Ri
“Faster!” I gasped as I took a deep breath. “Faster, Gab! Faster!” Excitement is projected in my voice.
Catching my breath, we finally reached AC and Kuya Drew’s room in the palace of Hydreo. AC has given birth to their firstborn.
Opening the door, I saw AC on the bed, looking over her baby.
“Congratulations, A!” I half shouted, half whispered. AC looked at me and smiled. I went to her and hugged her.
“It’s nice to see you, Ri.” She said hugging me back. Letting me go, I hovered to the baby.
“Is it a girl?”
“Yes!” She said excitedly. “Do you wanna know her name?”
“Of course!” I sat on the bed before I looked back to see Gab, standing near the door talking to Kuya Drew.
“Oh, I didn’t see you there, Kuya!”
“Yeah, because you’re too excited to see our new princess!” he said sadly, but I know he’s joking.
I only grinned at him and turned to look at AC.
“Arriane Drew!” AC suddenly spoke while I continued to look at the baby.
“I’m sorry?” I looked at AC.
She smiled. “Her name is Arriane Drew!”
I smiled widely hearing her name but before I could say anything, we heard the annoying voices of our sisters.
Looking at AC, I said, “May I?” I looked at her asking permission to carry the baby.
“Of course!” I gladly took the baby from the bed and carried it. As soon as our sisters got inside the room, they went to me and took the baby from me.
“Hey!” I protested. “You did not even say hi to AC!”
“Hi A!” they said all at once and looked back at the baby.
I shrugged my shoulders looking at them. All of us are excited for the coming of our first niece. I bet, Mom would be here anytime soon.
I looked around to find Gab but I did not see him anywhere. Neither of my brothers is present, too. Maybe, they are together.
I sat back down on the bed next to AC.
“So, when are you going to work on your baby, Ri?”
I blushed as AC’s question drew the attention of my sisters.
And it seemed to get their attention as the three of them decided to sit on the bed too while Arri laid on AC’s arms.
I raised an eyebrow at them when I see their looks telling me to share.
“When’s you’re due, B?” I asked Bianca, trying to ignore the question. She’s pregnant with hers and Kuya Drey’s second baby.
When Bianca’s eyes glowed, I know I have successfully done it.
“Next month!” she said excitedly. “You don’t know how excited I am!” she said dreamingly. “Drey is excited too, when we learned it would be a girl. Even Caleb can’t stop talking about it!”
We laughed as we looked at her. Caleb is their two-year old son.
“How about you, Eana and Chaun?”
“Oh, we’re working on it!” Eana spoke as she laughed evilly.
“I’m sure of it!” Chaunelle said, winking at me.
“Now, your turn to answer.” AC said.
“What’s the question, A?”
Before AC could ask again, Eana asked, “So, did he ask you to marry him?”
Shaking my head, I said, “Nope!”
“What!?” They all got shocked with the news. They then looked at one another in a creepy way.
Hey, it’s like they knew something I don’t. I tried to ignore my observation.
Standing up, I smiled sadly. “I have to go. There’s still something I have to do.”
Once again, I saw the look in their faces. I know they’re hiding something but I am not the kind to ask them a secret.
As I got out, I looked for Gab. When I couldn’t find him, I decided to go home alone.
I’m not supposed to travel alone but I want to be alone for now.
“Juval, please bring me back to Azalkra.”
As I stepped onto the coach, I closed my eyes and recalled the day I got my crown.
Two years. Two Fraeian years. That’s how long it has been since I have ruled.
Kuya Red and Eana got married few months after the coronation while Rochie and Chaunelle got married a year after the coronation.
“We’re here, Freyren!”
“Thank you, Juval. Please go back to Hydreo so you can fetch the freyra.” He nodded and went back to the coach.
I walked to the back of the palace. I’m going to take a run. It’s been long since I let Cassy out.
“You got it right, girl!” she said in my mind.
As soon as I reached the wide lawn, I shifted into my white wolf and sped off.
I felt some forces trying to get into my mind. I blocked them out and focused on my run. I did not think of Gab or the mysterious looks on my sisters’ faces.
I reached the white lake, the place where the water falls from Aeleo.
Lying down on the ground, I let the soft wind blew my fur. I felt relaxed as the water nymphs played a soft melody for me.
“I thought I was only imagining when I see you sad.” A voice spoke behind me. I did not turn to look at the newcomer. I knew that voice too well.
Instead, I changed back into my human form.
“Is it wrong to be disappointed, Ermash? I know he loves me. But why do I feel disappointed every time they ask me when I’m gonna marry.” I continued to look at the water. “I know I don’t have to be pressured but why do I feel like I am? And it’s hard coz we never talked about it; Gab didn’t even talk about it.”
“Do you love him?” I nodded. “Do you trust him?” I nodded once again. “Then show it. Show to him that you trust him. By trusting him means you just have to be patient.”
I know ermash has a point. But I still feel something different about my mate nowadays. Am I beginning to doubt him?
I shook my head. Why am I saying this? I can’t let the negative thoughts inside me.
“You have to go back now. I think they’re worried of you.”
“Thank you, Ermash. You’re always there when I needed someone.” She smiled and kissed me on the forehead before vanishing into the air.
I stayed there for a few more hours until I decided to head back home.
I changed back into my wolf and ran towards the palace.
As I arrived, I noticed something strange in the gazebo. The orb in the middle of the gazebo that represents me is switching in color. From the usual golden orb, it would turn pink then back to gold and then pink again.
“What’s the meaning of this?” When I can’t find any answer to it, I decided to talk to someone who knows it.
Stepping inside the palace, I was met by two arms that instantly imprisoned me into a tight hug, worry is reflected on it.
“I thought I lost you. I was very worried. If not with the bond, I could have gone mad looking for you.” Gab spoke to me seriously as we stayed in the same position. “If something happened, I would blame myself for not being there with you.”
I broke from his embrace and looked at him. “I’m fine. I just took a run and Ermash showed up and we talked.”
“But why did you block me?” Upon saying it, I remembered, I did block everyone and I have not put it down yet.
“Sorry. My sisters are just so annoying.”
“Don’t do that again, please? If you really want to go out without me, please ask Juval to be with you.”
My heart melted upon hearing him. Why did I even think of doubting this guy?
The butterflies in my stomach went wild looking at him looking at me with love.
Not stopping myself, I tiptoed and kissed him with all the love I feel. He responded at once but before he could deepen the kiss, I moved away from him. I heard him growl sexily.
“I promise I will make sure I won’t be alone if I go somewhere.” He smiled contentedly. Before I knew it, he has reached out and kissed me once again.
“There’s something I want to show you.” He said as he led me to my office. “Ready?” When I nodded, he opened the door and I gasped.
“H-how? W-why? W-when?” I could not think of what to say.
My office was nowhere to be found. What were in there were a waterfall and the lake. A replica of the place where Gab and I confessed our love, made love and said goodbye.
“Your brothers and sisters helped me with this. I asked for their help in making this room.” He looked around. “Remember this place?”
I nodded as tears started to fall down. “I don’t know if you like this place. But for me, this is the most beautiful place in my territory. It is where you said you love me; the place where you let me love you; the place you said goodbye.” He said softly. I went to him and hugged him tight when I saw tears forming in his eyes.
“I love that place Gab, so much!”
Wiping his tears, he said. “This place is a memorable place. And I want to do something to add into my memory.”
Oh my god! My mind screamed when Gab knelt down in front of me. This is it!
“Rianne Paine,” he spoke softly. In a flash, a soft melody played in the air. “I know I have made the biggest mistake in my life when I rejected you; and I know I’m not yet done proving to you how much I regretted it. I love you, Ri. I want to thank you for giving me the chance to prove it to you every day.” His tears started falling down while mine has been falling since he began his speech.
“I could never find another mate who’s better than you because no one is better than you. You are special. I was ecstatic and was very very happy when you gave me the chance to be your mate again.” He flicked his fingers and a ring floated towards him.
“And it would be a great honor and a pleasure if you would accept me as your husband. Ri, if you’ll have me?” I nodded while my tears continued to go down. I tried to speak but my voice seemed to get lost.
“Ri?” Gab’s eyes are questioning. I swallowed the lump in my throat and said, “YES, Gab, yes!
“Really, you’ll marry me?”
“Of course! I have been waiting for so long for you to ask me!”
To my surprise, he started jumping around the room, shouting. When he got back to me, he raised me and swayed me around.
“Thank you, Ri. I love you!” and we sealed our engagement with a kiss.
“I can’t believe you’re getting married.” My mom said crying.
“Mom, stop crying or else, you’ll redo your make-up.” I said as I looked myself in the mirror.
I was wearing the same gown as I have during the coronation as it was a very memorable dress for me. I love this gown from the moment I saw this.
“I can’t help it Ri. I just can’t imagine how you have grown.”
I smiled and hugged my Mom. “Thank you so much Mom! Thank you for all the love and support. Both of you and Daddy.”
“Ready?” Dad said as his head popped out from the door.
“Yup! I was just letting Mom relax a bit.” I joked.
Smiling, Dad said. “It’s time.”
With my mom and dad on each of my sides, I walked towards the stage where Gab is waiting with the ptriask, a Fraeian priest.
Reaching the stage, Gab kissed the hands of my parents before getting my hand and led me up the stage.
“Ashkar, Fraeia!” He said to the people who were witnessing the wedding. Almost the entire Fraeia is there. “We are gathered here today, to witness the union of our Freyres. By the power vested upon me by the first empress, Eilea, I now bond your union with the power of the wind, to keep it strong; water, to keep it at peace; fire, to keep the love burning; and earth for fertility and productivity.
May the power of the four elements bless your union as we call on the Almighty Father to seal your bond as husband and wife. Congratulations! Freyra, you may now kiss your wife.”
And as I turned to face him, I was met by my husband’s lips for a hot kiss. I almost forgot where we are if not for the loud cheers from the Fraeians.
Hugs and congratulations met us on our way down to the hall. We went to the people and encouraged them to join our celebration and indeed, it was a long celebration since it lasted overnight.
“Finally, we are alone!” Gab exclaimed as he closed the door after we got in. “So, Mrs. Kane, how do you wish to start our honeymoon?”
I grinned. I love the sound of my new name. “How about a little time for myself, huh?”
Gab frowned and then grinned playfully. “You want me to go with you?”
“Nope. No. No. No.” I said shaking my head. Walking towards the bathroom, I started stripping off my dress. I heard a loud growl from Gab as I finished taking off my dress in front of the bathroom door.
“You better get inside now, Ri before I change my mind.” I laughed as I got inside.
I did my routine. I showered then brushed my teeth. After that, I took some clothes from the closet (attached to the bathroom) and changed.
I went out to find Gab on the bed. I walked towards him slowly and lay down on the bed softly. He then reached out for me and enveloped me in a hug. Then he captured my mouth in a deep kiss.
I felt tingles running my body as I felt his hands roam. He left my lips and now kissed the parts where his hands used to touch…
“Thank you, Gab!” I said as I lay on the bed, my head on his chest.
“For what, love?” He said as he played with my hair.
“For loving me.”
“You don’t have to thank me. I love you.”
“I love you, too.”
“I want us to start our family now. If it’s okay, Love?”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes! Yes!”
I smiled at him offering my hands. I saw him flashed a great smile as he held my hands in his.
Sitting on the bed facing each other, we put our hands together, palm to palm. He then traced my face with his right hand slowly and I did the same to his. Palm to palm once again, we closed our hands together. We kissed once more and kissed our united hands on the same time. This time, he laid me again on the bed and made love with me.
As we finished the mating ritual, I felt my body warmed as the cool breeze of the wind blew softly. Then the room turned pink at the same time I saw a pink orb floating and went inside my tummy.
The memory of the pink orb in the gazebo flashed in my mind. Now I understood what the switching color meant. I smiled widely.
“Love,” Gab spoke to me. Looking up, I smiled at him. “Your scent has changed!”
“I know! And it’s a girl!” I hugged him tightly. “Thank you!”
“Let’s go, Ri.” I heard Gab called me from the other side of the door. Opening the door, I got out carrying my bundle of joy wrapped in purple cloth.
I gave birth to my second baby girl, Venice, just two days ago.
“Mommy!” I looked back and saw my little girl, France.
“Hey, baby!” I said looking down at her. “How are you?” I let my air raise her so I can carry her. Of course, I gave Venice to Gab.
I heard her chuckle as she was lifted.
“Daddy!” her tiny voice filled the palace. “I’m flying!”
I heard Gab’s chuckle behind me as I held my baby in my arms.
“Ready, baby?” I asked.
“Where are we going, Mommy?” she asked me as we walked to the door.
“We are going to the human world baby?” I answered her. “We are going to visit Granny and Gramps!” I saw her eyebrows met and I chuckled. “They are Mommy’s mommy and daddy, baby!”
Her face brightened hearing about my mom and dad.
As we reached the gates of Fraeia, we saw my brothers and sisters.
“Ate Drew! Ate Brit!” France wiggled in my arms so I let her down and she immediately ran towards Arriane Drew, Kuya Drew and AC’s daughter and Brittany, Kuya Drey and Bianca’s daughter.
(A/N: Ate, read as Ah-teh, is what we call to our older sisters or older girls as a sign of respect; feminine for Kuya.)
The three immediately hugged one other and talked animatedly. The three were very closed since they almost have the same ages.
“Let’s go everyone!” I said before positioning myself before the gates. Raising my hands, I spoke, “Oh bhukareshnep nash Fraeia.”
As the gates opened, I got very excited.
Grabbing France, I guided her towards the gate and out to the human world.
“Mom! Dad!” I greeted them, running towards them before giving them a hug.
“Welcome back, babe!” they said before giving all of us hugs and kisses.
“Arriane!” Mom said and she hugged and kissed Arriane. “Brittany!” she greeted and hugged and kissed her, too.
Arriane and Brittany has met mom and dad when my twin Kuya’s decided to visit here a month ago (human world time).
Mom then turned and looked at France. “Oh, you must be France!” she said as she took France in her arms. “Oh how much you have grown! When I visited you, you were still so small!” she said cooing at France. “I am your Granny RoseAnn.”
I saw France hugged my mom back. She smiled at her before saying, “You look like Mommy!”
Mom laughed. “And this is here is your Grandpa, Drake.”
She squealed. “You look like Uncle Rowie (Rochie)!” before running to Dad and hugged her. “Ate Drew, Ate Brit, come here! Gramps looks like Uncle Rowie!”
Arriane and Brit ran to Dad as well and the three of them played with him.
France is very fond of Rochie coz he spoils her a lot. She is also fond of Eana who always brings her dresses and play dress-up with her.
Two years after I gave birth to France, Eana gave birth to Matthew and Mark. A month after, Chaun and Kuya Rochie got a son, Stephen. The three were unseparable as well. They are on the playground, as of the moment, playing with other kids in the pack.
Caleb on the other hand was busy talking to Uncle Ronan who is now officially the pack’s alpha. Caleb is very much interested in politics.
Now, three years after, I got my Venice. And speaking of Venice, my mom took her for Nanay and everyone to meet. Tatay is busy watching over the boys.
“A new princess?” Mom nodded happily as Nanay brought Venice to Tatay.
Tatay smiled and reached out his hands.
“She is Venice, Tatay!” I told him proudly. “And this here is my daughter, France.”
Kuya Drey and Kuya Drew also introduced their daughters to tatay.
“Thank you all for coming, children!” Tatay said happily as he held his princesses in his arms.
“Happy golden anniversary Nanay and Tatay!” We greeted them as the ceremony was finished.
Nanay and Tatay celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary by having a renewal of vows. Everyone in the family joined the celebration.
That’s the reason why we are here today.
As the party continued, Tatay stood up on the make-shift stage.
“I want to thank everyone for being here today, especially my grandchildren who have been living away from here. Thank you for being with us today as my mate and I celebrate our union.
Fifty years ago, I never asked for a mate as I was so busy with the pack. But I can’t really fight with destiny coz when I set eyes on her, I know I can’t lose her. So that moment, I took her and mate with her, married her three days later and here we are now.”
Tatay looked at Nanay sweetly, “Pangga (beloved), I know I always tell you this but I still want to say, “Thank you! Thank you for giving me the family I never thought I would want to have. Thank you for completing my life and thank you for being there for me, for supporting me and taking care of me. Most of all, thank you for always guiding me to do what is right! I love you so much, Pangga!”
Tatay finished his speech by giving nanay a passionate kiss.
Everyone cheered even though they are teary- eyed. Who would have thought that behind Tatay’s strict and strong personality is a sweet and loving mate.
I felt Gab wiped my tears I did not know I have. He caressed my back and kissed me on the forehead.
“I don’t know if I can do what Tatay did,” he whispered. “but this I promise you. I will never leave your side. I will protect you and our girls with my life. I love you so much, Ri!”
My heart melted with his own speech. Not stopping myself, I snaked my arms around his neck and kissed him.
“And I love you, too my Gabriel!” I said smiling at him with so much love in my eyes.