager to shed any remaining barriers between us, her hand gently stopped me.
I looked up to find her gaze, and she whispered, "We should stop." A frown crossed my face as my heart pounded with desire, but she continued, "You still need to rest, and if we go any further, it won't be good for you."
Reluctantly, I let out a long breath, trying to quiet the fire burning inside me. I eased my body off hers, laying back beside her, and though the ache to be closer still lingered, I knew she was right.
Haylie turned to her side, her emerald, green eyes still glowing with the passion we'd shared just moments before. "I don't want to wear you out," she whispered with a soft smile, "especially after you just gave me half of your blood to bring me back."
A stray lock of hair fell across her face, and I reached up, tucking it gently behind her ear.
"I'd do it again in a heartbeat," I replied, my gaze locked with hers, and for a moment, we were lost in each other. Her eyes softened as she moved closer, her voice a gentle suggestion. "We could cuddle. That's not off-limits."
I smiled, pulling her into my arms, drawing her close until her head rested against my arm, and our bodies fit together effortlessly.
Her warmth against me melted away every lingering tension, replacing it with a calm that settled into my bones. I pressed a gentle kiss to the top of her head, breathing in her familiar scent—a comforting blend that wrapped around me like a balm.
"You feel so warm," she murmured, snuggling closer, "like home." Her words filled me with a sense of purpose, of belonging. I held her a little tighter, my wolf stirring with contentment, a soft wag of his tail in my mind. He was at peace—*we* were at peace.
"This is perfect," I whispered, placing a tender kiss on her temple.
The exhaustion I'd been fighting began to wash over me in her embrace, her warmth lulling me into a state of deep rest. With her safe in my arms, I let my eyes drift closed, and together, wrapped in each other's hold, I slipped into a deep, dreamless sleep.