The Beguiled Bond novel Chapter 7

"Let's have a toast everyone for my little sister, Rachelle," announced Storm as he raised his wine glass.

I smiled, doing the same as they raised their glasses. I was overwhelmed that Storm has to do this effort together with his wife, Casey. Very formal event but we talked informally. I love how we do this thing. Surely, I'm going to miss them once I am in the palace.

"Thank you everyone for doing these things to me. I'm going to miss you all," I said happily, looking at them one by one. "I'm going to miss Alpha Storm's soldiers I trained so well. Please protect our pack even if I am gone in this pack. Don't worry I'll be back. That's all."

Warm applause echoed in the kitchen. I smiled widely.

I put the wine glass down and went outside because of some fresh air. I am bothered because Claude is not around. I sighed in distress. Why do I have to worry about him, huh? I shook my head, shoving the thoughts deep inside of my head. I shouldn't be bothered. I should not worry. I don't need him in my life. My heart pricked when I said it. My wolf was hurt. She needs Claude and his wolf.

I tucked the strands of my hair when a cool breeze passed at me. I hugged myself, feeling so cold because of this dress I was wearing. I wasn't used to this dress. I am shivering in the cold right now. To divert the coldness, I removed my heels and walked to the quiet village. The pack is in the packhouse. For now, I want to be alone. I need some time to think before I sleep.

I walked on my bare feet. I love the feeling of the grass tickled in my feet. When I reached the small pond where children used to play here, I sat on the large stone and stared at the starry sky. Especially, I stared at the lovely moon.

I raised my hand as if I was touching the moon. I felt like we were connected in some way. I felt like most of me could only find the moon. I wish I could talk to the moon goddess so she can tell me where the pack I came from and who my parents were. I wonder what the moon goddess is doing right now. How did she guard us, all werewolves?

I put down my hand and stared at the pond. Some of the dishes are still swimming at night. I was lured looking at them. I hugged myself when I shivered in cold again as the breeze passed quietly.

I flinched when I felt a cloth draped in my shoulder. I turned my head instantly only to find it was Claude. My heart beats seeing him again. What we did earlier is the most mistake I've ever made. But I don't know but I don't feel any regrets in me.

"You should at least get some coat, my dear." Claude smiled and sat beside me.

"W-What are you doing here?" I asked, surprised to see him.

"I follow my mate as to where she is going," Claude said, looking straight into my eyes. His dark hazel orbs penetrate me.

I looked away, glaring again at the pond. I didn't respond to his statement. But deep inside my heart is jumping in joy together with my wolf. I frowned to hide it. Claude and I both fell silent. I was feeling awkward that he was beside me. But I was fully aware of his presence.

"Your brother's pack is vividly amazing," Claude started.

I nodded my head. "Yeah. You're right."

"I'm happy that Casey is living happily with him. Now, I could breathe in contentment. Because there's someone who will look after her and protect her." I could sense the happiness in his voice.

I turned my head to look at him. He was looking at the pond. I returned my head. "Storm is overprotective when it comes to me even though we're not blood-related. Did Casey tell you about that thing?" I asked, emphasizing Storm and I were not siblings.

"Yeah. Also, Storm explained about shooting you then he also told me that." He sighed. "I'm sorry if I acted that way."

"Hmm." I just nodded my head and remained silent. I'm glad he felt sorry for it.

"You knew he loved you being part of his family, right? You won't doubt any single thing, right?"

"I do know. And I am so blessed that his parents adopted me and Storm became my old brother." I smiled widely, reminiscing. "But I feel so different even though I still belong to this pack. My heart is longing for something. Apart from that, I want to search for everything about me. Storm helps me but he can't find any details for me." I sighed sadly. I was snapped back by everything I said. Immediately, I gawked at him only to find he was looking at me intently. "Don't assume that I'm letting you enter into my life now that I'm opening this up. Just forget what I said," I said defensively.

I felt my cheeks heat when he stared for so long into my eyes. I looked away, can't look at him, not for just seconds.

"I love everything about you." He murmured

My breath hitched. I could still hear it even though it is just a small whisper. My sensitive ears can hear his fast heartbeat. I'm sure Claude can hear mine. My heart is pounding so wild and I don't know why my heart has to react to his statements.

I chose to remain silent. I don't know what to say to him. I can't even move a little because he was staring at me again. I swear I couldn't take it. I lowered my head and played with my fingers instead.

"Can I ask you something, Rachelle?" he asked after a moment of silence between us.

I stopped myself not to look at him. "What is it?" I asked, my eyes glued to the fishes swimming in the pond.

"What pushes you to not accept me as your mate?" he asked after he remained silent. I think he was weighing his words.

I took a sigh because of his question. "Why do you have to be so curious about this? I'm sure my brother had already told you." I couldn't help but look at him now.

"I only want to hear it coming from you. I was wondering why you can't accept me or do otherwise."

"Because I'm still confused." I averted my eyes.

"Confused about what?"

"Of this! You, meeting you unexpectedly! The fact I met you as my mate!" I said, exaggerating, spreading my hands.

I heard him chuckle. "The moment I saw your wolf form in the woods, I already knew that you were my mate. I'm glad that I met you here. I thank the moon goddess that she pushed me through visiting my sister. I swear I didn't want to pay a visit to Casey. My father insisted at first but I declined. But then, I was curious about the living of my sister. Of course, I still care for her. I'm glad that I finally found my missing piece in my life."