Chapter 39 ~A new territory~
(Fiona's POV)
We arrived at Nightfang just before midnight, all thanks to our little detour. And yes… spent the entire night making love.
And now, the lack of sleep was giving me a migraine that was worse than a hangover.
I took my first look at what would be my room for the gods knew how long… It was a simple room with white interior.
My door opened to reveal Mirabelle.
She looked much better than the last time I saw her. “Luna. You're awake.”
“Mirabelle. You seem to be blending into Nightfang pretty easily.”
She giggled. “Yes, Luna. They have a pool and a stable.”
Of course, they do.
My stomach grumbled noisily, reminding me I'd had nothing to eat.
Mirabelle must have heard it, because she scrunched her face. “You're hungry, Luna? We were having breakfast at the dining table. Alpha Xander didn't want to disturb you.”
“Wait… they have breakfast together here?” At Silvereign, you could eat wherever you wanted. Even in your room.
“Yes. Well… the omegas and others have their food differently, but the Alphas, Betas and Lunas stay and eat here in this penthouse.”
Great…
I dressed quickly and followed Mirabelle to the dining.
I could clearly hear Nova's voice as I got closer. She was laughing about something.
“Xander's acting all brand new now… remember, mom, he used to always visit here when we were younger, with Dakota.”
Another female voice rang out. “Yes, dear. Xander feel free. This is pretty much your home, as well.”
Xander's voice was not as enthusiastic. “Yes, Luna Jacqueline.”
I walked in immediately, all eyes turned to me immediately. “Hello.”
Nova muttered something under her breath and rolled her eyes. Her mother must have heard what she said, because she giggled as well.
Somehow, my legs were failing me. I awkwardly walked towards the table, embarrassed that nobody responded to my greeting.
Xander stood up when he saw me and gave me a peck. “‘Morning princess.”
He pulled out a chair for me.
“Thanks, babe.” I smiled sweetly at Xander and turned to wink at Nova.
She fumed silently as she stabbed the sausage on her plate with her fork.
You want to be a baby, let's roll in the mud.
Edgar and Nova's father must have eaten because they were sitting in the living room, which was near the dining, discussing.
With my wolf senses, I could faintly pick Loki's name in their conversation, but they were talking inaudibly.
Nova's mother cleared her throat, distracting me from my eavesdropping. “Xander's mate, Phyna?”
I deadpanned. “Fiona… ma'am.”
“Such lovely hair you have. Is that box dye?”
“No, it's natural.”
“Oh… your wolf must be a redhead too, right?” She asked.
I looked at her, not knowing how to say I'd never shifted before.
The smirk on Nova's face told me she knew. “Answer the question, Fiona.”
The moment was cut short when Alpha Varon called out to Xander from the living room. “Xander, just a minute.”
He hesitated before going. He mindlinked me. ‘If there's anything, just call me’.
When he left, I spooned some scrambled eggs in my mouth.
“I asked you a question, girl.” Luna Jacqueline pressed.
“I haven't had my first shift.” I muttered.
Nova cackled loudly. “Oh… so sad.”
Her mother continued. “I wonder why Xander chose you as his mate. Why do you think, Fiona?”
I squared my shoulders. “Because he loves me.”
This time, it was Luna Jacqueline that looked close to cackling. “Really? Have you heard of Dakota?”
“No.” I lied. I was not going to give them the satisfaction they wanted.
Nova rolled her eyes. “She's lying, mom. Dakota told me they've met. And, she told me… oops, never mind.”
My face paled instantly.
I was this close to standing up from the table and heading to the room.
“I remember that Xander and Dakota had their first kiss here, remember mom?” Nova had a smirk on her face.
Her mother nodded. “Yes. I almost killed them. Six-year-old kids. But Dakota's mom, bless her soul, always said to leave them because they weren't just mates, ‘They were soul mates’.”
I coughed. “But Nova dated him, no?”
Her mother glared at me. “Oh, she has teeth.”
“Whatever happened between Dakota or Nova… or whoever it was, with Xander. It was the past.”
Nova scoffed.
“I'm just stopping you from heartbreak, child. When I first advised Nova, she also didn't take it… because you kids these days think you're so smart.”
I bit into my toast and took a gulp of my coffee.
Luna Jacqueline continued, “Well, I'm happy she later took my advice and started dating Arthur."
Wait… so it was her mother that advised Nova to cheat on Xander.
“Don't waste your time on something that'll never be. You'll end up wasting your life and he'll wake up one day and realise you were never the one for him.”
Maybe she was right… but I'd live in the moment. If something went wrong eventually, then it was what it was.
“Thank you for the encouraging words, ma'am. I'll keep them in mind.”
Nova scoffed. “What’s the expiration date on your fake contract, huh?”
“I'll let you know once it expires, Nova.” I could see both her and Luna Jacqueline fuming inwardly.
I wish they knew I was bullied for years in Ashridge. I'd learnt every coping technique there was.
At the top of the list was indifference.
We were interrupted by a tall, handsome boy that walked in from the living room stairs.
“Jackson, I thought you'd never come for breakfast.” Alpha Varon called out.
“Morning dad.”
“Wow! Is this Jackson! He looks so grown.” Edgar exclaimed.
“Yes, he just came in from London. He went to law school.” Alpha Varon beamed proudly. “I said he must come back to prepare to take over as Alpha of Nightfang.”
Xander and the boy exchanged handshakes and greeted each other, but I couldn't make out what they were saying.
He was approaching the dining area now. He looked incredibly handsome, and for some reason, I found myself fixing my messy hair.
What was I doing? I had a mate!
His gaze fell on me, and he almost tripped as he walked. He quickly recovered and walked towards Luna Jacqueline and pecked her. “Hi, mom.”
“Jackson, I thought you went out.”
He tugged Nova's hair playfully and sat down on the chair beside me.
I looked at his strawberry-blond hair shining under the chandelier.
Our eyes met.
“I don't think I've seen you before?” He spoke in a deep timbre.
“She's not important.” Nova chuckled under her breath.
“Everyone is important, Nova.” He cautioned her.
She rolled her eyes like she was bored.
“I'm Fiona. Xander's mate.” I answered Jackson.
“Sure.” Nova's voice dripped with sarcasm.
Jackson brought his hand for a handshake. “Hi. I'm Jackson. Pleased to meet you.”
I stared at his outstretched hand.
Anybody related to Nova was evil, as far as I was concerned.
“I'll be upstairs.” I stood up to leave.
His hand were still outstretched when I left the dining room.
I could hear him chuckle softly.