Pandora’s POV
The sun streamed through the windows, casting a warm glow in my room as I tossed a few more outfits into my suitcase. I was excited for the getaway trip with Rolan, but nerves fluttered in my stomach.
We had never spent so much time alone since becoming mates, and the thought of two whole weeks together felt both thrilling and intimidating.
“Do you need any more shoes?” Kiara asked, rummaging through my closet. Her perfectly cheerful demeanor lightened the atmosphere, and I couldn’t help but smile at her enthusiasm.
“No, I think I have enough,” I replied, trying to keep my voice steady as I folded a sundress. “But thank you for helping. I don’t know what I’d do without you two.”
Ashley was perched on the edge of my bed, lazily tossing my clothes into the suitcase with a hint of mischief.
“You’re lucky we came down to help, Pandora. Otherwise, you’d still be standing here, worrying yourself into a tizzy,” she teased, her playful tone easing some of my tension.
“I wouldn’t be that bad!” I shot back, but the truth was, my thoughts were racing. The idea of being alone with Rolan for so long was overwhelming. “It’s just… I’m nervous. What if we don’t know what to say to each other?”
“Stop it,” Kiara said, her eyes narrowing playfully. “You’re married to him! You’ve shared your lives and your dreams. Just remember to breathe, and the conversation will flow.”
I bit my lip, a hesitant smile creeping onto my face. “I know, but we haven’t had much time together. It’s always about the pack or the council or the kingdom. What if we just sit there, staring at each other?”
Ashley chuckled, shaking her head. “You two are in love. You won’t just sit in awkward silence. You’ll talk, laugh, and maybe even argue about who gets the last slice of cake!”
“Cake?” Kiara perked up. “Now that’s an important topic! Make sure to bring some snacks for the trip. We can’t have our Alpha and his Luna starving on the road.”
“Okay, okay,” I said, trying to focus. “I’ll pack some snacks.”
Kiara grinned as she reached for a cute lingerie set hanging in the corner of my closet. “And you should take this!”
I turned crimson. “What? No way! I wouldn’t even know what to do with it!”
“Exactly! So let Rolan figure it out,” she shot back, laughing. “Trust me, it’ll make the trip even more memorable. Wilson is a beast now, he is so energetic nowadays that I have to beg for mercy”
“Eww!” Ashley chimed in, pretending to gag. “You’re talking about my brother like he’s some sort of… of…”
“Stud?” Kiara finished for her, laughing as Ashley rolled her eyes.
“Can we not?” Ashley groaned, but her lightheartedness was infectious. I couldn’t help but join in their laughter.
I shifted uncomfortably as I remembered my own relationship with Rolan. We had grown so close, but lately, it felt like we were slipping into a routine rather than exploring the depths of our connection.
“What if I’m not ready for all of that?” I admitted, the unease creeping back in. “What if being so far away from home makes me realize I’m not ready to leave?”
Ashley leaned forward, her expression serious. “Your fears are valid, Pandora. But you need this time away to appreciate home better. It’s okay to feel anxious about it. Just remember, Rolan loves you, and this trip is as much for him as it is for you. You deserve it.”
I took a deep breath, trying to quell the turmoil in my mind. “You’re right. I need to embrace this and whatever it brings.”
Kiara clapped her hands, a wide grin on her face. “Exactly! Just think of it as an adventure. You’ll explore new places, create new memories, and who knows? Maybe Rolan will surprise you with something special.”
The idea of surprises lit a spark of excitement in me. “You really think so?”
“Absolutely,” Kiara said, her enthusiasm infectious. “You two have a strong bond. Spending time together will only strengthen it.”
I closed my suitcase, a sense of determination washing over me. “Okay, I’m going to enjoy this trip, no matter what.”
“And make sure you check in with us!” Ashley smiled, nudging my shoulder. “We’ll want to hear all about your romantic getaway.”
As we finished packing, a sense of gratitude filled me. I was lucky to have friends who cared about me so deeply. “Thank you both for helping me,” I said earnestly. “I couldn’t have done this without you.”
“We’re always here for you, girl,” Kiara said, her smile warm. “Now, let’s get you ready for paradise!”
The car ride to our destination was filled with laughter and anticipation. Rolan was driving, his eyes focused on the road while I sat beside him, stealing glances at him every so often. He looked so handsome, so determined, and I felt a rush of affection for him.
“Are you excited?” he asked, turning to me with a smile that made my heart flutter.
“Very,” I replied, trying to mask my lingering nerves. “But I’ll admit, I’m a bit scared too.”
Rolan reached over, taking my hand in his, and I felt an overwhelming sense of comfort in his grip. “I know it’s a big change, but we’ll face it together. You can always talk to me about what you’re feeling.”
I nodded, squeezing his hand back. “I know. I just… want to make the most of this time together.”
He chuckled softly. “Believe me, I have every intention of making this a trip to remember.”
As we continued our journey, the landscape outside the window shifted from the familiar trees of our territory to the expansive beauty of the countryside. The sun was setting, casting a golden hue over everything, and I felt a sense of serenity settle in my heart.
With Rolan by my side, I knew I could embrace the unknown. Whatever lay ahead, we would tackle it together, and perhaps, this trip would be the start of something beautiful.
I was ready to discover paradise, not just in the places we would visit, but in the love we would continue to build.