CHAPTER ONE.
ACACIA.
Life's too complicated to be narrowed down to one thing. Especially for those who get to live it longer than others.
It also doesn't always have to begin and end with the responsibilities we owe others,sometimes we need to put ourselves first, be selfish and fulfill our desires.
These were the things running through my mind as my eyes scanned the crowded room, sweeping across political dignitaries, influential guests and other security personnels like me.
It wasn't an easy job,but it was one I was very proud of, mostly because I was dang good at it.
Seventeen years had passed since I fled the iron grips of my pack,and guarding a political figure was never part of the plan I'd made before taking that chance.
But here I was,all decked out in a dark blue suit,my hair pinned tightly back and my mind as sharp as a saber.
I intentionally tuned out what the senator was saying because it was mostly him indirectly justifying his acts of subtle embezzlement. It was mostly what went on in closed door meetings like this,and since the president hadn't joined us yet,he was the one getting things going.
A sudden chill ran down my spine, goosebumps covering my skin as I picked up the energy of another supernatural being. It wasn't the first time it would happen,in my line of job I'd met and recognised many things aside from humans…vampires, werewolves like me, sirens,mermen,and so many of them were living normal lives in the human world.
I instinctively shifted as my muscles began to curl in preparation for an attack as my eyes scanned the crowd again. And that was when I saw him, standing at the back of the room,just by the entrance,as the president made his way past him,into the crowded room.
I swallowed hard as I quickly looked away.
"No."
I glanced at him again as he began walking behind the president,towards the high platform I was standing on.
Ashraf.
What was he doing here?!
My heart skipped two beats as our eyes met,the piercing gray of those feline pools sending a swirl of emotions coursing through me. And poignant amongst those emotions was guilt.
"Thank you Mr president for joining us today," my boss,the senator stated, moving to the side amidst the muted applause from the parliament members,as the president climbed the stage,and walked behind the podium.
I refused to look at him again,but of course he moved forward and stood beside me.
Everything came rushing back to me,the memories of who I was and what I was to become.
It had all been pushed aside in my pursuit of something more.
"Hello,Acacia." He muttered,the slight gruffiness of his deep voice, eliciting an inappropriate response from within me.
I ignored him,but I was so painfully aware of his presence,his scent,even more emphasized by the thick musk of sandalwood and Cinnamon,with a hint of nutmeg. It was subtle to everyone but me.
"My fellow country men,esteemed guests, and honored allies, I appreciate your participation in this critical discussion." The president began,his voice loud and firm. "The fate of our nation's economic growth and global influence hangs in the balance…"
"Feels familiar right?" Ashraf murmured breathlessly, "years ago we were both standing on a stage too,only you were facing me,with your soft hands hesitantly placed in mine and your eyes filled with defiance."
"You know just because no one can hear, doesn't mean you should keep talking." I whispered, because clearly he was taking advantage of our super hearing abilities,and thereby confusing me more than I already was with his voice.
I needed to stay alert but his unannounced presence was making it hard.
"I missed you too mia luna," he murmured again,and I could almost hear the smile in his voice.
"Don't call me that." I gritted out, my heart fluttering at the endearing term.
"…I urge you all to put aside selfish interests and work towards a common goal which is the proposed 'National Revitalization Act'." The nation's leader took a deep breath before continuing, "this act will create jobs," stimulate innovation, and solidify our position as a world power. I expect your full support and collaboration to ensure its passage."
I knew there would be a point where the body guards would be required to step out for a moment, and usually it was my best moment in those boring meetings,but right then I wasn't looking forward to it.
And as we all trooped outside,I was even more aware of the man I'd left stranded on the altar,in front of members of our different packs,on a beautiful moonlit night.
"What are you doing here?" I blurted out immediately the door to the conference room was firmly shut behind us all,making sure to keep my voice down so the other guards don't hear me.
He shrugged. "I'm doing exactly what you're doing Acacia…"
"That is not my name here!" I snapped,then immediately whirled around when I felt the presence of one of my team members. I immediately noticed that most,if not all of the other guards were heading towards one direction, leaving the hallway almost empty.
"Lara?" He called out, shooting a wary glance at Ashraf.
"Hi Mark" I replied calmly,and his eyes darted between me and the tall, innocent faced man beside me.
He pointed his jaw slightly towards Ashraf, "You having any trouble?"
"No…not at all," I rushed out quickly,forcing out a smile of assurance. "He's just saying hello."
"Oh," he exclaimed softly, nodding even as a look of suspicion crossed his face. He jabbed a thumb behind him, "there's a refreshment room in there," he stated. "Come on."
Ashraf had said no single word until then,and I could feel the intensity of his eyes as they focused on me.
"You go ahead Mark,I'll join you later." I replied and he hesitated for a moment, before bobbing his head up and down. "Don't stay too long."
"Is he your boyfriend then?" Ashraf prodded calmly after Mark disappeared into the room at the extreme end of the hallway.
"Ashraf," I began, feeling the annoyance curling inside of me. "You need leave."
He smacked his lips together in defiance as he moved closer to me."Well I work for the president darling,I kinda need to be sacked first…and that's not gonna happen anytime soon."
"What do you want from me?!"
His left cheek dimpled as a smile spread across his beautiful face. "You've strayed too far, Acacia and It's time to come home."
I scoffed and took a step back so I wouldn't have to look so far up to meet his eyes.
"I don't know what you think you are doing here,but it's not going to work."
He slowly unbuttoned the jacket of his suit,and my gaze darted down to the gold ring on his slender forefinger.
"I'm not here to fight with you," he sneered, shaking a lock of dark hair out of his eyes. "But your responsibilities call for your attention,you cannot keep running forever."
"I'm not going back to Raven's Claw with you!"
"Well the governor ordered your immediate return."
I raised an eyebrow."So I'm supposed to leave everything behind just because my father said so?"
"Naturally,yes…but you are a very stubborn woman, Acacia,so I figure it'd require so much more to bring you back with me."
My eyes narrowed to slits and studied him, almost losing track of my thoughts at how mesmerising he looked. Those few years had definitely done him well,not that he'd ever looked bad,but now…all his features were more refined, polished. From the gentle arch of his moderately full brows to the defined cheekbones,and the sharp jaw lines.
There was still a certain boyish beauty to his face but overall it was the face of a very, very attractive man.
"See anything you like?" he murmured ,his voice snapping me out of my head, just as the door burst open again and Mark,plus another one of our team name Shay stepped out.
"Are you alright?" They both asked as they walked briskly towards I and Ashraf. I quickly nodded,pasting a smile on my face.
"Oh I get it," Shay muttered as she came to a stop beside me,her eyes raking over Ashraf appreciatively.
"Hi,my name's Shay" she said, stretching a hand out to him.
He took it, shaking her gently. "My name's Ash," he muttered,and I could see first-hand, her reaction to his voice.
"How do you and Elara know each other?" She queried,her voice unusually high pitched.
I casted a glance at Mark,noting the frown on his face as he focused his attention on Ashraf.
"She and I…used to be an item."
"So you are her ex?" Mark queried harshly and Ashraf shrugged, before resting his gaze on me.
"We'll have to continue this conversation later," he stated, "we have a lot to catch up on."