ROWAN
By the time six comes around, I am already awake and dressed.
I had taken extra care in selecting my clothes, and even Rina helped.
I really do want to make a good impression on his pack, because if things go the way we want, or at least the way I think it is going, I will become the Luna of his pack.
As I turn towards the door, I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror, I see a wide eyed, a little anxious but confident woman string back.
My hair is neatly styled in a sleek, low bun, with a few loose strands framing my face which goes well with the elegant but understated outfit I have chosen to wear for the dinner.
I am dressed in a tailored green blouse that goes well with my eyes and which also has a delicate lace detailing along the neckline and cuffs. The fabric is crisp and smooth, gracefully draping over my shoulders and matched with a pair of dark gray tailored trousers that fit me perfectly and just end above my shoes.
Speaking of shoes, I decided to go for a pair of high heels, with an open toe instead of the black pumps that have a subtle heel. The leather is soft and supple, and the simple design adds a touch of elegance to my overall appearance.
Around my neck, is a delicate silver chain with a small, shimmering opal pendant, and I pair it with simple diamond stud earrings that glitter in my ears, while a classic watch graces my wrist.
I had done my makeup in a natural and understated manner, focusing on highlighting my features rather than making a bold statement. A light dusting of powder, a swipe of mascara, and a gentle blush on my cheeks complete my look.
I give my reflection a satisfied nod.
Even Rina won’t be able to find anything wrong with my look.
I glance at the clock on the wall- it is still quite a while before dinner, so I decide to go for a stroll.
There is nothing wrong with that, right?
I move out of the room and down the stairs, with absolutely no one coming around to stop me.
Admittedly, I do miss a few turns but all that pays off when I find myself in front of a pair of beautiful glass french doors that lead to the back of the house.
As I step out onto the lawn, I can smell the natural air of grass and blooms and the well manicured grass only calls me out into it.
I carefully remove my heels, holding them in my hands before walking onto the lawn. I can feel the soft, gentle grass beneath my feet, cooling me down even as the sun shines brightly and casts a warm glow on the green blades.
I take a deep breath, inhaling the sweet fragrance of blooming flowers.
One of the very -very, very, very- few things I had missed in the Obsidian pack, was how green and full of life it was.
The earth, I mean, not the people.
There were trees and lawns and while they are most certainly not as breathtaking as this place, it was still beautiful.
As I continue my walk along the winding path, I come across many small packers of gardens, each theme different from the other. There are gardens full of just red roses, yellow daisies, and purple petunias, all of them swaying gracefully in the breeze and I can’t help but reach out to run my fingers over their delicate petals, savoring their softness.
A sound startles me and I look over to see a bird flapping its wings as it takes flight away from the water basin that is set in the middle of a tranquil pond. There are water lilies floating on the surface, resembling tiny stars with their white blooms, and a school of fish gliding softly in the water, with a few of them breaking the water’s surface, as it jumps out, their scales shimmering in the sunlight.
And right on the other side is Lisa, sitting by the pond’s edge looking all dour.
“Lisa,” I call out as I walk over to her. “What are you doing out here?”
“I could ask you the same.”
She is dressed in a burgundy, long flowing gown, with silver accents by its neckline and wrist, that hugs her body from the top, only cinching off at the waist and falling into a flowing skirt.
She looks… unusually feminine.
“Came out for a stroll before dinner” I answer as I take my seat. “Now your turn.”
She sighs as she continues to gaze into the pond, her fingers creating a mini tornado in it.
“I wanted some fresh air… away from Rina and her nosiness.”
“I see. Is this because of Andre?”
Her head whips up so fast, that I worry she might actually snap her neck.
“Andre? What about him?”
“Do you know him? Have you met him before? Do I need to kill someone?”
She chuckles at my words, a little wane smile crossing her lips.
“No, don’t kill anyone and no, I haven’t met him before.”
“So, what is the issue?”
“The issue is… I think he is my mate.”
Oh.
“You… think?” I ask, tentatively.
“No, I mean… my wolf says he is…”
“And you… what do you feel?”
“The same. I think… no, he is definitely my mate.”
“Okay… that is good news, right? You all have been going on and on about how wonderful it is that I had found my mate and do you know how many people would love to have their mate…” so, why am I not getting the same vibe from you? Don’t you like him?”
“I don’t know him well enough to like him.”
Hmm, that sounds familiar and I give her a smug look.
“What?! It is different. You didn’t even give him a chance before you pushed him away!”
“And you will?”
“What?”
“You will give yourself a chance to get to know him, right?”
“I-”
“Does he even know? That you are mates?”
“I think he realized it by the stairs.”
“Oh… I see.”
That weird look was starting to make sense now.
“Did you guys talk?”
“No. There were people around us and I wasn’t even sure what to say. I mean… what if he doesn’t want to be with a rogue?”
“That would be a little hypocritical of him, wouldn’t it? I mean, his alpha is trying to bring the wolves into a new light, he rejecting you because of that fact wouldn’t tell well on him and even if he did, then he is not the one for you,” I retort, a little annoyed by the very idea.
“Rowan-”
“All this is a little early, don’t you think? You two are going to have to each other and until then, there is no point beating yourself over what might or might not happen.”
“Mm, you are right. I should-”
“Ladies! There you are. I have been looking everywhere for you.”
We both look over to see Viktor walking towards us. Once he reaches us, he leans down to give me a small peck.
“Hi,” he whispers as he looks deep into my eyes.
“Hi,” I whisper in turn.
He leans back to take a look at me.
“You look good,” he compliments.
“Thank you, you don’t look so bad yourself.”
“High praise coming from you,” he responds.
“Hey!”
He chuckles at me while Lisa also joins in.
“So, what are you two doing here?” He asks.
“Enjoying the view,” I reply with an aggrieved pity, still annoyed by the comment. “I didn’t think you had such a green thumb. This place is beautiful.”
“Hm, it is. And no, it wasn’t me, it was my mum’s. She loved flowers. I just …take care of it now, in her memory.”
Right.
I forgot he is the only one from his family now.
“Well, you are doing a very good job,” I tell him. “Well done.”
“Thank you,” he replies with a smile. “So, shall we head in?”
“Now?” I ask as both I and Lisa get to our feet.
“Yeah. Dinner is ready, and everyone is going out of their mind to know who you are and what is going on.”
Right
About that…