Harley’s POV
“Please go in,” one of the ladies who had helped me dress up said with a smile on her face, then gave me a low bow.
“Thank you,” I answered softly and then slowly walked in.
The first thing I noticed was how big the dining hall was. A large dark brown table was set in the center, with fancy chairs around it. On the table were different types of food: bread, chapati, scones, pancakes, as well as fresh fruits and boiled eggs. Some fruits and vegetables were cut, and next to them was a teapot and a glass jar of juice that looked like a very expensive antique.
My mouth instantly watered at the amazing aroma I was picking up from afar, and I could also hear my stomach growl.
“Morning,” Sky’s voice came from behind.
I turned and faced him nervously.
He looked very good and seemed rather calm.
“Hey,” I whispered and then raised my hand to wave.
When I dropped it, I cleared my throat. Now that I was looking at him again, it was a wonder how I was okay with him looking identical to Glen.
“You look wonderful,” he said once he was in front of me.
I looked at myself and then back at him shyly.
I was wearing a simple dress that was so pretty and very comfortable. I loved that it was flared and that it had a unique flower pattern on it. My hair was brushed and tied into a neat ponytail, and the slippers I was wearing were comfy and fluffy.
I liked them a lot.
“You look good as well,” I answered and then tucked my hair behind my ear.
“Only good?” he asked with a raised brow.
“Um… Well … You look…” I hesitated to say “handsome” because I didn’t want to sound as if I was flirting or hitting on him.
“Son, stop bothering your mate,” a kind voice said.
“Way to ruin a confession, Dad,” Sky said in a displeased tone and then took my hand in his as tingles spread throughout my body.
He stood beside me and faced the entrance.
An elderly, good-looking man walked in with a smile on his face. He had a striking resemblance to Sky, and anyone could tell who he was even without him saying a word. They both had an amazing build and the same hair color; the only difference was the eye color and his hair, which was longer than Sky’s.
His eyes were on me as if questioning who I was.
“Father, this gorgeous woman beside me is called Harley. Harley, this old ladies’ man is my father,” he introduced us, making me chuckle.
What kind of introduction was that? It was playful yet sounded like the truth because of how he looked. He definitely was a ladies’ man because he was very handsome! If he wasn’t, then were the ladies blind?
“Hi, Harley, I am Clyde,” he said as he extended his hand to me.
“It’s a pleasure meeting you, sir,” I answered and then shook his hand.
“You see, when my son said I was a ladies’ man, he was referring to my past, so don’t be uncomfortable around me. I am not only old but also way past the dating age, as most teenagers call it these days,” he said and then dropped his hand.
“Thank you, sir,” I answered and then frowned when he kept looking at me in silence for a few seconds.
“Father,” Sky called calmly.
“I thought you exaggerated a little when you said she was very beautiful. But now I can see that you were absolutely right,” he said with a smirk.
I looked at Sky in surprise.
Did he say that to his father? But… why lie?
“Don’t mind the old man,” he said and then walked with me to the table.
“Also, I didn’t lie; you are very beautiful,” he whispered, making me gasp.
“Did I say that out loud?” I asked in shock.
When he let go of my hand and pulled out a chair for me, I smiled widely and thanked him while sitting down.
“Don’t mention it; it’s really my pleasure to have you dine with us. Also, I think I said this before; if not, then it’s my bad. Your emotions are written on your face, so it’s easy to guess what you are thinking,” he answered, and then took the seat next to me while his father took the one opposite us.
I looked at the food and then swallowed hard.
When were they going to start eating? I was dying to sink my teeth into any food or fruit that was on the table. Were they waiting for me to serve them?
That thought made me quickly stand up. I was about to reach out for the teapot when Sky held my hand and shook his head.
“Please sit down; you don’t have to serve us. As our guest, we are the ones who are supposed to do that,” he said softly.
I wanted to resist but ended up doing exactly what he had said.
I didn’t want to be seen as someone taking advantage of his kindness.
When two ladies I had never seen before entered the dining hall, Sky linked his hand with mine.
They quickly gave us a bow and began serving us without a word.
“You know, I can do that too,” I whispered, hoping Sky could hear my words.
He laughed softly and then shook his head.
When the ladies moved closer to where I was, their gaze was fixed on my hand, which was linked to Sky’s. I quickly pulled it back with a rapidly beating heart.
What was I doing with a stranger? I knew nothing about him, yet I was comfortable enough to let him take my hand! He could not only lie to me but could also be married or even be dating someone from this place. Holding hands would only tarnish his name, reputation, or cause unnecessary fights and arguments between them.
His expression turned so cold for a split second that I felt a little scared.
When he stood up and cleared his throat, the ladies instantly took a few steps back and lowered their gazes to the floor.
“I’m sure I announced this yesterday to everyone, and I was loud and clear when I said this beautiful lady beside me is my mate, Harley,” he said seriously.
The ladies looked at me with pale faces. They looked like they were terrified for their lives.
“We apologize, Luna,” they said together and then bowed as I frowned.
Luna? What was that? Did they give me a nickname?
“Now leave,” he ordered.
“Yes, Alpha,” they answered together and then quickly walked out.
“Alpha? Like the ultimate male?” I asked jokingly, expecting him to laugh or smile.
When he sighed heavily, I glanced at Clyde, who had a serious expression on his face.
“Alpha, as in a leader and protector of a werewolf pack,” he answered seriously.
I kept quiet and then laughed.
“You got me; I admit you got me there. You read fantasy books, don’t you?” I asked.
“Not quite. The only time I read seriously is when it’s a pack file or it’s important,” he answered seriously.
“I don’t understand,” I whispered.
Why was he sounding very serious when it was obviously a joke?
“Mm, let me ask you this question: Do you understand what a mate or bond is?” he asked.
Of course, I did; I was no fool.
“Yes, I do. A mate is more like a friend or a colleague, and a bond is something special that is formed between lovers, partners, or family,” I answered confidently.
“It seems it’s going to take some time. I suggest you shift and let her see,” Clyde said calmly.
What was he talking about?
“It seems you are right; this will take time to explain. So how about I show you something?” he said softly and then smiled.
“Okay,” I answered simply.