Shattered Bonds: A Second Chance Mate - Chapter 48: Chapter 48

I woke up in pain.
The kind of pain that throbbed deep in my bones, like I’d been trampled by a herd of buffalo—or worse, Beta Alfonso. Every inch of me was sore, tight, aching. My limbs were sluggish, heavy like stone. Even turning my head on the pillow made me wince.
But still… I smiled.
Because the pain wasn’t empty. It wasn’t from fear or grief or heartbreak. It was earned.
I had trained.
I had chosen this pain.
And somewhere beneath all the discomfort, I could feel something else. Something pulsing faintly in the background of my mind. A presence.
It's Her.
Mika, My wolf.
The connection wasn’t fully restored, not yet. But she was closer than she had been in years. She didn’t feel like a distant echo anymore—she was real, tangible, humming in my bloodstream.
“You’re doing good, El,” she whispered, her voice low, warm, proud.
Tears pricked the corners of my eyes.
“I missed you,” I murmured into the empty room.
“Me too” I felt the warmth ripple through my chest, like sunlight after winter.
I dragged myself upright, groaning as my spine cracked and popped. Every muscle complained, but I welcomed the ache like an old friend. I glanced down at my arms. Faint bruises bloomed like violet petals beneath my skin, and I could still feel the sting of yesterday’s exercises—Marlow hadn’t gone easy on me.
Good, I didn’t want easy.
All my life, I had been hidden. Sheltered. Left behind.
Only twice had I ever shifted into my wolf form—both times alone, beneath the moon, trembling with fear that someone would see me. In Blackpine, I was invisible. A nobody. The daughter of a died warrior who had no say. I was never allowed near the warriors, never invited into anything beyond the bare minimum.
And after Ruben rejected me... I lost everything.
Including Mika.
The heartbreak had torn me open, and with it, Mika had slipped into silence. I’d tried—gods, I’d tried—to call her back. But she had faded, just like I did.
Now I understood why.
Mika wasn’t gone. She had been wounded, just like me. Rejection, betrayal, grief—it had drained her power. And mine.
“You’re special, Ellaine,” she had whispered faintly the night before, when I collapsed after training.
“Special how?”
But she didn’t answer. She never did.
Maybe she didn’t know. Or maybe... it wasn’t time yet.
I forced myself out of bed, slipping into loose clothes and pulling a hoodie over my sore arms. I tied my hair back, ignoring the stiffness in my shoulders, and left the room with quiet determination.
Today would be another hard day.
But I would face it.
As I approached the dining hall, I expected the usual suspects—Beta Alfonso, Audrey, maybe a few warriors who always made fun of how much toast I ate. I braced myself for teasing and aching muscles.
What I didn’t expect...
Was him. Francesco.
Sitting at the head of the long table, coffee untouched, eyes locked on the hallway like he had felt me coming.
My feet stalled.
He looked too good for this early in the morning. A black long-sleeved shirt clung to his frame, rolled at the sleeves, exposing his strong forearms. His dark hair was still damp from a shower, pushed back carelessly. He looked like he belonged in a black-and-white painting—timeless, watchful, dangerous.
And yet... his eyes softened the moment they landed on me.
“Morning,” he said quietly, standing.
“Hi,” I replied, stunned. “You’re up early.”
“I’m here for you,” he said simply.
I blinked. “What?”
He stepped around the table and walked straight to me. “I’m joining your training today.”
My jaw fell open. “Wait—you’re training with me?”
“Supervising,” Marlow called from his seat. “Hovering. Being annoying.”
Francesco ignored him.
“You don’t have to,” I said softly, unsure how I felt about it. A part of me was flattered. Another part... terrified.
His gaze locked onto mine. “I want to.”
“But—”
“I’m your mate, Ellaine. I want to be by your side, not watching from a distance.”
And just like that, he erased every doubt swirling in my chest.
He reached out, took my hand, and tugged me closer. And right there, in front of everyone—Beta Alfonso, Marlow, Audrey and the rest—he kissed me.
It wasn’t rushed or hesitant.
It was claiming.
A kiss that said mine, and I’m proud of you, and I’ll be here every step of the way.
Behind us, someone groaned.
“For moon’s sake, can you not do this before I finish my eggs?” Audrey muttered.
Alfonso chuckled. “Do I need to confiscate your lips, Alpha?”
Francesco pulled away with a smirk, but his eyes stayed locked on me. “They’ll get over it.”
I couldn’t help the smile spreading across my lips. My cheeks burned, but for once, I didn’t shrink under the attention.
Because I had never felt this supported in my life.
And yet... As we made our way out to the training grounds, walking hand in hand under the morning sun, I caught the glint in Francesco’s eyes—the one that made my stomach twist.
Shit! He was definitely planning something.
Marlow and Alfonso exchanged a look as we passed. Audrey whispered something that made them both chuckle, but neither of them warned me.
Traitors!!
I swallowed hard, trying to convince myself I was ready.
But something told me... Today was going to hurt.
The sun had barely risen, but the training grounds were already buzzing with life. Warriors jogged in formation, weapons clanged in drills, and the scent of sweat, steel, and earth filled the air.
And in the center of it all… was him.
Francesco… My mate. My Alpha. And now, apparently, my personal tormentor.
“Are you sure you’re ready for this?” he asked, standing a few feet from me, arms crossed, a stern look replacing his usual softness.
No smirk. No teasing.
Just… the Alpha.
“I want this,” I said firmly, even if my muscles still trembled from yesterday.
His jaw tightened. “That’s not what I asked.”
I swallowed. “Yes. I’m ready.”
He nodded once, sharp and decisive. “Then today, you’re mine.”
I blinked. “What?”
“For training,” he clarified. “You’ll spar with me. One-on-one.”
Marlow, who had been lazily stretching on the edge of the field, nearly choked on his protein bar.
Audrey snorted. “Should we call the med team now or wait until she collapses?”
“I’m right here, you know,” I muttered in annoyance.
Francesco’s expression didn’t change. “They’re just worried. I’m not going easy on you.”
I lifted my chin. “I don’t want easy.”
He studied me, and something flickered in his eyes. Pride, maybe. Or reluctance. Or both.
“All right,” he said.
He stepped onto the mat and waited.
My pulse quickened.
The first few moves were simple. Defensive blocks, footwork corrections, strikes. He moved with terrifying grace, each step calculated. I tried to mirror him, to hold my own, but he was faster. Stronger.
Still, I didn’t stop.
Sweat beaded on my forehead. My body screamed. But I pushed forward.
“Focus your stance,” he said. “You’re leading too much with your left. Center your weight.”
“Okay,” I panted, adjusting.
He circled me again.
This time, he struck faster. A sweep of his foot knocked me off balance—I landed hard on my back, gasping as air rushed out of my lungs.
He stepped closer. “Again.”
I blinked. “Wha—”
“Get up, Luna.”
His voice was calm, but there was steel in it. Not cruel, but commanding. Distant. Like he had pulled the mate away and left only the Alpha.
I forced myself up.
Again. And again.
And again…
Each fall hit harder. Each mistake cost me more. My pride, my balance, my strength.
But he never stopped.
He demanded everything.
And I gave it.
Because this was why I came here. To stop being afraid. To stop being small. To reclaim the strength that had been taken from me.
My body ached. My knuckles were raw. My legs barely held me up.
And then—he stopped.
He didn’t say anything at first. Just stood there, breathing hard, sweat glistening on his brow as he looked at me like I was a puzzle he couldn’t solve.
Then, quietly: “Why are you really doing this, Amore mio?”
What?
The question hit harder than his fists.
I blinked at him, surprised. “I told you. I want to be stronger.”
“No,” he said. “You want something more. You’re chasing something.”
I bit my lip. Shit! He knows me better now.
He stepped closer. “Talk to me, El.”
I hesitated, heart pounding. Then I whispered: “I want Mika back.”
His eyes widened.
“I miss her,” I said, voice cracking. “I miss me. I was never allowed to be strong before. And when I finally started to believe I could be... he.. He rejected me.”
Francesco’s jaw clenched.
“I’ve only shifted twice,” I continued. “Mika used to be strong. Loud. But after the rejection, she… she weakened. I couldn’t feel her anymore, just her voice.”
He reached out, gently brushing my cheek with the back of his hand. “I’m sorry.”
“I want her back,” I said again. “And I think... if I get stronger, maybe I’ll find her again. She’ll stronger too if I am strong.”
He looked at me like he was seeing me for the first time.
Then he pulled me into his arms.
No one dared say a word, everyone falls silent but I could sense something, proud? No one judge me…
He held me tight, his heart thundering against mine. “You’re already stronger than you know, Ellaine. And Mika—she’s still in there. I can feel her... Even Lucas can feel her. She’s watching. Waiting.”
I nodded, pressing my face against his chest.
He held me a moment longer, then leaned back. “Okay… And that’s enough for today.”
“But… “ When I just opened my mouth to protest.
He silenced me with a look. “Don’t argue, Luna Mio. You need rest.”
I didn’t push. I was too tired to win, anyway.
Francesco scooped me up in his arms without warning, ignoring the amused whistles from the warriors nearby.
“Alpha, seriously?” Audrey called.
“I’m not risking her walking when she looks like she’s going to fall over,” he said simply, and carried me off the field.
Back in our quarters, he drew a warm bath. He didn’t speak as he carefully removed my hoodie and sweats, helping me into the tub like I was made of glass.
I could barely move. My limbs shook. My eyes stung with exhaustion.
He washed me gently, his touch reverent, quiet. Like I was something sacred.
Afterward, he carried me to bed, dressed me in one of his shirts, and tucked the blankets around me like a cocoon.
As I drifted off, he kissed my forehead.
“Sleep, amore mio. Tomorrow, we’ll try again. And I’ll be right beside you.”
And this time, Mika’s voice was a little louder.
“He’s good for us,” she whispered.
“I know,” I whispered back before tightened my embrace to the man in my arms.
And finally… I slept.