Melina beams with unadulterated delight at the exquisite creature, extending her hand to make contact. It traverses her finger, flapping its wings to display its remarkable patterns.
“She may retain it,” Rowan remarks as he observes Melina interacting with the butterfly. “Provided she does not harm it, it shall remain with her indefinitely.”
I elucidate the gift to Melina, prompting tears of gratitude to well in her eyes. Rowan appears astonished by her response, unable to comprehend the significance of his gift to Melina. However, he could not fathom the myriad adversities Melina has endured throughout her life, nor could he appreciate that his modest act of kindness was an infrequent gesture bestowed upon her by a complete stranger.
Having completed the introductions, I returned the page containing my query to Tiana and fixed her with a hard gaze to convey my urgent need for answers.
She tightens her lips and hesitantly responds. “Please comprehend that divulging details would jeopardise Ricky and Bray. Accept that I intend to address the matter promptly. Meanwhile, I require you to ensure their safety in California. There exists a pack there capable of safeguarding her until I complete my mission.”
Peril?
Jimmy expresses his discontent, stating, “I do not like this at all.”
Tiana articulates, “I recognise this is challenging to comprehend. However, I require Ricky and Braylon on a flight this evening. I have already coordinated with a pack that is prepared to temporarily accommodate her.”
“Who?” I inscribe, seeking to ascertain who would consent to admit a human into their pack. Absent a partner, humans were prohibited from joining a pack.
Rowan responds on her behalf, his chest swelling with pride. “The Ivory Queen.”
.
.
.
Laura’s Perspective
I complete the final X-ray referral to the radiology department prior to my lunch break. The sack lunch provided by Jadi resides in my cubby, and I consider discarding it in favour of cafeteria food. However, I recoil at the thought of today’s meatloaf offering.
Having no other option, I retrieve my lunch and occupy a seat in the breakroom, unwrapping the meticulously packaged sandwich from the bag, accompanied by some diced fruit, cheese, and one of Bray’s apple juices that I secretly like consuming.
I gaze at the beverage, my stomach fluttering with anticipation.
I reprimand myself, asserting that he could not have known that, as I push the drink aside.
Upon seizing the sandwich, I discover a small letter affixed to the wrapping and proceed to unroll it.
I appreciate the sound of your laughter and aspire to perpetually elicit it.
– Z
My lips reflexively curve into a smile, my heart thumping against my rib cage as if yearning to join Jadi. My fingertips graze my lips where he had kissed me this morning.
I remained stationary on the sidewalk for several minutes, akin to a zombie, as I observed him flee. My legs were immobilised, while my stomach performed acrobatics reminiscent of an Olympic gymnastics event. A troubling part of me yearned to pursue him and insist on another kiss, one that would elicit intense pleasure, but the voice of reason ultimately intervened, cautioning me that he represented forbidden fruit, capable of expelling me from my Eden and obliterating my existence if I succumbe
My hands quiver when I grasp the note, as though the burden of its falsehoods is overwhelming.
Aldo never composed notes for you… A faint voice in my mind suggests, as a few tears loom on my cheeks. Perhaps Jadi is sincere…
Aldo appreciated my laughter as well; I deride the foolish sentiments emanating from my heart. What value does that hold?
I fold the note, however my legs remain immobile, reluctant to permit me to rise and dispose of it.
It is merely a note… I reassure myself. He does not intend it. He does not intend it. He does not intend it.
I repeatedly recite the brief chant in my mind, yet the vacuous phrases do not prevent me from placing the note into my pocket.
“I am utterly pathetic,” I murmur aloud.
“No, you are merely a deceiver,” a booming voice emanates from behind me.
I almost topple from my seat upon turning to find Marcellus behind me, grasping my chest to still my rushing heart.
“You startled me!” I retort, narrowing my eyes at his. “Why do you accuse me of lying?”
He approaches my table and occupies the seat opposite me, placing his muscular arms on the table. His black eyes exude menace, yet I suppress the want to flee and maintain a composed demeanour.
“You indicated a lack of interest in a relationship,” he remarks, leaning closer to me. I instinctively recoil in my chair. “Thus, I was taken aback when I arrived at work and observed you holding hands with another man…” His tone becomes monotonous and devoid of emotion. “And to conclude that brief romantic stroll, he kisses you,” he continues, extending his fingers to lightly touch my lips.
