Nine
1066 Words
"Have you had fun, child?" Jane asked while they were sitting on one of the park benches, waiting for Theodore, who offered to buy snacks.
"I did, Ms. Jane." Danaya smiled in response. "The pack is warm and peaceful," she added. It also reminded her of her tribe.
"I agree," Jane said. "When the previous Alpha died because of rogues, Alister was only twenty-five. He ascended as the Alpha and did everything he could for Shadowblade to prosper and become what it is today; one of the strongest," she added, feeling proud that she witnessed it all.
"He's a great leader," Danaya said.
"He is. We're grateful to the Moon Goddess for giving us Alister Madden. He's a true warrior and leader," she said, smiling.
"Do you mind if I ask, child?" Jane questioned. Danaya shook her head and smiled at the older lady.
"What do you plan on doing after you regain your health? Do you want to stay here in Shadowblade?" Jane asked, sounding a little hopeful. After days of caring for Danaya, she felt a connection to the child. Danaya is a kind and lovely woman.
"I want to return to the island where I came from, Ms. Jane," Danaya answered. She still wishes to be with her tribemates after she finds them here. She promised herself she would bring them back to the island. "But I still have something to do here, so I need to stay in Shadowblade for a while. Is that okay with you, Ms. Jane?" she added.
"Of course, child! I really wanted you to stay here permanently, but I respect that you wanted to go back to your family," Jane said, smiling while holding Danaya's hand. Jane never found her mate and settled as a pack helper. If Danaya wanted to stay, Jane wanted to ask her if she wanted to become her daughter, but now that she had heard Danaya's answer, she had buried it in the back of her mind.
"Here's the snack," Theodore said, handing them a burger and drink.
"Jane, I'm sorry; I'll be leaving Ms. Danaya in your care. Warriors reported sightings of rogues; I need to get there immediately," Theodore said.
"Go on, Beta Theo. I'll take Danaya back to the packhouse after we eat," she said. Theodore apologizes once more, bowing his head before leaving the two and quickly running back to his Jeep.
"What's a rogue, Ms. Jane?" Danaya asked.
"A rogue is the bad apple of the pack," Jane said, anger evident in her voice. "They're the ones who were kicked out or left on their own because of their crimes. They love to destroy things; that's why they're evil," she added.
"Now, come on," Jane said. "Let's go back to the packhouse," she added, standing up. Danaya followed the older lady, and while they were walking back, she ate the food Theodore gave her.
When they arrived at the packhouse, Jane turned towards Danaya.
"Child, I'll be back later. You can go inside. Just call me when you need me." Jane gave her card and smiled.
"Uhm… Ms Jane?" Danaya said. "Is Alister out?" she asked. She remembered what happened earlier, making her blush.
"I don't think so, hun, but it's okay. Go inside. He's likely deeply engrossed in his work in his office, she said. Jane said goodbye, leaving Danaya standing in front of the double doors at the packhouse's entrance. She breathed deeply before entering.
The packhouse is filled with silence. Danaya had the opportunity to explore the surroundings once more, something she couldn't do when Theodore first brought her here. The packhouse is beautiful. Each wall was decorated with paintings. It's spacious and inviting, featuring a cozy living room with plush furniture, an open-concept kitchen with modern appliances, and a dining area bathed in natural light from the large windows.
Danaya climbed the stairs to her room when the next room opened, revealing Alister in his gray track shorts and shirtless. Danaya gulped as she could see Alister's well-toned, tanned body in front of her.
"Like what you see?" Alister teased. Danaya could feel her face blush, and she immediately looked away.
"I'm sorry! I didn't mean to stare," she exclaimed nervously, fiddling with her fingers. Danaya heard the door close and footsteps approach her.
"How was the walk, Danaya?" Alister asked.
"It's g-good," she shuttered, answering. "Ms. Jane and Sir Theo brought me to different places. It was fun," she added, almost whispering.
"I'm glad you liked it," he replied. "The helpers were out and will be back later. I'll be in my office if you need anything," he added. He walked past Danaya, but she stopped him.
"A kiss," she bravely said while holding Alister's hand. It took every ounce of willpower to do it. Alister looked at her, his beautiful golden eyes questioning.
"Can we start with a kiss?" Danaya said. She has to fulfill her part of the deal, but when Alister touched her and remembered what Vladimir did to her, her skin felt like burning, and she wanted to throw up. Danaya wanted to erase everything, so she asked about the kiss.
"If you're comfortable with it, Danaya," Alister said, his voice calm and reassuring. Danaya took a step forward and tiptoed, kissing Alister's lips. She closed her eyes and waited for him to react, and it didn't fail her when Alister kissed her back. She kissed him slowly and passionately, savoring each moment without hurrying. When she's out of breath, Danaya lets go, her chest rising and falling.
"Thank you, Alister," she said, hurriedly opening the door to her bedroom and closing it.
"Damn it!" Alister cursed and ran his hand through his hair while looking at the door. "She's driving me insane," he continued as he made his way to his office following their passionate embrace, shaking his head.
Danaya plopped down on the bed, took a pillow, and screamed—not too loud. Her face is as red as tomatoes, and her heart's beating faster.
"Did I really do it?" she asked herself as she sat down. "Did I really kiss him?" she added, hiding her face in the palm of her hands out of embarrassment.
"I'm just doing my part of the deal. For my tribemates," she added, heaving a sigh. Danaya lies on the bed, staring at the ceiling, wondering where she should start.
- Writer
