Chapter 54 Fifty three

Chapter 54 Fifty three
Nora.

"How about carrot cakes?" Marie suggested. I shrugged it off, feeling exhausted even before we were done. Organizing a pack bond event turned out to be far more stressful than I had ever imagined. My mother always made it look easy and fun when she hosted such events, but here I was, feeling overwhelmed even with the help of Lizzie, Paara, Marie, and Selene.

We were currently in the process of selecting appetizers after completing the decoration. We had only a week left to plan, and so far, we had covered most of the arrangements.

"We should include fish sticks," I said, and Selene quickly jotted it down. "Appetizers are sorted," Selene announced. "Now, let's move on to drinks."

"Mocktails would be a good idea," Lizzie suggested, and I nodded in agreement. We efficiently decided on the drinks and then took a short snack break. I didn't have much of an appetite today, but I knew it was important to eat.

"What's wrong with you?" Lizzie asked, her concern evident. I looked at her, puzzled. "Me? I'm fine," I replied tersely.

Lizzie exchanged a knowing look with Paara. "Yeah, you've seemed down all day," Paara added.

I rolled my eyes, realizing that if I didn't say something, they wouldn't let it go. "Just had a heated argument with Howard, that's all," I admitted, though I didn't want to delve into the details. But with Lizzie being my best friend, not saying anything wasn't an option.

"Hope everything's okay," Lizzie said as she nibbled on her garlic bread. I sighed and set my fork down. The morning argument with Howard came flooding back, and I suddenly felt a wave of nausea.

"Yeah," I mumbled, sighing deeply. Howard had suggested something I had never expected – secretly bringing Karen back into our lives for the sake of Scott. It didn't sit well with me, and I had confronted him about it, asking if he still went out to see them. He had responded with, "It's none of your business," but his tone revealed what I was thinking. 

I was hurt and felt betrayed. It made me look like a fool after everything Karen had done to him. I didn't mind having Scott back, but the idea of Karen's return was something I vehemently disagreed with. Howard had called me heartless during our argument, which stung because, in my eyes, he was the heartless one in this situation. I had always tried to be kind and supportive, but he seemed oblivious to it all. He had even told me I could leave if I couldn't handle the situation, which had left me deeply hurt.

"Is Miles still around?" I suddenly asked Lizzie. She looked at me in surprise, knowing that I had shared everything about Miles's visit. She glanced at Paara briefly before returning her gaze to me.

"Yeah, he is," she replied cautiously. I smiled.

"Good. I'll accompany you guys back home to see him. He should be here for the event," I said with determination. Lizzie shook her head, clearly having reservations.

"Is that a good idea?" she asked hesitantly, but I shrugged.

"I don't care," I mumbled. If Howard was considering bringing Karen back, then I saw no reason why Miles couldn't be here.

"Honestly, if you don't see Miles attending this event, then he's the one who refuses to come, but I want him here." My words carried conviction. If Miles showed up, Howard should deal with it. I was ready to face any reaction he might have to Miles's presence at the pack bond event.

"If you say so," Lizzie mumbled, her concern lingering. We finished our meal and headed out. I decided to take them to the bakery to sample some of the cakes we'd be serving at the event before going to Greenbell.

When we stepped into the bakery, the sweet aroma of freshly baked bread and brownies enveloped us. I should have been coming here more often. 

"Smells amazing in here," Lizzie commented, and I wholeheartedly agreed. The bakery was a paradise for my senses.

As soon as the baker noticed us, she rushed over with a warm smile. "My Luna, you're welcome. It's an honor to be the baker for the pack bond event," she greeted us graciously. "Thank you so much," she added with humility. 

"It's no problem. We'd love to try the cakes, there's no issue," I replied warmly. She led us to a table and excused herself to fetch the cakes. Moments later, she returned with two waiters carrying different varieties of cake slices.

"Here are the chosen flavors your personal assistant dropped off an hour ago," she explained, her eyes gleaming with pride. We tasted each flavor, and with every bite, a new favorite emerged. I couldn't believe I had never experienced such delicious cake before. How had I not discovered this place sooner?

"Tastes so good," Paara commented between bites. 

"I know, right? I can't even pick which one tastes the best; they're all amazing," I replied, savoring another bite of the chocolate fudge cake.

"It's a pleasure, my Luna," the baker spoke with a humble bow.

"Your cakes are top-notch," I praised her, appreciating her craftsmanship. She thanked me once more, and we wrapped up our tasting session. She even offered us some free samples, which we gladly accepted before leaving.

On our way back home, I encountered Howard in the pack premises. I tried to keep my heart calm, but it was a futile effort when his eyes were fixated on me. His expression seemed displeased, and I couldn't tell if it was because of our earlier argument or some other issue bothering him.

I made sure to avoid his gaze, but I could feel him approaching me. I quickened my pace, but he caught up to me and grabbed my arm. Annoyance coursed through me instantly.

"Hey!" I grumbled, not appreciating the intrusion.

"We need to talk," he insisted in a low voice, probably not wanting Lizzie and Paara to overhear.

"I'm busy, and I have company," I retorted, yanking my arm away forcefully.

"No matter how important whatever you're doing is, what I have to say is even more important," he said earnestly.

I glanced at Lizzie and Paara, who understood the situation. "We'll meet you back at the house," Lizzie said before leaving me alone with Howard.

"I don't care how important it is that you have to say. My friends are here, and I'm not going to abandon them because of you. I'm done putting you first before the people who actually care about me," I declared firmly, not waiting for his response. Deep down, I wanted to know what he wanted to talk about, but I lacked the energy to argue or engage with Howard, especially in public.

My chest was pounding rapidly by the time I reached home. I couldn't stand how my body was reacting to the encounter with Howard. My throat felt like it was burning with suppressed tears, though I questioned whether I had any reason to cry. As I lay down in the living room, I felt lightheaded. My heart was still racing, and my stomach was in turmoil. Why was I feeling all of this so intensely?

Lizzie, ever the observant friend, asked casually, "You alright?" I merely nodded, taking in a deep breath. My heart still raced uncontrollably, and my thoughts swirled like a tempest. I closed my eyes, lying there for another five minutes before finally sitting up.

"We should get going," I announced, trying to divert my thoughts. It was already four in the evening, and I had no intention of staying there late.

"What about the rest of the organizing process?" Lizzie inquired.

I brushed off her concern and got to my feet. "I'll change and meet you guys here in a jiffy," I replied, heading to my chamber. Once inside, I found Selene busy with some cleaning.

"My Luna," she greeted me with a warm smile. "Are you okay?"

I waved off her worry. "I'm okay. I'm heading to Greenbell now to start sending out invites for the pack bond event," I explained while browsing through my closet.

"Need help with anything?" Selene asked, her willingness to assist evident.

I shook my head, declining her offer. She nodded and left the room promptly. I selected a lilac-colored shirt and paired it with black denim jeans. It was a chilly evening, so I grabbed a jacket. Once I was dressed, I left my chamber.

In the living room, I met Lizzie and Paara, who were waiting for me as promised. We headed out, and the driver took us to Greenbell. During the drive, my thoughts kept returning to Howard and the cryptic conversation he had wanted to have with me. I honestly thought he might follow me home, but it seemed that whatever he wanted to discuss wasn't as urgent as he had made it sound.

Fifteen minutes later, we arrived at Greenbell. I couldn't help but feel nervous about seeing Miles. Our last interaction had left us on bad terms. He had been upset that I had left him, and I couldn't blame him. I had promised to be there for him but had failed to keep that promise, getting entangled with a man who didn't respect or value me.

I sighed, trying to dispel the heaviness in my chest as I stepped out of the car. Before proceeding any further, I approached Herman by the gates. Suspicion clouded his expression as he eyed the car. Our entry was briefly halted, but once the guards recognized us, they allowed us through.

I stepped out of the car, needing to speak with Herman before going any further. "Nora," he called my name hesitantly.

"Herman, it's a pleasure to see you," I replied politely, though he was the last person I wanted to encounter.

"Likewise. What brought you here?" he inquired, his tone cool.

I was irked by his inquiry. "This is my home, remember?" I retorted with a cold edge in my voice. "I can decide to move back here, and no one can dare to stop me. Isn't that right?" I added with a triumphant smile. I knew he couldn't argue against that truth.

"I bought invites for the event next week. Hope to see you there," I said, extending a friendly gesture. He took them but examined them with a skeptical eye.

"Of course," he replied, though it lacked any genuine warmth. 

“Where's Miles? I need to speak with him," I asked, my voice betraying my nervousness.

Herman gave me a pointed look. "You want to break his jaw again?" he spat with anger.

I sighed, exasperated. "Look, I'm sorry on behalf of what Howard did. It was insane and uncalled for."

Herman's gaze remained contemptuous as he walked away from me. It was rude, but I knew this was one of the milder provocations he could employ. Sighing again, I looked around at the premises of my former home. I missed being here. I missed the happier version of myself, the presence of my parents, friends, and family. The thought weighed heavily on my heart, but I forced it aside as I re-entered the car, determined to head to my old house.

Lizzie headed home, while Paara and I went inside. Paara didn't live here anymore, believing there was nothing to keep her in this house after my mother had passed away. As we entered, I found an unfamiliar woman in the living room. She gave me a disdainful look that made me feel like an intruder, despite the fact that this was my rightful house. I was supposed to inherit this house, but Herman had his ways of managing everything. One day, I would regain my rights.

"Who are you?" she demanded, her question pointed directly at me and Paara.

"I'm Nora, this is Paara, and this is my father's house," I replied, trying to assert my authority.

"Herman only has two daughters. Or did he lie to me?" she challenged, her expression turning sour.

I clarified, "No, Herman is my stepfather. He was married to my mother, who owns this house."

"Oh, you're that Nora," she acknowledged with keen interest before redirecting her attention to the television.

I was taken aback by her attitude, but before I could react, the front door swung open, and Miles walked in. His face went from relaxed to shocked upon seeing me.

"Nora? What are you doing here?" he asked, bewildered.

"Hey, can we talk privately?" I inquired with a smile. He hesitated but ultimately nodded. We stepped out into the backyard garden, and Miles awaited for the conversation to begin, leaving me unsure of where to start.

I handed Miles the invite, but he looked down at it without any immediate reaction. "It's an invitation to one of the annual events I'll be hosting next week," I explained, my hand still extended. He let out a low scoff and finally took the invite. His demeanor suddenly turned cold and harsh. There was no warmth in his gaze as he opened the invitation.

My throat felt dry, and anxiety knotted in my stomach. He was not being friendly, and I struggled to find the right words. "It would be an honor to have you there because you mean a lot to me," I said, my eyes pleading. "Please don't say no," I added, my voice trembling with desperation.

Miles looked at me with disappointment in his eyes. "Howard is not going to be a burden, I promise," I pleaded, trying to reassure him. "I don't give two shits about him," he replied firmly, making it clear that Howard wasn't the issue.

I nodded, swallowing the lump in my throat. "I know. Just do this for me, please. It wouldn't be complete without you, Miles. I need you there," I implored, my voice filled with sincerity.

Miles stared at me for a moment, then shifted his gaze back to the invitation. He sighed heavily and shook his head. My heart sank as I sensed his reluctance. "I'm leaving in two days," he finally said, and my heart dropped even further. "Oh," I mumbled, my disappointment evident.

An awkward silence settled between us, adding to my discomfort. "My Luna," someone called out, and I looked up to find the driver approaching hastily.

"The Alpha wishes to speak with you on the phone," he said, offering his phone to me. "Excuse me," Miles said abruptly and walked away, leaving me to deal with this unexpected call.

I took the phone and held it to my ear. "Yes?" I responded, my tone attentive.

"Where are you?" Howard asked hurriedly.

"Greenbell, what is it?" I inquired, my mood not improved after the conversation with Miles.

"You did not tell me you were going there. Don't tell me you're inviting Greenbell people to the event. They are not welcomed," he said, his words startling me.

"What do you mean my family can't be there?" I demanded, my heart pounding in my chest.

"Everyone but Herman and his son," Howard stated matter-of-factly. "Miles is banned from Direwood territory," he declared.

A wave of anger surged through me. "Miles is always welcome wherever I am! You have to deal with it," I retorted, ending the call and tossing the phone back to the driver.

"Let's go," I told him, my determination fueled by a need to confront Howard face-to-face and make it clear that I wouldn't tolerate his manipulations any longer. My patience was wearing thin, and I was no longer willing to comply blindly with his demands.