Gabriella’s POV
“Thank you for smiling, my love. So, tell me Gabby, am I forgiven?”
“Well, I think I’ll have to think about it before giving an answer.” I said it purposefully, just to tease him a little.
“Tell me what I can do to make you happy. Just tell me,” he asked. The look in his eyes made it clear that he wasn’t bluffing and was willing to do anything I asked.
I needed a good sleep and a relaxing massage so that I could fall asleep and rest well, as everyone had been advising me to do.
“Massage me until I fall asleep,” I said, feeling a bit shy.
“I’ll do that right away. But first, I need to strip you of your clothes,” he said, already starting to remove my clothes. He caught me off guard by kissing me.
“I didn’t mean this,” I said, laughing.
“I know, my love. I just got tempted to kiss your lips, that’s all,” he said with a wink. I was completely naked as I turned around and said, “I need to drink that tonic,” pointing to the herbal tonic on the table.
“Okay, love,” he nodded.
I got off the bed and headed directly to the tonic. I opened it, and its odd smell reaffirmed why I disliked taking herbs. I knew it would be bitter, and I wished I could avoid it altogether. I took a gulp of the tonic and, as expected, it was bitter. However, after swallowing it, the bitterness gradually gave way to a surprising sweetness.
Placing the container back on the table, I rejoined my love on the bed. I lay on my front, giving him access to gently massage my back. I felt wonderful with his touch and the sweet words he whispered.
Gradually, I noticed the tonic’s effects taking hold. A sudden drowsiness overcame me, and I yawned repeatedly. My vision started to blur, and I became so sleepy that I lost the sensation of the massage. Succumbing to the drowsiness, I closed my eyes and fell into a deep sleep.
When I opened my eyes again, I found myself in an entirely different room. Where was I? Wasn’t Nick with me? Had he taken me somewhere else? I got out of bed and headed to the bathroom to wash my face and mouth.
Observing the portrait on the wall, I wondered when Nick, Estella, and I had posed for a photo. What startled me even more was that the picture was incredibly strange: I was in a wedding gown, Nick in a white suit, and our daughter also dressed in white.
Seeking answers, I left my room and was astounded by my surroundings. How did I end up in such a vast, paradise-like place?
“Good morning, Luna Gabriella,” everyone I encountered addressed me with the title “Luna.” How could I be Luna when I was just an Omega?
I spotted my best friend, Jane, who said, “There you are. Everyone is waiting for you at the dining table for breakfast. I can’t believe you’re still here.”
“Jane!”
“Yes, Gabby. Can you stop saying my name as if you’re seeing me for the first time?”
“Jane, you’re here with me. Thank you so much. I’ve missed you so much. I’m so happy to see you here.” I embraced her tightly, and she smiled, saying, “I know you love me, best friend, but you’re acting quite strangely. We went swimming together yesterday.”
“We were together yesterday?” I asked, feigning surprise.
“Yes, you’re right. I almost forgot,” I chuckled.
“Gabriella, are you sure you woke up on the right side of the bed this morning? You’re sounding really odd to me. Yesterday, you were full of life and energy. So, tell me, did something put you in a bad mood this morning?” She checked my body temperature as she spoke, and I smiled. Whether Jane was real or not, I missed her genuine concern for me.
“Don’t worry too much, Jane. I’m perfectly fine.”
“If you say so, let’s hurry up for breakfast. We don’t want to keep everyone waiting,” she said, taking my hand. I strained my brain, trying to understand who she meant by “everyone.” Was she referring to my daughter Estella and my partner Nick? Or was there someone else involved? I needed to gather more information from her to navigate the situation smoothly.
“So, who’s joining us for breakfast?”
“Your wonderful husband and daughter, for sure. Also, your father, Tracy, Steve, and some of your relatives,” she replied.
“What?!?” Was she being serious right now? I knew my father too well. He’d never want me to be present for breakfast, unless it was Tracy’s idea. Oh, Tracy, my lovely twin sister. I missed her dearly; she had always treated me kindly within the family. I hoped to find a way to repay her kindness someday.
“Hey, why did you just scream? Hello! I’m still here. Why aren’t you responding?” I snapped back to the present, saying, “I mean, I’m really looking forward to breakfast.” I lied and forced a smile, hoping it would suffice.
“I think it might be a good idea for the pack doctor to check on you, just in case anything unusual is happening,” she suggested, and I nodded.
“Sure, if it would put your mind at ease, then no problem at all,” I assured her.
“Okay, can we go now?”
“Yes, but may I give you another hug?” I asked. She was about to respond, but I grabbed her in a hug before she could, and she exclaimed, “You’re acting so weird now! Fine, you got your hug. Let’s go eat. I’m famished, and no more odd behavior from you.”
“I promise I won’t.”
“Then let’s go.”