Four Mates And A She Wolf
48

Avery woke up feeling more refreshed than she had in the last two days. The bed had worked wonders for her aching muscles, and the peaceful night's sleep had helped clear her mind. After a hearty breakfast with her mates, she decided to take a walk in the mansion's expansive garden to clear her thoughts further.

The garden was a breathtaking sight. Rows of perfectly trimmed hedges bordered vibrant flower beds bursting with color. The scent of roses and lavender filled the air, and the soft chirping of birds added a melodic backdrop to the serene scene. As she wandered along the cobblestone paths, Avery felt a sense of peace she hadn't experienced since their journey began.

She rounded a corner and saw a woman sitting on a marble bench beneath a large oak tree. The woman was stunning, with flowing auburn hair cascading over her shoulders and a delicate, ethereal beauty. However, her face was streaked with tears, and her shoulders shook with silent sobs.

Avery's heart went out to her immediately. Without thinking twice, she approached the woman cautiously. "Are you alright?" Avery asked gently, not wanting to startle her.

The woman looked up, her green eyes shimmering with unshed tears. She quickly wiped her face with the back of her hand, trying to compose herself. "I'm fine," she replied, though her voice trembled. "Just... a moment of weakness." Avery sat down on the bench beside her, giving her a reassuring smile. "It's okay to cry. Sometimes it helps to talk about what's bothering you. My name is Avery."

The woman hesitated for a moment before speaking. "I'm Aurora. And you're right, I suppose. It's just... it's complicated."

Avery nodded, understanding that sometimes a sympathetic ear could make all the difference. "I'm a good listener. You can talk to me, if you want."

Aurora took a deep breath, glancing at Avery as if weighing her options. "I'm the bride-to-be of the Vampire King, Lucian," she began. "But it's not what I wanted. Our marriage was arranged by our families. It's a political alliance, meant to strengthen our respective positions. Lucian is kind and respectful, but... I love him but I don't think he does. And I don't think he ever will."

Avery's heart ached for Aurora. She could see the weight of the woman's burden in her eyes. "I'm so sorry. That sounds incredibly difficult."

Aurora nodded, her gaze distant. "It is. I feel trapped. Everyone expects me to be happy, to embrace this future. But I feel like I'm losing myself in the process."

Avery reached out and gently squeezed Aurora's hand. "It's important to remember who you are and what you want. Have you talked to Lucian about how you feel?"

Aurora shook her head. "No. He's under so much pressure as it is, managing his kingdom and the expectations of our families. I don't want to add to his burden. Besides, what could he do? The marriage is already arranged."

Avery sighed, thinking about the complexities of duty and love. "Sometimes, sharing your true feelings can help find a solution you hadn't thought of. Lucian seems like a reasonable person. Maybe he'd understand." Aurora looked at Avery, a glimmer of hope in her eyes. "Do you really think so?"

"I do," Avery said confidently. "Honesty is always the best policy, even if it's difficult. And you deserve to be happy, Aurora."

Aurora's eyes welled up with tears again, but this time they seemed to be of gratitude. "Thank you, Avery. I needed to hear that."

As you reach the final pages, remember that 000005s.com is your destination for the complete story. Share the joy of reading with others and spread the word. The next chapter is just a visit away! Avery smiled warmly. "Anytime. We all need someone to remind us of our worth now and then."

They sat in comfortable silence for a few moments, watching the garden's beauty unfold around them. Aurora seemed to relax, her shoulders losing some of their tension.

"You're here with Shane, Sean, Cruz, and Romeo, right?" Aurora asked, breaking the silence.

Avery nodded. "Yes. We're on a journey to bring back some important artifacts to our pack. Lucian is kind enough to let us rest here and replenish our supplies."

Aurora's expression softened. "Lucian does have a good heart. He's always been generous and fair. Maybe... maybe there's more to him than I've allowed myself to see."

Avery felt a spark of hope for Aurora. "Give it a chance. Talk to him. You might be surprised."

Aurora nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "I will. Thank you, Avery. You've given me a lot to think about."

As they continued to walk through the garden, Avery felt a connection forming with Aurora. They shared stories of their lives, their hopes, and their fears. Aurora's laughter rang out for the first time in a while, a sound that made Avery's heart lighter. Eventually, they returned to the mansion, where Shane, Cruz, and Romeo were waiting for Avery. They looked relieved to see her, their faces lighting up when she approached.

"Everything alright?" Shane asked.

Avery smiled, nodding. "Yes, everything's fine. I made a new friend."

Aurora stepped forward, smiling warmly at the three men. "Thank you for letting Avery spend time with me. It's been... very helpful."

Cruz and Romeo nodded, their expressions softening. "Anytime," Cruz said. "We're just glad she could help."

Aurora looked at Avery, her eyes filled with gratitude. "I'll go find Lucian now. I have a lot to talk to him about. Thank you again, Avery."

As Aurora left, Avery turned to her mates, feeling a sense of fulfillment. "She's going to be okay. And I think we will be, too."

They spent the rest of the day in the mansion, resting and enjoying the hospitality. Lucian made sure they were well cared for, and the mansion's staff were attentive and kind. As night fell, they gathered in the grand dining hall for a sumptuous meal.

Lucian joined them, his presence commanding yet warm. "I trust you're all feeling better," he said, taking a seat at the head of the table.

"We are," Avery replied. "Thank you so much for your hospitality, Luc