Chapter 29

Madame Collins was exceptionally nice that day.

After she gave her condolences; there was no yelling, no scoffing. It was all peace and understanding. There was sometimes a glint of pity in her voice whenever she spoke.

“I surely missed you ladies!” She revealed the second time. It still felt strange and lonely without Sophia.

She’d seen her in her dream the previous night. She told her she was happy where she was; it was the closure she needed, really.

“Sorry about your loss.”

The ladies turned. It was Beth. One could say she sounded sincere and even remorseful.

“She was wonderful,” she said.

“Thank you,” Meredith responded, and Amelia nodded her head.

It was pretty much a dull day, of course. She’d been contemplating on informing Meredith about her plan with Harry, but she was frightened to endanger her. If her theory were to be right, then—

She gazed at her. Meredith was working dutifully. The last time she’d hidden her plans ended up bad.

“I’m visiting the human country later tonight,” she said through the mind link. Her parents trusted her again, it wasn’t going to be hard to sneak out.

“But Amelia—”

“I shall be fine,” she responded. “Harry and I are investigating Maria Flyer tomorrow,” she revealed, and Meredith widened her eyes. It was safer to use the mind link to erase suspicions.

“I doubt your speculation, Mel. Maria is a woman with class, she doesn’t seem like a murderer.”

Amelia agreed. “I have met that woman, and I totally agree with you,” she said. “But there’s no harm in trying.”

Meredith nodded her head.

“I mean, at first glance you’d assume I’m the most submissive woman.” She batted her eyelashes, and Meredith barked out a laugh.

When Amelia turned, she caught an icy gaze from Beth; she was acting extremely strange.

One minute she was nice the next…you know.

Amelia opened her—

“Ladies!” Madame Collins had swung into the room, “we shall be closing early today!”

Amelia smiled. What a day it was!

****

Amelia glanced at her side as she strode along the road in the human country. Back in the woods, the atmosphere had felt different—a familiar feeling of being watched. There was a sensation she’d felt, a warning. Despite the aura, she glanced ahead, and dashed her foot against a stone.

After regaining her balance, she peeped around. The sensation had stopped and was now replaced with soothing.

Amelia took in the crisp air; the sun was out, and the street was clear.

What to expect from the human? She had no clue, but she was glad to finally see him again. And when she finally came in contact with the lake's residence, she took a quick breath. Unsure of what to expect.

What if they’d forgotten her?

What if they send it away?

She stepped on the foyer, ringing the doorbell. Unlike the last time, which of course was understandable since she visited at night, the door opened, her gaze coming in contact with a shocked Lucy.

“Amelia!” She embraced her, “I’ve missed you so much.”

“Amelia?” Lake was behind her. She loosened her grip as she glanced at him.

“Amelia…” he repeated. Lucy had moved aside, and now he was in front of her.

“I’m sorry I—”

She felt his arms around her; a feeling of warmth arose. Her wolf was still, thank goodness.

“What happened?” He questioned as he pulled out of the embrace, “I was so worried. You can’t possibly imagine how many times I went to that area we first encountered, searching for you.”

“I’m fine,” she smiled, “at least now.”

Lake raised a brow of interest.

“Can I come in?”

“Of course,” he shifted, scratching the back of his head as they limped to the coach.

“I lost my best friend,” she began, watching as Lucy bounded up the stairs, “someone in my country is smuggling guns from here—killing my people.” She paused and tightened her eyes.

“My friend was also murdered.”

Lake paled, placing his hand on hers, “I’m sorry to hear that.”

Amelia squinted her eyes, “which is why I need to get justice.”

Lake widened his eyes, “guns are extremely dangerous, Amelia.”

She’d come to realize that, but she’d also sworn to do whatever possible to get justice.

For a moment, Amelia remained quiet, and Lake rode along, he shut his eyes as though he was contemplating something. “You know what will make you feel better?”

Amelia raised an amused brow.

“A bike ride,” he gave a playful smirk.

It’d been a long time since she rode on her horse, so she returned the smirk. “Let’s do it!”

The two strode to the garage, and Amelia watched as Lake dragged it out to the street.

“I was this close to returning it to the owner,” he said as he lifted her on it, “I thought I was never going to see you again.”

Amelia sighed. How was she going to tell him—

“Hold onto me tightly,” he commanded, and she obeyed.

The engine zoomed, and she felt her heart flying, the air tickling her skin. She’d never been on anything like it.

“Are you good,” Lake shouted over the wild air.

“Yes,” she responded, her mind wandering.

In that blissful moment, her mind refreshed. She understood everything—her feelings.

She stretched her left hand, fighting with the air. She glimpsed sideways, watching the moving cars.

The city was beautiful that day. The same feelings she’d felt the first she discovered the country came rushing in.

How Sophia would have loved it here.

The bike had stopped, and Lake dismounted, and then helped her down. They were in front of a building, a building with a sign that read, ‘Time restaurant’.

A restaurant was never part of the—

“Let’s eat,” he simply said, dragging her inside.

Amelia sucked in a breath as they sat. The temperature inside was cool, and the smell…it was a mixture of pleasant scents.

For a moment, they stayed quiet. Lake rested his hands on the edge of the table, staring into her eyes. He had broad shoulders straining the seams of his shirt.

“What would you like to order?” He scratched the back of his head, “I don’t know the type of food you eat in your country…”

That moment, Amelia realized, perhaps their meeting was simply fate—something bound to happen. But they were worlds apart; he would never understand the woman she truly was.

The relationship was clearly not meant to be.

Suddenly, Amelia glanced up. “I have something to tell you…”