THE SUDDEN QUESTION

THE SUDDEN QUESTION
Celine’s pov

“What’s funny?” I asked, arching a brow.

“You’ve gotten your surprise already,” he answered, chuckling.

“No, I haven’t,” I countered.

“Of course you have,” he said, teasingly shaking his head.

“I haven’t,” I replied, also shaking my head teasingly as I moved closer to him, close enough to feel his breath as I stared into his eyes.

“I… have,” the words left his lips slowly, and then his lips met mine.

I felt my heartbeat stop.

Why am I feeling this way? I felt like taking off his clothes and mine too, but… I shouldn’t be having such thoughts in my head.

I suddenly pulled myself away from him, then made my way to the bathroom without stealing a glance at him.

“What’s wrong with me?” I muttered under my breath.

“Why did I stop the kiss even when I didn’t want to? After all, this isn’t our first time,” I said, inhaling deeply before exhaling.

I tapped my cheek, though I knew nothing was there, then stepped out to join him.

He was on the bed, but as soon as he saw me coming out, he rose to his feet.

“Are you alright?” he asked, his voice laced with worry.

“Yes, I’m fine, just having a slight headache, but I’ll be okay,” I replied, avoiding his gaze.

I felt like an idiot. I walked toward the couch and sat down.

“Or… you still haven’t forgiven me?” he asked, arching a brow.

“Of course I have,” I chuckled, trying to brush it off.

“How’s the hunt for the killer werewolves going?” I asked, trying to change the topic.

“Well, we’ll be having another meeting today to discuss that. You can join us and give suggestions, as Luna,” Kael offered.

Suggestions? No way. Suggestions that the elders will just turn against me.

“That won’t be necessary. I’ll be waiting here, and after your meeting, we’ll go see Kaida,” I said.

Kael gave a curt nod.

“If that’s what you want,” he added.

“Yes,” I answered.

“I was meaning to ask you something,” he said, his voice suddenly firm.

I felt my stomach twist. What could that be?

“What’s it?” I asked calmly.

“When you came into this pack, you said your parents were farmers and you helped them out before you were taken, right?” he asked.

Why bring that up again? We’ve gone past that.

“Yes, my mum and I were taken…” I answered.

“How come your real mother is Elara?” he asked, the question dropping like a bullet into my brain.

What should I say now? How can I change this topic? Why is he suddenly asking me this?

I forced myself to meet his gaze. I didn’t need to act afraid like last time.

“My… my mother…” I paused, sniffing emotionally as a way to buy time.

“My mother never told me I was adopted… I almost couldn’t believe Elara when she said it,” I said, wiping my eyes, though I knew there were no tears.

“It’s painful that they couldn’t get the chance to tell you the truth. The Moon Goddess blessed me by bringing you into my life,” he said, walking toward the mirror to adjust his outfit.

“I’ll be here waiting patiently for you,” I said, watching him.

“See you later then. I’ll be back before you know it,” he said, moving toward the door and shutting it behind him.

“Now I have enough time to speak to Damien. Who knows if he has replied?” I exhaled, walking toward the drawer. I opened it, took out my phone, and unlocked it.

Damien had sent a message.

Hey Celine, I saw your message. To be honest with you, things have gone really bad. Can you imagine that we had a traitor in our midst who kept giving out our plans and information to Gid and his men? You won’t believe it Anderson, the man I trusted so much and told you about, is the one responsible…

“This must be a joke,” I muttered under my breath.

Anderson? I inhaled deeply and continued reading.

...I’m as shocked as you are. Of all the people I thought could betray us, I never imagined it would be Anderson. I started noticing his change in attitude, and when I confronted him, I never knew he had such motives. To cut the long story short, he’s reduced all the men to seventy-five.

“No… how could he do such a thing? I thought he was a good guy. How could he suddenly go against us and do this? How could Damien just stand by while he kills men?” I asked myself, confused.

There’s no time to type, I need to speak to him.

I dialed his number, my blood boiling in rage as I waited for him to pick up.

“Hello,” Damien’s voice came through.

“Damien!” I called.

“Yes, Celine. How are things going on?” he asked.

“Damien! How could you be there and watch Anderson do such a thing?” I snapped angrily.

Damien remained silent.

“Damien, I’m speaking to you! Can’t you hear me?!” I yelled.

“You think I’d just stand and watch Anderson kill the men without doing anything to stop him?” Damien’s voice was filled with pain.

I inhaled deeply.

“I know you wouldn’t do that, and that’s exactly why I’m asking, what really happened? How come we have just seventy-five men left?” I asked, my voice calmer.

“Let’s just say it’s because I was very naïve. Anderson killed two men, claiming they were traitors. I didn’t know they were innocent. He killed them against my orders,” he explained.

“I thought he was someone to be trusted,” I muttered.

“I thought so too… but I was wrong,” he said.

“Then what now? You need to gather more men,” I suggested.

“I’ll do that once we’re done with Gid,” Damien replied firmly.

“Damien, fighting them will only claim more lives. What about reconciling? Everyone deserves a second chance, he might forgive you,” I added.

“You think I haven’t tried that? He made it clear, he won’t stop until the Moretti Empire is down and everyone in it,” Damien answered.

Then I began hearing voices in the background.

“Celine, I’ll get back to you. We just got a report that we’re being raided by Gid,” Damien said before ending the call.

“Just be careful,” I whispered to myself.