“You are exceedingly beautiful… and those lips,” he exhales. He inhales deeply, stating, “Let us retrieve Alyssa,” as he rises and pulls me up alongside him. We brush ourselves off, and he readjusts himself before extracting the blades of grass from my hair.
“I wish to avoid any proof of my indecency towards you.” “Except for that,” he remarks, gesturing to my neck with a satisfied smile.
“What?” Did you leave a hickey on me?“I enquire, abruptly experiencing embarrassment.
“I was compelled to, as men have been pursuing you throughout the day,” he asserts candidly. I had to inform them that you are unavailable. You belong to me!He asserts emphatically, prompting me to raise my eyebrows.
“Are you mine?”“I inquire.”
“Certainly!” “He states.” Although I may question my feelings about him claiming ownership over me, his emphatic declaration of ‘definitely’ regarding our connection evokes a sense of exhilaration within me.
The dinner consists of a barbecue, served in the packhouse cafeteria. The cafeteria tables accommodate eight individuals each, thus our table included Cohen, Alyssa, myself, Cohen’s parents, Brandon, Norah, and Gavin. All individuals are harmoniously interacting, and Norah is exceedingly content. One would never suspect she experienced a meltdown 30 minutes prior.
She promptly highlights the hickey, which is particularly humiliating given the presence of Cohen’s parents. Cohen appears unaffected; he simply smiles with pride. He is pleased that everyone is aware of my association with him. Prior to our meal, an announcement was made indicating that Bloodfang Moon triumphed over Lunar Howl Moon by 3 points in the Games. Cohen exhibits immense pride, while Gavin is accepting the defeat with commendable composure.
“What is the strategy, Celine?” When will you relocate to Bloodfang Moon?Brandon inquires. I did not completely comprehend that I would be relocating four hours away, away from all my friends and family. “I am uncertain; we have not discussed it,” I respond.
“At the earliest opportunity,” Cohen responds while caressing my leg. I offer him a faint smile. It constitutes a significant commitment to abruptly depart. Particularly given that I am assuming responsibility for Alyssa’s entire existence and displacing her. Cohen is gazing at me intently, seemingly anticipating a response.
“We shall discuss it post-dinner,” I smile and lean towards him.
“I am aware that I will miss awakening to my little princess each morning,” Brandon remarks with a frown, prompting me to frown as well.
“Gentlemen, it is merely a four-hour drive,” Cohen states.
“I will miss you as well, Celine, along with your culinary and baking skills,” Brandon conveys to me, accompanied by a faint smile. I recognise his attempt to alleviate the atmosphere.
“You are on the verge of increased work-related travel, and you will encounter a partner, ultimately appreciating your independence from cohabiting with your younger sister and niece,” I inform him. He nods with reluctance.
“This aunt will miss you both,” Norah states, beginning to weep.
“Norah, darling, do not complicate matters for her,” Gavin murmurs. Norah typically does not exhibit excessive crying; it is likely attributable to the pregnancy hormones. Alyssa inclines towards Norah and bestows a kiss upon her cheek.
“Is Aunt Norah feeling sorrowful?”Alyssa enquires of Norah. Norah emits a soft laugh and lifts her up.
“I am currently content.” “You have restored my well-being.” Alyssa smiles and bestows another kiss upon her.
“Is Mother distressed?”“She inquires.”
“I am pleased, my dear, observe,” I declare, smiling broadly at her. She approaches me, kisses me, and embraces me. I was maintaining composure effectively. No one perceives my distress, but Alyssa is aware. She perceives extensively. Upon completion, I observe that Alyssa is becoming somewhat irritable.
“Let us escort you home.” We will ensure you are bathed and prepared for bed. You experienced a significant day today, did you not, Miss Alyssa?I coo.
“Would you prefer to come over and spend time together until I put her to bed, or should I simply call or text you when she is asleep so we can devise a plan?”“I enquire of Cohen.”
“He acknowledges that we were meant to return to Bloodfang Moon following dinner.”
“Do not depart,” I scowl, and he grins widely and assents.
“Mother, Father, you may arrange for a vehicle to be delivered to me tomorrow morning,” Cohen directs them. We bid farewell, and Brandon, Cohen, Alyssa, and I proceeded to my residence.
I immediately take Alyssa for a bath while I can hear Brandon and Cohen conversing downstairs. I am pleased that they are harmonizing.
