Chapter 9
1200 Words
Natalie’s POV
When it was all said and done, I had left the invites for delivery but kept the one for Harry.
What was the point when I had never intended to invite him? But I couldn't help but wonder as I tossed and turned in bed.
"Perhaps I should. For diplomatic reasons," I said in the shadows to myself.
I shook my head at the idea and scowled.
I firmly reaffirmed to myself, "No," before going over to sleep.
But something was upsetting me. With so many questions and thoughts racing through my mind, not to mention those gloomy eyes, how could I possibly sleep?
When I finally stood up and opened my bedroom window, I jumped onto the snow below after scaling the ledge.
I kept moving forward as I raced till I came to the edge of the dense woodland.
Before diving into the woods with the sounds of my bones fracturing and realigning, I turned around to look behind me.
The pain was something I had grown accustomed to after nearly ten years, but the sensation of the shift always retained that white-hot fire that tore at the flesh.
The freedom that came with tearing through the trees on all four paws, though, was something that always seemed brand-new and fresh.
I rushed across the forest, leaping into the snow from rocks and downed trees. I felt like I was soaring as the wind whipped over my delicate white fur. I adored this sensation. No limitations, just wild freedom.
I occasionally thought I could keep running forever.
When I finally climbed back inside via my window, the sky was ablaze with red and purple colours.
I looked down at the invitation that was sitting on my desk as I put on a fresh pair of pajamas. I quickly grabbed it and made my way to the office down the hall.
Before slipping the package into the outgoing box, I inhaled deeply.
Duke and two other wolves had spent the entire Blood Moon night following after Harry while he was in his wolf form. They had battled and struggled with him. His strength was even more renowned than his prowess.
He eventually quit running by morning. Finally, Duke caught up to him. When they returned to being humans, he just uttered one thing.
"She is inappropriate."
Duke had attempted to ask Harry for more details, but he had refused. He only spoke again as they were walking away. Harry informed Duke that there was no such person as our Luna as he referred to me as such.
Harry had managed to hurt many of his toughest warriors in sparring sessions in the week after we had returned from the Blood Moon Gathering, one of whom was still in the hospital.
Upon his return, his demeanor had become more melancholy, and nobody knew why.
Although he had consistently acted distant or uninterested toward practically everyone and was renowned for his tough training methods, he had never been nearly so hostile or uncontrollable, though.
I was approached by numerous pack members in an attempt to quell their Alpha's rage because things had become so awful.
I mocked Harry's voice as I ascended the stairs, "She's unsuitable. Why are you making the rest of us lives miserable if she is so 'unsuitable'?"
When I arrived at Harry's office, I let out a loud sigh. I hesitated to knock before raising my fist to the door.
He must be quite busy. I told myself, "I should come back another time."
When I pictured hard-trained soldiers on their knees, their tails between their legs, pleading with him for assistance, I lowered my hand.
I sighed and summoned my willpower before knocking on the door.
Harry said, "Enter," from inside.
After clearing my throat of the lump, I opened the door. I entered and shut it behind me I saluted Harry by placing my fist close to my heart and turning to face the occupied desk.
"My Alpha."
"Duke, what is it? I'm occupied," his voice was icy and menacing.
I groaned inwardly, realizing I should have waited. "I should have come back another time," I muttered to myself.
I introduced myself as "Alpha," saying, "I came to see if there is anything that you need help with."
Harry's lack of interest prevented him from looking away from the television in front of him.
"Are your personal responsibilities not sufficient for you to have so much free time?" he replied inattentively.
As frustration welled up inside me, I hissed in my head, "Don't you think I'd prefer to be working? As things stand, I might forgo supper to make up for the time I am squandering attempting to convince you to address your relationship issues!"
I bit my teeth, trying to maintain composure. "Of course, Alpha," I answered.
"Duke, we've been friends since we were puppies. However, aside from formal gatherings and training, you have never referred to me as Alpha. It's annoying," Harry said with irritation. He then asked, "Why are you here?"
I hesitated, realizing the weight of the conversation ahead. "Well, Alph—" I started, but Harry growled, instantly correcting myself, "Harry, I actually came here today because there have been concerns."
"Regarding what?" Harry's lack of interest persisted as he continued typing on his computer.
"It's been said that you might require... Well, that you might want to talk about something... that... may be bothering you," I said, gradually losing my confidence.
Harry paused his typing, lifting his head to meet my eyes. His hands remained motionless on the keyboard. I sensed a dangerous aura emanating from him, making me shiver. My instincts warned me to turn around and leave the office quickly.
"Pardon me?" Harry's tone turned furious.
Feeling the weight of the impending storm, I swallowed forcefully, my throat now bone-dry. My hands turned cold, and my heart pounded loudly in my ears. But I pressed on, knowing I had to take this chance.
"Exactly what would be bothering me?" Harry hissed, rising from his chair and moving toward me.
Despite the danger, I continued, "Brother, you've injured people."
Harry raised an eyebrow, anxious and perplexed. "Who?" he asked.
I took a deep breath, preparing for the consequences of my words. "Both Lucas and Henry have fractured bones. Michael has a shattered jaw and three broken ribs; he is still in the hospital."
Harry appeared struck by the revelation. He backed up, supporting himself against the wall before crumbling to the floor, head in hands. He ran a hand through his hair and closed his eyes.
"I didn't know," he said quietly.
"Is that a problem, then?" I asked, cautiously approaching Harry. "I know your father taught you to be tough and to maintain your distance. However, even he had a cap. He once remarked that he had to be frigid because of something."
"I am acquainted with it, Duke. You don't know it as well as I do," Harry interjected.
Kneeling down next to my friend, I placed a hand on his shoulder. "Then honor it," I said gently.
Harry laughed, a bitter and broken sound that filled the room, both men enveloped in silence.
- Writer
