I spent the next hours helping the healers, tending to the injured, and offering comfort where possible. I was so focused on wrapping a bandage around a young warrior’s sprained wrist that I almost didn’t notice Alpha Elias enter the infirmary. His scent was overpowered by the smell of blood, and I missed that, too.
The pack members greeted him with a smile, unlike the fearful submission I was used to seeing with Alpha Kade. Here they loved and respected their leader, at the Crescent Pack, they fear so they submitted to Alpha Kade.
I looked up and met his eyes, and that pull of the mate bond felt like it electrified me. My wolf stirred and kept whispering, "Mate! Mate!"
Alpha Elias nodded at the healers, giving a few instructions before making his way over to me. I quickly finished tying off the bandage and wiped my hands on a towel, trying to compose myself. He walked towards me all smiling.
"You’ve been busy," he said, his eyes serious as they studied me.
"I like helping out. It feels good to be needed again," I admitted, but feeling a strange flutter in my chest.
Alpha Elias smiled and moved closer that we were almost inches apart.
"You know, I’m beginning to think you’re staying because you like it here," he said jokingly.
I raised an eyebrow at him, trying to hide the smile. He might be joking, but why did it feel like he was flirting with me?
"Maybe I do."
Alpha Elias laughed, it was unexpected and warm that it made my wolf perk up. She was practically waging her tail in my mind.
"Well, if that’s the case, how about taking a break? I was planning to head down to the river. Thought you might want to join me."
I hesitated, glancing around the infirmary. The other healers were busy, but they didn’t need me. I turned back to Alpha Elias, who was watching me expectantly. I found myself nodding before I even made up my mind. "Sure, why not?"
The walk to the river was filled with light conversation. It was easy and comfortable, and I realized how different this felt compared to the guarded silences I’d shared with Alpha Kade, who was usually a snob. With Alpha Elias, I didn't have to hide my thoughts and emotions. He made it easy to talk and express what I felt.