We have received an invitation to dine in the pack house with the Queen, and Ricky seems more at ease with the wolves this time. She engages in a complete private telepathic chat with Her Majesty, occasionally smiling at her.
“Is it feasible for me to volunteer with them?” Ricky enquires vocally. “I possess limited experience regarding their concerns, yet I am eager to assist.”
Josie beams at her. “I would be privileged to have you participate. I will not be present at the clinic tomorrow unless necessary; nevertheless, my sister Celina and my aunt Valentina will manage it in my absence. They can demonstrate what need completion, if that is acceptable.
Ricky nods with enthusiasm, appearing keen to commence the task she is alluding to. My heart plummets. Ricky was set to assist with the pack while Melina and I remained ineffectual to the Queen.
“This endeavour could significantly assist your companion,” Josie’s voice permeates my thoughts. “I am assisting her to the same extent that she is assisting me, so do not feel remorse.”
“Is there no action we can undertake?” “I enquire, fervently wishing to be of assistance.” “Melina is a superb chef, and you may place me wherever you wish.” I assure you that I will acquire the necessary skills required of me.
A expression of sorrow envelops her visage as she gazes at me and Melina. She faces Aliana, and they communicate briefly through a mental link when Aliana abruptly leaps up and emits a screech.
Affirmative! She weeps.
Josie chuckles at her exclamation and directs her attention towards me.
Aliana has been on maternity leave for several months but wishes to resume remote work. She requires assistance with the infant. Is Melina interested in serving as Jenna’s babysitter temporarily?”
I elucidate the task to Melina, and she readily acquiesces.
“What actions may I undertake, your Majesty?” “I enquire apprehensively.”
Josie contemplates briefly before smiling victoriously to herself.
“You possess a remarkable talent,” she states softly. “I believe it is time for you to master your talent.” I assert that Ricky requested you to oversee her youngster in your arrangement, and I can conceive of no more effective means for you to safeguard that child than to acquire proficiency in utilising your abilities.
I ingest the accumulation of saliva in my mouth and move restlessly in my seat.
“I have training in the morning and require a sparring partner who does not object to my use of abilities,” she smirks at Andrew, who sulks.
“Silence,” he mutters, while Josie protrudes her tongue at him.
“Will you accompany me for training?” Josie enquires, disregarding Mark’s admonitory glance.
I nod with reluctance, and she offers me a gentle grin.
“You will be alright,” she murmurs.
———
After dinner, I take a shower and prepare to sleep on the floor, retrieving a pillow and blanket. I established a campsite adjacent to the bed, extending the blanket as effectively as possible. I could readily sleep in a different room, but I tell myself that Ricky remains anxious in this space. If she experiences another nightmare, who else will alleviate her distress and provide solace?
My breath catches as Ricky unexpectedly enters the room wearing a nightgown, her legs and feet exposed. She applies no cosmetics, and her brown hair cascades down her shoulders in relaxed curls. Bray rests peacefully in her embrace, and she delicately places him in the centre of the bed. They resemble angels.
I avert my eyes to the ground, convinced that such beauty is unworthy of someone like me.
Ricky abruptly kneels before me, silently retrieving the blanket and pillow from the floor and repositioning them on the bed.
Hello, what is the situation? Jimmy expresses discontent. Are we expected to merely lie on the ground like a carpet?
“I refuse to allow my son to sleep on the ground again,” Ricky murmurs as she retracts the blankets and joins Bray in bed.
I stand motionless as she emits an exasperated sigh.
“What are you awaiting?” Retire to bed before I reconsider!She reacts abruptly.
My legs respond prior to my conscious action, and I extinguish the lights before hastily entering bed with Bray positioned between us. She turns onto her side towards Bray and draws him nearer, resembling a lifeline, while Bray nestles into her chest.
She closes her eyes, her respiration decelerating to a tranquil cadence. I am compelled to gaze at her beauty in slumber, her hair dishevelled and adhering to her face.
“Do not complicate this,” she murmurs, knitting her brows while keeping her eyes closed. “Simply retire for the night.”
My cheeks redden as I gaze at her. Jimmy implores me to kiss her while her eyes are shut, but I decline. Co-sleeping with her and her dog suffices for me.
I shut my eyes and succumb to slumber, reassured by the presence of Ricky and Bray beside me. Regardless of Aldo’s identity, he will not approach them. I will not permit him.
