The Embrace

AYSU

For many minutes, their embrace became a portal that opened many emotions which were silently shared between the two who were yet to acknowledge that their ability to stay away from the truth of their bond was dwindling in a way they could no longer control.

Aysu, who was yet to enclose the man’s broad back, closed her eyes to relish the comfort the hug brought and she didn’t open them until Ximun cleared his throat and stepped away.

Then, she came to her so-called senses and while rubbing her right arm, she asked, “What was that for?”

“I had to do it,” was his response while he trained his sight somewhere else. “I wanted to check if you were okay.”

“ Why wouldn’t I be?” She tried to be macho about the situation even though her heart was dancing in a way that reminded her of the day she met her first mate. “I am doing fine.”

“That is good to know.” He looked at the ground and it started to seem he was intentionally avoiding looking into her eyes. “I guess you were able to reach your father. The phone must be working fine.”

“Actually, the phone wasn’t able to call my father. No matter how many times I try, his number remains unreachable.”

“Really?” Now, he looked at her and the moment he did, her heart flipped and she almost melted. “How so?”

“I don’t know,” she shrugged while Alora pointed out that that moment was their lengthiest discussion yet. “It just didn’t go through.”

Ximun adjusted his stance “How did you get your father to send that man then?”

“Andrew helped with sending a letter.”

Something changed in his face. He seemed more relaxed. “You’ve met Andrew.”

Aysu nodded. “He said you have been friends for a while.”

Ximun, as though shy, ran his fingers through his hair. “He is my only friend.”

“That’s good to know,” replied Aysu who turned her focus to his hair.

He noticed the attention she was giving him, so with another brief touch of his hair, he asked, “Is there something in my hair?”

“No. I’m just wondering if it is a natural colour.”

“Yes.” His nod was curt. “I was born with this.”

“I see.”

Ximun then exhaled hard and said, “Alright then, I know you probably hate that I am here. I am sorry for the sudden hug.”

“You shouldn’t have hugged me. If I didn’t hold back, I could have slapped you,” replied Aysu. And her reply made Alora cackle where she was.

“That would have been nasty. Thank you for not slapping me.”

Aysu maintained a prideful stance. “You are welcome.”

Then, Alpha Ximun backed up his steps and walked out. “I will leave you to rest. Let me know if you need anything.”

“Yeah, whatever,” Aysu gave a nonchalant response to mask the desire to ask him to hug her again. Or better still, hug her.

Soon, she closed the door and she could no longer see his fine face. That made her groan as though in pain and for those few seconds, her back remained glued to the door and she listened with focus, trying to determine whether he was also staying back to listen to her.

But his leaving footsteps were all she heard and that urged her to walk into the bathroom and prepare for a good night’s rest.

Ω

A week later, Aysu was yet to heal from the turmoil Ximun’s embrace brought to her soul. So, that particular day, she chose to take a walk behind the palace.

With Gideon by her side, she took slow strides while admiring the scenery of the greenness that surrounded them. The last time they walked there, Alora had imagined running within and beyond that area and that made Aysu wonder if Alora had plans to come out of one of those days.

She was hoping for a response from her wolf, but all she got was silence. So, she shifted that thought aside and continued to enjoy the view.

“You have maternity lessons starting next week,” Gideon reminded her.

“I don’t care. Inform me about that when it’s time.”

“It is best you know right now.”

“Okay.” Aysu rolled her eyes. “Whatever you say.”

“You do know you have to take these things seriously, right? After all, you are carrying the heir to the throne.”

“The pup might not end up being the heir. What if the goddess doesn’t choose him?”

Gideon quickly covered her mouth. Eyes enlarged, he glared and asked, “Are you trying to curse your child, Miss Aysu?”

She punched his hand away. “Of course not. I am not a terrible person nor will I be a terrible mother. But it doesn’t hurt to be realistic. Sometimes, things don’t go the way we highly expect. So, it is good to entertain that truth as early as possible.”

“Your mind is weirdly wise,” grumbled Gideon.

“Thank you.” She smiled to ease his concern and he returned that expression to her delight. “How was my father before you left?”

“He was well. He seemed more at ease. I think he can tell that the curse isn’t bothering you anymore.”

“I miss him,” Aysu confessed. “A lot.”

Gideon hugged her to his side. “I am sure he misses you too. I felt the same way after you left. The house, as big as it was, became somewhat filled with void after you left.”

“That is assuring. I always thought I was a burden to everyone.”

Gideon looked down at her, his bouncy hair dancing with glee. “Why would you think that?” he asked with huge concern in his voice. “To everyone in that house, you are someone we are always meant to protect with all we have. It was bad enough that people outside hurt you with their ignorance and stupidity but that was enough reason to make sure that your home was indeed your home. And-” His forehead wrinkled. “Are you crying?”

Aysu, whose lips were scrunched into a line of ugly crying, shook her head and wiped off the water in her eyes. “ I am not. A fly flew into my eye and-”

“Are you Miss Aysu?” a foreign voice asked from behind and halted their steps.

The duo turned and faced the owner of the voice who was a fairly young woman who was for some reason, shirtless. Yes, her full breasts were exposed in a way that made Aysu curious.

But Aysu pushed aside the growing curiosity and asked, “Who are you?”

The lady took a brief step forward. “The Alpha King sent me.”

“Ximun?”

“No. The Alpha King from the Tarmish Pack.”