A heavy silence hung in the air and settled heavily in my heart as I broke down. Sensing my vulnerability, Jordan stood up from his seat, grabbed a napkin, and gently pulled me up. With tender care, he wiped away my tears and enfolded my head in the safety of his broad chest.
Cupping my chin, he lifted my face to meet his compassionate gaze. His touch weakened my knees, and I felt a rush of emotions as his lips descended slowly upon mine. Each slow kiss sent shivers down my spine, and his free hand held my waist firmly, providing a comforting anchor in the chaos of my emotions.
The sensation of his touch overwhelmed me, and a soothing calmness began to wash over me, offering respite from the turmoil within. Guiding me back to my chair, Jordan sat down beside me, his eyes filled with concern.
"We will talk about everything on Sunday night," he whispered softly. As it was currently Friday, I understood that we would not discuss our concerns this evening due to the festival. However, I couldn't help but wonder why we couldn't talk on Saturday night as well.
"Alright," I murmured, my face lowered in submission to the heaviness of the situation.
Raising my gaze, I found Jordan holding a silver fork adorned with a luscious piece of smoked salmon close to my mouth.
"Jordan, I…I…"
Uncertain of my appetite, I began to protest, but he insisted, moving the fork even closer.
"Try," Jordan murmured. Unable to form the words, I had no choice but to relent and take a bite.
Silence enveloped the dining room, broken only by the subtle clinking sound of Jordan's cutlery as he alternately fed me and himself, each action filled with love and care.
As soon as he dropped his fork, he swiftly grabbed a clean napkin and delicately dabbed at his lips. Observing his actions, I followed suit while his intense gaze remained fixed on me.
Suddenly, a flat golden phone adorned with sparkling diamonds illuminated on the table. Simultaneously, I noticed Jordan's smartwatch emanating a vibrant red light. He stared at his watch momentarily before raising his wrist to his ear, prompting Kayla's voice to boom forth from the phone resting on the table.
"Your Grace," Kayla's voice reverberated with the utmost respect. Jordan continued his task of wiping his lips. After a few seconds, he nonchalantly discarded the napkin he held and responded.
"Kayla."
"Good Evening, Your Grace," Kayla's voice resonated once more, this time filled with sincere deference. It was difficult for me to comprehend that I was hearing the same Kayla who normally interacted with people, including all the members of White Fangs Pack, without a trace of respect.
"How are you doing?" Jordan inquired.
"I'm doing well, and yourself?" Kayla replied.
"Great."
"The moon is scheduled to appear in the next two hours, and we are all currently awaiting your presence at Howling Haven," Kayla informed him.
"I assure you, I will be there before the moon makes its appearance," Jordan confidently asserted.
"Your Grace, I also wanted to propose that we join the mating ball tonight. Furthermore, I have a surprise in store for you," Kayla divulged, her voice dropping to a lower tone.
"Regarding the mating ball, I want to make it clear that your extravagant gifts and opulent vacations will no longer sway me. Any attempt to bribe me tonight would hold no power," Kayla stated, her voice suddenly filled with childlike amusement.
Jordan chuckled softly in response before slowly raising his wrist back to his ear, causing the phone's screen to promptly dim and turn off.
With my face cast downwards, I silently hoped that Jordan would opt not to attend the full moon festival. However, as the next in line to succeed his father and being the Alpha Prince, the weight of responsibility fell upon his shoulders, necessitating his leadership and guidance during the adoration to the goddess.
Jordan took my hand and led me into the living room. "Baby, do you still have a passion for writing?" he asked, attempting to distract my mind.
"Yes," I murmured, my mind unable to be easily diverted.
"I have everything set up for you to become a bestselling author," Jordan assured me.
"You were passionate about writing. Why did you stop?" I whimpered, my emotions still evident in my tone.
"I'll tell you later," Jordan replied.
"Don't worry, soon you will always accompany me to the full moon festival," Jordan whispered into my ear. However, I couldn't see the possibility of being initiated into the Feral Brotherhood.
"Just wait here for me while I change and get ready for the festival," Jordan instructed, and I nodded. A strange coldness suddenly engulfed me as soon as he left, causing me to fold my arms in an attempt to keep warm.
About ten minutes later, six men entered the living room, all dressed in matching flight suits. They carried helmets and wore radio headsets, their conversations revolving around weather conditions.
I glanced at the patches on their suits which read "Flight Crew." One of them was even holding medical equipment. Completely oblivious to my presence, they sat down on the chairs, continuing their discussion. Meanwhile, I stood there, feeling a chill run down my spine, observing them from behind the window.
Suddenly, a hush fell over the room, and I steadfastly refused to turn my head. I knew exactly who had entered. His distinct body scent permeated the entire living room, growing stronger as he approached me. Tears welled up in my eyes as his scent enveloped me further.
With a deliberate slowness, he placed his hands on my waist and leaned his body against mine. I could feel his warm breath on my neck and his heart pounding rapidly against my back. It was clear that he needed me by his side just as much as I longed to be with him. However, he concealed his emotions behind a facade of bravery.
"I'll be back before you know it," Jordan whispered, his words filled with longing.
"Okay," I nodded, my heart aching. He released his grip on me and walked towards the far end of the living room, followed closely by the flight crew. As the elevator doors opened, I stole one last glance at Jordan, our eyes locked. His narrowed gaze conveyed his reluctance to leave me, and I quickly averted my face.
A few minutes later, the deafening sound of the helicopter blades shattered the silence as they began to spin. I could feel the vibrations reverberating through the room as the chopper ascended from the helipad. The noise grew louder and louder until it gradually faded into the distance. Loneliness engulfed me, and a sudden chill seemed to creep back into the room.
I felt a gentle tug on my hand, causing me to turn around slowly. It was Mrs. Haverford and Piper standing behind me.
"Would you like to go to your room or watch television?" Mrs. Haverford asked.
"I would like to go to my room," I said and began walking towards the door immediately. Mrs. Haverford and Piper followed me silently.
"What did Mrs. Morgan tell you?" I asked Mrs. Morgan.
"I'm sorry, Thalia, but she asked me to keep it a secret," Mrs. Haverford responded. "Please, promise me you won't go near Stan Morgan."
"Did Mrs. Morgan ask you to tell me this?" I inquired as I walked over to the window in my room.
"No, it's just my humble advice," Mrs. Haverford explained.
Piper interjected, "Do you need anything, ma'am?"
"No, thank you," I replied, my gaze fixed on the sky.
"We will be in our rooms. Please, call us if you need anything," Mrs. Haverford assured me and they left.
As I stared at the sky, a wave of longing washed over me, wishing for some kind of helper to emerge and guide me into the brotherhood. Hours passed, and the moon slowly began to rise above the horizon. With its appearance, I felt a surge of goosebumps on my body, and tears welled up in my eyes involuntarily.
The knowledge that Jordan was currently with Kayla intensified my emotions, reminding me of the pain I experienced when I first learned that Kayla was fated to Jordan Greens. Overwhelmed, I found myself slumping against the wall, eventually sinking to the bedroom floor, where I quietly sobbed.