~Aurora.
Arne became best friend's with Kelly in the subsequent weeks after our arrival. Though he claimed Audrey was his best friend forever, I knew him and Kelly would go a long way.
I was always grateful for their friendship, and that evening was one of the days I was most grateful for them. After Arne and me left the park, we headed straight for the palace where we ran into Kelly on our way to our room and Arne sought immediately Kelly's company, giving me the change to find my way to Jessie.
I loved my son but most days, I just wanted to forget everything and get lost in my head, to forget who I was and who he wa-
Dammit! Not now brain!
Jessie wasn't in the room the maids said was hers, so I ventured further into the kitchen and found her dishing out instructions. A billion sighs and a puppy eyes later, we made out to the garden.
“Who would believe it's the first time we're seeing eye to eyes in weeks, even though we live in the same compound.” Jessie said as she sat on the stone chair.
“Well, said compound is quite a large one.” I shrugged and chuckled dryly, and sighed when Jessie's eyes wouldn't leave me. “I have been very busy with work. You know, I am doing everything I can to find the right cure to this plague and get out of here as fast as I can.”
“That's how much you hate your birthplace?”
“Ugh, Jessie, this place did me more harm than good and you know it. It is just a reminder of everything I shouldn't do. And have. And be.”
“You do know they are no longer together.”
“You do know I have a child. I am happy. Waxing crescent gave me that, and that is where I should be.”
“Talk to him. Maybe you can finally heal.”
I sputtered, “I talk to him almost every day. About work and there is nothing, okay? I'm fine.”
Except that was a lie.
I wasn't totally fine. Something about the girl with sexy rings on her fingers didn't well with me. And a lot more.
After a little more bit of chat, Jessie decided to round up in the kitchen and I decided to make my way back to my room. I had learned lingering in the gardens at dark hours was not a good idea.
Just as I made my way up the stairs to my room, I saw a tall, domineering shadow standing at the top of the stairs.
It was him. I needed no extra confirmation. Zoey had grown strong enough to notice him from many feet away. But why was he here? With what happened earlier, I was certain either of us didn't want to talk to each other, so what was he doing?
With a shake of my head, I wore a frown and began up the stairs. I needed my rest and even if I didn't, the last thing I wanted was to talk to him, and he needed to know it.
But my frown and hastened steps did nothing to take away what I was feeling. With every step I took, I felt my head pound against my chest. My heart was racing, his scent was too strong or rather, Zoey was greedily inhaling it.
“Good evening, your highness.” I curtsied as I got to the top of the stairs. Cutting him a gaze, I tried to slip through his side by he stood at akimbo, blocking out my exit.
His eyes roved through my face, his eyes darkening before he parted his lips to speak.
“You don't meet with anybody without my permission.”
My brows knitted as I tilted my head to the side, “oh, I'm sorry Daddy, didn't realize a responsible mother of a child can't take care of herself.”
“Well I am still responsible for you. As long as you are here in my pack by my request, under my roof, you need my permission. That this pack is crime free doesn't mean we are totally safe.”
“Reggie isn't just anybody. And no, I don't need your permission to meet with anybody. Reggie or not.”
“Hmm.” He hummed as he nodded, swiping his thumb across his lower lip. “What are you doing, Aurora? What were you trying to prove?”
I shrugged, “I don't know, your highness because I have no idea what you are asking me.”
“Don't play ignorant with me, Aurora. What were you trying to prove? Fucking tell me.”
I ground my teeth against each other, my chest rising and falling from anger. “I'd advise you watch your tone with me, your highness. I did not come here to be spoken to as you like.”
A sigh escaped his lips as his eyes softened. “I do not want to fight with you, Aurora.”
“Good for you.” I rasped and tried to make my way past him again but, he stepped before and, in one step, closed up the space between us.
The air in my lungs got cut out, leaving me breathless. My eyes danced around everything surrounding us except his face. There was no way I was looking up at him with the way Zoey was howling inside of me. But my declaration wasn't given a chance as Ethan grabbed my chin and tilted my face up, leaving me with no other option but to stare into his eyes.
They were still perfect. As perfect as they were when I fell in love with him. When he made love to me. When he touched many edges in me, I didn't think I had. When he threatened to kill my child…our child. Perfect eyes or not, Ethan was still Ethan.
“I have an early morning tomorrow.” I said breathlessly as Ethan grazed my lips.
“Aurora.” He called, and I raised my brows at him, "I am to be engaged a few weeks from now, I am getting married soon.”
I forced my eyes not to give out the reaction that was bustling through me. Shock. In its highest form.
I knew she wasn't just a friend!
Even with my eyes void of the emotions, I felt my heart begin to dip, like my heart was being continuously pricked by several needles.
But of course, what was I thinking? That he was going to be forever single? He was Alpha king Ethan Balor, the king of the pack, and he was responsible for providing them an heir. He was always supposed to be married. Isadora had left him with no child and even if she did, the pack couldn't be without a queen, their Luna.
“Aren't you going to say something?” Ethan asked, his eyes searching my face.
I cleared my throat as I forced a smile on. The smile made my heart hurt more than it was. “It's great news, your highness. I am really happy for you. It is really thrilling that you have found someone who is perfect for you, I am happy, and you should be giddy about this.” I chuckled and gulped as I saw his eyes fixed steadily on me.
“Well,” I began to speak again, “as I said; I am happy for you. While I would like to stay and know more, I would love if I go to bed, it's late, and I have to leave early tomorrow.”
“That can't be all you have to say?” He said in a near whisper.
I chuckled dryly, “what else is there to say?”
He nodded as he dragged his lower lips between his teeth,” Of course, there is nothing else to say.” Stepping to the side, he cleared my path to my room but, I stood, watching him, my eyes fixed steadily on him as his cheeks began to raise.
Fucker was smiling! I bet he was thrilled about his marriage.
“Goodnight, Aurora.” He said and began walking down the stairs, leaving me to watch his sinful retreating figure.