chapter 28

The day begins to slip away into the swallowing darkness of the evening as the suns glow surrenders to its mercy; disappearing beyond the great cities skyline glittered in flickering lights as the night surrounds its dwellers, awkward conversation flowing between us as Elijah’s recently broken engagement remains fresh in my thoughts like an open scar, festering. Uncertainty still flowing in my veins despite my best efforts to push it aside as previously intended.

My mind continues to wonder down a dark path unwillingly while Elijah tries to earn my affection back in an attempt of resolving the distance suddenly creeping in between us. No matter how meaningful his humble words appear and his sweet gestures present themselves, I still feel reserved, wounded almost.

I know it wasn’t intentional, but damn, this hurts no matter how hard I try to persuade myself otherwise.

His focus remains unbudged; glued to me as my eyes wonder away, their attention floating down to the bustling streets below erupting into a sea of movement as I gaze out of the window. The roads becoming busier as the minutes roll by. Blurs of motion driving by while the pavements become as equally crowded, a chaotic flurry of rushing bodies racing the night’s chill.

I watch the eager city-goers heading home or wherever the night may take them as they walk beneath the thin, towering streetlamps which begin to flicker on, brightening their hasty journeys, one by one until they are out of sight. I feel drawn to the commotion unfolding outside while I sit in my ivory tower like a porcelain doll.  

I feel a sense of loss emerge. Reminiscing of my own daily commute back home to the flat I shared with Ash in Crescent City. Fondly remembering the empowering feeling caused by the smallest of freedoms after so many years of confinement in the orphanage, counting down the days until our independency.

I take the last sip of my coffee; grimacing at the cold liquid, suddenly realising how long I’d been lost in thought as I place the mug down on the table in front of us. Without asking he reaches for the cup and rushes away to make me another without uttering a word, disappearing into the kitchen anticipating my every need.

I feel guilty for causing the tense atmosphere hanging between us driven by my wolfs drawn-out turmoil throughout the day. After agreeing to move forward following Elijah’s confession, I felt her mood dampen. She confessed she was struggling to show the same good faith as myself, and I felt it, strong enough to taint my own emotions and project them onto our mate.

In spite of her untamed emotions earlier, she seems to have processed today's revelations and has calmed herself down remarkably as time has passed by.

My chest tightens as I feel myself hopelessly missing Ash and the girls. Yearning for their guidance and wise words. Lillie’s clear judgement and support, her motivating ability to always push me to keep going. Right now, little Fara’s advice might even set my mind straight and clear the fogginess surrounding my brain! Oh, Moon Goddess, I hope they’re all okay.

My body jerks; startled when the kitchen doors swing open simultaneously in the corner of my eye as Elijah makes his way back through with his consistent cheerful smile that he’s worn determinedly all day. He watches me jump and rushes to sit beside me; hesitating at first before deciding to place his arm around me, comfortingly.

His hand rests on my arm. The embrace sends little tingles over my skin and manages to appease my wolfs last drops of unease, effortlessly. His fingers softly gliding across the goosebumps left from his initial touch, as if he were brushing away any lingering concerns.

“Sorry, little wolf I didn’t mean to scare you,” Elijah leans in, whispering gently by my ear causing my heartbeat to rise slightly as his breath rolls across my skin.

“It’s okay,” I barely manage, nearly speechless from his innocent embrace. My temperature begins rising as my pulse continues to quicken.

                   Sorry about earlier Willow, I get a little over-protective sometimes. I probably should have warned you about that I guess….

That would have been nice to know beforehand, girl. Thanks for that.

“Can we go for a walk?” I ask shutting my wolf off. Feeling desperate for some fresh air after the heated moment even if the streets are still pretty hectic. Staying inside this apartment, as big as it is, is starting to drive me crazy, especially after so many months of camping in the Barren Lands.

I turn to face him and can already sense his answer by the stern expression on his face, “Not today, little wolf. We can go for stroll this weekend if you like, though? I just need to get some things arranged first,” he tries to compromise.

I can’t help but pout, “Why not today? What do you need to arrange to go for a walk? I’m fairly sure you just need a pair of shoe’s” I joke.