NICKLASUS’S POV
“Sweetheart,” I called, gently tapping Gabriella’s shoulder to wake her up. The clock on the nightstand read 9:30 pm, and we were already running late. I had refrained from disturbing her earlier, knowing how much she needed to rest after a long day.
With Estella, our adorable daughter, sleeping peacefully, I quickly prepared a meal for her. I patiently waited for her tiny tummy to digest the food before giving her a bath and dressing her up. Tonight was a special occasion, and everyone was going to attend the gathering, including our precious little girl.
“Gabriella,” I called again, my voice soft but urgent. This time, she stirred in her sleep, her eyes fluttering open for a moment before she snuggled back into her pillow, unaware of the passing time. I couldn’t help but chuckle at how lovely and cute she looked, hugging the pillow.
“Baby,” I whispered, leaning in to kiss her earlobe gently. Her eyes flickered open, and I could see the fatigue in them. Despite her tiredness, her voice had a certain husky quality that sent shivers down my spine – it was so damn sexy. If it weren’t for our daughter, who was blissfully sleeping in the same room, I would have taken her right then and there. But duty called, and tonight was an important event we couldn’t miss.
“I know you need to rest, my love,” I said, my voice filled with tenderness, “but it’s already time for tonight’s announcement.”
Her eyes widened with surprise, her exhaustion momentarily forgotten. “What? My goodness, what’s the time? You should have woken me up earlier,” she exclaimed, panic creeping into her voice as she scrambled out of bed.
I reached out and gently held her hand, trying to calm her racing heart. “It’s 9:35,” I reassured her, “so we still have 30 minutes left before we need to leave.”
Relief washed over her face, but the urgency remained. “Oh,” she muttered under her breath, gathering her thoughts, “but still, I have to hurry.”
I couldn’t help but smile at her determination and dedication. “Take your time, my love,” I said soothingly, “I’ll help you get ready. We can do this together.”
She nodded, her eyes reflecting gratitude as she rushed toward the bathroom, her footsteps echoing in the stillness of the night. I followed closely behind, feeling the weight of the impending announcement and the importance it held for both of us.
As Gabriella hurriedly prepared herself, the atmosphere in the room crackled with anticipation. There was a palpable intensity between us, a mix of nervousness and excitement. The event we were attending would be a milestone in our lives, and emotions ran high.
Amidst the sound of running water and rustling clothes, we exchanged snippets of conversation, sharing our thoughts and fears. Gabriella’s voice quivered with anxiety as she voiced her worries, her face reflecting the fear in her eyes. I took her hands in mine, the warmth of our touch grounding us both.
“Calm down, my love,” I urged gently, trying to alleviate her concerns. “We still have some time. Take a deep breath.”
She nodded, her eyes searching mine for reassurance. “I’m sorry for panicking,” she murmured, her voice laced with vulnerability. “This announcement means so much to us, and I don’t want anything to go wrong.”
I stroked her cheek, my touch conveying unwavering support. “We’re in this together,” I said softly, my voice brimming with determination. “No matter what happens, we’ll face it as a team. We’ve come so far, and tonight is a celebration of our journey.”
Gabriella sighed, a mixture of relief and gratitude filling her features. “I’m lucky to have you by my side,” she whispered, her voice tinged with emotion. “You always know how to calm me down and remind me of what truly matters.”
I smiled, my heart swelling with love for this incredible woman before me. “And I’m fortunate to have you as my partner,” I replied, my voice filled with sincerity. “Your strength and determination inspire me every day.”
As she finished getting ready, Gabriella emerged from the bathroom, radiating newfound confidence. She wore a stunning dress that accentuated her beauty, her hair cascading in gentle waves. I couldn’t help but marvel at her, the woman who had stolen my heart and become the mother of our child.
Taking her hand in mine, I led her to the mirror, standing behind her as we gazed at our reflections together. “Look at us,” I whispered, my voice filled with awe. “We’ve built a beautiful life together, and tonight, we’ll share our joy with the world.”
Gabriella smiled, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. “Yes,” she said, her voice steady. “No matter what happens, we have each other, and that’s what truly matters.”
With our hearts intertwined, we left the room hand in hand, our daughter ready to face the evening’s gathering.
GABRIELLA’S POV
The moment I stepped into the main hall, the grand doors closed behind me, sealing us inside. My breath caught in my throat as I surveyed the redesigned interior. The once-familiar space had been transformed with intricate Abliscansandla mats placed in a mesmerizing circular pattern on the floor. In the center, a captivating fire burned, emanating shades of green and black. The air was thick with a myriad of intoxicating scents, signaling that tonight’s events would be nothing short of intense.
Feeling my distress, Nicklaus, my partner, whispered to me, his voice barely audible above a breath. He reached out, gently caressing my hands in a comforting manner. “Breathe, baby, breathe,” he urged, his words a soothing balm to my troubled mind.
Before I could voice my concerns, our attention was diverted by the approach of Morgana, one of the respected elders of our community. She gestured toward the part of the hall filled with children and spoke with a touch of authority. “You’ll have to hand over your daughter so I can place her with the others,” Morgana instructed.
Knowing that this place was guarded and secure, yet still plagued by the memories of recent events, I hesitated. Sensing my worry, Nicklaus tightened his grip on my hands and stepped forward, speaking on behalf of both of us.
“Please take good care of her and place her in the front. We want to be able to see her,” Nicklaus requested, his voice carrying an air of dominance and command. The authority he exuded was so palpable that even Morgana dared not question it.
“Of course, Alpha. You can rest assured that we’ll protect her,” Morgana assured, bowing her head respectfully.
“Good,” Nicklaus responded curtly, his tone leaving no room for doubt.