Page 14 of His Tainted Mate

Trudi listened with rapt attention, her expression shifting from disbelief to wonder as Elle described the beauty of the wilderness and the profound changes she had undergone. Tears welled in Trudi's eyes as she reached out to touch Elle's face, her fingers tracing the delicate skin of her sister's cheek.

"I can't pretend to understand everything you've been through," Trudi said softly, her voice trembling with emotion. "I'm just so grateful you're safe. And... and I'm glad you found someone who cares about you."

Elle smiled warmly at her sister, a wave of gratitude washing over her at Trudi's acceptance. "Rab has been... amazing," she admitted, stealing a glance at him.

Rab nodded in agreement, his gaze never leaving Elle's. "Your sister is extraordinary," he said sincerely, his voice filled with admiration.

Trudi chuckled softly, wiping away tears of joy. "Well, you better take care of her, then," she teased lightly, her eyes twinkling with affection.

Hamish extended his hand to Rab. “It would seem we’re to be brothers. Welcome to the family.”

Rab chuckled. “The sooner we get back to the Highlands, the better I’ll like it.”

CHAPTER 10

ELLE

The days turned into two weeks as Elle prepared to leave Hobart for good with Rab and head to her new home in the Highlands. Her bond with Rab deepened with each passing day. They explored Hobart together, revisiting Elle’s old haunts and discovering new ones, their love growing stronger with every shared moment.

Trudi welcomed Rab into their small family with open arms, forging a friendship with him that mirrored the sisterly bond she shared with Elle. The four of them—Hamish, Trudi, Rab, and Elle—laughed together over meals and shared stories that lasted late into the night.

For Elle, the journey back to Hobart had been more than a homecoming—it had been a reaffirmation of the bonds that anchored her to this world. As she and Trudi stood together on the balcony, watching the sunset paint the sky in shades of gold and crimson, Elle felt a profound sense of gratitude for the twists and turns that had led her to this moment. She had faced darkness and uncertainty, but she had emerged stronger, more resilient, and more alive than ever before.

In the quiet moments that followed, as the harbor below them hummed with the rhythm of life, Elle knew that this place was no longer her home. Her home lay in the highlands of Scotland, but more than that, it lay with the man she knew to be her fated mate.

As night descended over Hobart, Elle nestled against Rab's chest, her heart at peace amidst the symphony of the harbor’s sounds. She closed her eyes, savoring the warmth of his embrace and the knowledge that she was exactly where she was meant to be.

For in the embrace of love and acceptance, Elle had found her sanctuary—a haven where her tainted past and unsullied present converged, the future shimmering with promise and possibility. And as she drifted into sleep, cradled in Rab's arms, she knew that their journey together had only just begun.

TRUDI

The morning sun painted the sky in hues of pink and gold as Hamish and Trudi stood outside the building where Elle’s loft was located, their suitcases packed and ready by their sides. It was a bittersweet moment, filled with a sense of anticipation for the journey ahead and a pang of sadness at the impending farewell.

Rab and Elle joined them on the sidewalk, their expressions a mirror of conflicting emotions. Hamish, tall and rugged with a gentle demeanor, clasped Rab's hand in a firm handshake.

"Take care of her," Hamish said gruffly, his voice thick with emotion. "If she’s anything like her sister, she’s going to be a handful, but she'll be worth it."

Rab chuckled softly, a fond smile tugging at his lips. "I will, Hamish. Thank you—for everything."

The two men exchanged a nod of understanding, their bond forged long ago as warriors from the same clan. Hamish turned to Elle next, enveloping her in a bear hug that spoke volumes of the affection he held for her.

"You look after yourself out there. You and Winter try not to stir up too much trouble," Hamish murmured into her ear, his voice gruff with unspoken sentiment.

Elle returned the embrace fiercely, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "I’m not making any promises," she teased, her voice catching with emotion.

Meanwhile, Trudi stood beside Rab, her gaze locked with his as she fought to contain her own swirling emotions. She had grown close to Rab during their time together in Hobart, forming a bond that transcended mere friendship. They were family. Now, as they faced the inevitable parting, she struggled to find the words to express herself.

Rab reached out and squeezed Trudi's hand gently, his expression softening with understanding. "Take care of yourself and Hamish," he said quietly, his voice tinged with sadness.

Trudi nodded, her throat tight with unshed tears. "Thank you, Rab, for being there for Elle. I’m trusting my sister to you.”

“And I don’t take that lightly.”

Trudi nodded. “She may not admit it, but I think she was always waiting for you. I think she’d given up believing she’d ever find you. I think her soul was tired and wanted to leave. She needed you."

“And I needed her.”

As Rab and Elle turned to leave, Trudi found herself grappling with a sense of loss tempered by the knowledge that their paths would always be intertwined. She felt Hamish’s arm wrap around her as they both raised their hands to wave at the departing vehicle that was taking Elle and Rab to the airport, where one of Sean’s private planes would return them to the Highlands.

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