Chapter 4 4.

Charlie turned to Gwendoline, who was still trembling. Not only because of the cold, but also because of exhaustion and emotional shock.

He could sense her deep uncertainty. Gwendoline had trusted him, but the trauma she had experienced was clearly not completely gone.

"I'll take you to a more suitable place to rest, mate," Charlie said softly, "I won't take you to my castle yet. I know you're not ready to face everyone."

Gwendoline looked up, her tired eyes staring at Charlie. "You're not going to take me to your pack?"

"No. Not yet," Charlie replied soothingly.

"I won't force you to accept all of this in the blink of an eye. You need time. And I'll give it to you."

He stood up and held out his hand. "Come with me. There's a small villa nearby. It's a good place for us to rest. You can recover there without anyone bothering you."

Gwendoline hesitated for a moment, but finally accepted Charlie's outstretched hand. His touch felt warm, and the same power as before healed the wounds on her body, easing the tension in every muscle.

She followed Charlie out of the cave, walking along a moss-covered path. The forest that had felt so frightening now felt peaceful with Charlie by her side. His powerful Lycan aura seemed to ward off any danger.

They walked for several minutes until they finally arrived at a clear lake. On the shore of the lake stood a beautiful stone villa, surrounded by wildflowers. The villa was not luxurious, but it looked comfortable and warm.

"This is my place to escape from the hustle and bustle of the kingdom," said Charlie as he opened the door. "Not many people know about this place. You'll be safe here."

Gwendoline stepped inside, surprised by the warmth inside. The fireplace in the corner of the room was lit, creating a cozy atmosphere.

A soft sofa was placed in the middle of the room, and a thick blanket was neatly folded on top of it. Everything felt like heaven after she had to escape in the middle of the cold forest.

"I'll prepare some warm water for you. Take a bath and calm yourself down. I'll call a trusted doctor, he will check your condition."

Gwendoline just nodded, too tired to say thank you. She sat on the sofa, feeling the warmth penetrate her bones.

"Don't worry," said Charlie, who seemed to know what she was thinking. "You're not alone anymore."

Those words brought tears to Gwendoline's eyes. For the first time, after everything she had been through, she felt she could breathe easily.

She no longer had to pretend to be strong. She had someone who believed in her, who protected her, and who demanded nothing from her.

Gwendoline could only stare at the figure in front of her, her eyes fixed on Charlie's bright blue eyes. Her mind was still in turmoil. She still couldn't process everything that had happened to her overnight.

"Don't worry, mate," said Charlie, his voice soft. He took a step closer, but stopped when he saw Gwendoline take a step back.

He respected Gwendoline's personal space.

Gwendoline looked down. "I... I don't know what to do. The destiny I have to live is so confusing."

"I understand. Your life has just been turned upside down. But trust me, you're in a safe place now."

"You can stay here, rest. I won't force you to do anything."

"How do you... know that I'm your mate?" asked Gwen, trying to divert her attention from the embarrassment and confusion she felt.

Charlie smiled, "My senses are sharper than those of a normal werewolf. I can smell my mate from a great distance. As soon as I smelled you... I knew you were my destiny, a gift from the Moon Goddess."

"I know you don't believe this," Charlie continued, as if he could read her mind. "Take your time, you'll understand when the time comes."

"Thank you..." She felt exhausted just saying these words. But seeing what Charlie had done, she truly felt she had to thank him.

"I'm also very sure that you've been framed. I don't sense any lies from you, Gwen. For that reason, I will help you prove your innocence."

"How can you be so sure?" asked Gwendoline, her voice trembling. "Ethan... he's so sure that I did it. He won't listen to me at all."

"Because he doesn't have true instincts," Charlie replied coldly.

"He only relies on his mind and logic. Werewolves in general can be deceived, but not a wolfman like me. You are my mate. I will help you. I will hunt for you to clear your name. But you have to trust me."

Gwendoline looked down. She had to trust Charlie; after all, she had no other choice.

"I... I was framed. I don't know who did it. To be honest, Darren was a very good person. I respected him greatly. He was wise and honest. He would never betray Ethan."

"And I don't believe he committed suicide either. But I really didn't kill him. He was already dying when I saw him."

"I know. And I'll find the truth for you," Charlie promised. He did look dashing and cruel from the outside.

But when he thought and acted, his style was so attractive, as if he was born to be a charismatic leader with amazing power.

"Do you have anyone you can trust in Ethan's pack? Someone who is close to Alpha Ethan, but not easily influenced?"

Gwendoline thought hard. She remembered every member of the pack. The name Elda came to mind. Elda, Gamma Black Pack.

"Yes. Her name is Elda. She is Gamma Black Pack and a descendant of healers. Her father was Ethan's father's former advisor, while her mother is a werewolf healer. She has very sharp senses and feelings. She may be the only person who cannot be deceived by Ethan or anyone else."

Charlie nodded, his eyes shining with an idea. "Good. We can't attack directly. I don't want any unnecessary bloodshed, especially since it's a pack under my control. We'll use Elda to get information from within."

"How? They won't talk to me. I'm sure Ethan has spread rumors that I'm the killer of his beta, Darren."

"You don't need to show up. We'll send a message. I'll find a way to approach him without endangering you. I'll chase and get you, Gwen, but not to punish you. I'll chase you to show you that I truly want to make you the queen of the Lycans."

Charlie's words gave Gwendoline hope she hadn't felt since Ethan's rejection. She no longer felt alone. She had a mate who not only protected her, but also trusted her unconditionally.

Gwendoline nodded, tears streaming from her eyes. They weren't tears of sadness, but tears of relief. "I believe in you, Charlie."

Charlie smiled, a reassuring smile. He demanded nothing, only offered protection.

"Rest, mate. We'll overturn these charges. And when all this is over, I'll ask you to marry me right away."

Gwendoline gasped, surprised by the statement, but she just smiled. For the first time in three years, she felt that her destiny was not only about sacrifice, but also about finding true happiness.