Mirajane

16

Armin POV (cont.)

I woke up to an alluring scent and a very soft sensation. Looking down, I saw Red curled up in my arms as she quietly slept. Her little snores were the most adorable sound I ever heard. I unwaveringly stared at her, finding it hard to believe that she was mine.

"Red..." I murmured and watched in fascination as her lids twitched before shuffling closer to me as if answering the name.

What a good way to start the day. Sividus' voice sounded making me roll my eyes. What? Don't tell me you're still not used to hearing my voice up till now.

I'm still not used to it. I flatly replied.

Whatever. I just want to stare at my woman. Speaking of which, you better have a good talk with your sidekick.

I know already. I'll handle it.

Better.

I went back to staring at her after that. I didn't know how long passed before I reluctantly pulled away from her and left the bed. I watched as her brows furrowed while inching here and there like she was searching for me.

I smiled at her actions before squatting down and gently caressing her hair, "There there Red. I'm only going down for a bit. Sleep a bit longer." I murmured before kissing her temple.

Her restlessness eased and she went back to sleep once again.

Cute.

I walked out of the room and headed downstairs but met Emma halfway.

"Well well, did you mate?" She asked.

"Wouldn't you know if we did?" I rolled my eyes as I made a move to go down.

"True. A word in your study." She said before brushing past me.

Is it me or is Emmeline getting sassier?

It's definitely her getting sassier.

I followed her into the study and closed the door before looking at her in question, "what?" I asked when she kept on staring at me.

"Are you happy?" She asked making me frown in confusion.

"Huh?"

"Are you happy? With Micah?"

"It has only been a night since we got together." I rolled my eyes but a little smile slipped onto my face.

"I'll take that as a yes. See? I told you you'll be glad." She smugly said.

"Whatever. It's still too soon to tell." I rolled my eyes again.

"Yeah. But you know it'll be worth it." She grinned. I didn't reply as I pictured her. Her dusk-like hair, her gem eyes, her cute button nose, and her plump lips. Her voice and her enthralling scent that drove me wild.

"Mm. It's worth it." I smiled after a while as I let out a sigh. Definitely worth it.

"So what about...?"

"Well well, Emma," Sividus called out suddenly making her take a few steps back in shock.

Don't give my sister a heart attack. I warned.

"You...you Si...what?" She stuttered.

"He's here for Red. It seems he won't be going back to sleep for a while."

"I won't be going back to sleep. Ever." He replied.

"Seriously? Because of Micah?"

"Yes."

"But why didn't you appear before?"

"He said it was nothing worth his time." I rolled my eyes.

"Oh. Then...um, welcome?" She said unsurely. I didn't blame her though. His existence had always been virtual. We knew he was here but he never interrupted our reality for ten years. It would take a little bit of getting used to.

"I took care of the human."

"Mm. If there's nothing else, I'll be going back to my mate." I waved before turning away from her.

"Oh yeah. Blaze seems interested in Micah." She said making me stiffen.

"What?" I asked.

"Don't glare a hole through me. I just thought you should know in case you see it happen."

"See it happen?" I glared harder.

"Yeah. Micah seems interested in him too." She added. A crack sounded from the door from how hard I was gripping it.

"What?" I seethed in anger.

"Don't mindlessly rush your mouth pup. You won't be able to handle the consequences otherwise." Sividus warned.

I could feel his irritation building up atop mine. Royal was surprisingly the only calm one.

"Not that sort of interested. I can swear to you that whatever it is that's happening between them is plato—"

"There's nothing between them. Stop putting them together damn it!" I snapped as I ran my hands through my hair.

"—platonic. That I can testify. He's just weirdly protective of her. Like one would guard a precious treasure." She finished.

"She's my treasure. Mine!" I gritted out in annoyance.

The hell does that brat think he is?! First, it was Alec, and now Blaze?

"Isn't he usually uninterested in the opposite gender? Why the hell is he interested in my mate?!"

"Maybe it was love at first sight?"

"I'll punch you."

"Hehe, I was just saying. Anyways they are innocent and purely platonic. He gives off the feeling of a guard protecting a royal." She said.

"Does that even make sense?" I scowled.

"Yes and no. The feeling makes sense but why he does it doesn't." She shrugged.

"Damn it." I muttered as I felt an itch in my bones urging me to get back to her, "whatever. Red is mine and I trust her."

"Indeed." She smiled, "hurry along now." She waved dismissively. I threw her a dirty glare before turning away.

"Don't disturb us," I said before heading to my room with hurried steps.

I calmed down when her light breathing entered my ears. I slowly walked over to the bed before getting under the covers. She instantly turned towards me and nestled in my arms before letting out a sigh.

"Armin..." she mumbled.

"Mm?" I looked down only to see her serene sleeping face. I smiled when I realized she called me unconsciously before gently caressing her hair, "Red." I murmured.

The caressing motion coupled with her alluring scent lulled me to sleep. When I came through again, a feather-like caress followed by an onslaught of tingles assaulted my senses.

Looking at her dazed state as she skimmed across my face, my eyes softened before I gently held onto her wondering fingers.

"Dazed?" I asked.

"Hum. You're too handsome." She muttered honestly as she gazed into my eyes.

"Really? I think you're too beautiful." I grinned and watched as she stared into my eyes before moving closer.

"Not as breathtaking as you."

"I doubt that."

She let loose a tiny grin before slowly bringing her lips closer to mine making my heart skip a beat. Just as she was about to kiss me, I flipped her off before straddling her.

"What are you doing?" I asked gruffly as I stared at her flustered actions. She looked adorable and I couldn't help but smile secretly.

"I-I-it it's just..." she trailed off when she saw the teasing glint in my eyes. She pouted in reply making my eyes zero in on her plump and inviting lips.

"What do you think?" She muttered as she ran her hand through my hair. A pleasured sigh involuntarily left my lips as I moved my face into the crook of her neck and took a large sniff.

Her scent drove me crazy.

We sniffed and cuddled against each other, taking in the comfort that came from having our soulmate near.

She gasped loudly when I suddenly bit down on her neck; right at the place where my mark would be. I ran my tongue over the place to soothe the sting, before sucking on it hard. Her body jerked in response so I used one arm to prop myself on top of her, and the other held her down and stopped her from trashing.

"I-w-wha-t was th-that...?" She gasped. I growled in reply and blew a breath on the spot and kissed it one last time before moving away. I continued littering kisses and bites on her until I felt my control slipping.

I pulled away, and she whimpered when I just laid on her chest, panting.

"Slowly Red. Slowly." I said as I looked up at her with my chin propped on her very soft chest. The feel of it plus her blush-covered cheeks and light panting made my abdomen tighten. A little cuss slipped out and I wanted nothing more than to have her right there and then.

What's stopping you?  Both Sividus and Royal asked making me roll my eyes.

Because going slowly is the best option.

I'm pretty sure the best option is to claim her right now. What do you think Royal?

I'm with Ancient Bastard on this one.

Since when do you both agree on something?

I laid my forehead on hers after staring at her for a while, "slowly." I repeated, mostly to myself and the other two. I wanted to make it up to her and for our affections to grow first before we mate. Just thinking about it was causing a frenzy in my body.

We both closed our eyes. Enjoying each other's company and the comfort the tingles and scent brought with them.

"Red?" She asked.

"Yea. It's only fair since you're calling me Hazel." I shook my head.

"I thought you said it was only for yesterday?" She teased.

"Of course." I nodded, "but lemme let you in on a small secret. I don't mind since you're the one calling me. If anyone else tries it, I'll skewer them." I simply said making her grin.

"Really?" She giggled causing my breath to hitch.

"Mm," I said dazedly.

"What is it?" She asked, a hint of worry in her voice.

"Mm? Oh um, nothing. It's just your...dimples...they are so deep." I said lightly as I poked her cheek.

She let out a laugh as she stared at me. "Dazed?" She teased.

"Mm. Your dimples are too breathtaking." I grinned.

"Good. This means I'll always have to smile to keep you hooked." She grinned right back, "What a bother." She sighed in faux mockery.

I laughed before placing a kiss on her cheeks, right where the dimples were, "I'm honored then." I grinned.

"Good morning My love." Her wolf's voice sounded suddenly, surprising me. I forgot she did that.

"Hey to you too love." I smiled softly.

She purred before going quiet.

"Stupid wolf of mine," Red grumbled making me laugh.

"She's adorable. Just like my little Red." I mused as I pinched her soft cheek. Everything about her was soft and fragrant and addicting.

"I'm not little." She slapped my hand lightly from her face.

"You aren't in front of others. Only I get to see your adorable side and call you little." I said possessively as I recalled my conversation with Emma earlier in the morning.

They didn't even get to see her soft side and they were already starting to get hooked. If they saw how adorable she was, I might just have to lock them up. She was mine.

"Mine." She growled possessively in reply.

"Yours," I growled back. I could feel both Royal and Sividus' possessiveness as I watched her cerulean glowing orbs.

Breathtaking.

I kissed her forehead before moving back a bit, "let's get out of bed now. Before those fuckers show up." I said, rolling my eyes at the last part. She chuckled a bit before falling silent.

Looking at how the smile left her face, I could guess what was on her mind and I grinned at how obvious she could be, "I cleared my schedule for the day."

She gaped at me for a second before letting out a tiny squeal, "you did really?"

"I did really." I laughed.

"What are we waiting for then? Let's quickly get ready." She enthusiastically said making me chuckle.

"Mm." I smiled before getting off of her and then off the bed, "I'll shower in the guest room next door." I looked down at her before heading to the closet and randomly picking up some clothes.

"Don't scrub my baby too hard," I smirked widely as I gazed at the red patch of skin courtesy of me before leaving the room in satisfaction.

That could work too. Since I was not marking her right away, I would just give her a huge hickey. I smirked wider at the thought.

After taking my bath, I leisurely dressed before lying down on the bed. So far, everything felt surreal and weird. In a good way. Emma was right, if I had let her slip by, it would have been the biggest regret of my life. It had just been a day and I was starting to get addicted to her.

What about your sidekick?

I talked to Night, his wolf, and he said there was nothing. He just felt more attuned to her but the feelings were purely innocent.

Then I have no doubt since it's Night that said it. He won't lie.

Because I sure as hell didn't want my good brother to be interested in my Lady.

My little mate, my Red, my Luna...

I was startled at my thought before a grin slipped onto my face. I called her my Luna. And I didn't feel repulsed but instead felt happy. I stood up from the bed and went out of the room only to be met with a scene that made my blood boil in anger.

My mate standing with Alec's hands wrapped around her waist. I listened to their conversation with tightly clenched hands and observed them at the same time. Red seemed pretty normal. I could tell she saw him as a friend too. But Alec, the fucker was getting more and more into my woman and that made me pissed.

Purely innocent feelings? For now right?

I only felt slightly better when she suddenly jerked away from him after letting out a moan. I couldn't help but smirk when I saw her touching my makeshift mark. Alec's blank reaction made me feel even better. Seeing him making no move to step away from her, a growl left my throat startling them.

"Why the hell are you standing so close to my mate?!" I growled. Alec looked flustered as if just realizing he crossed the line.

"I—that's..." he stuttered making me more annoyed.

"What?!" I snapped when I felt her gaze. I met her reassuring smile when I looked over and that made me feel slightly better.

"I bumped into him and almost fell." She explained while walking over to me, "he caught me." She added causing my slowly dwindling emotions to flare up again.

He caught her? Who gave him the right?!

"Only I am allowed to catch you!" I growled in annoyance making her chuckle.

"Yes yes. Only my Hazel has that privilege." She nodded as she wrapped her arms around my neck. I felt my body relax under her touch and scent but I still glared hard at Alec who was standing especially still as if shocked by how she was holding me.

The fucker.

"Oh c'mon. I would've hurt myself if he didn't catch me." She pouted.

My eyes snapped to hers in concern, "are you okay?" I frowned.

"Uh-huh. All thanks to Alec." She said as she buried her face on my chest. I relaxed before wrapping my arm around her while still observing Alec. I saw the way his eyes zeroed in on my arm before darkening.

Alec damn it. I warned him.

"Thanks, man," I said.

"No problem. She is our Luna after all." He said with a hint of provocation. If it were before, I would've stiffened from that form of address but right now, I had accepted her wholeheartedly. She had to be the one. Only she had the right to be called my Luna.

I gripped her waist tighter and said, "Yeah. She is." before looking down at her. I met her slightly watery eyes and I smiled in reassurance.

"You are," I said again as I gazed into her eyes. Teary-eyed, she stood on her tiptoes and gently kissed the sides of my lips lightly making my heart itch.

"Thank you." Both hers and her wolf's voice merged and said as she gazed into my eyes, her orbs a glowing cerulean with the sclera pitch black. It was the most beautiful thing in the whole world.

"Beautiful." I whispered as I looked into her breathtaking eyes, "and all mine."

"Yeah. All yours. And no one else's." She instantly agreed with a smile. I laid my forehead on hers and closed my eyes for a while as I calmly enjoyed her presence.

After having breakfast and a little argument which I couldn't win, we left the house and started our first day together. I told her about the meeting yesterday and how a human saw a wolf shifting. Her reaction was pretty funny. I enjoyed walking and holding her hand at the same time, loving how she 'disinterestedly' tried to fish for compliments when I mentioned her fight with Evan.

I loved how understanding she was. But the more she adjusted to my habits, the guiltier and more hooked on her I became. Her not wanting to put me in a tough spot with the pack members made my heart warm. The way she interacted with them was a pleasant surprise to me though. They loved her and I did not doubt that she was quite taken with them too.

I always knew my pack members loved me but I didn't know it was to the extent that they would put my happiness above their fears and concerns. I felt proud to call them my people. We spent close to an hour in the pack house before making a move for our next destination.

Just as we reached the front door, a voice called out from behind us, "I thought I heard your voice." Turning around, I saw Blaze standing a few feet away from us with his gaze glued on Red.

What is with your male pack members and my woman? Sividus said sourly.

That was what I would like to know too. The way he was staring at her was as if he would lay down his life for her. It really resembled a Lady and her Knight but it got on my nerves nonetheless.

She was my lady.

"Red? What is it?" I called when I saw her standing in a daze.

"Oh um, it's nothing." She shook her head, "Hey Blaze. How are you?"

"I'm okay." He nodded, "You good? You kinda zoned out for a bit." He said with a flat tone but he couldn't hide the worry on his face. I narrowed my eyes at that but did not comment.

"I'm okay. Don't worry." She smiled making my lips twitch in annoyance. She should stop smiling at them. She might not have seen it but I saw how his eyes lit up. It was so damn irritating.

"I wasn't worried." He muttered as he averted his eyes.

"Cute." She said making me freeze.

What the hell? Why was she calling another male cute?!

"What did you just say?" A low growl escaped my throat. I was pissed.

"That's—I meant—" she stuttered pissing me off the more.

"What?!" I snapped making her flinch a little. I only felt more annoyed when I caught sight of Blaze moving towards us with a frown. Before I could lash out again, she suddenly hugged me tightly causing my taut muscles to relax.

She pulled back and looked up at my face, "really, it's nothing." She said with a hint of helplessness and confusion.

I blankly looked at her, noticing the slight confusion on her face too. She was as oblivious to what was happening as I was. I suddenly felt her take a step away from me and she didn't realize it but her hand made its way halfway to her neck before she stopped it. At that moment, I saw a slight fear in her gaze and instantly, it felt like a thousand needles were pricking my heart.

She was scared of me.

"I'm sorry Red. I'm sorry." I stepped forward and hugged her tightly as remorse covered my senses. I was scared she would push me away but she relaxed in my embrace almost instantly making me glad. I didn't know what I would've done if she pushed me away.

The thought that she could become like the others and loathe me aroused panic in me. I didn't want that to happen. Because I knew it would be the reason I break.

"It's okay." She murmured, "And they are all watching us." She added and I felt my heart clenching. Even at this point, she was still being wary for me.

"Let them watch. It's my Luna I'm hugging. Their heart." I said. I felt that all the other reasons were not as important as her. They were all secondary because she mattered the most.

"Yeah. Thank you. And I'm sorry for how I reacted with Blaze. I also don't know why it happened. Actually—" she started but I cut her off.

"Hey hey, you don't have to explain. Emma mentioned it to me yesterday. I was just surprised that's all." I said as I caressed her hair.

"Were you really just surprised?" She grumbled making me smile.

"Mm. I was also pretty pissed when those pretty eyes that were only meant to be on me gazed at some male for more than a second. And you called him cute!" I said, growling out the last word, "You should only call me cute Red." I said in a whining tone making her grin.

"Aren't you worried about your reputation? The pack members will laugh at you." She teased with a short laugh.

"Let them. But you should call only me cute." I said possessively.

"Okay, Hazel. You're the cutest." She smiled widely as she kissed my cheek lightly.

"Mm. I know." I smirked making her roll her eyes.

"Alpha, Micah, we're still here you know?" Someone cleared their throat from behind making the initially quiet place instantly fill with laughter and teasing.

I met Blaze's gaze and to my surprise, it was filled with approval. Although he seemed sad, he was genuinely happy for us.

"We'll be leaving now." She chuckled, "See you guys." She waved before turning towards me. I wrapped my arm possessively around her waist this time around. Anyway, they already had an inkling that she would be the next Luna and they seemed expectant of it.

"It's weird, isn't it? Seeing the Alpha holding someone voluntarily."

"I never thought I could see this side of him again after so long."

"Ever since Luna Alexa..."

"Yea. But it sort of feels nice. To see Alpha so happy again."

I smiled as I listened to their short conversation. It was nice to feel happy again.

The ride to the orphanage was very comfortable and we chatted along the way. I wanted to meet her brother and cousin because it seemed we had a lot in common.

The kids at the orphanage were as bubbly as I remembered and once again, I marveled at her natural affinity with people. The way she took care of Camilla's case was also very swift and simple. She resolved a three-year deadlock just like that. Agnis that was initially against her warmed up to her after that.

My eyes couldn't leave her even as we sat in the gazebo. She was really cut out to be a Luna. I was glad she was mine.

"Agnis, you should feed little Mikhail now. He hasn't eaten since the afternoon yesterday." Mary, one of the matrons said as she pushed in a stroller with a little toddler inside. I frowned when I saw how thin he looked. Even his eyes were more out of sorts than usual.

"Who is that baby?" Red asked me quietly.

"That's Mikhail." I said with a frown, "Why does he look thinner?" I asked Agnis.

"He refuses to eat Alpha. And he rejects any form of contact with anyone. It's only when he's like this that we get to bathe and feed him." She sighed as she ran her hand down her face.

I stood up and walked over towards him with light steps.

"Alpha, it's not a good idea to make any drastic movements in front of him," Agnis said quietly.

"It's okay." I shook my head, "Mikhail?" I gently called out but he just stared through me with unfocused eyes. I felt my heart clench as I gazed at him before fisting my hand.

Damn it.

"You should feed him now." I sighed as I stood to my feet before sitting back down beside Red with a sigh. I ran my hands through my hair in worry and exasperation. I needed to finalize the situation with this little guy.

"He's an orphan too?" Red asked and I nodded.

"Not really, no. There's just no one at home to take care of him." I said as I clenched my fist. I didn't elaborate and she stopped asking after that. Mikhail's cries snapped my attention back to him and I frowned even harder. He had it rough this kid. I always felt pained when I stared at him.

Red's abrupt movement brought my attention back to her. I watched as she headed towards him but got blocked by Agnis.

"He isn't crying as loudly today. But he'll be more upset when he sees an unfamiliar face." She shook her head.

"It's okay. I know what I'm doing." Red said before sidestepping her and moving towards Mary. I signaled Agnis to let her be and curiously watched her to see what she would do. It might just be the key to treating him.

Mikhail went quiet as soon as she stood in front of them. I watched in fascination as his unfocused eyes slowly concentrated on her before filling up with tears. Just when I thought he would cry again, he stretched his little arms out, gesturing for her to carry him.

I stared dumbfounded as she scooped him into her arms. His little trembling body kept shaking for who knew how long before he calmed down. Red quietly swayed as she gently patted his back.

Little mate will look gorgeous holding our child.

Although I didn't comment, I agreed with the statement. Sividus was also adoringly gazing at her and I knew right there and then, we would never let her leave our side.

It took a while before she turned around and met our bewildered gazes which she ignored as she collected his food from Mary.

She gently cradled him in her arms and looked down at him before cooing, "Hey little one, why don't you have a little spoon of this?" She brought the spoon over to his mouth and patiently waited for him to open up. I watched in surprise as she fed him spoonful after spoonful, his initially unfocused eyes were shining as he gazed at her.

I slowly moved towards them and gazed down at the tiny frame eating with gusto in her arms. "He was starving," I whispered as I gently brushed Mikhail's little head. He looked up at me for a second before going back to eating.

I stood quietly beside them until she finished feeding him and burped him. I kept my unwavering gaze on the little guy and maybe I was too insistent because he raised his eyes and gazed back at me quietly.

I was a bit surprised before a small smile appeared on my face. I lightly caressed his hair making him blink twice at me. He could be quite adorable too. I was sure my parents would be glad to see him like this. And it was all thanks to Red.

"I didn't know you were good with kids." She said.

"I should be telling you that," I replied as I gazed at her with a tender look in my eyes making her blush a little.

"Courtesy of my sisters." She explained.

"Mm."

"Um, well Micah. Can you put him to sleep too?" Mary asked hesitantly.

"Sure." She nodded before gently cradling him to her chest. She moved towards the edge of the building and gently swayed as she lowly hummed a lullaby which I couldn't quite make out. But her voice sounded very pleasant to the ears.

"He's asleep." She said after a few long moments before handing him over to Mary.

She stared at him for a while before softly kissing all over his little face, "You can take him to bed now."

I walked over and also caressed his hair before I nodded at Mary who carried him away.

"We should go," I said after a while and she nodded but continued looking at Mary until she disappeared into the house.

"Let's go now." She said, "We'll be leaving now guys. It was fun hanging out with you." She smiled.

After a round of goodbyes, we left the orphanage and headed to the mall. Her reaction when Agnis called her Luna was very adorable and I couldn't help but lay my forehead on hers.

By the time we finished shopping and had our food, the sun was halfway down. When I told her about Mikhail's matter, she was as pissed as I expected. I could tell she cared about him from deep within her heart. She was a very kind soul that was for sure. And she was mine.

We were currently lying down in the living room of my cabin deep in the woods. She was the first person to know about the place and I was glad she liked it. I watched her peacefully sleeping face and couldn't help but smile.

My gaze dropped to the wristlet on her hand and I moved mine closer to hers. They resembled a couple's jewelry and I found myself feeling happy about it even though I found the idea tacky before.

She slept for three hours and I spent that time quietly watching and caressing her hair. I loved the red of it against my skin. I watched as she opened her eyes and lay there groggily causing a smile to play at the side of my lips.

"You're awake." I quietly said.

"Hum. I had a weird dream." She mumbled.

"Yea?"

"Mm. Everything was white and quiet. It was sort of creepy now that I think about it." She shuddered.

"It's just a dream." I chuckled as I patted her back.

"Yeah." She grumbled, "I feel sluggish."

"You know, I'm starting to see how lazy you are." I laughed.

"I'm not lazy. I just like taking it easy." She said righteously.

"Bullcrap," I said flatly making her burst out laughing.

"Oh my goddess you said it just like my mom did when I stated that." She said as tears sprang to her eyes.

"It's justified. Who are you tryna fool?" I said with an eye roll.

"Whatever. At least I get done what needs to." She stuck out her tongue at me before straddling me once again.

I shook my head as I stared at her softly. I could feel the affection I had for her slipping into my gaze and I made no move to stop it. I lightly caressed her cheeks before pulling her down by the nape. Her heart picked up speed as our faces got closer and I found my gaze flickering between her eyes and her lips unsurely.

Just as I was about to kiss her, I closed my eyes and my emotions started churning. I wanted to kiss her but it kept holding me back. I knew that from here on out, we would keep getting more intimate, and hence the day she would find out everything would arrive. I was scared of her fearing me and hiding it behind fake feelings.

I suddenly felt a warm sensation on my lips making my mind go blank. The sparks went crazy as they flowed through my veins causing my heart to pick up speed. An intense feeling of wholeness and longing for more filled me up after that.

Her kiss was a bit simple and hesitant, clumsy even. I could tell it was her first time kissing someone and that caused an onslaught of possession to shroud my mind. I once again felt that everything was secondary when it came to her. I would take it one step at a time until I made her stay permanently by my side.

I wrapped my arm around her waist and fisted her hair before moving my lips gently against hers. We could've kissed for seconds or minutes, only stopping shortly for air before going right back at it.

The feelings were running rampant in me and I knew that I was completely fucked. I couldn't leave her. I never felt anything like this before.

Moving towards the hollow of her neck, I nibbled the part I was sure tingled the most because that was where my mark would be. I opened my mouth and swirled my tongue around it before sucking on it making her shudder.

"Armin..." she mumbled making me growl.

"Again," I said gruffly.

"Armin..." she whimpered. I growled again before grazing my tongue on her neck making her shudder harder. Both Sividus and Royal were eagerly waiting for me to mark her and the thought made my canines itch as they extended, almost piercing her skin.

The sparks grew stronger and the pleasure multiplied making me tremble as I opened my mouth a bit wider and was about to pierce into her neck.

[Monster...!]

I pushed away from her and put at least ten feet between us as I breathed heavily. I clenched my hands in fury as I tried to settle my turbulent emotions.

Armin...

Sorry Royal, Sividus.

It's alright. There's always a next time.

Ancient bastard is right. Little mate is here so it won't be long before we mark her.

Sorry.

I could feel their disappointment and I dreaded turning around to meet her gaze. Would she be hurt? Disappointed? Annoyed? The more I thought the more wary I became as I tried to calm my wildly pounding heart.

The fact that they didn't take control forcibly and mark her made me feel both warm and guiltier. After all, if they both teamed up, I wouldn't be able to keep in control of us. It just meant they respected and cared about my worries and struggles; letting me go at my own pace.

Thank you. I said to them.

"Armin?" She called out after a while. 
I cussed before turning towards her cautiously with trepidation and guilt in my eyes.

"We made progress." She said with a smile. I stared at her for a second or two before I felt my lips twitching in relief.

"You don't say." I smiled back, feeling relieved.

We stared at each other from across the room silently and I waited for her to ask me why I stopped but she didn't. I saw her face flush as her hand lightly skimmed across her swollen lips and she let out a sigh.

I watched curiously as her face blushed harder while sitting there in a daze and I smirked. I wondered what her wolf was telling her that made her that flustered.

I made my way towards her and squatted in front of her but she took no notice. It wasn't until I blew across her lips that she looked at me in shock.

"Ar-Armin!" She squeaked in surprise making me smirk.

"Am I really that good?" I asked, the smirk still playing on my lips. Her face twitched in embarrassment and she closed her eyes.

"I—well—that's..." she stuttered which only made me feel smugger so she said a quick, "whatever."

I laughed before leaning my face closer, "You what? Well, what? That's what?" I taunted, my eyes gleaming with mischief. She glared indignantly making me groan as I felt my abdomen tighten.

"If you don't stop looking at me like that, bad things will happen," I said hoarsely, trying to calm myself and the other two down.

She bit her lips with widened eyes, her innocently shining orbs made me want to taint her a little. I groaned again before leaning my forehead on hers and closing my eyes. That was the only way to stop my thoughts from straying.

"Stay by my side okay?" I whispered.

"Okay." She whispered back.

We stayed like that for a while until she mentioned Royal. While she and Royal were conversing, Sividus was complaining about wanting to meet her too. I rolled my eyes and flat-out denied him. With his character, he would surely scare her.

You'll meet her in a while.

How close is 'in a while'?

The full moon.

But that's in seventeen days!

Take it or leave it.

Fucker.

You don't cuss normally.

I learned it from you and Royal. Your influences are bad for me.

Your demons will shudder if they see you like this.

They will shudder no matter how they see me.

After her little talk with Royal, we made our back to the manor. Today was one well spent if I did say so myself. When I entered the manor and saw Alec reaching for her, I knew we had to have a good talk right then and there.

So after rolling my eyes at how idiotic Emma and Robin who were sharing the same brain cells were, I went upstairs with him.

"Is there anything you want to tell me?" I crossed my arms and leaned against the closet door.

"You and Micah are doing well." He sat down on the couch in the closet.

"Mm. You don't want us to?" I narrowed my eyes.

"What?" He furrowed his brows.

"Alec Michealson, you like Red." I flatly pointed out.

"But that's..." he trailed off in confusion before running his hands down his face, "I don't know how or when. It started as appreciation and before I knew it..."

"So what are you going to do? You know how possessive I can get. And you know what happens when I get possessive. Add Royal and Sividus in the mix, you know how dangerous it can get." I pointed out.

"I know man. I can't promise to stop immediately because it'll take time. But I swear in my life that I won't do anything to betray your trust. And Micah too. She's enthralled by you. I see it." He said, a sad smile appearing on his face when he added the last part. But I couldn't bring myself to feel bad for him.

"Alright. I trust you brother. I trust Red too. I hope you can let it go as soon as possible." I warned.

"I'll try my best." He nodded seriously, "You're lucky man. To have her I mean. You deserve it, this happiness."

"I know. Thanks, brother." I smiled before walking deeper into the closet and through the adjoining door to the bathroom.

"What are you doing?" Alec called out from behind me.

"I'm running a bath for her." I simply said with a side glance.

He stood there and watched me quietly, I couldn't quite make out his expression. Just when I was about to call out to him, foreign emotions assaulted my mind making me startle. It was a few seconds later that I realized they belonged to Red. I didn't have time to ponder on how I could feel her emotions when I didn't mark her because I felt her panic.

It was raw, unconfined, and mixed with fear. I turned around and left the room as fast as I could. I could feel my heart accelerating in worry.

"Armin, what the hell?" Alec called out behind me but I was already standing in front of her. She was clutching onto her head and shivering.

"Red!" I worriedly called out. Her lost gaze looked up at me making my heart tighten.

"Ar...min?" She quietly called looking lost. Because of how bubbly she was, I almost forgot that she must have had her worries too. She must be worried about her family back in the Royal city.

"It's okay." I slowly said as I pulled her into my arms, "I'm here."

"Armin." She hugged me tightly.

"Mm. I'm here, Red." I murmured when I felt her pained and confused emotions.

We stayed in our tight embrace and I didn't pull away until I sensed that her emotions were calm.

"Sorry." She mumbled.

"Don't. Don't ever apologize to me." I
murmured into her ear as I held her tighter, "I'm your mate. That's not how it goes."

"Hum. Okay."

"Hey, Micah? You alright?" Emma quietly asked.

"Um...yeah. Sorry about that." She said with a chagrined smile.

"I almost had a heart attack when Armin came bounding down the stairs. That's when Robin and I noticed how pale and unfocused you were. Are you feeling okay?" She said, "Are you sure?" She asked again.

"I really am. I guess it was just a...panic attack?" She said lowly as I adjusted my position so she was leaning on my chest while facing them.

"That sounded like a question," Alec said before moving over to her. He sat beside her before placing his hand on her forehead, "Your skin is sweaty and cold. It was a panic attack." He frowned.

"Should we go to the hospital?" Robin frowned too.

"We should get the pack doctor to come over. She looks too weak." Em shook her head.

I looked at Red who was staring at them before smiling, the smile getting bigger when she laughed out loud. The way they were concerned about her must have made her feel warm and better. That was just her way of expressing it, by laughing loudly.

I twisted her hair around my fingers in fascination with full attention.

"I think Micah has lost it," Robin said dumbfounded.

"We need to take her to an asylum," Emma said.

Shifting my gaze from her hair, I threw Alec a warning glare, his little mouthing action didn't escape my notice before tugging lightly on her hair. She smiled up at me and caressed my face in a coaxing manner before saying, "You felt it?"

"Mm. I was startled at first before I realized they were from you. I was surprised." I said as I pulled her closer so she was sitting on my lap with an arm around her waist and the other still playing with her hair.

"I felt it too. Before we kissed." She said as she buried her face in my neck. I stiffened slightly before letting out a sigh.

"Oh."

"She's carrying out the conversation normally." Robin mused, "She's not crazy then right?"

"Could've fooled me." Emma rolled her eyes sarcastically.

"I'll choose to ignore that for the sake of world peace." He said.

"What?" She frowned in confusion but he ignored her.

"Are you alright now Micah?" He asked worriedly.

"Yeah. Sorry for startling you." She said.

"It's Em you should worry about. She can't take too many surprises, you see. She has a weak heart." He smirked.

"Bastard! You're the one with a weak heart. Your whole family has weak hearts!" She gritted.

"Aren't you my family then? So you do agree that you have a weak heart? Hehe careful not to get a stroke, Emma." He laughed out loud, laughing harder when he saw her contorted expression.

"You b-!"

"Go home if you have nothing better to do." I flatly interrupted while weaving my fingers through her hair.

"You're like a kitten," I muttered into her ear right when she let out a short yawn. She mumbled incoherently while shuffling in my embrace to get more comfortable making me chuckle.

Mine.

That possessive proclamation came from all three of us; Sividus, Royal, and I at the same time. Her closed eyes opened and stared into my possessive ones like she heard my thoughts.

"I think we should go home too. I don't want my singlehood to be highlighted further." Robin rolled his eyes.

"You're still an idiot but I agree with you. I'm also starting to feel very single." Emma said.

I rolled my eyes at them before gazing back down at Red. I could never get enough of her looks.

"Alec?" I called when I saw him dazedly staring at my hand in her hair.

"Oh um sorry about that. Did you say something?"

"Mm. Red and I are turning in for the night. It's been a long day." I said as I stood up with her in my arms. She wrapped her arms around my neck before nodding slightly at them.

"Good night guys. See you tomorrow." She said before I walked towards the stairs.

"You two better get out. I don't want to hear any arguments." I warned as I ascended the stairs, "Alec, I'm having your head if that happens."

After having our bath and settling on the bed, I hugged her and took sniff after sniff of her addicting scent. She curled to my side before starting to dose off as I played with her hair.

"You like it?" She asked.

"Mm?"

"My hair."

"Mm. I adore it. It's so unique and fiery." I replied making her smile.

"I also adore your eyes." She said as she gazed into my eyes, "especially when they turned red. It was...so unique an..d mesmerizing too...I lo...ve it." She dozed off as soon as she finished talking.

I stared at her with complicated emotions. That was the first time anyone said my red glowing orbs were mesmerizing. They were always either repulsed, oppressed, or scared by it.

I told you you won't regret it. Armin, she is the one that can accept you, us, wholeheartedly. Can't you see how hooked she is whenever your eyes change to red?

Ancient bastard is right. There was no fear there. Only curiosity and adoration. It was never like this. She's the one.

I softly gazed down at her before hugging her tighter.

Mm. I think you guys are right. Maybe I should let bygones be bygones.

**********
(Conference room, training grounds.)

"Alpha." Evan and the rest bowed as soon as I entered the room. I nodded before we all took our seats around the table.

"Micah. It's good to see you again." Evan smiled.

"You too." She smiled back.

"This is the famous Micah I've been hearing about? She's different from what I imagined. She looks...poised." Julien mused. I watched their expressions as they talked, my gaze lingering a bit on Harvey before I turned away.

"That's a good thing though right?" Duke answered back.

"Maybe. I'm Julien. The assistant head warrior." He said, "It's nice to meet you although I'm curious about your identity since the Alpha personally called for us to meet you."

"Hey. Nice to meet you too." Red simply replied making me smile a little. She was allowing me to call the shots. I wouldn't have minded if she said she was their Luna though.

"Well then, I'm up next. I'm Duke, the assistant head enforcer. Nice to meet you. I am also quite curious about your identity."

"You too."

"You already know me. But still, I'm Evan. Head warrior."

"Yeah. The guy who likes growing white hair." She teased.

"That sounded a bit off." He chuckled.

"Harvey. The head enforcer." Harvey said. I felt the irritation building up the longer he maintained his sitting position. Just as I was about to cuss him to hell, I felt her hand on my arm, and as usual, her touch calmed me down instantly.

"Ah, Harvey. I've heard a thing or two about you." She nodded.

I glanced askance at her before inwardly sighing, I wondered what it would take for her to be thrown off. He was disrespecting her but she still calmly nodded at him. It was either she had good self-control or she was doing it because of me. The one thing dominant wolves couldn't tolerate was disrespect from a wolf weaker than them.

I had to have a good talk with him after this little meeting.

"All good things I hope." He coldly said but she ignored him. I stared at him darkly, waiting for him to correct his mistakes but he lowered his head and avoided my gaze.

"How's work been going?" Red casually asked.

"It's fine thank you. The pack is so huge that it still gets overwhelming sometimes." Duke sighed.

"You've been working hard." She smiled, "keep up the good work."

"Thank you." He nodded. 

"It's the paperwork and report that I hate." Julien rolled his eyes.

"It's just cause you have terrible handwriting and Alpha said only you should continue writing everything instead of typing it." Robin snickered.

"You fucker." Julien glared
good-naturedly.

"I think it's cute." Emma chipped in.

"Your taste is way off," Duke smirked.

While they lightly conversed, I glared at Harvey, the bastard, but he avoided my gaze even though he was breaking out in a cold sweat.

"Harvey." I finally called out.

"Alpha." He immediately stood up and bowed making my brow twitch. Wasn't this an obvious disregard of Red? I inwardly took a deep breath before throwing him a flat look.

"Drop it." I warned darkly before averting my gaze, "You've all already suspected it or heard about it from others but let me inform you all. She is my mate." I said.

I watched them as the shock rolled off of them in waves. The room was quiet as they tried to take in what I said. They all stared blankly at Red without blinking, their bewilderment apparent. Harvey's gaze became colder but the harsh glare I threw him made him hide it a bit.

Evan was the first one to snap out of the reverie and I wasn't surprised. He had acknowledged her from the bottom of his heart because of that single fight. Most of the time, exchanging blows could be the most effective way to gain acknowledgment.

"Is that how it is? Then it's a pleasure to make your acquaintance Luna. Please take good care of the Alpha from now on." He stood and bowed deeply, rising only after a moment.

"I will. Thank you, Evan." She smiled happily and I found my annoyed mood getting brighter. She leaned against my shoulder and closed her eyes, seemingly waiting for them to finish taking it in.

"Ah to hell with it!" She suddenly said in frustration making me smile. I gently rubbed her head in encouragement before averting my gaze back to the uncomfortable-looking wolves.

"Do you feel uncomfortable?" She asked Duke and Julien who were avoiding her eyes, "tsk, some officials you are, avoiding eye contact and keeping quiet during an abrupt situation."

"Look, if you have anything against the concept of mates or whatever then sorry to say but we won't get along. There's a possibility I would hand your ass over to you. Yes, I'm confident I can beat everyone in this room in a fight. Well, Armin excluded. Fighting him is like tryna race against your shadow and expecting to win." She said and I lowly laughed as I recalled our little spar when she first came.

Julien and Duke smiled no doubt at her guts. It wasn't every day a person challenged the key officials of BlueMoon. Although they shook their heads, I saw the hint of mockery hidden in their eyes and I found my brows furrowing. But I knew she would give them a very tight face-slap with her skills very soon.

"All I'm saying is that sitting in a darkened corner and expecting the light to reach it without taking a step is not very effective. Crap happens and we move. No night, no matter how long it feels, is forever. Dawn will come and the sun will shine. It's up to you whether you want to look up and take a step or continue sitting there. People aren't the same. Different people, different situations, and different outcomes." She calmly said.

I watched the surprise enter their eyes and I smiled. She might not have a single clue what was going on but her words sure hit right at home.

"That's all I'm saying. That and I could seriously really beat you all in a fight." She added after a while. They all smiled at that.

"Does she..." they all suddenly chorused at the same time.

"No." I calmly replied.

"Then how did she..." they all said again.

"It happened," I said making them all give me flat looks.

"If I didn't know better, I would seriously wonder if you choreographed that," Red said seriously.

"Maybe looking up isn't a bad thing," Duke said after a while and Julien nodded in agreement.

"Though it might take a while." He added sheepishly.

"I'll be waiting." She smiled and they smiled back. The initially uncomfortable atmosphere became peaceful again.

"So what about the rogue situation?" I asked.

"Apparently it was an order from the palace," Harvey said.

"What?" We all chorused.

"Since when did the palace work with rogues?" I frowned.

"They are not directly related. The palace issued out a hunt for some stray wolf that stole confidential information and fled." He explained.

"Of course, all packs on this side of the empire are obligated to keep a lookout. The rogues though are moving based on some person's instructions. They call him the 'Prince'." He said, "They were only asked to snoop around pack borders and some areas around the city for any wolf that didn't smell like a rogue and didn't seem to belong to any pack."

"In that case, the frequent appearances are nothing to stress about," Alec said.

"The palace security must be crap then. If a rogue can infiltrate and steal confidential information." I said.

"That's what all the rogues I interrogated said and they didn't seem to be lying. But who knows if that's the real truth? They might not even be in on whatever that's going on." Harvey said.

"Then keep an eye out and send a report of their pattern and number of appearances to me," I said and he nodded before turning his gaze to Red.

"While we're on this topic, you wouldn't happen to know anything about it would you Ms. Green? They did say you were from the Royal city." Harvey asked with a leveled gaze.

"Hey!" Emma and Alec glared while Robin gaped at him before throwing a wary look at me. I calmly stared at him unmoving. I was one step away from beating the crap out of him.

"That's a full question, Harvey. What if I say I do?" She asked with a smile.

"Then I will have to take care of the situation using proper means. I am a devoted member of the Eastern Empire after all." As soon as he replied, a growl immediately slipped out of my throat as my dominance released itself to the max making them lower their heads in submission.

Harvey broke out in a cold sweat as he stood stiffly while I glowered at him when tingles came from my shoulder.

"It's okay." Red smiled. She didn't stop caressing my shoulder until I calmed down a bit.

"I think he's quite suited as the head Enforcer. He is stern and firm. He also will not allow personal ties to cloud his judgment." She deducted, "Don't worry Harvey. I have nothing to do with that wolf. I swear it." She added with a smile.

"That's good to hear then." He said after staring at her for a while. "Sorry about earlier."

"I'll accept your apology but I know it's not sincere. Why apologize if you were going to do it in the first place?" She shook her head making him laugh.

"Very good. I like her." He said.

"You and me both." They all said at the same time before chuckling.

"Are you guys trying to piss me off?" I darkly asked. 

"Eh?" Robin let out confusedly.

"Who's tryna piss you off?" Alec raised a brow.

"You're not allowed to like her. She's mine." I said calmly.

"Then we admire her," Emma said.

"You're not allowed to do that too," I said.

"Seriously dude?" Robin laughed.

"Aren't you being a bit too possessive Alpha?" Julien chipped in with a grin. It earned a round of agreement and teasing from the rest and soon, the room was filled with cheerful laughter.

"Shut up! I've already made it clear." I muttered with a scowl.

After the meeting, we left the room and headed to the training grounds filled with young wolves. As she stood there and taught them about chi suppression, I delightedly watched as their admiration and respect for her grew. The slightly skeptic and mocking gazes were entirely conquered and I watched as they hung to her every word

At that moment, I knew that if I were to announce her position as the Luna, nobody would oppose her. Even the other members on the west side of the pack.

As she stood there while her opponents lay immobile on the floor, she was shining brightly. So brightly that I was dazzled by her. I suddenly didn't want anybody to see how wonderful she was but I knew a person like her belonged under the spotlight.

After settling the training session, I knew she had true respect for all the key officials of the pack. And they trusted her because I trusted her and that was enough. They would soon trust her because of her. The young pups all adored her too and I listened on in satisfaction as they eagerly discussed the next session and praised her skills and how warm she was.

That was how I wanted it to be, for her to be the center of attention and be showered with praise.

"The rest of you should go ahead. I want to have a word with the head enforcer." I said after they finished praising her. She stared at me before smiling.

"I'll be waiting for you." She smiled up at me.

"Mm. Wait for me." I said as I buried my nose in her hair, "Alec will give you a laptop to design the blueprint. The password is your name." I added when I pulled back after a while.

"Okay. See you at home." She said and after kissing me on the cheek, she turned towards Emma and the guys. It wasn't until the car turned around the corner and was out of sight that I looked over to Harvey who was standing with his head lowered.

"Do you know what you did was not only an obvious disregard of me but also disrespecting my woman?" I slowly asked.

"Alpha...I have no excuse. I was just being wary because of last time..."

"If we had to always be wary then we will let good things slip by us. Harvey, Red is my mate. That's all I care about. I don't want her to be disrespected or anything of that sort."

"But Alpha, she just appeared out of nowhere. How sure are we that she was not sent by—"

"So you mean my judgment is poor?" I raised a brow.

"No! That's not what I meant. It was just that before—"

"Harvey, you blamed me didn't you?" I suddenly came to a realization. It wasn't that he wanted to disrespect Red but that he doubted my judgment. After all, I had once caused an irreparable disaster that claimed hundreds of lives.

Red appearing was probably a grim reminder to him.

"That's not it..." he muttered, not able to meet my gaze.

"It's alright. I don't blame you. You're free to think what you want. I've never said it wasn't my fault nor tried to shirk responsibility. But because of that incident, should I sit in a void and never be happy?" I smiled in self-depreciation.

He shook his head before getting on his knee and resting his left hand on the other with his head bowed.

"Alpha. That's not what I meant. I admit at the beginning I blamed you and even thought you deserved to be isolated. But that was because I lost my entire family back then. That was also before I got to serve you and work close to you. I now know that you were also a victim.

"You are a wonderful and extremely kindhearted person but fate was cruel to you. I hated you but I later on came to love and respect you. You're like a little brother to me. So Alpha, you deserve all the happiness you're currently experiencing. And if Micah makes you happy, then I'll never repeat what I did today."

I watched him for a while before sighing and pulling him up to his feet, "You don't have to kneel. I care about Red. I've never felt this way about anyone before." I gazed up at the boundless blue sky.

"Not even—"

"Yes. Not even back then."

We stared at each other before a smile appeared on our faces, "then I wish you all the best. It will be better if you quickly have kids. Other packs' heirs are already nine." He teased making me laugh.

"Don't start grumbling when they keep following you around and calling you Uncle though."

"I'll be glad if they did."

"Let's get back to work. For the next session, let's have it at the packed arena and have all the teen pups gathered. I want them to be familiar with their Luna." I smiled.

"Okay. What about your parents? Do they know?"

"Nah. I didn't inform them. They'll be back in a little over two weeks. I'll have them meet her then."

"Then what about Luna A—I mean your mother?" He worriedly asked.

"What about her? She has no right to interfere in my life." I shrugged indifferently.

"Alpha..." he trailed with a hint of worry.

"Let's get back to work. I have tons of things to review."

***********
I cracked my neck and stretched after finishing the last paper. Thinking back on my phone call with Red, I felt a longing and sadness that didn't belong to me and I knew it was her. I closed my eyes and when I opened them again, I was pushing open the iron gates to my manor. Just then, the front door opened and she sped towards me before wrapping her arms around my waist.

"You miss me that much?" I chuckled and she shook her head as she hugged me tighter.

"What's wrong?" I asked while wrapping my arms around her but she shook her head again making me sigh.

Could she be worried about it before? We are not going to treat her coldly ever again though.

"Red. It's all in the past." I sighed. She looked up at me with teary orbs making my heart itch.

"Armin." She said hoarsely.

"Mm?" I said as I softly caressed her hair.

"I'm sad." She said as the tears built up.

"Don't cry Red. Don't cry. It hurts me to see you cry." I muttered as I hugged her tightly.

"I can't help it. I feel like you kept getting hurt before for one reason or the other. Don't get hurt anymore. Please." She cried quietly.

I stiffened in surprise for a while before hugging her tighter. To think she was crying because she was hurting for me and not what I initially thought.

"I won't. Not since you're here. Don't cry Red. Don't make your pretty gem eyes swollen." I softly coaxed.

"Then don't get hurt again. Promise me." She looked up at me.

"I promise," I muttered before gently kissing her forehead. She leaned against me for a while as I ran my hand through her hair.

"I'll never betray you, Armin. I can't do that. Armin, whatever might happen, always hear me out first. I'll die if I hurt you."

I felt my heart painfully squeeze at her declaration as shivers ran down my spine. I stiffened and pushed her back to gaze into her eyes.

"Don't ever say that again." I lowly growled, my voice blending with Sividus and Royal's. "You'll forever be by my side. If you die then I die." I vowed.

"Armin. Don't say that. It hurts." She said quietly.

"I know. So just stay by my side okay?" I said as I lowered my head.

"Okay," I replied.

My lips met hers after that. This time around, it was very gentle and soft. It was filled with longing and comfort as I gently kissed her and explored her sweet mouth. My tongue twirled around hers before I pulled back.

"Red..." I whispered as I laid my forehead on hers.

"Hazel..." she mumbled right back.

"I know you won't betray me. It's an instinctive feeling. I promise to always hear you out. So you promise to accept me wholly. And don't be scared of me and hide the fear behind fake love." I quietly said as different pieces of memories surged through my mind.

"I promise." She whispered, "I love you, Armin. I love you so damn much." She added and at that moment, I felt everything freeze as shock overwhelmed my senses.

I stared at her in disbelief before a brilliant happiness surged through me.

She said she loves me..! Loves me!!

"Red." I choked before slamming my lips back on hers. Through that kiss, I poured out all my emotions. The simple and complex ones. The ones I couldn't say. I let her feel my care and tenderness. Let her feel that she was the most important person in this whole wide world to me.

"I'm yours Red. Yours to love, make, break, and remold. You're the owner of my heart, my soul, my entire being..." I said as I hugged her tightly, "So don't leave me."

"Okay. Mine."

"Mm. Yours."

We stood leaning against each other for a while before she pulled back, "The food will get cold. I cooked for you." She grinned.

"That's it Red. Always smile like that. Don't ever cry." I caressed her face gently before pecking her lips, "I think I might become addicted to kissing you soon." I groaned as I kissed her again.

"That's not a bad thing." She beamed.

"Let's go. Before I kiss you again." I sighed making her blush.

"Okay."

We walked back to the manor hand in hand and I couldn't help but steal glances at her once in a while. She smiled widely like the confession she made freed her.

She loves me.

That she does.

I'm a sucker for her too. Ancient bastard, I know you are too.

She loves me.

That was the thought that kept reverberating in my mind. It wasn't only me, Sividus and Royal were as pumped as I was.

She loves me.

"About time." Emma sighed as soon as we entered the dining room, "What the hell Micah? Why would you run off like that? I was worried." She glared.

"Don't talk to her like that," I warned. She rolled her eyes before going back to her food.

"We started eating 'cause you were taking too long." Alec said, "Is everything alright?"

"Yeah. I just felt an urge to hug him suddenly." Red said, "Sorry Em." She apologized to which she waved away.

"Let's eat," Alec said. Robin was eating with gusto as usual.

"You didn't eat since morning," I said when she blankly stared at the food I put on her plate.

I didn't eat until I saw her halfway through her food. The food tasted divine as usual and I patted her head and gave her a thumbs up in praise when she looked expectantly at me.

"Agnis called." Emma suddenly said.

"Is Mikhail alright?" Red asked.

"You know Mikhail?" Emma asked. The guys also looked surprised. Right, I didn't tell them she knew.

"Yeah. Armin told me about him. Well?"

"He's doing surprisingly well. He sometimes looks focused. But she said he looks around as if searching for something before going blank again." She sighed.

"Poor thing." Red sighed before looking at me.

I lightly pinched her cheek reassuringly before saying, "I already know what to do. The day after Emma's birthday, come with me to see him. She's also coming along."

"Okay." She nodded eagerly and I smiled.

"You like him," Alec said.

"Mm. I do. He's tiny. I want to carry him everywhere if I could." She said honestly.

"You're kind Micah." He smiled deeply at her, the hidden affection in his eyes obvious to us all except her. I left him alone though when I recalled his promise while both Emma and Robin slightly shook their heads.

She laughed lightly before going back to her food. "What time is the party?"

"The banquet starts at six in the evening and ends at eight. The party starts from ten till when you're ready to drop." Emma shrugged.

"That long?" She asked.

"Duh. That's why it's a party."

"Oh."

"Wait. Don't tell me." Emma gasped.

"Tell you what?" Red frowned.

"You've never been to a party before?" She laughed making her flush.

"Wh-what? Of course not." Red stuttered.

"You're a terrible liar." She laughed again.

"You've never been to a party?" Alec asked curiously.

"Of course I—no, I've never been to one." She sighed before leaning back on me.

"How?" Robin asked in surprise.

"Strict parents. Stricter brother and cousin." She muttered.

"You could've sneaked out though." Emma pointed out.

"Oh believe me I've tried. It earned me a house arrest for three months. I couldn't go to school or eat my favorite burger." She shuddered.

"Three months?" Robin sputtered.

"Uh-huh. It wasn't pleasant." She sighed.

"I'm starting to like your brother and cousin a lot more now." I mused as I kissed the middle of her head. They kept her away from that chaotic environment.

She threw me a look before rolling her eyes, "Whatever. I'm looking forward to this party though."

"Speaking of this, let me show you guys the print Mics sketched." Emma suddenly mentioned before running to the living room and back.

"See? Isn't it awesome?" She asked as she showcased the drawing.

"Wow. Did you draw this? This afternoon?" Robin said while looking through the design.

"Ah yeah. There's also a 3D model. Just click there and see?" She gestured.

"Wow. Did you study architecture?" Alec asked in amazement.

"Nah. I took an interest in drawing before though. And I've thought about the designs multiple times so it was easy to put on screen." She said halfheartedly.

I watched as they stared in wonderment while she humbly waved away the praises before smiling. I felt like since she came along, I developed a habit of looking at her interactions with people before smiling lightly.

"Wait!" She called when Robin pressed the next button. I raised a brow at her reaction but made no move to look at what she was panicked about as I played with her hair.

"What's this?" Robin frowned, "why does this look familiar?"

"What?" Emma asked before taking the laptop from him, "holy shit!" She suddenly sprang up.

"Emma, you better have a good reason for startling my mate," I growled.

"Y-you, Micah you drew this?" She asked unsurely.

"Yeah. It looks surreal, doesn't it? I don't know how either. My hand just moved and he was drawn." She explained, "Why are you reacting heavily though? Do you know him?" She added curiously.

"He gives me a familiar feeling though I just can't put my finger on why or where I've seen him." She said when Emma kept silent.

"It's nothing." Emma shook her head before closing the laptop. I saw the look she threw me but I did not comment on it. 

After sitting around for an hour or so, we called it a night and I headed upstairs together with Red when Emma called me back.

"What?" I said as I leaned against the kitchen counter.

"Micah drew this." She said before turning the laptop towards me. An impressive 3D design of a well-thought-out obstacle course entered my view. I felt an immense pride bubbling up within me at the fact that my Lady was the one who drew it.

"What about it? It's pretty impressive." I shrugged.

"What? Not this, the next design." She tapped a button and the next image showed on the screen.

Well, would you look at that.

I paused as I stared at the image incredulously. Everything from the looks down to the air about him was scarily on point. There was no doubt about it.

It was Sividus.

How did little mate draw this? Royal asked in shock. Even I was a bit out of it as I stared at the vivid image on the screen.

She's my woman. So of course she knows me. Well her soul knew me. She will know me soon enough.

[He gives me a familiar feeling though I just can't put my finger on why or where I've seen him.] 

Her words from earlier sounded in my head. Well of course he did, he was a fragment of my soul.

"What about it?" I said after a while.

"Aren't you shocked?" Emma asked.

"I am. Very. Even Royal, and Sividus himself were taken aback."

"How did she draw him? Apart from Gran, Gramps, Uncle, Aunt, Mom and Dad, the guys, you and I, no one knows about it. Not even her." Emma pointed out.

"Although that is true, she's my soulmate after all. Maybe a part of her soul already knew Sividus. His soul and mine are merged." I explained.

"But still..."

"You suspect her?" I narrowed my eyes.

"No way. I trust her with my life. I'm just surprised. You know how I don't like not seeing stuff. And Micah is one person I can't see through." She grumbled.

"My mate is not 'stuff.'" I flatly said making her roll her eyes.

"Whatever. That's all I wanted to show you."

"Then good night." I turned around and headed to our room, feeling eager to hold my woman.

************
Ever since Red said she loved me and drew a portrait of Sividus, any other restraint that was holding me back was unshackled. I loved her. I loved her so damn much. There was no doubt about that. She was the first and would be the last person I loved like this.

When she mentioned me being a demon and that she would love me regardless, I felt my heart itch before swelling with love and contentment. I won't ever let her go. She was mine. Now and forever.

The more time I spent with her, the harder I fell. She was everything I wanted and more. Her everything complimented mine and I wanted nothing more than to spend the rest of my life with her. Only her.

When Emma went away with her to get ready for the party, I felt very annoyed. I couldn't even be bothered to change from my casual wear, replacing my shorts with grey sweats and Nikes before heading to the central training grounds.

The place was already filled with people and I nodded in greeting at them before sitting in a corner and continued brooding. She was taking too long. I couldn't wait to see her in a dress though.

The older generation of the pack members soon came and sat down with me and we chatted for a while. I was surprised to hear Red's name from their mouth and from the way they talked about her, they liked her. It seemed Agnis spread the word amongst them.

Although they were wary, they still encouraged me and blessed our relationship making me feel warm. Nothing beats having understanding and caring pack members. Well except Red's smile.

They soon left my table and went around the place and I kept on staring at the entrance, waiting for my Lady when suddenly, a sickening perfume assaulted my nostrils.

I stared incredulously at the person in front of me before pinching the bridge of my nose. "Mairan?"

"Alpha. I bet you couldn't recognize me because I looked super pretty." She giggled in a high-pitched voice.

Where did this mutant come from? Sividus frowned making my lips twitch in amusement. He was still as uncourteous as ever.

"What did you do to your face?" I rubbed my temple in annoyance. Not only was her perfume choking me her voice was also annoying as hell.

"You like it?" She batted her lashes. I flatly stared at her before averting my gaze. I was met with shimmering gem blue eyes and my annoyance instantly vanished.

I ran my eyes over her frame and I almost whistled in appreciation. Damn, my lady looked ravishing. My eyes darkened at the thought of other males staring at her and I made a move towards her.

"Mira." I said before tugging her into my arms, "I miss y—why do you smell like Alec?!" I growled when I caught Alec's scent on her.

"We hugged when I came in." She said honestly.

"What?!" I hissed out. Alec the fucker. Was this his fucking promise?!

She drew circles along my back and gazed into my eyes, "Alec is my friend. And I also hugged Robin too. You really shouldn't feel jealous over it. Being jealous means you aren't confident in yourself." She teased. I stared begrudgingly at her until she stood on her tiptoes and kissed my nose lightly.

"I love you. You didn't say anything about my dress." She whined.

"You look beautiful. And hot. And sexy. And so mine." I growled as I buried my face in her neck and kissed her lightly there.

"That's it, Hazel. I'm yours. Only yours." She smiled. The way she calmed me down was uniquely hers. We swayed lightly in our little embrace until I felt her disappear from my arms.

What the fuck?!

"Are you out of your fucking mind?!!" I said lowly. I felt my body rippling as the two in my head urged me to rip her to shreds.

"Alpha, what are you doing?" She answered with her own question making me glower at her. Was I too loose with this skank? Was that why she had the guts to ask me a question?

"Meiran, it seems I've been too lenient with you so you seem to have forgotten who I am." I glowered making her take a step back in fear.

"I...I-I...it's all your fault you slut!" She suddenly pointed at Red. I took a threatening step towards her but Red held me back.

"Armin." She held onto my arm, "calm down. I can handle a vermin like this." She smiled at me and I calmed down a bit.

What the hell type of members do you and Royal have in your pack? First Harvey and now this mutant?

I ignored him because I was also wondering how she had the guts to touch my woman.

"You slut! Take your hand off of him!" She shrieked making my brow twitch in annoyance.

"Take it down a notch, will you? Wild banshee. If I'm a slut then aren't you an inferior and pirated version of me?" She asked flatly making me snicker.

That's my lady.

Mairan's eyes widened and she sputtered speechlessly. "C'mon. Anyone can tell you were trying to look like me. Well, a mutated version that is."

I chuckled again before patting her head in encouragement and praise. She and Sividus were soulmates alright. They both knew how to diss.

"How dare you?! Alpha!" She looked indignant making me roll my eyes. As if I would take her side when she almost hurt my woman.

"Stop talking to my mate like that," I warned darkly.

"Wha...what...?!!" She looked shell-shocked as the color drained from her face. I ignored her and intertwined my fingers with Red's before pulling her away from there.

"Let's go and get you something to eat malady." I said as I drew her along to the buffet table, "What do you want?"

"Fries. And wine." She said. I looked back at her before shaking my head. Weird. In a cute way.

"You have weird taste," I muttered. A few moments later, we were sitting at a table in the corner as she enjoyed her fries while I occasionally sipped my wine. The way she wholeheartedly munched on the fries was adorable.

"Tasty." She mumbled as she gazed at me.

"What?" I raised a brow.

"I want a taste." She said before leaning over towards me. I brought the glass to her lips but she shook her head and when I stared at her unmoving, she brought the glass to my lips and urged me to take a sip which I did. She instantly covered her lips with mine and collected the wine from my mouth before sucking my lip.

"Mmm. Tasty." She smiled.

"You're tempting the devil Red," I warned as I felt my pupils dilate.

"Maybe. But the devil likes it doesn't he?" She mused as she rubbed my bottom lip.

"He likes it very much," I growled lowly before sucking her finger into my mouth. "He fucking loves it, baby," I said huskily.

We stared at each other until we were interrupted by the pack members coming to greet us. We chatted with them and I relaxed as Red interacted with the older generation for the first time.

"I heard you went to the orphanage." Wendy, one of the older women said.

"Yeah. I promised to go and see Andie and Cass." Red nodded.

I ignored the cautious gaze they threw at me as I played with her hair, my new favorite pastime activity. Sensing their unrelenting gazes, I met their stares before smiling.

"I couldn't say no to her. And I'm over it." I shrugged. They all looked shocked at my declaration and I didn't blame them. They probably thought I could never get over it. I thought so too until I met Red. My lovely Lady.

"Alpha that's..." they trailed as they gazed at me.

"Don't you see it? Don't you feel it?" I patiently asked them. They went quiet for a while and I patiently waited for their answer.

"It's different." Wendy was the first to reply and all of them nodded.

"She's warmer." Ricky, Wendy's mate said.

"Child, do you love him?" Andre asked Red, his eyes with crowfeet at the corners looking exceptionally wise.

"I do." She said confidently.

"Even his..." he trailed off unsurely.

"Oh you mean his Siren-not-Siren side!" She snapped her finger making me laugh lightly.

Ancient bastard, you have a new name. Royal teased and I snickered. She was probably the only one who would dare to call Sividus that in the entire world. He rolled his eyes but they contained an indulging glow.

Andre stared blankly at her before looking at me in question.

"She thought I was half Siren." I shrugged. They all laughed at that before shaking their heads in amusement.

"In my defense, I've never seen one before." She laughed awkwardly.

"How old are you?" Marian asked.

"I turned twenty this year." She replied.

"Your presence doesn't feel like a twenty-year-old's. In fact, when sitting close to our ice-cube-cold Alpha, you look cool and dignified. I almost thought you were a queen when I saw you first." She laughed along with Red.

"I can see myself as a warrior, but definitely not a Queen." She shuddered making them chuckle.

"You don't like that? But you're our soon-to-be Luna. It's almost the same thing." Judie said. 

"I know." She sighed, "I'm mentally preparing myself." She whispered.

"Now you look twenty." Ricky grinned.

It was almost ten by the time they called it a night and bade us goodbye. "That wasn't too bad right?"

"Mm. You have an affinity with people." I said.

"I want to impress them for you." She whispered.

"For me?" I raised a brow.

"Uh-huh. They care about you. But I want them to like me so they can care about you more because I'm your mate. Then you won't have to be absentminded almost all the time."

"Mira." I smiled warmly, "I love you. As long as you care for me, that's all that matters." I pinched her nose.

"I love you. But I want more people to be there for you." She grinned.

"How fake." Mairan's voice called making me purse my lips in annoyance.

"What do you want Bitch-ran?" Red said disinterestedly.

"It's Mairan. Are you so dumb that you can't even remember it?" She snarled making her laugh.

"Nah. I just can't be bothered." She waved. I smirked sneakily at that.

"Don't you think you're too fake? I don't know how you deceived Alpha while I was gone but now that I'm back, you better not think things would go your way anymore."

"Yeah yeah. Anything else?" Red sighed.

"Armin is mine so you better—"

Before the irritation could build up because of her declaration, Red was already standing in front of her threateningly.

"What?" She said calmly. I watched on in fascination as her voice blended with Camille's. It was very easy on the ears.

"Y...you-g-g-g-get away!" She cried out in fear.

"Listen up mutt. That's Alpha Armin to you. If I hear you calling his name casually again I'll rip out your tongue" she warned darkly, "and the idea you have that he's yours? Get it out of your head. I can control myself a little but my wolf is crazy possessive and territorial. I won't be responsible when she hacks you to shreds." She whispered the last part but I caught it.

I grinned at how possessive she was and honestly, her demeanor was a huge turn-on for me. I obsessively watched her in appreciation, I loved how she got territorial over me.

Mairan took a step back in fear and I nodded in delight. Serves her right. Just because I ignored her crap, she thought she was someone special. What a joke.

"Miss!" An innocent voice that made me feel a prick in my chest sounded.

I watched as she patted Mairan's shoulder and said,  "Good talk." before smiling at the little girl.

"Hey Cass. Where's Andie?" She squatted to her level.

"She was right behind me..." the girl trailed with a confused gaze. From the way Red was smiling, I could tell she liked the girl very much. I clenched my hands at the thought before averting my gaze but their conversation still made it to my ears.

"Hey, you're wearing the princess dress," Red said.

"Yes! Isn't it pretty?"

"It is. Wanna show Alpha?" Red said and I involuntarily stiffened before relaxing. Red was the most important. If she wanted it then I had to do it.

"Alpha is here?"

"Yes. Don't you wanna see him?"

"I...don't think so."

"What? Why?"

"I don't think Alpha likes me and Andie." She said very lowly. I clenched my hands at her words but still didn't look in their direction.

"I don't think so. He's the Alpha. He likes everybody."

"Cassandra! I told you not to run off!" Another voice called making me cuss.

"Ands. I thought you were right behind me."

"You asked me to get a cake for you and then you disappeared."

"Oh. Miss is here."

"Hey, Micah."

"Andie. Come over here."

"Yes?"

"Your Alpha is here." Red oh Red.

"Yes. Cass let's go. It's getting late."

"Aren't you going to say hello?" Red pressed. I got the feeling she was referring to me though. It didn't really matter. They were just two little kids.

"We don't want to disturb him. I'm sure he's busy."

"He's right behind me though."

"Okay stop it." Mairan suddenly said making my eyes snap towards her in warning but her back was facing me.

"You're still here?" Red deadpanned.

"These things aren't allowed to get close to Arm—Alpha." She spat.

"Shut up!" Red glared at her.

She stepped back but continued, "You don't have a clue about anything, do you? Some mate you are." She cackled making me frown. It was my fault Red didn't know though.

"It's okay if you guys don't wanna," Red said.

"Actually, I have a gift for him. Could you help me give him? Please?"

"Cassandra what did I tell you?!"

"But I didn't give him a birthday present."

"I told you he wouldn't care for it okay?!"

I gritted my teeth as I gazed at the four of them. My gaze was mostly glued to Red. 

"I just wanted to...Andie, is it true that he hates us?"

"Okay, that's it. Armin get over here. I know you can hear us." Red snapped.

"Ha!" Mairan laughed. "He wouldn't—Alpha!"

"What?" I said as I stood beside her without taking a single glance at them. I only stared at her as my body tensed up. It seemed I wasn't as over it as I thought I was.

"Armin." She said, "You aren't usually like this." She gazed calmly at me and I stared back at her without looking at anybody else.

"M-Micah...it's l-late. G-good night."

"Allison. Cassandra." I called with my gaze still locked on hers, "I don't hate you guys."

Through my peripheral vision, I saw Allison's shoulders tremble and she took a side glance at me with tears streaming down her face, "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I promise we won't come in front of you again." And then she dragged her sister away hurriedly.

I inwardly sighed as I tried to suppress the raging emotions the memories brought. Whenever I saw Allison, I couldn't help but remember everything. They were too much alike and it pisses me off. Whenever I recalled their betrayal and deception.

I hated that I kept on hurting innocent children when it wasn't their fault. After all, they had it rough too.

"Alpha..." Mairan's voice sounded but I ignored her and started walking away.

"Armin." Red called, "Armin! Stand right there!" She added when I continued forward.

I stopped, not looking back.

"What was that?" She asked.

"Drop it Red. I want to be alone for a while." I said without looking at her. I needed space and time alone to suppress my raging emotions and control my guilt and hatred. I hated that I was still affected by it all even after five years. It was maddening.

"No. Tell me. What is it? What's going on?" She pressed and I found myself getting more irritated.

"All those things you said about not pressing me and waiting, was it all crap? How cheap." I snapped.

My heart stopped when she took a step back before turning around and walking away from me. If I thought I felt guilty before, then I felt crushed right now. I saw the hurt in her eyes before she turned away.

I hated that she didn't leave me alone for a while when I told her to. I hated that I hurt once again. And all because of those damn memories. All because of that fucking incident, the thorn in my heart.

"Red. Don't walk away from me. Get back here." I said emotionlessly. I knew if we stayed together, we were bound to argue but I hated seeing her walking away from me. It was frightening.

"You wanted to be alone. Go ahead." She said without looking back.

"I should've known your talk about staying by my side was bullshit!" I growled harshly. I wanted to hurt her. Just so she could turn back but she didn't. And that made me feel pissed and awful.

I walked out of the noisy grounds and headed into the woods before leaning against a tree and letting out a sigh.

Armin.

Not now Sividus.

Why can't you let it go already?

This isn't something he can just let go of just because he wants to.

Why not? You're over it, aren't you?

Yeah. Because I have Red now. Armin might have her too but you know how our humane counterparts are.

Why do people like making things complicated?

You guys won't get it. Four years. I was deceived for four years. You know, I sometimes think that maybe Red might be the same too. But then I look into her eyes and think that even if that were to happen, I wouldn't ever regret accepting her.

It's hard I know. But Armin, you need to let it go and move on. You can't keep hurting her like this. Let her in. She might just unravel the thorn there.

Ancient bastard said it all. She isn't the least bit repulsed by us. You saw the signs before right? Compare it to how Little Mate behaves around you. You know she genuinely loves us.

I kept quiet and processed their words. They were right. I needed to let things go and move on from the past. That was the best thing I could do for Red and myself.

Red...

Guys, I messed up, didn't I?

You don't say.

Little mate will forgive you though. She walked away because she knew you'd blame yourself when you calmed down. Whatever she does, it's for our sake.

I punched the tree behind me before letting out a cuss. I was really a fool. I kept saying she was the most important but I ended up hurting her. I stayed there for half an hour before hurriedly making my way back to the party. I hope she hasn't left.

I walked into the grounds and looked around until my gaze connected with her gem orbs. I rushed towards her and at that moment, I felt glad she was still here.

I stood in front of her and we stared at each other quietly.

"Mira..." I croaked out after a while as she quietly gazed at me, "I'm so so sorry My love." I whispered. Her tensed shoulders relaxed before she hugged me. 

"I'm sorry too." She murmured and I shook my head. She was too fucking understanding.

"Don't be. It was all my fault. I'm sorry baby. I'm so sorry." I kept muttering into her ear. We quietly stood among the dancing crowd for a while until I spoke again, "Actually, Allison and Cassandra, well, how will you react when you see something that reminds you of a terrible and bitter memory?"

She stiffened and looked up at me, "Oh Hazel. I didn't know. I'm sorry. I always said for you not to get hurt but in the end, I hurt you. I'm so sorry." She hugged me tighter.

"You didn't know. And that was my fault." I sighed as I kissed her forehead. "Let's go back home. I want to cuddle you. I made you walk away from me. That was very scary, seeing you moving away from me. I want to hold you in my arms." I said after a while before carrying her up and walking away from the bustling crowd.

The drive home was quiet. She held tightly onto my hand which was slightly trembling throughout the ride. "I'm sorry for walking away. I didn't want you to blame yourself if we ended up fighting." She sighed.

"I'm sorry. I hurt you too. I'm very sorry Red, please forgive me." I clenched her hand.

"I was never angry to begin with. And I knew you would never hurt me intentionally."

"I never want to hurt you again Mira. Ever. I promise you." I vowed, "I'm scared of seeing you walk away from me. You see, a lot of people left me behind in a similar manner. Mom, Big brother...and...." I found myself saying with clenched teeth.

"I won't ever leave you, Hazel. You're mine and I love you. I'm not them. I know you, you're precious. I won't leave. Even if you push me away."

"I won't, ever. I promise." I tightly latched onto her fingers, never wanting to let go. I was glad she was understanding and that she loved me. I didn't know what I would do if she hated me.

We arrived at the manor and I wanted nothing more than to head into our room so I could hold her in my arms. I scowled at Emma and Robin who were cuddling on my couch upon entering the house.

I felt the shock oozing off of Red when she saw Emma using her powers for the first time.

"Surprise!" Emma laughed.

"What?" She stared up at me.

"Em might smell like a wolf but she's actually a witch."

"What?!" She sputtered in shock, "A witch?!"

"Yep!" Robin grinned as he adjusted the hand he had around her waist.

"How?" She asked, dumbfounded.

"My mom and Gran are witches." Emma shrugged. Red gaped at her in surprise until I cleared my throat before sending a fleeting glare toward the two.

"You guys can talk about this tomorrow. I have a very important topic to discuss with Red." I said as I carried her up with my hands under her knee and the small of her back.

"What is it?" Robin asked curiously as he followed us with his eyes.

"An act." I simply said making her blush. She hid her face in the crook of my neck and smiled slightly as I heard her heart picking up speed.

"What?" Robin asked confusedly.

"I see. Make sure to keep it down. We're still here." Emma laughed teasingly.

"Don't you have a house? Don't disturb us." I threw it behind my back as I climbed the stairs and hurried into our room.

"Red...Mira...malady, let me show that I care. That I'm sorry. And how much I love and adore you." I said huskily before kissing her forehead and locking the door.

_______________
Okay! That's all the summary for Armin's POV. I hope you guys enjoyed it. The next chapter continues from the main storyline.