Chapter 11 – She Is Enthralling Woman
REESE’S POV
The table was set in the small room with few dishes on. We settled on the chairs where Azrael sat beside me while Haley and Eliseo sat across us. Haley served the dishes. The smell of Miso Honey Roast Lamb was sweet and I could feel myself getting hungry.
“I hope you don’t mind salad”
“It’s totally fine” I smiled at Haley.
“Try this lamb dish, I hope you will like my husband’s recipe” she served the piece of lamb on my plate. Azrael already started to eat, I guess he couldn’t wait.
I nodded and it was a small piece. The roasted lamb was perfectly mixed with all sweet, salty and creamy flavors. The little spice up flavor at the end which gave the dish perfect finishing. I never thought the first thing I will have from his father is the great tasty lamb dish.
“It’s really good,” I said, smiling.
“I am glad you like it, ” Eliseo nodded. He seemed muscular and a tough type but his words are warmer than his physical appearance.
The dinner went well with small chatting and eating a good meal. They didn’t ask about me at all. They talked about their daily routine and how Eliseo runs around collecting ingredients trying to learn new recipes. After the dinner I was offered wine which I gladly accepted. Eliseo and Azrael were making a bonfire in the yard while Haley and I sat on the balcony.
“This place is peaceful” I said gazing at the bonfire.
“Yes” Haley nodded “after such a long journey of life, I finally had the life I wanted to live. Away from all those pack problems, engaging in fight and worrying what will happen next”
I glanced at her “you seemed to be so happy”
Haley smiled “of course, I have always dreamt of this small and simple life. To be happy with what I have. And I know I am living it”
I admired her. She is free and open minded. Her warm character is something no one could resist. Azrael said it correctly, I couldn’t resist them even if I want to.
“Reese”
“Yes?” I turned to look at her.
“You seemed to be distant from John. Has anything happened between you two?”
I was speechless, I have no words to reply. Whatever happened between us is something I could never forgive myself. How can I say this to her?
“Azrael…. he….” I paused, I know what I am going to say will hurt everyone but I have no other choice. “He kidnapped me, he is forcing me to stay with him”
She gasped “he really?” Then she shakes her head slightly “do you want to leave him again Reese?”
I was flabbergasted again. I was least expecting her to ask this question. She knows everything and of course hurting her son will hurt her too.
“I…”Content protected by Nôv/el(D)rama.Org.
“Reese, before you make any kind of decision let me tell you something” she sipped her wine. “I know you had a lover for whom you rejected my son. If we were ordinary people, it wouldn’t be that hurtful. But we werewolves have another rule. When a mate rejects it will be the most disastrous feeling, you and I know it clearly. You are a smart girl, you know what I am trying to say. I have seen my son mentally wounded. He had gone through an upsetting period. I don’t want him to feel the same thing again. Watching him void of emotions, lacking energy and glued in the past was not something as a mother I want see”
“I understand, ” I said while my gaze continued towards Azrael. I have hurt him so much, how am I going to heal it with my current status?
“Why do you want to leave him?” Haley demanded. I can feel her gaze with confusion. I dragged my gaze from my mate to her.
I could hardly nod my head “Because I am ruined” emotional sentiments hit me so hard that I couldn’t hold back my tears. “I know I hurt him, not only him but you and all those who were closely related to him. Alpha Cassius doesn’t like me. I know he doesn’t want me to stay in the pack, but I can’t leave because Azrael doesn’t want it. He even forced me to swear to Moon Goddess not to leave the pack. He was aware I would plan for the run” I let out a nervous chuckle “and yet I couldn’t help but get angry, on myself, on the deeds I had done in the past. For leaving him, hurting him, rejecting him. I did everything without thinking the consequences, I went on and on only for the selfish heart I bore in my chest-”
“Oh dear….” She held my hand when I sobbed. I was trying to be strong, holding back all the emotions showing the rage of facade, trying to deceive not only him but myself too. My chest was filling up with regrets, almost breaking the every courage I have to hold.
“I am sorry” I sobbed “my past deeds are too severe to think of a beautiful future with him. Whatever I have already ruined, I have nothing purity left in me to offer him. I don’t deserve to be with him, this body of mine is too dirty to give him, everything is just-”
“Shhh… don’t talk anymore” Haley stopped me. “Don’t think so low dear. Everyone is selfish, no one is free from it. Take John as an example, he is selfish to keep you by his side, I am selfish to see him happy, and you are selfish because you think your past deeds will affect your present. But have you ever asked yourself where from this ‘selfish’ came from?”
I looked at her with a blurry vision “what?”
She gave a small smile “to be honest, it’s only in mind. We think it is selfish that’s why it’s named like that. Tell me if you leave again forcefully, from your point you will feel you are saving him, but will he think the same? Will he understand your reason for leaving when his mindset is totally differ from yours? You want to save him from the hurt, but you will add new wound which may destroy him completely this time”
I gasped “no….” I shook my head.
“You like him, I can see it clearly. Why you are pushing yourself further from him. Moon Goddess wants you two to tie the knot. If not you two would have gone your separate ways. John wouldn’t have waited after the cruel rejection and found another woman for himself. But he didn’t, he stayed single all the whole. May be in heart he know he will find you again. And see his believes come true, and here you are sitting next to me, with all those teary eyes” she chuckled.
“Everyone has their past as a lesson but we couldn’t drag it into our present. Past was happened to learn and the present is where we live while the future is what we will create again. Whatever happened was for a reason, you two met it’s also for a reason, remember this. Both of your fate has already been decided, neither of you has the power to change it. You should just follow the lead of life, that’s all you could do” she glanced up “I have seen my son, he is happy because you are here. Do you think he is not aware of your condition?”
I sighed. She is right, even if I try hard I couldn’t change my past. Azrael knows it well, still he wants me as his mate. I have given up on him once, hurting him in the worst way possible. Since I got this chance to heal his sound, I should take this chance. My leaving will hurt him more, that way neither I nor he could be happy. I gritted my teeth. If this is what my fate decides then fine, I will take the lead. Fuck other things.
“I was impulsive” I say, “please forgive my impetuous act. I know my apology wouldn’t heal the sound I caused but I want to try at least”
Haley smiled “what I want is my son to be happy. He is happy with you Reese, and please don’t hurt him again”
“I understand, ” I nodded.
“Thank you” she smiled. We both looked at each other with a smile.
“What are you two doing?” We looked at the sound only to find Azrael looking at us with an uncanny face.
“Not everything should be told” Haley answered him. I chuckled at her words and wiped my eyes.
“What?” Azrael frowned.
“What? Do you need to butt in everything we say John, give us ladies some privacy” his mom rolled her eyes.
“She is my mate’s mom,” he argued.
“But she is a girl” this time Azrael rolled his eyes and groaned.
“Whatever” he focused his gaze on me “come with me”
“Where?” I asked as I got up.
“Do you always need to ask your question?”
“Fine, I won’t ask,” I said as I walked towards him. He held my hand and led me out of the balcony.
“Have fun,” Haley yelled behind us. I couldn’t help but chuckle. She is such an enthralling woman. I have hearts for her.