Gideon is seated in the living room, enjoying the coffee I prepared for him, while I gather my belongings—just my clothes, jewelry, and essential items like my handouts. I take a final glance around my room and let out a deep sigh. After the mating ceremony, I will have to say an indefinite farewell to this house filled with cherished memories.
I wish my parents were here; I miss them deeply. This is why I try to avoid thinking about them, as it brings an overwhelming sadness. If my father hadn't passed away under such mysterious circumstances, would my life have taken a different path? I feel a profound sense of loneliness, but at least I have Drew now—someone I can truly call my own.
I quickly wiped away the tears that had fallen, not wanting to cause Gideon any concern. As I stepped out of the room, I noticed he had already finished his coffee. "It seems you left your phone in the car; Master Drew was quite worried," he said with a chuckle, and I couldn't help but laugh along. That's the consequence Drew faces for leaving me alone all day. "So, he called you?" I inquired as Gideon took my bags from me. "Yes, he did. He sounded relieved when I told him you were with me." I locked the door behind me as he went to load my luggage into the car.
Frederick's door opened, and he stepped outside, his expression one of surprise. "Are you moving out?" he inquired, noticing my luggage being loaded into the car. "Something like that," I replied, realizing it was time to explain. "Drew is my mate; I'm moving into the pack house." Frederick's eyes widened in disbelief, clearly taken aback that the insufferable Drew was my mate, the very person I had often referred to as my nemesis.
He covered his mouth in shock. "No way," he murmured, as some neighbors emerged to witness the commotion, equally astonished by my departure. "Yes way! I'll invite you to our mating ceremony—bring your mate and your mom," I said with a playful wink. He chuckled and responded, "Of course, Felicity! I'm so happy for you. Take care, and if he gives you any trouble, tackle him down!" I couldn't help but laugh; I truly missed Frederick, my steadfast friend who had been there during my darkest moments. Although we had drifted apart, his efforts to make me feel loved had left a lasting impact.
Reflecting on it now, I realized that the brotherly love I had mistaken for something more was simply his unwavering support during times of need. I opened my arms wide, inviting him for a hug. He rushed forward and embraced me tightly, and I nearly let the tears fall. After a moment, I patted his back, and we pulled away. "Good luck, Felicity, and congratulations."
Wow, that was definitely necessary. I'm really going to miss him. Gideon's phone buzzed, and he answered, "Yes, sir, we're on our way. Okay." He handed me his phone, and I took it. "Hey, maybe you should keep your phone close. If my mom hadn't told me you went home, I would have been going crazy by now," he grumbled. "Well, maybe you shouldn't have left me hanging today," I shot back. Gideon couldn't contain his laughter at our playful banter; we probably sounded like a couple of newlyweds. "Ah, Felicity, you're going to be the end of me. Once you're back, I'm going to give you a proper scolding," Drew says, Gideon can definitely hear him as he casts a teasing glance my way, his cheeks tinged with embarrassment.
"Gideon's here, so let's save that conversation for when I return," he chuckled. "And just so you know, I'm going to scold you hard, Felicity." That was it; I ended the call, feeling my cheeks flush with embarrassment. "Just laugh," I said, and the car filled with Gideon's hearty laughter.
As soon as we stepped out of the vehicle, I spotted my mate sprinting toward me, clearly eager to see me. "Oh, he's coming!" Jane exclaimed with excitement. "Yeah, we missed him, didn't we?" she giggled. As he approached, he scooped me up effortlessly, oblivious to the onlookers. I had anticipated this, but it still made me blush. "I told you I'd scold you, didn't I, Felicity? It starts now," he said, and before I could fully grasp his words, he kissed me, with the giggles of passersby ringing in my ears.