CHAPTER 24- A walk in the moonlight
HUNTER’S P. O. V.
What the hell am I going to do? I can’t do this. Here I am in my room staring at the ceiling and all I see is that guy with his hands on my mate. I know that he wants her. I can see it in his eyes. Now that he sees a chance he is going to take it. I have to fix this. I can’t do that from here.
As much as it pains me I need to make it to her room. Taking every last ounce of strength I have left I pull myself up. One flight of steps isn’t that far. Leaning against the wall I make my way there one step at a time. I know she probably isn’t back yet. I can be there waiting for her. When I make it to her room I fall straight to the floor. I want nothing more than for her to see me here and take me back. I crawl over to the spot that has become my side of the bed. Once I am in a comfortable enough spot I take a look around the room. It doesn’t really look much different than it did when I left here earlier. Except all the boxes on the bed. I think I kicked one off when I got in.
Exhaustion is taking over. Her scent on the pillows and sheets is comforting me. It pulls me into sleep.
JASMINE’S P. O. V.
Thankfully it looks to the point where I can leave this party. Jay left me a while ago. Stating that he can’t take the setting any longer. He isn’t really a stuffy party kind of a guy. I am surprised he hung on as long as he did. Another that is hanging on for a while is Alpha Christian. When I am excusing myself to my father, he effortlessly glides to my side. “It was a very lovely evening.”
“I hope you are referring to the party.” I point out, knowing full well that he is aware of things between Hunter and I.
“I would never suggest your predicament is lovely.” He gets a serious look. “I would like to ask you if you would accompany me for a short walk before bed.”
I think for a moment. Is this something that I really want to do? “Alright, but I am going barefoot. I am sorry but my feet have taken all of the formal wear that they can.” I replied.
“Shoes are not required.” He gives me a smile and a small chuckle.
I kicked them off and motioned for him to lead the way, at that he put out his arm for me to take. I roll my eyes but take it. He leads us outside, there is a patch of grass around the side of the house. He keeps me there to make sure it is comfortable enough for my bare feet. “What made you suggest a walk?” I ask, I have no idea what small talk to use with this guy anymore. After all, he proposed, it isn’t like we are supposed to be just party guests anymore. We should be getting to know each other to even see if this is a plausible idea.
“I figured we should probably get to know each other. What are your aspirations?”
“That is quite an undertaking. I guess, I never really thought about it. I knew I was going to take over this pack. I have always just wanted to do the best job that I could at it. Keep the peace and make sure that my pack was safe. That is about all I had planned. You know the basics. I just try to be the best I can be at who I am. Sometimes it just doesn’t seem like enough.” I look up at the round moon, like the answers are written there and I just need to see them in the craters. Like if I look hard enough the goddess will spell it all out and leave me with comfort.
“Anyone who asks for too much is being ridiculous. I think you are doing an amazing job. Look at what you have done so far and you haven’t even taken over the pack yet. I for one want the same thing. I only want to align the two packs because I feel that it would increase our strength. Rogues are picking off smaller packs. The bigger the pack the more they leave them alone. Getting you for a chosen mate is an added bonus.” He smiles at his compliment.
“Where is Eli?” I try to avoid recognizing such compliments for now.
“With his nanny. He is too little to be up this late. He is a growing boy you know.”
I smile at his remark. He is a daddy through and through. “He is adorable.”
“Yeah, he is my pride and joy. He could be yours too, you know.”
“That’s rushing things a bit. Not that I would mind. I mean he is a sweet boy. I just can’t rush into a decision like this. I would like to take more than just one night to get to know you and then decide.” I think there might be panic in my voice. I mean he is a nice guy but am I making the right choice.
“I’m sorry. I keep sounding rushed. I am willing to take the time. I am one of those guys who makes choices and then goes after them. Sometimes a bit aggressively.” He gets a little sheepish about it.
“I understand. As long as you give me time to make a choice. For starters, we are having breakfast tomorrow and then I can spend some time with you before you depart tomorrow. With Eli too.”
I think he liked that I included his son in the mix. “I would like that. I better let you get to bed tonight. I could talk your ear off all night.” He chuckles.
“Normally I wouldn’t mind, but tonight I am exhausted. You can imagine.”
“Can I walk you back to your room?” It is only a polite request, nothing lude is on his mind.
“I would hate to have you walk up five flights of stairs when it isn’t necessary.” I point out as he leads us back to the house.
“Oh, that’s nothing. Not a bother at all. Besides, I get to escort the birthday girl. That is a joy in itself.”
“I am starting to think you think too highly of me.” I can’t help the smirk that appears on my lips. I know it is fluff, but sometimes it is nice to hear. After the hell I have been through tonight, as much as I hate to admit it, it is nice to hear the compliments.
“Or maybe you don’t think of yourself highly enough. I see no reason why you shouldn’t be treasured. That mate of yours is a fool to lose you. Not that I want him to realize it.” He smirks.
“What made you choose me?” I can’t believe I didn’t think of it before. He picked me before he even met me. He asked my father well in advance.
“Your father would brag about you. Show pictures even. Claim that you weren’t appreciated by the wolves here in your pack. I took one look at those pictures and knew you were a person that should be appreciated.”
“How long ago was that?” I am a little scared of the answer.
“A year. That is when I first suggested to your father that we join our packs. He was not keen on the idea. I still am not so sure that he is.”
“He likes Hunter. Even now he is trying to fix what can’t be fixed.” I shrug as if it is unavoidable. Maybe it is.
“Regardless of what your father wants, you need to do what is best for you.”
I grow quiet as we climb the last flight of steps. We passed Hunter’s room and I wonder what he is doing. Is he even in there or is he with Allison? I can feel the tears starting to swell. I have lasted this long. I can last long enough to get to the bedroom.
Once we reach the top of those last stairs I turn to him. “Thank you Christian. You are good company. I look forward to having breakfast with you and Eli in the morning.”
He gives me a crooked smile. “I got you to call me Christian.” He takes my hand and gives it a kiss. “Sweet dreams.”
“Good night, Christian.”
He watches as I enter my room. I close the door behind me. Now I am faced with a dark empty room. I lean my back against the door and I lose it. The tears start falling. I held it together this long, I can’t stand it anymore. I look at the bed, which almost looks as if someone is in it. I can’t even bring myself to sleep there tonight. I go to the loveseat and curl up as much as possible. I cry until I can’t anymore and exhaustion takes over and the night is over.