Adams’ POV
While we were enjoying our meal, I took a moment to glance at Lilith. She was seriously focused on Dale, with a puzzled look on her face. I saw that a little smile was forming on her lips, which suggested that she found something amusing.
I became curious to find out what was going on. Thus, I raised my eyebrows, itching to ask what was on her mind.
But then, I had a rethink, as it did not seem to be the right moment for such questions. It felt like the mood of the moment was not suitable for talking.
The conversations happening around the table were lively and cheerful while creating a bright atmosphere that felt very different from the serious and heavy subject we were all aware of, which involved dark characters and powerful mysterious magic that lingered just below the surface of our discussions.
I took a moment to feel happy and at ease amidst all the lively chatter around me while feeling thankful for this brief escape from the weighty topics that were on our minds.
Soon after, dessert made its appearance on the table. It consisted of delicious sweet pastries and rich indulgent cakes all presented beautifully by the skilled cooks.
As the delightful treats were placed before us, a warm sense of happiness and contentment spread across the table while making everyone feel good about the moment.
I could feel that it was the perfect time to bring up what I had been thinking about, so I took a moment to clear my throat.
This small action was meant to capture everyone’s attention and gently interrupt the friendly chatter around us. I was getting ready to guide our discussion toward a very important topic that needed to be addressed.
“Good morning everyone! Let me start by giving thanks to everyone for your presence with us today. It absolutely means so much to me.” As I looked around the room, my eyes were especially on Ronan and Dale right now. “The main reason I decided to invite both of you today is because there is something important that I need to talk about. This is a matter that requires our attention and I appreciate your presence as we discuss it.”
The forks that everyone was holding suddenly came to a stop and I could sense the excitement and anticipation building all around me.
My audience leaned closer with their interest clearly growing. I inhaled deeply to make myself calm as I looked at Ronan to see his reaction to what I was about to disclose. Then finally, I revealed an important information that had the ability to change everything for us.
I announced, “Ronan has come to the understanding that Dale is his true mate. This is a special bond that has been given to him by the Moon Goddess herself.”
The reaction to what I just said was so severe that it felt almost like a jolt of electricity in the air. Everyone in the room looked completely surprised, and I could sense the disbelief clearly shown on their faces.
Dale appeared to be overwhelmed, or perhaps, embarrassed by what he had just heard, as his facial color became red.
Meanwhile, Ronan sat completely lost, still unable to move. His eyes flew wide with a look of sheer terror, as if he was not able to absorb what had just unfolded.
“But,” I continued while feeling a mix of emotions swirling around us.
“Ronan is feeling scared-he might even be a little embarrassed-because their connection, this bond that they have, is between two men. He worries that people in society might not understand this relationship or accept it.”
Lilith took a short breath in surprise and I noticed that Ronan’s face became very pale while losing all its color.
“Is that really true, Ronan?” she asked with her voice changing as her playful tone faded away and was replaced by a feeling of amusement.
Ronan hesitated for a moment. He glanced at Dale, then took a deep breath and swallowed hard. “Yes, it’s true,” he finally admitted.
“But honestly, it feels so wrong. I can’t help but think that everyone is going to make fun of me and I…”
“Hold on for a moment,” I said with a strong voice while getting up from where I was sitting. As I stood, my authority as an Alpha King filled the entire room, making everyone pay attention.
“This connection they share is something very special and important. It should be treated with respect and appreciation, not looked down upon or dismissed. I want you to truly understand that I support you fully in this matter. You have every right to seek and find happiness in your life, no matter who that happiness comes from.”
Dale’s eyes sparkled with tears that were close to falling, reflecting the conflict of emotions inside him.
I could swear that he looked amused, but why? I wondered.
“I am not sure if I’m-” he began to say with his voice trailing off as he struggled to find the right words.
“Why would anyone make fun of this?” Raoul said loudly with his voice echoing with strength and determination.
“Do you really think that love is something to laugh at or disparage?”
“I don’t want to be the center of attention or draw too much notice to myself,” Ronan said quietly with his voice trembling with fear.
The weight of his words felt overwhelming, like a sudden loud clap of thunder in a silent room.
“Always keep in mind who you truly are, Ronan,” Bartholomew said, while speaking in a way that combined both strength and kindness.
“You are a Beta, which means you hold an important position within the pack. It is essential for the pack to recognize and trust in your strength and abilities. If you show any signs of weakness or uncertainty, then how can you expect them to have faith in you and follow your lead?”
A laugh suddenly filled the air while breaking the heavy and tense atmosphere that had surrounded us. It was Lilith and her cheerful laughter was so lively that it pierced right through the seriousness of the situation we were all in.
I was filled with confusion and uncertainty as I looked over at her. “Could you please tell me what is so funny?” I asked.
Dale tried to hold back her laughter as a way to help make the situation feel less tense and uncomfortable. She said to me, “You honestly don’t realize what’s happening here, do you?”
“What do you mean by that?” I asked while feeling confused and unsure about what you had just said.
“Take a closer look,” Lilith said encouragingly as she pointed with a puzzled expression at Dale. “You will see that Dale is actually a girl.”
At that moment, everything stopped. I blinked fast while trying to understand what she said. Dale pulled her hair while showing off long shining locks that flowed down her back.
The attractive face I had always thought was masculine suddenly changed into a gorgeous femininity I had missed before….!