Aliana’s cheeks flush crimson. “I sincerely apologise for my assumption. How does one express ‘thank you’?” she enquires.
I display the sign, and Aliana replicates my gesture, prompting Melina’s eyes to illuminate with appreciation. Aliana and Josie assist in distributing the crepes, while numerous omegas deliver platters of eggs and potatoes for everyone’s enjoyment.
“You may sit beside me,” Aliana grins as everyone’s plates are filled, gesturing to the chair next to her. “Is he your dog?” she enquires, indicating Bray, who has climbed onto my lap. “He is exquisite, and his eyes are stunning!” she exclaims, waving at Bray, who responds with a playful grin.
Jadi and Melina settle comfortably on the opposite side of the table and begin their meal, with Jadi translating compliments directed at Melina.
I prepare a little pancake for Bray, who eagerly licks the Nutella off, coating his cheeks with the chocolate spread.
The wolves attempt to engage in casual conversation, enquiring about my acquaintance with Tiana and my profession; however, I am disinclined to discuss my life with unfamiliar individuals. Nevertheless, I remain as courteous as possible, offering minimal details to subtly indicate my discomfort with revealing personal information. My tolerance begins to diminish, however, when they question me about Jadi.
“How long have you two been in a relationship?” Aliana enquires, raising her eyes at me. “You make an adorable couple.”
I cast a fleeting glance at Jadi, who appears horrified by her inquiry.
“We are not in a relationship,” I clarify, striving to control my wrath.
“I merely presumed… based on his gaze towards you…” her voice diminishes upon observing the discomfort on Jadi’s countenance.
“No, he is merely a wolf I encountered and cannot seem to dismiss,” I murmur, an uncomfortable silence surrounding us as I consume the remainder of my pancake.
As I place my cutlery down, I sense Jadi’s gaze upon me and reluctantly raise my eyes to admonish him. Upon our gaze meeting, his brown eyes shift to a vivid gold hue, indicating a struggle for dominance within his wolf.
Jadi tightly closes his eyes, averting his gaze to conceal his other self, however I have already sensed the wolf within him… and it harboured anger towards me.
My final recollections of Cain resurface in my mind. Aldo and Cain, my wolf mate who professed he would never harm me, the one who declared his love for me daily… struck me… rejected me… humiliated me… and betrayed me.
Thus, Jadi and his wolf would be indistinguishable. They would also inflict pain onto me.
Suddenly acutely conscious of being surrounded by a pack of wolves as the sole human in the vicinity, I start to collect my plates to depart when Josie’s voice halts me abruptly.
“I wish to accompany you on a walk,” she states with a slight smile. “If that is acceptable to you.”
I am on the verge of politely declining when she stands up, her tone urgent. “I request.”
I gaze at my puppy grasping my leg, his huge eyes sparkling with playfulness. Josie whistles, and the sound of paws indicates the arrival of the exuberant pit bull named Muppet.
“Mother, observe!” Canine! Bray exclaims with enthusiasm, bouncing in place as the dog approaches to investigate him.
A Muppet envelops Bray in a dense coating of saliva while licking his face, prompting Bray to scream with delight.
Josie elucidates, “There is a creche located just down the road.” “I am confident that Bray would appreciate some companionship with other puppies.”
I disapprove of the notion of abandoning Bray in such an unfamiliar location, particularly with wolves present.
“Alternatively, Bray could remain here with Jadi and Melina.” Josie assures, “He will be entirely safe here, I assure you.”
Yet another series of unfulfilled assurances… I murmur to myself.
“Promises hold great significance for me,” Josie states, a little grimace on her lips. “They are substantial, and I do not create them casually.”
I gaze at her in astonishment, contemplating how she discerned my thoughts regarding promises.
“I acknowledge your concerns, Laura.” “I do,” Josie states with a composed demeanour. “However, you are not acquainted with me.” Do not hastily disregard my statements. I merit the same respect that I have accorded to you, do you not agree?”
“What is the source of your knowledge regarding my name?” “I react sharply, aware that Tiana would never relinquish it to another wolf.” Not while I was fleeing from one.
“I will disclose the information if you accompany me on this walk, just the two of us,” she states, while her companion and gamma regard her with apprehension. “I will not be in any peril,” she laughs at their reaction. I am merely taking a walk. Furthermore, I am capable of managing independently for a few hours.
