But he hated me

Rose said gently, "I know, my dear, but you have to try. You have to show him that you love him, and that you're willing to forgive him for what he's done."

Odette didn't know what to say. She was scared, but she knew that Rose was right. She had to try to heal Cole's heart, for the sake of their baby, and for the sake of their love.

Okay, Rose," she said. "I'll try."

Odette spent two weeks recuperating at Rose's cabin. Each day, Rose tended to her wounds with care, feeding her bowls of warm stew and asking no prying questions. As Odette's bruises faded, she came to view Rose as a mother figure, soothed by her calm presence.

One evening, Rose set down a tray beside Odette's bed. "How are you feeling today, dear one?"

"Much better," Odette said. "Thank you."

Rose smiled. "I'm glad. There's something I must tell you." Her expression turned serious. "I am a witch, and I know about werewolves. I sensed immediately that you were an omega in need of refuge."

Odette stared at her in surprise. "You...you know about my kind?"

Rose nodded. "I do," she said. "And I can help you, if you'll let me."

Odette hesitated. "How can I help you?"

Rose took her hand gently. "With your pregnancy, I possess gifts of healing that can ease your burden."

Odette's eyes widened; "How did you know?"

I suspected it from the beginning. My gifts revealed such things.

Odette was quiet for a moment. "And Cole... you know about him?"

Rose sighed. "He is cursed by the moon goddess, unable to recognize his true mate. Though you carry his child, he cannot see you as destined for him."

Odette's eyes filled with tears. "But I love him," she said. "I want to be his."

"I know, dear one," Rose said as she squeezed her hand. "And I can help lift the curse, if you'll allow me."

Odette looked at Rose, seeing her as a beacon of hope and comfort. "What must I do?"

Rose smiled gently. "For now, trust me; the answers will come in time."

Odette nodded, trusting this wise woman who saw her truth and offered healing. "I will," she whispered. "Tell me what I need to do."

Odette said in disbelief. "But Cole is cursed? But he hates me. He's hurt me so many times."

Rose took Odette's hand gently. "I know it's difficult to understand. The ways of the gods and goddesses can seem cruel at times."

"But why would the moon goddess choose me?" Odette asked through tears. "Cole has never shown me anything but contempt."

Softening her voice, Rose said, "Perhaps there is more to his story than meets the eye. The curse clouds his mind and heart, preventing him from seeing you as his true mate."

Odette shook her head. "Even if that's true, I don't think I could ever forgive him or love him. Not after everything he's done."

Rose said, "You have a kind and forgiving soul. In time, with patience and wisdom, even the most hardened hearts can melt."

"I don't know," Odette said doubtfully.

Rose squeezed her hand again. "You don't have to decide now. Take time to heal, and let your heart guide you."

Odette remained silent for a moment. "How can I lift this curse?"

Rose sighed. "I don't know for sure. But I suspect love and forgiveness will play a part."

Odette said, "That seems impossible."

Rose smiled gently. "Not as impossible as you think," she said. "It starts with compassion and mercy, even for those who have wronged us."

Odette considered Rose's wise words. She still didn't understand why the Moon Goddess had chosen her, or if Cole could ever truly be her mate.

But Rose's counselor gave her hope that forgiveness and love just might have the power to lift his curse, if only she could find them within her own weary heart.

Rose said gently, "Cole's curse was given for a reason. He was once arrogant and cruel, abusing his power over others."

Odette clenched her fists. "That still sounds like the Cole I know."

Rose nodded. "The curse was meant to teach him humility and compassion. That true strength comes from protecting the weak, not dominating them."

How could he realize that if he still saw her as weak? Odette asked bitterly.

"The curse clouds his mind," Rose reminded her. "Until he sees you as his equal and mate, he cannot break free."

Odette shook her head. "That will never happen," she said. "He hates me."

"Not necessarily," Rose said. "When the full moon comes again, the curse will come to a head. Either Cole will accept you as his true mate...or the curse will kill him."

Odette's eyes widened. "Kill him?"

Rose nodded solemnly. "That is the ultimatum the goddess has set. Break the curse through love...or suffer its final consequences."

Odette remained silent for a long moment, mulling over Rose's words. A small part of her wanted Cole to suffer for all the pain he had caused her. But a deeper instinct told her that wasn't the path of righteousness.

She finally asked, "What must I do?"

Rose smiled. "Return to him. Show him kindness, even in the face of cruelty. Remind him of your humanity, your shared bond."

Odette took a deep breath. "I'll try. For both our sakes."

Rose squeezed her hand. "That's my brave girl," she said. "Love and forgiveness have their own power, if we have the courage to wield them."

Odette nodded, mustering her courage. For better or worse, Cole's fate now rested in her hands. She could only hope love proved stronger than hate before the next full moon rose.

Odette looked out at the woods from Rose's cabin, deep in thought.

Rose came over and squeezed her shoulder. "How are you feeling today, dear one?"

Odette sighed. "Conflicted," she said. "Part of me still wants to avoid Cole and his pack."

Rose nodded. "I understand. But there will come a time when you must face him."

Odette turned to look at Rose. "Couldn't I stay here, with you? At least until after the baby comes?"

Rose's eyes softened. "Of course. You are always welcome in my home."

Odette smiled. "Thank you. For everything."