The Messenger( Iva) novel Chapter 357

Curious Daughter

Rana felt like she was floating on a cloud.

The evening had taken a turn so unexpected, so surreal, that she kept expecting to wake up and

find it had all been a dream. Every time she blinked, she half-expected to find herself back in her new apartment, alone, the loneliness pressing in on her like a familiar weight.

But she wasn’t alone.

She was here, in this beautiful lounge, seated across from a man who looked at her as if she were the most fascinating creature he had ever encountered.

Elian.

She could not name what she felt for him yet-it was too soon, too new, too fragile. But she knew that she had never met anyone more gentlemanly in her entire life. Every gesture, every word, every glance was infused with a respect and care that made her heart ache with a longing she had long thought dead.

Yes, she had loved Rhys. She had given everything she had to their bond, had poured her heart and soul into making their relationship work. But it had never been easy. Their bond had required hard work, commitment, sacrifice-endless efforts to understand each other, to bridge the gaps between them.

And in the end, it hadn’t been enough.

But what she felt with Elian was different.

Surreal.

Effortless.

Their conversation had flowed like a river finding its natural course. Yes, there had been a bit of

clumsiness at the beginning-the awkwardness of two people in their later years discovering that fate had other plans for them. They were not young wolves, full of impulsive passion and reckless intensity. They had lived, loved, lost, and healed.

Their bond was different.

Deeper. Richer. Built on a foundation of shared experience and quiet understanding.

The attraction was there-she couldn’t deny it. When he had helped her into her chair, his fingers brushing against her shoulder, she had felt a shiver that reminded her of being young again. When he had looked into her eyes, his gaze warm and searching, she had felt her heart skip a beat. And when, at the end of their conversation, he had lifted her hand to his lips and pressed a gentle kiss to her knuckles-she had felt like she might combust.

But he had been so respectful. So composed. He had not pushed, not demanded, not expected anything more than the simple pleasure of her company.

She was still lost in thought when her daughter’s voice echoed in her mind.

*So… tell me.*

Rana laughed softly, shaking her head.

*Iva, you’re impossible.*

*I know. Now spill. What’s his name? Where is he from? What does he do? Is he handsome? Of course he’s handsome. I saw him. But tell me everything.*

Rana smiled, her heart warming at her daughter’s eagerness.

*His name is Elian Vance. He’s from the Shadowpath Pack.*

*The Shadowpath Pack?* Iva’s mental voice was sharp with recognition. *That’s a powerful pack. Old bloodlines. Not too big, but very respected.*

*Yes. * Rana’s voice was soft. *He’s the current Alpha.*

There was a pause on the other end of the mindlink.

Then Iva’s voice came through, laced with impatience. *Okay, but give me the good stuff. The details. What did you talk about? What was the vibe? Do you like him?*

Rana laughed again.

*He’s a widow. His chosen mate passed away five years ago. Cancer.*

*Oh.* Iva’s voice softened. *That’s… that’s sad.*

*It is. He has a son too-around your age, actually. A daughter-in-law already. Grandchildren.*

*So he’s a family man.*

*He seems to be.*

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