JASLYNN
Two days.
Two days had passed since we had left the dock, the youngster had been buried, and Reece had stopped talking to anyone.
She was seated on the deck with her back against the ship, gazing up at the sky and appearing confused. She hadn't bothered to wipe away the dried streaks of tears on her cheeks.
I was unable to fathom how much anguish she was going through. It seemed like her wolf was suffering through a mental breakdown due to the death of her mate, and it would be difficult to pull her out of this painful agony.
I took a seat in front of her and moved a tray of food in her direction gently. I glanced at her, but she made no movement.
Reece, you haven't eaten in two days, I murmured quietly. Please try a small bit of food. This isn't good for you.
Nothing.
I let out a sigh and got to my feet, saying, "I'll leave this here in case you want to eat anything."
A low croak from behind me caused me to turn around in shock as I turned and began to go back to the cottage.
I said, "You killed him."
My lips opened, but I refrained from speaking to her because it was true—even if unintentionally, I had slain her mate.
"How could you kill him?" she asked, her head tilted to the side so I could see the enraged tears streaming from her red-veined eyes.
I didn't say anything as she shakily stood up while holding the rail.
She hiccuped, holding back her tears, "You-you could have chosen any other spell, but you-you picked that one."
For her, my heart was hurting. Even though I knew I wasn't to blame for her suffering, I couldn't help but feel responsible. She had been holding it within for two days, and it was tearing her apart and driving her nuts. It was only a matter of time until she expressed her anger.
The following: "Reece, I wish I could-"
Saying "Shut up!" The sandwich's ingredients scattered across the deck as she yelled uncontrollably and threw the tray at me.
I was able to dodge the tray as it slammed into the cabin wall and disintegrated into bits. The crew appeared to be paying attention since they left the cabin right away to investigate what was going on.
Reece collapsed to the floor, wailing "H-he's gone" while gasping for breathe. He's gone after a lifetime of waiting for him.
Her shrill cries continued to fill the air, and I found myself falling to my knees and encircling her while my own eyes welled with tears. Her cold tears seeped through my jacket as her body shook violently.
When I felt something hairy scratch my hand, I gave her a back rub and clamped my eyes shut while attempting to contain any tears I might have been holding in. When my eyes finally opened, I noticed a huge black wolf curled up by Reece's side.
Alrik.
More wolves started to enter my field of view once he had calmed down. They ensured that at least one of their paws or snouts touched Reece as they sat in a semicircle around her.
A pack was like this.
They weren't merely a pack of wolves that shared a territory and were governed by the same individual.
They were a family who experienced one another's happiness and suffering together. Through both good and bad times, they supported one another.
And at this precise time, I was aware of the fact that each of them could sense Reece's suffering and was attempting to use their shared connection to provide her the solace she was unable to find in either me or anyone else.
Her sobs stopped, and she sagged against me.
After a moment of silence during which everyone was lost in their own thoughts, Alrik raised his head and let out a protracted wail.
The rest of the wolves followed suit, letting the Moon Goddess hear their utter sadness for their bereaved pack member, and the night air was filled with a symphony of howls.
"I figured I'd find you here,"
Alrik stepped onto the bridge holding a tray, and I gasped in shock. "You did not eat and I wanted to make sure you were not tramautized after what happened with Reece," he said as he sat down next to me and set the tray of food on the table.
"Tramautized?"
I'm used to witnessing such kinds of breakdowns when a wolf loses his partner, he said nodding. Up until their wolf accepts the loss, there will be several of them.
Being a wolf in a relationship seemed like such a challenge. They coped with a range of feelings that I could never comprehend.
"I'm kind of glad I don't feel the bond as much as you do," I said as I took the fork out of his hands. It appears to be too much.
Although you might not see it right away, you will when I brand you.
Alrik grimaced and said, "I hope you realise that I will mark you someday. I choked on a mouthful of noodles. It is a characteristic of my Luna.
He casually brought up significant moments in our relationship, as if he were not talking about biting my neck until I bled and had a far greater bond with him.
I said, my brows narrowing. "Do you think of me as just a Luna?" "You make it sound like I'm a tool for your pack," I said.
Both yes and no. We'll have a professional Alpha-Luna relationship if the mating aspect of our relationship doesn't work out, he remarked, carefully observing my response.
I gently slurped my noodles as I thought about his remarks. If a professional relationship didn't work out, I was fine with that, but I wanted to be able to find someone to love.
and if he marked me, that wouldn't be possible.
I set my fork down and continued, "I have a favour to ask, well, actually two."
"Yes?"
"First, I don't want you to mark me until I'm ready for it, and I know that both of us are committed to this relationship for the long haul. Second, I won't abandon the Coven.
I'm horrified that you believe I will brand you against your will, he said, raising his eyebrows. I'm not that kind of a monster. Your second request is not really a favour, though. I never thought you would leave your Coven. You may compare it to asking me to leave my rucksack behind. It won't ever occur.
Was it just me, or did he suddenly seem even more alluring?
He appeared considerably younger thanks to his fve o'clock shadow, his casual outfit of black trousers and a hoodie, and his unkempt hair sticking up in various ways. Every time I had seen him, he had been dressed in professional shirts and slacks, so I was startled he was even wearing clothes.
I can smell the arousal in you.
His direct demeanour wasn't always appealing.
I rolled my eyes and said, "I'm an adult. I'm aware of my tastes. Are you stating that you have never screened a woman?
Maybe a century ago, when I was a teenager, he said, leaning back in his chair and placing his hands behind his head. I only recently restarted after running into a particular bitchy witch.
My teeth were clenched. I despised how deftly he delivered his jabs and compliments.
"No witty comments? Have I enchanted you, Jaslynn?" My insides felt as though someone had turned me upside down when he said my name in a harsh growl. The fragrance of my desire was probably stronger, so I could practically see his smirk grow.
Without giving him a chance to react, I pushed him out of his chair and kicked the tray, which flung over our heads.
I hummed in satisfaction as my lips engulfed his rough and I took in his surprised expression.
I had total authority over the situation.