"The bond between a wolf and its mate is eternal and powerful. It can transcend worlds, time, and sometimes even death." Anita said as she walked with her daughter.

"How do I find my mate?"

"You will know. You will feel it. Your mate will be your world, their safety and happiness will be your only desire. Your wolf may sense it before you do."

"But what if they don't want to be my mate?" Lisa asked, thinking of Regina.

"Accept your wolf, learn to be all that you truly are and all of your questions will be answered." Anita touched her shoulder and gave it a soft squeeze. "Know that I am with you, for a wolf is never truly alone. Their pack is always there to defend them. Now go, your friends are in trouble."

"Thanks mom." Lisa said as she shifted. She let her wolf lead her, as fast as her legs could carry to the castle ruins to the east. She could feel her mother's pack running at her side. The world blurred around her as she embraced the serenity that came with being one with the wolf. She burst into the castle and sprinted towards where she felt the pull of magic and exploded into the room just as Cora was about to fry Snow and Emma. She tackled the sorceress to the ground, landing on top of her. Cora gasped as she stared up into Lisa's eyes. But Lisa, nor her wolf wanted to kill her. She lowered her ears and her hesitation gave Cora enough time to slip away.

"Lisa!" Emma said, getting to her feet.

Lisa shifted back, still looking at the place where Cora had lain moments before. She couldn't bring herself to hurt Cora due to her connection with Regina. Sure, she was evil, but she was still the mother of her desired mate, and hurting Regina in any way would have hurt Lisa just as much if not more. She looked up at the blonde. "What?"

"You should've killed her." Mary Margaret hissed.

"Well I didn't." Lisa said softly.

"You okay?" Emma asked.

"I'm fine, just ready to go home." Lisa sighed, turning to head back outside. She left the castle and waited on the dirt just in front of the gates. She closed her eyes to meditate, thinking only of Regina. "I don't know if you can hear me, Miss Mills, but I kinda need your help. Your mom is here, she's alive. I met my mom." She smiled down at the ground. "I need to hear you, my wolf needs to hear you, Regina."

"Lisa?"

"Regina?"

"Lisa, how is this possible?" Regina's voice was faint, barely able to be heard. But it was there and it was what Lisa sorely needed. Her voice was soothing.

"Because, we're meant to be."

"You know that can't happen."

"I'll make it happen." There was a chuckle in response. "Are you safe? Are you well? Has anyone given you any trouble?"

"Relax dear, you're the one who needs to be worried. We might have a plan to get you home. How can I hear you right now?"

"Lisa?"

The connection snapped as Lisa's wolf roared in anger at the interruption. "Damn it!"

Emma stepped out of the bushes. "We're heading back to the haven."

"I'm coming." Lisa rose to her feet and dusted herself off. "I talked to Regina." She said happily, ignoring the growling of her wolf.

"What? How?"

"I just...talked to her and she heard me. She talked to me."

"What'd she say?"

"Nothing important. The connection was faint, and you kinda interrupted."

"Oh, I'm sorry." said Emma. "Do you think you could try again later?"

Lisa nodded. The connection she had with Regina felt personal, private, and she didn't really want to use it for Emma, but of course it would help her get home more quickly and then she would be able to actually be with Regina. A smile graced her lips at the mere thought of the hardass mayor.

They traveled for a ways before setting up camp and Lisa walked a little ways away to shift into her wolf form. The wolf no longer fought her for control. They weren't at one, far from it, and wouldn't be until she had Regina in her arms. She hoped that her wolf would be able to strengthen the connection. She concentrated, straining mentally for Regina's touch.

"You spoke with her."

Lisa's eyes snapped open and she stood up as she caught sight of Cora.

"You spoke with my daughter."

Lisa involuntarily shifted back into a human. "What the-"

"How?" Cora demanded, but her voice was soft.

"I don't know. I just...did."

"Are you and her...together?"

"No." Lisa said, relaxing in the other woman's presence. "I mean, I wouldn't say no to it, but she probably would. I want to be, but...it's complicated."

Cora smiled. "Life seems to always be that way. Will you tell me about her?"

"I don't think I should, but to be honest, I don't know that much. Your daughter doesn't like to give away her tells."

"I suppose I taught her that." Cora chuckled. Her smile faded. "Why didn't you kill me when you had the chance?"

"I know you and Regina have a pretty weird relationship, but I didn't want to hurt you, at the risk of hurting her. I care about her." Lisa said with a shrug.

Cora nodded slowly. "Thank you. I won't forget it."

Lisa narrowed her eyes, wondering what that meant.

Cora stepped towards her and presented her with a silver bracer, laced with red swirling designs. "Take this, please. It belonged to her. I'm sure she would want you to have it." Lisa hesitantly took it.

"Thank you."

Cora dipped her head and disappeared in a cloud of purple smoke.

Lisa examined the bracer, testing it for any signs of magic or enchantments. Finding none, she was about to put it on when Mary Margaret and Emma stepped out of the bushes, weapons raised.

"Lisa, what is that?" Mary Margaret demanded.

"A gift." Lisa said.

"Where did you find it?"

"Cora gave-"

"Cora?! You can't trust her!"

"She could have killed me!" Lisa snapped. "But she didn't."

"So?! She could be just trying to win your trust. You cannot believe a word she says." Mary Margaret argued.

Lisa rolled her eyes and slid the brace onto the arm. Nothing happened. "See? Nothing. You okay now, Princess?"

"If you were wise, you would listen to me."

"If I were wise, I would know how get out of this stupid world." Lisa replied, growling.

"Both of you, relax. Fighting isn't helping us right now." Emma intervened. Mary Margaret sighed and turned to head back to camp. "You alright?"

"Just fine." Lisa replied.

Cora watched the exchange with interest. There was something about this woman that was quite intriguing, but her connection with Regina could be useful.

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