Ivy’s POV
I wanted to tell him everything.
But I couldn’t.
The emotion that splayed across his face when I asked him to not force me to tell him made me want to cry. He seemed really hurt by my rejection of information. I knew that he wouldn’t be the type of man that could be fooled easily, but he even exceeded my expectations by catching onto something within a mere half an hour of being alone with me.
Oh, how I wish I could say something….
I sigh as I look around the pack training area where the BBQ dinner is in full swing, as I lean on one of the fences near the perimeter, looking in. Nathaniel and I had walked back in silence after the moment at my house in my music room. We didn’t have anything else to say to each other, it seems. He had thanked me for taking him around and then had gone to go talk to Tobias and a few other members of his guard before starting to mingle with the rest of the pack members here, and I was alone yet again.
I continue to look at everyone mingling, laughing, and enjoying themselves near the bonfire, and the oh so familiar pang of jealousy rages through me.
Why does everyone else get to live their lives how they want, and I’m subjected to this? Always watching, never included. I know if I were to step foot in there that all I would get would be dirty looks and whispers behind my back. My stomach grumbles as I see people eating, and I make a mental note to make myself something once this is over.
I close my eyes and tilt my head up towards the sky, wishing for the moon goddess to end my suffering.
Someone clears their throat near me, and I snap my eyes open and quickly look to my right, and my heart leaps into my throat. It’s Nathaniel, with a plate of food in each hand. He extends one out to me and my mouth waters.
“Hungry?” He asks in his low voice, and I nod, taking his offering of food and balancing the plate on the top of the fence.
“Thank you. You didn’t have to.” I state as he stands closer to me and sets his plate down exactly like I have mine. “I noticed you weren’t coming to eat, so I brought it to you.”
“I would have just made myself something later, but I appreciate it.” He doesn’t ask why, he just looks at me half smiling, seeming happy that there’s food in front of me. I take a mouthful and my hunger pains start to fade. Nathaniel eats as well, and we continue like that in silence for a few moments until he speaks again.
“It’s hard to believe that I might not experience too many moments like this again.”
I turn to look at him, noticing he’s gazing at the now star-filled sky, the orange flames of the large bonfire illuminating his face slightly.
My god, he’s handsome. His tousled black hair, chiseled jaw, and those lips?
Stop Ivy…
I pull myself back and quickly ask, “Why wouldn’t you get to do things like this again? Is it because you’ll be King soon?” He turns and faces me and nods. “When I become King, my time is going to be less and less for myself. I know it’s part of the job, but it’s not one I’m looking forward to.”
He’s opening up to me. Why?
“I can understand that. It’s like your life just becomes something completely new and not necessarily what you want.” His eyes slightly widen at my response, before he says, “Yes. I find myself wondering sometimes if I am ready to do this, but I know I have to be for my people.”
I place my now empty plate on the grass before standing up again. “You shouldn’t worry too much about it. You seem like you’ve got a handle on things. From what I’ve heard, you’re a good leader to your pack so I am confident you’ll be a great King too.”
He half smiles and chuckles lightly. “Thank you, Ivy. I appreciate the kind words.”
Nathaniel’s POV
It was hard to leave her after our conversation, but I had to attend to other things, as Tobias mind linked me with some information. I’m walking towards my town car to meet him, and my mind wanders.
There is something off about this pack, and not just their treatment of Ivy. In my mere hours here, I’ve noticed that the pack members seem to be on edge, constantly watching over their shoulders as if they have to watch their behaviour. I’m sure Cole had told them to be on their best behaviour for me, but this is something completely apart from that.
These pack members don’t act like a community, at all. It’s so strange. They try their hardest, but anyone external to this pack would see exactly what I’m seeing. Why the hell is this pack like this? I shake my head as I see Tobias waiting by the car.
“What did you find out?” I ask quietly as I approach him.
He continues through mind link.
T The new building we’re staying in? It was built in only 4 weeks.
N 4? Are you sure?
T Yes. I overheard the Beta Alarik speaking about it to a guard earlier tonight.
N So these people were worked to the bone to complete it.
T It seems that way, yes. Something isn’t right here. I don’t think a pack merger is smart here. I know it’s your decision ultimately, but I have a bad feeling about this place.
N I appreciate your opinion, you know that. I feel the same way as you. Something is wrong here. I was hoping to get some information out if Ivy, but she’s just as tight lipped as the other members here.
T Something’s off surrounding her too. Cole is awfully weary of her and her actions.
N They don’t like each other, that’s for sure. Anyways, keep your ears to the ground and let me know of anything else you find out. I’m going to retire for the night.
T You got it, Alpha. Have a good night.
N Thank you, Tobias. You too. Don’t party too hard.
He laughs out loud. “Never.” He walks past and places his hand on my shoulder and squeezes lightly before walking off. I turn my attention to the building that houses my room for the week and make my way there.
My keycard clicks into the door, and I open it. My bags were already brought in here when I arrived, and I notice them sitting on the made bed. I decide to unpack, then shower and retire for the evening.
Once my items are where I’d like them, I go into the bathroom. I don’t see any towels, so I go check the two closets in the room.
Nothing.
I see a phone on the small desk near the bed and decide to call the programmed number. After a couple of rings, a very familiar voice answers it with a “Hello?”
Ivy’s POV
“Hello?” I answer the phone politely, as I’m unsure which guest this could be.
“Ivy?”
I could never miss that voice.
“Alpha Nathaniel?”
“Why are you answering the phone?”
“Oh! Uh, I am in charge of guest services in the new building. Is there something you need?”
“I was going to shower before going to bed, but there aren’t any towels in my suite.”
Oh fuck. I forgot towels.
I put my head in my opposite hand and internally smack myself.
“I am so sorry for that. I’ll be right over with some. Be there shortly!”
“Thanks, Ivy. See you soon.”
Click.
I shoot up from the couch in my house, throw my hair up into a messy bun and head out the door. I get to the new building as quickly as I can and go to the storage room on the main floor, grabbing 4 grey towels and hopping into the elevator.
The oh so familiar ding hits on the 10th floor, and I make my way to the last door. I sigh and I look down.
I forgot to change out of my sweatpants!! Good one, Ivy. Could this be anymore embarrassing?
No going back now.
I bite my lip and knock on the door. A few seconds pass and it opens to reveal Nathaniel, in a black muscle shirt, his full tattoos and muscular upper body mostly on display.
God damn.
“Ivy. That was quick. Come on in.” I walk past and immediately head into the bathroom and put the towels onto the rack. I turn to rush back out so he doesn’t have a change to judge my clothes, and I don’t get far.
I slam right into Nathaniel, yet again.
He grasps my shoulders to steady me. I can’t believe I’ve done this so many times, twice today.
“You okay?” I can hear he’s trying not to laugh at me. I try to calm my racing heart, but I’m unsuccessful and I nod. “Yes. I am so sorry. I keep bumping into you like that.”
He laughs. “If you weren’t in such a rush to get out of here, you probably wouldn’t have.”
Great. He’s calling me out.
I laugh sheepishly. “Sorry. I just didn’t want to take up much more of your time. I already messed up with the towels so…” I trail off as his hands clasp over mine, that I just now realize I’ve placed on his chest, yet again.
His hands are warm, and I can’t stop the slight gasp that escapes me as he drops my hands and cups my face, his eyes burning into mine and I can’t look away. His blue eyes are like ocean waters and my god, they’re mesmerizing.
We stand like that for a few moments, and then he backs away with a frustrated sigh. He grabs my hands again and places a light kiss on each of my palms.
“Thank you for taking care of this for me, Ivy.”
I clear my throat and reply. “Not a problem Alpha.”
I sure as hell don’t want to leave now.