“I like you, Katrina, I really do…”
Even though they were deep, those words didn’t seem to bother her at all, she just kept staring at him in silence, probably thinking of something. The silence was eating Renard alive on that couch, he decided to persuade her gently….
“Katrina… please say something.”
“I don’t know Renard… what do you want me to say?”
“I don’t expect you to feel the same way, I don’t expect you to tell me you like me back. I only came here because I wanted to come clean about my feelings for you. I didn’t want you thinking the wrong things when I kissed you the other day, but I was too nervous to say it.”
Katrina sighed, “to tell you the truth, Renard. You’ve been a wonderful person to me, and I can understand where you’re coming from…”
Those few words seemed to comfort him a bit, but she wasn’t done with her statement, as her next set of words shattered him completely.
“You’re a good guy Renard, and trust me, I’m not saying this because I don’t like you or anything, but I don’t want us to talk about this anymore.”
He wanted to ask why, but his mouth couldn’t even utter the simple word. Like she read his thoughts, she answered. “I can’t speak about my feelings now Renard, because I myself do not know what they are, I don’t know who I’m in love with because I’ve been hurt badly, and I don’t know if I’ll ever heal.”
Of course, it was not just stupid but selfish of him to bring this up considering that Katrina’s heart was still wounded from Damian’s rejection, he shouldn’t have even kissed her in the first place, now because of this, he’ll be getting his own share in the hurt.
Finally finding something to say, “I’m…. I’m sorry Katrina… I shouldn’t have tried to talk about this…”
She agreed, “yes, you shouldn’t, and I’m also sorry that I had to turn you down. I hope you’ll understand my reason for doing this.”
He hid his disappointment, nodding, “of course, I understand perfectly, and I wish nothing more for you to heal so that you can learn to learn to love again.”
“Thank you, Renard. I can’t say anything about that for now, but only time will tell.”
“Ok, I’m sorry once again, I’ll be taking my leave now,” he stood up.
“Renard, wait… ”
He halted, “Is there something else?”
“Yes, there is…” she hesitated for a moment, and then, “I think I’m ready to move back to the packhouse now.”
Oh no, “Katrina, if it’s about what just happened, please do not worry about it. I’ll act as if the kiss never happened, I just don’t want you to get hurt again.”
“Thank you, but its not because of the kiss. I think I’m feeling much better now, and I’m finally ready to face my fears. I think I’m ready to forget about the pain. It won’t be easy, but I’ll try.”
“Are you sure about this, Katrina?”
She nodded confidently, “yes. I’m sure.”
“Ok then, when will you be moving?”
“Tomorrow morning.”
Sighs, “fine. I’ll come in the morning so I can take you there.”
She shook her head, “no don’t worry, that won’t be necessary….”
“Katrina, I don’t want you getting hurt.”
“I won’t get hurt Renard, that’s why I’m leaving by daylight, please do not worry. I promise that I’ll be safe.”
He gave up, not wanting it to seem as if he was pestering her. “Ok then, if you’re sure that you’ll take good care of yourself, then I wish you the very best Katrina. I’m sorry for all you had to go through.”
“Thank you, Renard. I know I’ll be fine. I hope you’ll be too.”
He left.
She heaved a sigh of relief as she closed the door behind him, her heart beating loudly. For the first time, someone had confessed to her. Katrina never thought herself worthy of admiration from anyone, as she’s been so used to the submissive lifestyle. It felt strange, and for that moment when he revealed his true feelings for her, she felt scared. What if this wasn’t real? What if she messes up? What if she doesn’t turn out to be good enough? All these questions bothered her right there as she sat in front of him. Until it got to a point that her mind couldn’t control it any longer, then she pushed him away like the coward she was, scared to acknowledge the similar feelings she was beginning to have.
She loved it here, she loved this small house that fitted her so much, and she hated to leave, but she’d already told him of her intention to do so. Besides, it would be better for her to keep her distance from Renard in the meantime, as she couldn’t bear to see him hurt over and over from the memory of this rejection.
Time to go now, she told her wolf as she entered the bedroom, and began to pack.
**********
Alpha Jireh and the circle of red moon leaders were already waiting at the entrance when their guests arrived.
“It’s a pleasure to officially welcome you to my court, alpha Damian. Today, you represent the silver pack, arriving here as my neighbor, capable of enmity, but by the time you leave, we would be brothers, friends, allies.”
Alpha Damian acknowledged, “I look forward to restoring the former pact between the two kingdoms, alpha Jireh, it’s also a pleasure to be here.”
The woman standing beside his guest caught the hosts attention then, and he decided to acknowledge her too, “such a fine lady you have here, alpha Damian.”
He nodded, “she’s my wedded mate, princess Miranda of the Lotus tribe.”
Alpha Jireh nodded at her, “the beautiful Lotus princess, then I’m guessing you must be alpha Luther’s cub.”
“Yes, I am.”
“Your father is a great man, princess Miranda. Its such an honor to meet you.”
“It’s an honor to meet you too, alpha Jireh.”
After the greetings, he led his guests to the court, where they began the business of the day. Everyone became seated, before alpha Jireh addressed his small audience.
“We are gathered here today, to restore a pact once torn apart by hands of war. We restore this agreement, in hopes that it will never be broken again. From this day onward, when we march forward to battle the enemy, we fight as brothers, friends, allies, counterparts, name it. We march together, as divided, we fall, but in unity, we stand strong.”