Chapter 159 - What They Both Hoped For
Chapter 159 – What They Both Hoped For
I knew my dear wolf from inside and out. Even before he could say things, I could read and understand him more than myself. We were one before, and we… in the past, promised to be one in mind, heart, and soul.
The reason all the werewolves inherited that loyalty to their mate. For the wolf dreaded for the lamb to leave him. And the Lamb wanted to keep the wolf trap with her for eternity.
If only we knew… if only I knew that would come back to bite me, I would've done better.
Either way, I commended Daniel. Around the same table as him, laughing and chatting with his siblings as if nothing was bothering him, we were both good at acting.
Daniel must've known the first time he laid his eyes on me months ago. He surely knew that I was… his mate. But he kept it to himself and simply observed me. I was certain he didn't make a move when he realized I didn't know. Or even if I was faking it, I was certain he would've approached me differently in private.
That was why I didn't think much about him after regaining the lamb's memories and purpose. If Daniel did nothing whilst knowing his brother's wife was his destined mate, I was certain he already made a decision that very night he met me.
A hard decision that would put his life on the line. I felt no remorse about it. I didn't want revenge for Hugo's sake, but that didn't mean I had forgiven him.
"Rinrin, are you alright?" I blinked and moved my head to the side, only to see Hugo's curious face. "Do you want to rest early?"
"No, I'm fine." I smiled, placing my hand on his. "How can I leave early if they threw a dinner…" I trailed off when he blinked blankly.
"Let's go." Hugo curled his hand and held mine that was on his lap. "Everyone will understand if you want to rest early. I mean, we had a long journey and, unlike me, you need more rest."
My eyes softened as a shallow breath slipped past my lips. "I'll stay a bit longer."
"Are you sure?"
"Mhm." I nodded reassuringly.
"Wow… will you look at that? He looked so tamed…" Tomas gasped, catching Hugo and my attention.
"The power of love in here is more like a miracle." Percival chimed in while rocking his head.
"Hey, Tito. Does your beloved brother bully you in Belcoot? I'll teach him a lesson." Silas, the third prince, who was sitting beside Tito, elbowed him. "Don't be afraid of him. Just tell me if he is working you to death. I got your back, kid."
"Silas, your throat seems a bit loose. Do you want me to tighten it for you?" Hugo snorted.
"Oh really? Can you even grab my neck with both your hands?"
Everyone was so lively, as usual. Almost all the Tempest siblings, along with their spouses, were present, eating around this long dining table. The atmosphere was light, filled with pettiness and profanities they had in store for each other.
While they were busy bantering, I kept quiet with a smile on my face. I couldn't blame Daniel for not succumbing to who he really was. His family, although a bit chaotic, were lovely people. It was hard not to love them.
'Maybe… just maybe…' I slowly set my eyes on Daniel not far away across my spot. '… this will be different. We will be different, dear wolf.'
Daniel was drinking wine, eyes on me. He held my gaze for a long time before he choked, coughing.
"Dan, are you alright?" Cora, who was sitting beside Daniel, laughed. The reason Daniel choked on his wine was that she suddenly slapped his chest with the back of her hand.
"Cora…" Still coughing, Daniel clicked his tongue and glared at the mischievous Cora.
"Haha! Sorry, sorry! I was calling you, but you're not listening!" she raised her hands while her brother shook his head.
My eyes softened seeing those two. 'How nice… if we do it correctly this time, we might… live differently.'
I clutched my hand on my lap until the end of my fingers turned purple. I just had to deal with Daniel and his destructive tendency, and we would all be saved.
'This time…' I looked at Hugo and smiled when he cast me a bright look. '… will be different for sure.'
*******
As the night fell deeper, Hugo and I excused ourselves to rest in his quarters. However, on our way, Hugo was summoned to meet with the emperor.
"Rinrin, I will come back after seeing Father, alright?" he looked at me apologetically. "I'll be quick."
"It's alright, Hugh. I am also a bit tired, so I will probably sleep in." I smiled, holding the hand that was cupping my cheek. We stayed idle by the door with Hugo brushing my cheek with his thumb.
"I'll go now. You should go inside."
"Mhm."
Hugo reluctantly withdrew his hand with a sigh. He kept looking back as he sauntered through the hallway, while I only stayed by the door after a minute before closing it.
I stayed in the same spot, leaning my back against the door with my hands on it. The room was already warm from the fireplace.
The soft sound of the wood crackling caressed my ears, resonating in the silence of the night. It would have been perfect to relax, but a certain someone couldn't wait to see me.
I raised my eyes, gazing at the door connecting to the terrace.
"How bold," I whispered, letting out a sigh before I approached the terrace.
As soon as I opened it, my eyes fell on the figure leaning against the railing. He had his arms and legs crossed, eyes on me.
"I didn't know you like to sneak inside your brother's quarters." I broke the silence as soon as the night breeze hit my face. The side of his lips curled up.
"How are you, dear wolf?"