She hurried. Beside the bouquet was a dagger. But it wasn’t just a simple dagger. It looked exactly like the one she owned when she was little. Caught by surprise, she held it. How did Axel know about this? Or was it purely coincidence?
But she didn’t show any interest in weapons, did she? She tried not to. So, how…
“Did you like it?”
Sophie was mesmerized. She was astounded. Not only because of the dagger, but also because of Axel’s ability to create a ploy. How did he come up with this? However, he was a very charming man.
He was not one to throw a surprise. Sophie wondered for a second, before she returned her gaze at the dagger in her left hand. She drew it. Fascinated, she held it how she did, a few years ago, while she was still training.
She could not believe this was a coincidence. Axel had to know she used to have one, otherwise, out of all the things he could have given her, he wouldn’t choose a dagger, would he?
“I do…” Sophie responded, before turning around to see the Mastermind behind all of this. “And how did you come up with a dagger as a gift?”
“For protection?” The Alpha put his left hand in his pocket, before he took a step towards his Luna. A small fraction of happiness slipped into his eyes as he started to close the gap. “You’re my Luna, Sophie. I have my enemies. There will be times I won’t be around. You’ll have to learn how to protect yourself.”
“Oh, I’m very capable of doing that.” A smug look appeared on Sophie’s face, before she pointed the dagger at her beloved. “Perhaps you want to try and see.”
Axel raised a brow. “I am not saying you’re weak, nor impotent. But you shouldn’t underestimate the wolves from the other pack, Sophie. It is important for you to have your own weapon.”
She had acknowledged the point. She was surely skilled in hand-to-hand combat, but having a weapon was necessary, too. It may come in handy. Lifting her brows, Sophie nodded her head as an act of accepting his inducement. She put back the dagger on its sheath, before she turned around. Sophie, then, leaned down a bit to place the dagger back on the bed.
After all that, turns out it wasn’t because he knew.
The bouquet of flowers that was reclining on the same spot peeped at her. It was its turn to have her attention, so she picked it up. Smiling, she stood straight and turned to him again. But it wasn’t to ask but to show how these gifts made her happy, this time.
“Thank you, Axel. I did not expect you to––“
“Does this mean we’re okay now?” Axel stopped on his track. They only had a fraction of meters in between, now.
“Please, stop avoiding me, Sophie. I don’t know how else I could please you if you’d still turn me down after this.”
“I never wanted you to please me, Axel.” She let out a warm smile. “I was only waiting for you to apologize and admit your mistakes.”
Apologize…
Axel needed to remember the last time they argued. Did he not apologize? He was so focused on explaining his side, defending himself, that he did not notice. Axel’s lips pursed. Why did he not think about apologizing? He drew a deep breath.
Axel was used to calming a mad woman by giving gifts. Her past-lover, Rebecca, was like that. Whenever she was mad at something, he’d buy her out by giving her something she’d surely like. Which was why he got so fed up easily when Sophie avoided him for days. And when he wanted to do something, he asked Flora for what she’d like.
He realized it was what he needed to work on starting that very day. He was with a different woman this time. They possessed different personalities, likes and dislikes, perceptions, and ways of living.
“Is it too late now to apologize?” Axel’s voice was toned-down. He felt a little shy.
“Do you know what you’re going to apologize for?” Sophie asked back. “I wanted you to reflect, but I guess men are naturally slow.”
Sophie closed the gap, and hugged him. Despite not having what she hoped for, Axel looked penitent. I guess that’s enough for now. The emotion she felt then had already passed, anyway. There would be no point struggling for something that was already gone.
“I’m sorry. I made you worried, didn’t I?” She asked.
“You did.” Axel caressed her back. “So much that I was planning on extending my leave.”
–––
“Edward…” Rebecca softly called her mate’s name.
Her head was on top of his chest. She was cuddling him. Both of them were naked after sharing a pleasurable moment. It was her who initiated it this time, because she was after something. She wanted to ask him a favor, and for him to approve, offering copulation was needed.
Rebecca was sure her intention to seduce the Alpha succeeded, based on how comfortably he breathed. Edward continued to play with her hair while his eyes were closed. He wanted another round, but he wanted to be careful due to his mate’s pregnancy. The times they were to commerce with each other will be limited. Just thinking of restricting himself each time pained him.
“Yes, My Queen?” He opened his eyes to look down at her.
“I want to go back to the Western Kingdom.” Rebecca looked up to meet his gaze. “Would that be possible?”
“Why? Are you not comfortable here, My Queen? Perhaps, are you having trouble being with––“
“I want to give birth to our child to a Kingdom where I come from, Edward.” It was a lie. “If you’re worried about Axel, I’ll do something about it.”
“I’m not worried about anyone but you, Rebecca.” Edward kissed the top of her head. “If that’s what you want, then I think I should communicate with Axel and his Council immediately.”
Rebecca smiled. She always loved how easy he was to manipulate. Now, she could watch him closely.
Her ex-partner, Axel.