Chapter 360 - Baby Shower (1)
Chapter 360 - Baby Shower (1)
Dawn was waiting in the car on the driver seat outside the prison and as soon as he stepped in, he turned back to his original self. He leaned towards her to give a long lingering kiss to his wife. "Let's go to your baby shower," he said and Dawn drove him away.
"When the party's over, you have to tell me how did you come to know about Bree's plans?" said Dawn.
He placed a hand on her thigh and said, "I need a bath, baby." He grinned at her and his sharp fangs became visible. "I will tell you everything later."
Three hours later Dawn and Daryn were receiving guests for their baby shower.
Lily Wyatt wasn't invited.
David had come along with Rose and Cecilia. Cecilia stayed with Rose most of the time. Cole went to her and Dawn noticed that the two were comfortable with each other. In fact they even laughed, which was good. She maintained her distance from Cecilia and so did Daryn. Unfortunately, Daryn didn't even acknowledge her presence.
The soiree's venue was a lakeside lodge that was high in demand. It was extremely difficult to get the booking and even though they got a date on a weekday, Reyna had grabbed it. She had immediately engaged an event company to decorate and arrange everything for the event because both Daryn and Dawn were not coming to the office. They had taken a three day vacation, which according to Reyna was not justified.
Full of soft blue and pale crimson hues, the arrangement was on the theme of "Stone of Solaris". The stylist had created a simple but very elegant statement with cookies, macaroons and a fluffy two-tiered cake that was a strong attraction for the kids. The self-serve station was flanked by a calligraphy menu and it looked like it was carefully planned. Across the entire hall, there were sweet hyacinths and other light blue and crimson flowers decorated the ceiling. Similar colored floral centerpieces and linens added to the elegance.
The baby shower was a private affair and only the Silver Clan members were invited. Gifts piled up in the corner and when Dawn looked at them, it reminded her of Gayle, who had bought so many gifts, that she chuckled. He was truly waiting for his grandchildren. Dawn sighed and touched her belly.
Neal was standing close by. He watched her and came. "What is our Luna thinking of?" he asked as he sipped virgin mojito. Alcohol wasn't allowed in the party that day.
"I was thinking about Gayle. I hope he is safe."
"I am sure Sedora is keeping her safe. She will use him as the trump card, unless we find him first," said Neal.
"Are there any leads?" asked Dawn.
"Not as yet!" Neal pursed his lips. "I am getting worried that more and more kingdoms are joining the Mozrath. I think it is time we all form an alliance and give a shout out to the Lore."
"That would be a bad idea Neal. That would actually mean that we are acknowledging Mozrath."
"Maybe we should," he replied.
Suddenly a toddler bumped in Dawn's legs and he fell. Dawn looked down at the crying baby. "Aw! I am so sorry darling." She picked her up and wiped her tears. "Where is your mommy?"
The child cried through her tears, "I want the cake." Her front tooth was missing and Dawn's heart melted. She couldn't wait to raise her kids. She laughed and said, "Okay, let us cut the cake for you princess."
Her mother came running after her. "I am so sorry, Dawn!" she rasped. The woman's baby bump showed.
When Dawn looked to see who it was, she saw Fiora standing there. Dawn cringed. Wasn't this woman banished from the tribe because she helped Pia with fake pregnancy? "What are you doing here?" she asked.
Fiora lowered her head. "I am sorry Dawn for what happened with you. It was a bad idea and it was Pia who instigated me to do. I— I just showed her m— my loyalty." She was on the verge of crying. "After a lot of pleading I have got my status reinstated in the clan only for my children. Please don't banish me again. It is a horrible feeling and I wouldn't even think of it for my enemies." She shook her head. "Please forgive me, will you Dawn?"
The way she looked in Dawn's eyes, Dawn melted. She was the Luna of the clan and she had to show her maturity. Moreover it was her baby shower and she didn't want to create scenes. "Okay," she whispered. She gave the toddler back to her. "Is this your first born?"
"Yes," Fiora nodded. "I am impatiently awaiting my second one."
"Good, take care," Dawn replied to dismiss her. She reminded her of Pia and her memory brought angst.
Fiora walked away with her baby. Neal scowled. "You better be cautious of that woman!"
"I will Neal," Dawn smiled. "Also where is your gift?" she asked.
Neal finished his mock tail and his lips curved. "Patience, my dear, patience."
A couple had walked to her and they were giving her a box full of gifts when suddenly there was commotion on the entrance. Dawn craned her neck to see what was happening. She saw Daryn walking up to the main entrance to receive the guest.
"Brantley, my friend," he said and gave a bear hug to the man. "How are you?" he asked as he guided him to Dawn, a huge smile donning his face.
Girls and ladies had begun swooning over him. As he walked towards Dawn, she was stunned by his appearance. Brantley was wearing a tailored black suit that fitted his broad shoulders. Beneath it he wore a white shirt, the buttons of which were opened till just above his chest revealing his dragon tattoo partially. The most surprising part was that half of his hair had turned blonde and they were mixed with the green. Did he color them again? Overall, the dragon rider looked drool worthy, like a God and suave as hell.
"Hello Dawn," he said when he approached her. He extended a box to her, which was wrapped in a golden bow and said, "Just a small gift."
Dawn took it from him and said, "Thanks Brantley." His demeanor was such that she instantly realized that he was still angry with her. In order to break the ice, she said, "Did you color your hair?" She was happy that he wasn't looking as punk-ish as he had looked earlier.
"No," he replied and lowered his eyes to her tummy as if trying to make a connection with his mate. "They turned naturally to that color and I have no idea why. That was the color of my hair originally, when I was born."
Dawn stared at him with a gaped mouth. When he looked back at her, he pursed his lips. "Things are stranger than I had thought," he replied. But there was no regret in his voice, only pride, as if he was extremely happy with the change.
"Let us toast to the babies!" Daryn interjected when he saw that things were getting awkward between the two of them. "But there isn't any alcohol," he chuckled.
Bratley gave him a nervous smile and they left for the bar.
"That guy is fucking handsome!" Neal remarked. "He should become a national treasure!"
Dawn laughed.