AT THE SAME TIME
XAVIER'S POINT OF VIEW:
I led Wanessa up the secluded path toward the home that had sat empty for years, waiting, unknowingly for this moment. The towering trees framed the stone estate, vines curling up its walls like nature itself had embraced it. It wasn't a palace. No gold, no grand chandeliers, no endless halls of cold marble. But this place was mine. And now, I wanted it to be ours. Wanessa stood at my side, silent, her gaze sweeping over the estate with wide, searching eyes.
"Xavier…" She breathed, and for a second, my heart stopped. "It's beautiful."She said.
The grand double doors of my mansion creaked open, revealing the warm glow of the lightning with candles and the scent of fresh lilies from the vases lining the halls filled the air.
She hesitated in the doorway, her amber eyes widening as she took in the high ceilings and sweeping staircase.
"Wow…" She whispered. "This is… yours?"
"Ours." I corrected gently, watching her expression shift from amazement to something softer, something I couldn't quite name.
Before she could respond, footsteps echoed from the hallway. Lisa and Lina, the two housemaids who had faithfully kept this place in order despite my absence, appeared. Both young women bowed in perfect unison.
"Welcome home, my lord." Lisa said with a graceful smile, her brown hair neatly tied back.
"And welcome, my lady." Lina, her younger sister, gave a polite curtsy. "We've prepared everything for your arrival."Lina said.
Wanessa tensed slightly beside me, clearly unused to such formalities. Her fingers twitched as if resisting the urge to fidget.
"Um… thank you. It's nice to meet you both."Wanessa muttered.
Lisa's eyes twinkled with amusement, but she remained composed.
"We are at your service, Lady Wanessa."Lisa said.
Just as Wanessa was about to respond, a deep chuckle rumbled from further down the hall.
"Well, well." A familiar voice said. "So, this is the woman who finally made our lord stop acting like a brooding ghost."
I turned to see Liam, my head cook, and longtime house steward, striding toward us. He was a stocky man in his forties, his salt and pepper hair cropped short, his arms crossed over his chest as he studied Wanessa with an appraising look. She blinked in confusion, shifting slightly under his gaze.
"Uh… excuse me?"Wanessa asked.
I sighed, already regretting letting Liam speak first.
"Ignore him. He thinks he's funny."I said.
Liam grinned, completely unfazed.
"I am funny. And I'm right. You've never brought a woman here before, my lord." He turned his keen gaze back to Wanessa. "Which means you must be someone real special."
Wanessa's cheeks turned a lovely shade of pink.
"I- umm-"Wanessa muttered.
"Liam." I shot him a warning look, though my lips twitched in amusement.
Liam just laughed, shaking his head.
"Alright, alright. I'll behave." Then, his eyes flicked toward me, and his expression turned serious. just for a moment. "It's good to have you home, Xavier. You both."
Something about the way he said it made warmth bloom in my chest. Lisa cleared her throat, bringing the moment back to reality.
"Shall we prepare a meal for you both? The journey must have been tiring."Lisa said.
Before I could answer, Wanessa's stomach decided for us, letting out an unmistakable growl.
Lina covered her mouth to stifle a giggle, and Wanessa's blush deepened.
"I-"Wanessa started.
I smirked, pulling her closer by the waist.
"I think that's a yes."I said.
"I'll make sure it's the best meal she's ever had. Give me an hour."Lina said.
Lisa and Lina exchanged a glance before nodding.
"We'll have everything ready shortly, my lord."Lisa said.
As the servants left, I turned back to Wanessa, watching her take in every detail of the home. Her fingers skimmed over the carved designs on the wall, curiosity shining in her amber eyes.
"You really like it here?" I asked, unable to help myself.
She glanced up at me, a small smile tugging at her lips.
"I do." And just like that, I knew I had made the right choice.
I was finally home. And she was here with me.
Dinner was unlike anything I had ever experienced before. Not because of the food, Liam had always been a master in the kitchen, but because of the way Wanessa's eyes lit up with every new dish she tried. She was hesitant at first, poking at the perfectly roasted venison with delicate curiosity, but the moment she took her first bite, her entire demeanor changed.
"This… this is incredible." She murmured, her amber eyes wide as she chewed. "The flavors…"
Liam, who had been standing by the kitchen doors with his arms crossed, let out a smug chuckle.
"Told you I was the best cook."Liam smirked.
Wanessa shot him a playful glare before eagerly moving on to the next dish freshly baked bread with a thick herb butter spread, a rich stew with tender meat that melted in her mouth, and even a sweet berry tart for dessert.
I found myself staring more at her than at my own plate. Watching her enjoy something as simple as a meal stirred something deep inside me.
"Was food not this good back at the castle?"" I asked, watching as she savored a spoonful of stew.
She huffed.
"Not like this."She said.
Lina, who was pouring more wine into Wanessa's glass, giggled.
"Lady Wanessa, have you never had a home-cooked meal before?"Lina asked.
Wanessa hesitated, setting her spoon down.
"Not really. The castle's food was always formal, fancy, but it never felt…" She searched for the right word. "Warm. Except the soup."She said.
I frowned. Of course. The palace wasn't a home to her, not really. Liam wiped his hands on his apron, stepping forward.
"Well, eat up, then. You've got a lot of missed meals to make up for."Liam said.
She smiled, and I knew just for that moment she felt safe here.
In a few days the warmth of my home had finally settled around us, but I could tell Wanessa was still adjusting. She moved cautiously, her amber eyes flitting across the grand hallways, the intricate designs on the walls, and the servants who greeted her with quiet bows. I wanted her to feel comfortable. I noticed Liam and I knew what I had to do.
"Good to see you Liam. I hope you are up for a challenge."I said.
"Of course. So, what does our guest like to eat? I'd hate to serve something that doesn't suit her."Liam said.
That's when Wanessa hesitated, biting her lip.
"Wanessa?"I asked.
"There's this soup." She said slowly, like she wasn't sure if she should even bring it up. "It's something I used to eat back in my old pack. The elders made it when we were sick, but also when we celebrated things. It had this rich, thick broth, with seasoned meat and these little herbs that made it taste like… home."
Liam's expression shifted immediately. His usual playful grin faltered, replaced by something far more knowing.
"I had this soup too, it's really good."I said.
He crossed his arms and stared at her carefully.
"What pack?"Liam asked.
"Blue Moon."Wanessa said.
Liam's entire face lit up.
"Blue Moon?! You're kidding me!" His voice was heard through the kitchen, making a few of the maids jump.
Wanessa's eyes widened.
"Wait, what?"She asked.
Liam laughed, shaking his head.
"I grew up in that pack! The soup you're talking about? I know it well. My grandmother made it every winter."Liam said proudly.
Wanessa stared at him.
"You-"She started.
"I can make it."Liam said.
Wanessa's lips parted in pure astonishment.
"You… you can? Exactly the same?"Wanessa asked.
Liam smirked.
"Better."Liam grinned.
"We had in castle a man named Elias to cook it."I said.
"I know him. I not surprised now."Liam said and grinned.
"Please."Wanessa's voice was soft, almost desperate. "Can you make it now?"
Liam gave her a dramatic bow.
"It would be an honor."Liam said.
"Go ahead, Liam."I said.
"Of course."He smirked and left to the kitchen.
The past was here, in my home and it made her happy. It was comforting.
I watch her as she eats the soup, the way her eyes light up with every spoonful, the way she smiles to herself like she's savoring something precious. Usually, it's all about getting things done, and handling everything, but now, it's just her, and that simple joy makes her even more beautiful.
"It's just so good." She said, and I chuckle softly.
"You're happy." I said.
She glanced up at me, her face softening with a small, almost shy smile.
"You noticed?"She asked.
I nod, and she goes back to finishing her soup, each bite slow and careful, like she's in no rush. I can't help but admire how she takes her time with everything.
"Let me help you to your room." I offer, my voice soft, not wanting to disturb the moment.
She takes my hand without hesitation, her fingers warm against mine. It's like nothing else mattered in this moment. Just us. I guide her, my attention entirely on her. I'm not in a hurry to let this moment go. Not yet. I want to stay by her side.