Jace’s POV
I moved hand in hand with Lillian approaching the pack’s border in silence. After that embrace, I gathered my courage and asked her for a walk, which she reluctantly agreed to. As we walked, we both chose to enjoy our quiet time together.
I looked at her with a smile and then stopped moving as she did the same. I didn’t think much about it because I really wanted to spend some time with her, but outside, it was beginning to get cold.
“Excuse me,” I said and then let go of her hand and took off my jacket.
She frowned deeply but kept quiet.
“Here,” I said in a low tone while I put it around her shoulders.
“It is very late and it is getting chilly,” I whispered.
“Thank you,” she whispered back.
I folded my long sleeves and then linked my hand to hers with a smile.
“I heard that you like it whenever I’m dressed in dark red or blue, how true is that?” I asked when we began to walk.
“Um… back then, whenever you wore such a color, you looked even more handsome than you already were, so yes, I did like it a lot,” she answered, making me chuckle.
“What about now?” I asked softly, then cursed at myself silently for pushing my luck.
“You look a lot more handsome than back then,” she answered as my heart fluttered.
I didn’t know why, but something about the night felt so magical. Not because it was our first time holding hands and talking like this, but because we were both being awfully honest.
“I like it a lot when you are in white. But don’t get me wrong, white isn’t my favorite color; it suits you more than it would suit me. Dark gray and black are my favorite colors, although I don’t wear them as much as I would like,” I said.
“And why is that?” She asked.
“It reminds me of a past I hate. Whenever we decided to go out for a picnic, my late parents and I always wore our favorite color. It was like a family tradition,” I answered honestly.
“I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to remind you of the rogue attack,” she whispered. When she stopped moving, I did the same.
I looked at her, then chuckled softly.
“It’s okay, I’m not upset at all,” I answered, and then kept quiet.
The truth was that I was angry with myself for being so damn weak back then. It was known by every werewolf how rogues were to be avoided at all costs. It was actually something we were taught by our elders as we grew up.
Not only were they at times Alphas, they were very good in combat. They also had envy and a desire to have it all.
As soon as they decided to form a fake pack or group, they invaded other packs for either land, wealth, medical supplies, or she-wolves to breed. Most packs which had allies were avoided, but those that didn’t have, like mine, were attacked once every few years. That’s why the Alpha of a pack had to either be very strong with warriors capable of defending the pack members or have an alliance with another pack.
My parents were peaceful folks who lived secluded from other packs and territories. They had no allies because they refused to attend any Alpha training or meetings. They had decent land and wealth that most packs talked about. To be honest, that’s what led the rogues to attack us in the first place.
My parents fought well and hard, but they still lost their lives in the fight. By the time the rogues retreated, we had lost a lot of lives. Rebuilding was hard, but we made it, and in just a few years, everyone moved on and decided to never speak of the past. If they did remember, then they chose to never openly speak about it.
“I have always wished to receive flowers,” she said, snapping me out of my thoughts.
“Really?” I asked softly and then cleared my throat.
“Yes, and I would like to taste beer because I have heard most pack members praise it,” she answered.
“Be careful, curiosity killed a cat,” I said playfully as she smiled.
“I’m not a cat,” she whispered with a glare.
“To be honest, I would love to see that as well, but first I would like to learn what your tolerance level is. That way, if you are the type to act naughty when you are drunk, you do it in front of me,” I said as she laughed softly.
“You don’t easily get drunk, do you?” She asked.
“No, but I do get drunk,” I answered.
“You are lying,” she said between laughter.
“I’m not lying, it’s just that no one besides Light, Paul, and Harvey has ever seen me drunk. I hate showing anyone my weak side,” I answered honestly as I shifted my gaze away from her eyes.
“The last time I cried and begged in front of someone was with you. No matter how sick I am or scared, I never show it. It’s a trait that became a part of me when I lost my parents. I never wanted anyone to laugh at me for being weak or for having a weak mate. That’s why I worked hard, and when I found out that you were my mate, I chose to hurt you badly. I distanced myself from you. Sadly, no matter what I did, I couldn’t completely let you go. That’s why I couldn’t bring myself to reject you,” I said sadly, then met her eyes.
I was ready to see her angry expression and hear her harsh words.
“I understand,” she whispered, shocking me.
“What?” I asked in disbelief.
“I said, I understand,” she repeated her words.
I instantly moved her hand to my lips and kissed it.
“Don’t misunderstand me, Lilly. I don’t care what kind of wolf you have or what rank you are. If I could turn back the hands of time, I would wholeheartedly treat you right from the very first time we met as mates because I came to realize and accept how much you mean to me. It doesn’t matter to me, and it will never matter what you are, as long as you are by my side and happy. I will pledge myself to you forever,” I said honestly.
“Is that a proposal, Alpha?” She asked as her eyes turned to that of her wolf and then back to normal.
“It’s a promise and a vow. I know it’s hard to believe what I’m saying right now, but I swear today at this very moment. I will treat you right not for what you are but for who you are and that’s my mate. I may not have your affection right now, but I’ll work hard to earn it,” I answered seriously.
She pulled her hand away and then smiled.
“I hate it so much, but my heart does believe you,” she said coldly.
“Thank you and I’m sorry, I am making things hard for you. Maybe we should head back,” I said and then shifted to turn when she grabbed my hand.
“Wait, there is something I have been curious about,” she said when I fully faced her.
“What is that?” I asked with a smile.
She grabbed one of my hands and moved it to her cheek.
“This, since this afternoon,” she whispered as I frowned.
What was she implying? I touched her cheek here and there because I couldn’t help myself. Was she curious all along about that?
Before I could speak to her, Ridge took over and just like that, leaned in and crushed his lips against hers in a demanding and rushed way, which shockingly she seemed to respond to.