Destined Love

Let's Talk

*Aurora’s point of view*

    I woke up as soon as the sun came up. A specific area around my neck felt sore and I had very little strength in my arms. I struggled to sit up, so I used the bed’s headboard to support myself. At first I thought that the events from last night had been a nightmare, but when I walked over to the mirror to look at my reflection and saw the huge mark on my neck, I realized that this was reality. I looked around the bedroom, but I was all alone with no idea of Jonah’s whereabouts. Everything happened in an instant and I was very confused about so many things. 

    Jonah’s words last night made no sense and I still didn't understand the reason behind his anger. It couldn't have been specifically because of my nickname. He also mentioned something about Richard being my first love... What was that all about? Richard and I were good childhood friends, but that was the extent of our relationship. I knew that someone had to put those ridiculous ideas in his head for him to react that way and the only person who had interacted with him in the past day was Janessa. I didn't really care about the rumors surrounding me, I just couldn't believe that he chose to trust her and not me… his mate. 

    I heard the doors open and turned to find Jonah standing there with a stern look on his face.  He approached me and I suddenly didn't know how to act around him. I wasn't sure if it was the mark that was triggering such strong emotions within me, but having him close to me suddenly became unbearable. I took a step back and for an instant there was a bit of pain in his eyes. He stopped moving and then scratched the back of his head. 

    “I just wanted to let you know that I won't be joining you and your family for breakfast this morning. There are still some things I need to take care of before the ceremony.” 

    I couldn't bring myself to look him in the eyes, so I stared at the window and remained silent. He turned around and walked back towards the doors, but before he left he cleared his throat and said one last thing.

    “I’m sorry about the way I treated you last night. I admit, I could have handled the situation in a different manner, but if you’re mad about the mark on your neck then there’s nothing I can do. I will not apologize for marking you. You are my mate. It’s about time everyone knew so there won't be anymore misunderstandings.” 

    “What misunder-?” 

    Before I could finish my sentence the doors slammed abruptly and I was left alone once again. I cleared my head and focused on another other important issue. The ceremony was in the evening and I still had to tend to my family and then get ready. When I went downstairs for breakfast the only ones who accompanied me were my father, and Cassandra. It was very dull and awkward with just the three of us, so I immediately left the table when I finished eating. Later that morning, Sarah came into the bedroom and I asked her to help me prepare the gown, shoes and jewelry that I would be wearing at the ceremony. I took my bath, filled with rose petals to freshen up before getting dressed. 

    The crimson matte ball gown had a long-sleeve lace bodice with a delicate V-neckline, and a long satin bouffant skirt that stopped below my ankles. I paired my ball gown with a ruby teardrop necklace that accentuated my collar bones and wore the corresponding ruby earrings. I put on a pair of metallic gold slippers. My hair was twisted and curled into a loose updo and a few strands were untucked to give it a more voluminous appearance. Gold shimmers were placed on my eyelids, soft pink rouge was spread across my cheekbones and red lip stain was added to match my ball gown and jewelry. 

    When I was all done getting ready, I gave Sarah one of my dresses so she could also wear something nice to the ceremony. She was hesitant at first, but when I used the excuse of her being my personal maid who also had to appear elegant tonight, she agreed. She excused herself and rushed back to her bedroom to get ready. I stepped out to the balcony to breath in fresh air. It was late in the afternoon now, so the carriages with all the guests would arrive soon. 

    I looked up to the sky one last time, and then left the room to find Jonah. I had not seen him since the morning, but I assumed he was ready and in his office. I went downstairs and didn't bother to knock when I got there so I just opened the door. Jonah was distracted looking at a paper while drinking what seemed to be whisky. When he heard the door close, he took one look at me and choked on the liquor he was supposed to swallow. I guess he really wasn't expecting to see me until the ceremony commenced.  

*Third person’s point of view* 

    *Cough! Cough!* 

    Aurora walked towards Jonah and began to pat his back with some force. 

    “Are you okay?!” 

    Jonah cleared his throat and loosened his collar by removing the black silk cravat around his neck. He got up from his seat to try and regain his composure. It was Aurora who had caused him to have such an abrupt reaction. He couldn’t believe his eyes when he saw his mate. She was absolutely beautiful and lit up the entire office with her presence. 

    “I’m fine. Did you need anything?” 

    “No, I just wanted to see you.” 

    Jonah almost choked again when he heard her speak so casually. He thought she was still angry because of what he did. He looked at her and caught her fidgeting with some of the papers on his desk. He wanted to say something just so he could continue to listen to her sweet voice. 

    “Okay … Why don’t you stay with me until we have to go and greet the guest?” 

    “Alright. I'll find something to read meanwhile, but first let me fix your cravat, it came undone.” 

    Aurora fixed his collar and then rearranged the cravat around his neck. Jonah could not take his eyes off of her and he was enjoying the pleasant feeling of her fingers over his clothes, but he wanted more. 

    “Okay, all done.”

    Jonah didn’t think about it twice. He put his hand on the nape of her and pressed his lips against hers. It was a soft, but deep kiss. Their tongues intertwined, their salivas mixed, and Aurora could still taste the whiskey he drank. He grabbed her waist with his other hand and they both walked until her body was against the wall. They had both been longing for each other and their wolves made it even harder for them to resist. 

    Their passionate kiss continued until they were both satisfied and breathless. Aurora’s body felt hotter than ever and her heart was beating very loud. She couldn’t stare at Jonah without wanting to kiss him more, so she hugged him and rested her head on his broad chest. Jonah placed both of his hands on her waist and kissed the top of her head. They stood in place for a few minutes until their breathing was under control and then Aurora asked him a very important question. 

    “Jonah…”

    “Yes?” 

    “I want to talk about what happened yesterday. We were both very angry and then you … marked me. I-I just want to know why everything happened the way it did.” 

    “Fine let’s talk.” 

    “Okay then, why were you angry?”

    “I was angry because I was told that Richard was your first love. Your sister was kind enough to break all the events down for me, from the day you two met till the night you tried to escape with him to avoid marrying me.” 

    “Wait, what are you talking about? These events you speak of … they never happened!.”

    “What do you mean they never happened?”

    “Richard and I were childhood friends, but I stopped seeing him after the disappearance of the Alpha's son. I didn't see him again until he attended the winter ball, so what you were told doesn't even make any sense. My sister ... she lied to you.”

    “So, you never actually loved Richard?”

    “Of course not! Why would you believe such a thing?!! Don’t you understand?! I -” 

    *Knock! Knock! Knock!*