The Villain Alpha's Cursed Mate

That night, Donovan's temperature worsened.

Esme kept her vigil by his side. She laid cool clothes upon his brows and chest with patient care, monitoring his health progress without sleeping a wink. Leonardo had offered to stay by her side and aid her in tending him, but she would not allow it. She knew, just like her, he was also worried for his brother. But his strength too must be preserved.

The strain of his gift could leave him terribly spent once the activation had died down. Donovan had mentioned it at some point during that time they went horse riding in the North.

What troubled her most was the nature of Donovan's ailment. His skin burned as though seized by a common fever, and yet such maladies were not known to afflict werewolves. She wondered if this was some distemper, or some secret blight she had never heard before? What stunned her more was the fact that he wasn't getting any better despite all her effort.

"Books…."

The thought struck her like a lightning bolt. Without a doubt, there has to be a record somewhere within these volumes, some mention of the types of affliction that plague werewolves. She could not be certain concerning if such a book had been brought aboard, but if it was, she would find it. She really couldn't give up just yet, not when Donovan's health depended on her right now.

Pushing back her chair, she crossed the small cabin with purpose and bent to the shelves, her fingers moving swiftly over the leather spines and worn binding as she began her search.

Hours go by as she buried herself over the brittle pages and fading ink, but nothing of true worth revealed itself. It was becoming frustrating at some point, until a voice, low and drowsy, pierced her haze of thoughts and drew her sharply back into the present.

"What are you doing?"

Looking up, Esme found Donovan watching her, his silver hair tousled and his features softened from recent slumber. In that moment, he seemed almost boyish in his innocence, and a profound relief welled in her chest at the sight of him stirring once more.

"Don…"

Abandoning her heap of books, Esme hastened to his side, laying the back of her hand gently against his brow. The heat that had threatened to consume him during the night was gone, vanished as though by some providential grace.

It felt strange, but she was glad!

Finally having the opportunity to relax for a bit, she almost wished to strike him for the fright he had given her. Yet her relief, and her love for him, outweighed any desire to scold him.

A faint smile touched her lips as she brushed her hand against his cheek. "You are awake… How do you feel? Shall I fetch you anything? You can always tell me if you need anything, okay? You seem tired though. Is there an issue?"

"No," he said. The very sound of his voice was enough proof that his hearing had begun to mend. "It is you who seem tired."

Esme's eyes widened. "Me?"

She laughed softly in her attempts to disguise her composure. "Why do you say so? I'm sturdier than you think. But you must remain abed for today. Even the strongest men must yield to rest. Your ears are still tender, and I will not have you risk harm amidst too much noise."

"But…it's morning," he pointed out softly.

"Hm?"

Startled, Esme went and unlatched the door. A spill of gold light poured across the floor before she quickly shut it again. When she turned back, Donovan had lifted his hand, patting the empty space beside him in quiet invitation. She simply did as told, crossing the room to settle near him.

He felt her temperature as well before gently pulling her towards him. His arms encircled her, steady and warm, and she sank into his embrace as though it were the one place she truly belonged. She had not realized until that moment how sorely she needed his nearness.

"Sorry," he murmured against her hair. "For causing you such worry."

Esme shook her head. "You were only doing what you must to protect others, but don't forget that as much as you worry about the safety of everyone, there are also others out there who carry the weight of your safety too. Those sirens were far more dangerous than we thought. Does your hearing still trouble you?"

Esme looked up from his chest, and he answered with a small shake of his head, a gentle smile curving his lips. Though his color had returned and his breath came easier, Esme couldn't shake the sense that something still lingered unspoken in his thoughts.

She pulled back just enough to look at him properly and asked softly: "Before you passed out last night… what were you thinking of?"

"Hm?"

"Before you lost consciousness, I mean."

Esme watched him weigh her words, noting the subtle shift in his expression. She slipped her hand into his, her voice low.

"What is it?"

For a moment, Donovan remained silent, then released a quiet breath. "The siren… she said it was the true bearer who sent her here to attack us. I was… thinking about that."

"The true bearer?"

Esme couldn't say she was wholly surprised, that man had likely been tailing their movement for some time. That still did not explain why he had chosen to poison the waters. Did he really want to bring extinction upon the universe itself? He of all people knows Donovan can't die, so why send someone to attack him?

Was he aiming towards another one of Donovan's weaknesses or not?

"Are you scared?" She asked softly.

Donovan leaned back against the headrest, his gaze fixed ahead. "I would be, if I could allow it," he said. "But if I give way to fear, the others will falter as well. And that's something I cannot risk."

"You are their Alpha," she managed a small smile in hopes to lessen his worries. "I guess that's understandable but there should be times you have to think about your mental state and your physical state as well. Prioritizing yourself sometimes won't harm anyone, and I'm sure they'd want that for you too. But tell me– what do you wish for them– truly?"

"What I'd wish…" his expression momentarily softened at the thought. "That they continue forward with or without me. I know they are capable; they have proven it before and that lessens the weight a bit. As for Leo, I would wish for him to follow his own ambitions, perhaps find a worthy mate and live as an ordinary man. It was why I left him behind to begin with, but he will not heed me no matter how many times I urge him."

"I see… is that why you're always so stern with him?" Esme let out a quiet laugh. "I think he only longs for your company, and that is something you should reciprocate. Last night he refused to leave your side, helping me tend to you. I had to send him off at last, cause I was worried his mark would drain him greatly."

Donovan scoffed, crossing his arms. Considering what she had been told about the relationships in the Morgrim lineage, Esme dreaded to see Donovan and Leo follow that path of estrangement. It was plain enough that Leonardo wished to stay close to his brother, yet Donovan believed it would serve Leonardo better if they maintained their distance.

It was sweet, yet sad, knowing they cared this much for one another, yet too stubborn to openly voice it.

But what could she do, to create some family fun time for the two of them?