Destined Love

I Understand

*Third person's point of view* 

    Aurora and her father walked through the garden together. It felt strange for her because she had not spent any quality time with him since her mother’s death. Aurora turned to look at her father and when he looked back at her she flinched a little. He chuckled and then took it upon himself to begin the conversation.

    “Tomorrow’s a big day for you. How are you feeling.”

    “Very nervous. I haven't been able to eat properly since yesterday and I-I’m scared.” 

    “You know, the day before your mother became Archer’s Luna, she wasn't able to eat very well either because of how nervous she was.” 

    Aurora stared at her father with tear-filled eyes. It was the first time he had spoken about her mother since her death and he was doing it with such a sweet expression that she was having trouble holding back the tears in her eyes. She cleared her throat and asked him another question just so he could continue to talk about her. 

    “Really? And how did mom overcome that feeling?” 

    “She didn't. She just tried her best and on the day of the ceremony she shined brighter than everyone in attendance, including me. She had a strong spirit that made the pack accept her as soon as they met her.” 

    “It must have been a very special day then. I wish she were here with us.”

    Without thinking, Aurora let the words out of her mouth and although she thought her father would get mad at her, he stared at the sky and said the one thing Aurora had waited to hear from him since her mother passed away. 

    “Believe me, she's with us.”

    Aurora felt warmth in her heart as she thought of the love between her parents. She was at a loss for words, so she just held on to her father’s hand and they continued walking. 

    “I’m so sorry I made you go through so much pain alone. When I lost her I felt like my world ended. I couldn't take care of my own daughter, let alone a pack. It was such an excruciating pain to wake up and not see her next to me and as the years passed you looked more and more like her. You reminded me of how I failed to protect her and that is why I fell into an abyss of darkness. I know you don’t under-”

    “I do. Believe me, I understand.” 

    “Thank You.” 

    Aurora gave her father a smile and then let her eyes search for her mate in the vast garden. She only caught a glimpse of him as he walked back towards the castle, but even that sight filled her heart with happiness. 

    “I will say this, you are just like your mother in spirit and just like her you will be a great Luna so don't doubt yourself.”

    “Thank You. I have waited so long for you to finally talk about my mother. I know it was difficult for you to do this, so I really appreciate it.” 

    “About your marriage to Jonah, I know it was very sudden and scary for you, but I'm glad he is going to be by your side. He inherited his fathers' strength and honor so he will be a wise leader. Also, if I had not spoken to him earlier I don't think I would have been able to speak to you and apologize for my mistakes.” 

    “It was very sudden, but I think I am able to understand your pain because I met him. Before Jonah, I didn't even know what love was so I couldn't understand you, let alone forgive you. All this time I thought that you hated me, but now I am able to understand you because I can’t imagine my life without him.” 

    Aurora's father stared at her with wide eyes. Only then did she realize that she had openly admitted her true feelings for Jonah in front of her father. Her cheeks turned bright red and she tried to hide her face by turning the other way. 

    “Aurora…are you-” 

    “I-I don’t!… I mean, it was so sudden that I didn’t think.” 

    “Relax, this is something you need to figure out on your own and when you do, let him know how you feel.” 

    “Yes, I will. Thank you.”   

    Aurora was finally able to spend some time with her father after so long. She was reminded of all the special memories they shared together all those years ago and she realized how much she had missed him.

    After their walk,  everyone went back inside the castle and they were escorted to their designated rooms by the maids so that they had a chance to rest and feel refreshed before dinner. When everyone settled in, Aurora excused herself and went to look for Jonah, but he wasn't in the office or the bedroom. She continued to look for him and even checked the library where she found Richard browsing through some books. 

    “Richard, I thought the maids also escorted you to a guest room. Shouldn't you be resting right now?.” 

    “Little Ann! I'm so glad to see you. Maybe you can help me. Come here for a bit will you?” 

    Richard dodged her question and decided to take advantage of his time with her. 

    “What were you looking for?” 

    “Oh nothing special, I was just hoping you could tell me where to find more poetry books. I became interested in the genre a few months ago and I remember you loved reading as a child so I'm sure you can help me.”

    “Well that’s quite easy actually, the late Alpha had all of his books categorized by alphabetical order and each aisle is a different genre. So if you look in the third aisle I'm sure you’ll find many poetry books.” 

    “Oh okay I see.”

    “I'm sorry, but I really have to go. I need to find Jonah.” 

    “Wait Ann, which aisle was it again? Why don't you just show me very quickly.” 

    Aurora walked towards the third aisle and Richard followed closely behind her. 

    “Look, they are all in this aisle. Now, I really must go, please excuse me.” 

    Aurora walked back towards the door, but when she was about to grab the door handle, it opened and there stood Jonah. She smiled and then spoke to him.

    “I finally found you. I have been looking everywhere for you.”

    Aurora waited for a response, but then she realized Jonah was ignoring her and staring at Richard, who had followed her back to the door. She tried to grab his attention by asking him another question, but he ignored her again. Before she had the chance to say anything else, her sister Janessa appeared. 

    “Oh you’re all here. Aurora what were you doing in there with Richard?” 

    “I was just helping him find some books.” 

    “Oh, some books. I see.” 

    “Um... Jonah can we -” 

    “Not now Aurora! I still need to finish some work in my office.” 

    Aurora was taken aback by his aggressive tone. She stared at him with a confused expression and waited for him to say something else, but Jonah simply turned around and began to walk away and before he could get far enough Janessa blurted out more words. 

    “Wait brother in law, why don't you let me help you. I have excellent calligraphy and I'm very bored at the moment so please let me help you.” 

    “Janessa, why don't you go check on Jeannette and get ready for dinner. I'm sure Jonah doesn't need -” 

    “No, it's fine. Janessa, do you think you can help me write an address on some letters?” 

    “Yes! I will gladly help.” 

    Janessa followed behind Jonah until they reached his office, leaving Aurora speechless. She swallowed saliva to sooth her dry throat and tried to make sense of what was going on. 

    “Ann, since they're gone why don't you join me for a walk.” 

    “Huh? A walk? Sorry Richard maybe some other time. I have to get ready for dinner and you should do the same. Excuse me.” 

    She headed back to Jonah’s room and asked Sarah to prepare a warm bath for her and to bring a few changes of clothes from her wardrobe. While she waited, she sat on the bed and continued to think about Jonah. She wasn’t sure if he and her father had argued or if their meeting with Richard didn't go as planned, but she decided to wait for him to finish his work so they could talk before dinner.