CHAPTER THIRTY FIVE

CHAPTER THIRTY FIVE
Silvana Point Of View.

I stared at him, his eyes were filled with guilt and anger....he looked so pissed....but that anger..it was at himself.

"Garrick," I said, tightening my arms around his neck. "You  didn't hurt me, and you won't. You'll never hurt me,"

I was still scared, but I had to reassure him that my fear can't be compared to the love I have for him. I couldn't bear to see him look so guilty.

He frowned, his brows furrowing. "It's still dangerous,"

"Both you and your wolf want me. Why are you denying that?"

His eyes widened, his lips parting in surprise. For a moment, he seemed speechless, then his expression hardened. "Not happening, Silvana."

"What?" I frowned, pulling back slightly. "What are you so scared of?"

"Hurting you," he admitted, the words laced with raw vulnerability.

"I don't mind," I insisted, my voice firmer. I wanted him too, more than anything. So why is he holding back? "Yes I was startled," I continued, taking a shaky breath. "But it's nothing, Garrick. I know you can't hurt me,"

He shot to his feet, making me stand to my feet. He turned to look down at me, his eyes wide with alarm, then his gaze darkened. "You don't know what you're saying,"

"I do," 

"No. You don't, you don't understand," 

I framed his face with my hands, forcing him to meet my gaze. "I do," I said, my voice filled with determination. I couldn't let him shoulder this burden alone, he has already been through so much.

He exhaled heavily and gently removed my hands from his face. "You don't," he then cupped my face. "For now, let's just go to bed."

I sighed, knowing I wouldn't win this argument tonight. He released my face and went to the bed, patting the space behind him. "Let's sleep together instead,"

My heart skipped a beat until I remembered he meant sleep together on the bed, and not sleep together as in sex.

"Sure," I shrugged. "But first, I need to change."

"Okay."

The morning sun peeked through the curtains, waking me gently. Garrick laid beside me, completely still. He looked so peaceful in his sleep. I reached out and stroked his cheek, tracing the line of his jaw. Gone was the troubled look from the night before, now he seemed completely at ease. I wondered if my presence was the reason. 

The thought of being the source of his tranquility brought a blush to my cheeks.

"You're awake?" I heard him murmur, his voice was still thick with sleep.

"Hmmhm," I nodded, nestling closer. From beneath the sheets, he snaked an arm around my waist, pulling me even closer.

"Did you sleep well?" He asked.

I nodded, resting my head on his chest. "Yes, I did. And you?"

"One of the best, actually,"

I bit my lips nervously, unable to resist the giggles. "Is it because of me?"

"Yes." He confessed without hesitation.

His honesty sent a flurry of butterflies fluttering in my stomach. Just then, a sharp knock echoed at the door. I groaned softly  while he chuckled.

"Who is it?"

"Good morning Alpha Garrick and Luna Morgana," a gruff voice said. "This is the Royal Guard Sebastian from the White Wolves. Your presence is required in the courtroom immediately, if you please."

Garrick shot upright, his face hardening, the earlier softness replaced with a stern resolve. Looking down at me, his features softened slightly. "Let's get ready."

I reached out and held his hand giving it a gentle squeeze. "It will be alright."

"Let's just hope so."

I got ready before Garrick. I wanted us to leave together, but I needed to grab a snack first, so I left the room while he was still dressing up. The moment I stepped into the hallway, I ran into Ravenna. I was about to walk past her when she stopped me.

"Can we talk?" She asked. I looked over my shoulder, arching a brow. 

"About?"

"I know you don't like me,"

I snorted. "Hell, yeah."

"And frankly," she folded her arms, a dismissive glint in her eyes. "I don't give a damn about it,"

"Good to know," I was about to take another step.

"But," I stopped when she took a deep breath, her composure shifting ever so slightly. "He loves you, and I can't compete with that,"

I stopped and turned to her fully. "So you actually had interest in him?" A wave of smugness washed over me. "Figures. Everyone wants a piece of Garrick."

She chuckled and moved closer. "A man like Garrick? It will be hard to get over him once you've gotten a taste," She trailed off, a flicker of genuine longing crossing her face.

I nodded, biting down the jealousy that threatened to consume. "Sorry for you then," 

"However, that's not why I needed to talk to you," Her eyes hardened, losing all semblance of vulnerability.

"Good, because I knew damn well you didn't stop to whine about your loss," I retorted, rolling my eyes. "That would be a waste of time,"

She chuckled even harder. "Sweetheart, he may love you.......but that doesn't mean I can't try," she swayed her hips, a mischievous glint playing in her eyes. "Besides," she added with a sly smile. "Absence makes the heart grow fonder, darling."

"Are you threatening me?" I snapped, my fists clenching at my sides.

"I'm not!" She exclaimed, feigning innocence, though the amusement dancing in her eyes betrayed her. "However, I'm telling you not to be too confident. Even if I don't get him, someone else might."

I swallowed hard, my initial bravado fading slightly. "What are you trying to say?"

"What I'm trying to say is," she stepped closer and traced her fingers on my necklace, her touch like ice against my skin. "The real owner will come one day, and when that happens, your little secret might not be safe anymore,"

"You're saying gibberish," I snapped, slapping her hand away. "How dare you talk to me like that, you vile witch?" I yelled, my heart hammering in my chest. What did she know? More importantly, what does she want? Garrick? That can't be just it.

I'm so happy that this hallway was empty and silent, no guards were present, neither had I seen any maid pass. I couldn't afford letting a third party hear our conversation.

"This vile witch here made the pendant that rests on your neck," My eyes widened at her words. "I gave it to Zephyr to save his wife, but they were both dumb to cover up their tracks properly," she shook her head, a look of pity on her face. "I don't know whatever secret you're hiding, but do know that it won't end well,"

She then walked past me, stopped and looked over her shoulder. "I don't hate you neither do I envy you, but do know that Garrick isn't yours, and he was never yours. One day, you'll be forced to face the reality you fear the most." With that, she turned and walked away, leaving me standing there, breathless and shaken.