Fated To Three Betrayed By All Until She Rose (Leilani) by Ahvahh novel Chapter 132

**Healing Slowly But Surely**
*By R. Joseph*

A mango cake.

A mango cake.

Jarek.

From my vantage point, I observed Leilani with a quiet intensity, my heart racing as I caught glimpses of her radiant smile directed at the world outside the window.

The evening air was brisk, a biting chill that carried with it delicate flakes of snow, swirling down like cotton candy from a whimsical sky.

Yet, my attention was not captivated by the enchanting snowfall or the vibrant Christmas decorations that adorned the streets, twinkling like stars against the darkening sky.

No, my thoughts were consumed with worry—worry for Leilani.

A couple of years back, I had been convinced that some mysterious magic was suppressing her wolf. I had suspected her peculiar family had a hand in it, but time and again, she had proven me wrong. The one time she had transformed, it had ended with her in a hospital bed, vowing never to shift again.

Months later, she confided in me about her therapy sessions and the myriad of treatments she had undergone, claiming she could no longer feel her wolf, suggesting it might have abandoned her. Though I found it hard to accept, she had a way of making it sound plausible.

Who was I to challenge her when she asserted something so profound?

But how could she have done what she did in the parking lot?

How could she have torn off my car door just weeks ago after that gala?

Though I wanted to dismiss it, a nagging fear settled in my gut—Leilani was not an ordinary wolf. I feared she was something much more formidable. Goddess, at this point, I worried she could outmatch me in a one-on-one fight.

Suddenly, a gust of wind swept through, tousling her hair, and I couldn’t help but chuckle as she fought against the wild silver strands that danced around her face, a few of them slipping into her mouth, causing her to cough.

“Aish!” she exclaimed, turning to me with a mock frown. “That just ruined my hair!”

That was my cue to instruct the driver to roll up the windows.

I sighed, “You still look breathtaking, though. Just relax!”

We continued our journey in silence, the atmosphere thick with unspoken thoughts, until we arrived at a hotel where Leilani had requested a quick stop.

As we stepped out of the car, my frown deepened when a young girl clad in a large woolen cap and an old coat rushed toward Leilani, waving a paper bag excitedly. “Here? Right here!” she called out, her voice bright with enthusiasm.

My frown deepened further as the girl enveloped Leilani in a tight hug, stepping back with wide, astonished eyes. “Woah!”

“You look so… gorgeous!” she squealed, her admiration evident.

It was comforting to know I wasn’t the only one who thought so.

“Is this the hard drive?” Leilani asked, her tone serious, and the girl nodded eagerly, her smile radiating joy.

“Yes, it is!” she exclaimed, excitement bubbling over. “Though I had to let my lil ol’ boy ride me in at least seventeen different styles and had to scratch his balls before he finally decided to give it to me.”

I scrunched my nose in disbelief, and Leilani burst into laughter. “Stop already, Agnes!”

In that moment, I noticed how Agnes’ smile grew brighter when Leilani returned it. It was clear she was one of the few who genuinely cherished Leilani, much like I did… and Maya.

I refrained from questioning her choice of flavor or its significance; I simply nodded, accepting her wishes without hesitation.

Whatever she desired, I would support. I had no place to question her decisions.

A few minutes later, we arrived at her house, and to my annoyance, I spotted the familiar bouquet of roses waiting by her door.

However, to my surprise, she didn’t discard it this time. Instead, she picked it up and carried it inside, placing it on her kitchen counter before returning to the living room with a smile, as if the gesture no longer affected her.

I realized she had grown accustomed to it… a perk of being such a stunning young woman.

The thought made me frown, but I pushed it aside as I pulled her into a warm embrace, whispering, “Goodnight, Leilani.”

“Won’t you stay for a while?” she asked, hope lacing her voice, but I quickly shook my head.

“No, I’ll be quite busy tonight. But I’ll come see you tomorrow morning,” I promised, turning to leave immediately, fearful that one more glance into her eyes would sway my resolve.

She had that kind of power over me.

Yet, the real reason I wanted to leave wasn’t just because I was busy; it was because I was hopelessly, madly attracted to her.

I feared what I might do if I remained in an enclosed space with her for another moment.

And I had other matters to investigate, like why she exhibited these strange strengths while insisting she had no wolf.

And why she claimed to have undergone treatment and therapy, despite my growing suspicions to the contrary.