The Alpha Who Melts The Ice

Chapter 12

CELESTINE

As soon as we stepped in the house, we found Greta already waiting for us. Grayson and I were asked by my mother to step into the library. Apparently we have a guest.

Hand in hand, Grayson and I walked in, my Mother welcomed us in a hug. She said she was happy that Grayson and I are getting along. Mother introduced us to our guest "Caroline, they're here. This is Alpha Grayson, Celestine's mate"

"Celestine! Ma Cherie!  How big you've grown! And my, my,, what a scrumptious mate the moon goddess has blessed you with!" She hugged me and offered her hand to Grayson which he kissed.

"Madame Caroline! It's been a long time! It's so nice to see you again" I tried to be light, but a sense of foreboding has started to creep on me. Caroline is the Oracle that has foretold of the events that happened to me 5 years ago.

"Well, I have come to tell you that the goddess is very happy with this union. But this is not why I am here. Do you remember the last time we spoke, Celestine?" She asked. How can I forget?

"Yes. You warned me of a great tribulation as I come of age, and my light will be covered by scarlet."

"Oui. Do you understand now what that means?" She asks

"It already happened. I have too much red marks, Caroline." I say. 

"I'm sorry cherie, I am just a messenger. When blood  is shed. Only then will the hunger and the lust subside, it will be the end of the crimson tide" Caroline held my hand.

That's it? isn't that a bit macabre? Someone has to die to keep people from dying? I was starting to get depressed and angry at the same time. I turned to look at Grayson. What if she meant my pack? Or even Grayson's pack. I cannot have innocent lives involved. Not again.

"Tsh. Do not jump into conclusions, dear Celestine" snapped Caroline

"Grayson, before you take her to your pack, it is imperative that you visit the Oracle that sees for you. She is more powerful than me. As she is more ancient" Caroline chuckled. "Tell her I said that and emphasize on the last part." She touched Grayson's cheek as she sashayed towards the door.

"I have said enough. Remember, the Moon Goddess always bless those that she favours." She bowed a little "Alphas, Lunas, till we meet again". And with that, she closed the door.

I felt my knees buckle, but Grayson was there to help me up. I found myself engulfed in his strong, muscular arms. I can hear my mother sobbing from somewhere in the room, and my dad whispering soothing words to her. I can here Colin muttering expletives and heard something heavy hit a wall, must be a chair. I am focused on the scent that has me locked in. The scent of musk, pine and cedar filling in  my senses. Oddly it is calming me down. I felt a hand rubbing my back and a soothing voice assuring me that he got me.

Once I felt I have calmed down enough, I disengaged myself from Grayson's embrace. For some reason, it made me felt empty and bereft. "I need to be alone. I need to think. I'll see you tomorrow?" I tell him. I really did not mean to dismiss him and it pains me to say it, but I really need to clear my head and gather my thoughts.

"Are you sure you don't need me to come with you? He said. His voice almost pleading.

"Nope. I need this. I'll be fine tomorrow. I just need to clear my head, is all. I'm not going to do anything stupid. I will just be at the ranges." I told him and gave him a small smile.

Grayson weakly nodded and he let me go. I trotted to the ranges to clear my head.

I picked out a couple of weapons and started shooting at the target. In between loading, I think about the Oracle. More blood needs to spill... Each round I fire, my resolution strengthens. It's not innocent blood that's going to spill this time. This time, it's HIS  blood that's going to taint the earth. 

I lost track of time, and the number of rounds I shot. The weapons keeper will definitely have a heart attack tomorrow when he sees the shell casings that littered the floor. I'm sure I will get an earful because I have messed up his inventory - again.

I trudged back to the main house, my shoulder and my wrist are aching. I welcomed the pain. It reminds me I am still alive, and as long as I am living and breathing, hope is not lost yet.

I went back to my room, brushed my teeth, took a shower and went to bed. I tried to sleep - TRIED being the operative word. Suddenly my room felt uncomfortably confining. I threw off my sheets from me and before I knew it, I was in the guest wing, outside his room. 

I put my ear at the door, it seems so quiet. Should I knock? Probably not a good Idea. It's rude to wake him up as it is already way past midnight. Maybe I'll just peak in I just wanted to see if he's okay. Oh my gosh. What is happening to me. I let go of the door knob and decided to just go back to my room. Despite myself, I double backed and mustered up the courage to knock when suddenly the door opened.

My eyes met a well-sculpted pecs and then heard a sexy, half asleep voice "Celestine? Is there a problem?"

I suddenly found my fluffy slippers interesting. "Ummm..yes.. I mean.. no, not really ,, I just,,, I don't know,,, I'm sorry I disturbed you, I should go.." Gosh, I am stammering. Why the hell am I nervous?

Grayson caught my arm and turned me to him. "Eyes up here, baby. Why are you here?" Grayson asked.

Before I caught myself, my tongue got the better of me. "Can I sleep here?" I looked at him waiting for him to say no so I can run back to my room. Instead, he pulled me inside and next thing I knew, the door closed and I heard the lock click.

The room smelled of Grayson, musculine. It's just the right mix of musk, cedar and pine that I am getting addicted to. I find my nerves calming down. I scurried to the bed dived under the covers. Not too long after, I felt the bed dip and I automatically went in for a cuddle. 

"Sleep tight, Baby." was the last thing I heard Grayson said as he placed a chaste kiss on my head. I let sleep takeover me and for the first time in a long time, I felt peace.