The Apple Of His Eye

Chapter 17 Saying Goodbye

Kaylee's POV

I sigh escaped my mouth as I heard Ace's alarm clock going off. It was too early to get up at 3:00 AM, but I didn't want to miss my chance to say goodbye. Slowly I crawled out of bed to use the bathroom. I was still a little sore from last night's activities. Ace was in the shower, and the sound of the water was trying to lull me back to sleep. Walking over to the sink, I scrubbed my teeth clean, not wanting my morning breath to be the last thing he remembers.

Ace steps out of the bathroom with a blue towel wrapped around his waist. Water is still dripping down his hard chest. Watching him dry off was stirring up my desire for him.

"We don't have time for that, My Love," he said over mind-link.

"That's not fair. I want to be able to read your mind."

"Go and see Hannah, the pack healer, while I'm gone. Let's see if she can help."

'OK, I'll go and see her."

Scooping me up in a big hug, he kissed me like it could be our last.

"Come back to me, Ace."

"I'll come back when Alpha Bane is dead, and the Rogues are defeated."

Kissing me one last time, he grabbed his duffle bag off the floor and started to walk out the door.

"I love you, Kaylee."

"I love you more, Ace."

Our mate bond was complete after we mated the previous night. The pull on my heart to be near him would be hard to endure. I laid back in bed, soaking in the warmth from his side. Try as I might, I couldn't go back to sleep. I wanted to cry or scream, not knowing if he would ever return. I did have faith in the Prophesy, that our future child would be King of the Werewolves. Am I already pregnant? Only time would tell.

Getting out of bed for a second time, I saw a little box sitting on the table tied with a pink ribbon. Picking up the small note attached, it read, "I loved you before I ever met you. Your future means the world to me just as much as your past. Love, Ace." Excitedly I pulled open the box. Inside was a brand new iPhone with a purple cover. The cellphone was fantastic! Since I wasn't able to mind-link with anyone, we could stay connected. The passcode was on a sticky note inside the cover.

At 7:00 AM, I made my way downstairs to the dining room. My family greeted me with warm smiles. They helped to uplift my mood and keep my mind off of Ace leaving.

The maids served us a hot breakfast that included scrambled eggs inside a croissant roll and fresh fruit. Of course, I had to have my morning coffee.

As I started to tell my Aunt Kelly about the night my mother died, it felt like I was reliving every detail. I told her about the plan to escape to her house, which never came to fruition. Overwhelmed with sadness, I broke down into tears at the table. Arms from multiple family members, holding me while I cried. I desperately needed more time to grieve her death. After several long minutes, I was able to compose myself. A ding vibrated on the table, looking down it was my new cell phone. There was a text from Ace.

Ace- Good morning, My Sweetness. Don't forget to check the photos on your camera roll.

What photos? I just opened the cellphone an hour ago. Maybe he had downloaded some images from the wedding? I haven't taken any pictures yet. I scrolled over to the camera and opened all photos. There was an album labeled Kaylee favorites, and I clicked to open it. Uploaded to my new phone were all the pictures from my previous phone. The Rogues had destroyed my cellphone in that warehouse. I thought I had lost all of my photos forever. Happy tears now streamed down my cheeks as I had my second cry session in five minutes.

Kaylee- How did you ever get ahold of my old photos?

Ace- On the night of the attack, I followed your scent to the warehouse. That's where I found your phone broken on the ground. My IT guys were able to retrieve all your data.

Kaylee- You're the best!

Sitting next to my Dad, we carefully went through each picture, savoring the way my Mom smiled. "I wish Mom were here with us now and to see the mating ceremony. The last thing she said to me was to be brave and never forget that I am a descendant of the White Wolves."

"You and your wolf were destined to be Luna."

"What were my job responsibilities going to be as Luna?"

"As Luna, your number one job is to take care of your people and make the best decisions for them. Especially since the Alpha and warriors are gone."

"Maybe I should find Queen Isabella and spend the day with her."

"I think that would be a great idea. The two of you can get to know one another."

Getting up from the couch, I asked one of the maids where I could find the Queen. The maid bowed slightly to me and then guided me to her office. I knocked on the door and waited for her to say, Come in.

Queen Isabella was seated in a fancy high back chair, looking over some paperwork on her desk. She peered at me over her glasses on her nose. "Kaylee, so glad you could join me."

"I am curious about what my job duties will be."

"There is plenty of time for that. Over the next few months, I will be training you on all matters of the Kingdom. The truth is that I have been so lonely since King Edward died. Ace is never home in the Castle, and I am only a nuisance to him. It's time for me to step down and enjoy my future grandpups.

I couldn't help but blush at her comment, remembering my one night with the Alpha King. I'm so glad Isabella was so lovely to me. Ace told me how controlling she is. She did plan my entire wedding in 3 days. Honestly, I was glad not to have to make all those decisions. My relationship with Ace's Mom is going to be interesting.