Chapter 75 75
CHAPTER SEVENTY-FIVE
LUCIAN'S P.O.V
"Um...." I was still thinking, then suddenly, an idea clicked in my head. "We were thinking of going on a picnic but I was worried you might not like that idea."
"We were? Ow!" Jake winced after Mirabel stomped on his feet, hard. He plastered a smile on his face that looked more like a grimace and choked out.
"Yeah, we did...surprise."
Aurora gasped, a smile bloomed on her face as she stared at me.
"Really? A picnic? I've never gone on a picnic before. Talia wanted to take me but of course I was always too busy working and stuff." Her face fell and she slumped her shoulders. "Now I wish I did go with her, those times she asked me."
Noticing her trembling lips and misty eyes, I snapped to action.
"Yeah, we are going for the picnic tomorrow and we will plan everything, you don't have to worry."
"We?" Eli raised an eyebrow.
I stared at him, giving him the eyes.
"Yes, we. Are we clear?" I gritted out, he darted his gaze to Aurora, smiled, then answered.
"Yep, we and Lucian personally, will take part in most of the planning."
The bastard! I glared at him, he smirked victoriously.
"Mmm and Mirabel will take care of the food while Jake will take care of the drinks."
"Why does it have to be me again?" Jake grumbled but another smack from Mirabel shut him up.
"Great, so what should I do?" Aurora smiled, bouncing on her toes with excitement.
"No, you don't need to do anything." Mirabel smiled, "We planned it so you just have to relax and get ready for the picnic. Tomorrow."
Aurora looked worried at first, glancing uncertainly at me while biting her lower lip. A growl almost erupted from me just at the sight of those plump lips again but I hid it with a cough.
"Alright then, if you guys say so. I'll leave it all to you." She grinned at all of us then turned and skipped her way back to her room. As soon as she was gone, Eli rounded on me.
"A picnic? Really? That's what you came up with?"
I threw my hands up, "Don't blame me for this, I was panicking and you guys weren't helping."
"And besides, there's nothing wrong with having a picnic, we all need to wind down after all the stress. Shawn would love to come with us, I'm sure." Mirabel gushed, her eyes twinkling in delight.
"Oh great, another reason to see him again." Eli groaned and made his way upstairs.
"Thanks anyway." I yelled for him to hear, he only grunted.
"Don't worry about him. He's just being grumpy because he has to take part in the preparations but I assure you..." She thumped her chest, "I can do it all by myself."
"You can? Oh thank you, please do." Jake pleaded with his hands together.
I shook my head firmly.
"No, I can't let you do that, it'll be too much work for you."
"Oh, its no trouble for me." She waved her hand.
"But still, I don't..."
"Lucian." She growled my name through her clenched teeth, a glint of challenge showing. "I said, I can do it myself." She snapped.
I nodded immediately, "If you say so."
She relaxed back and smiled, her teeth showing.
"Thank you." She cheered then made her way out of the house.
"She's scary." I told Jake once she was gone.
Jake grimaced, "Yeah, I forgot to tell you, she likes to be in control."
"I'm sure of that." I nodded and then headed back to my room, tamping the urge to go to Aurora's room.
The next day, we got dressed and ready for our picnic and set out in a camper van. The picnic sight was a beautiful, lush green oasis nestled in the heart of the bustling town. Located just a short walk from the pack house.
According to Mirabel, it was a popular spot for the pack locals. The site was surrounded by tall trees, providing ample shade and a sense of seclusion, yet it was still close enough to the town center to hear the hum of activity.
To one side of the picnic area, a small, winding path led to a bustling street lined with shops, cafes, and street vendors. The enticing aromas of freshly baked goods, sizzling food, and the sweet scent of blooming flowers wafted through the air, mingling with the sound of laughter and chatter.
The picnic site itself was situated on a gentle slope, with a picturesque backdrop of a small pond and a babbling brook that flowed into a nearby lake. The grass was soft and well-manicured, dotted with wildflowers and comfortable benches. A few families and couples were already enjoying the serene atmosphere, some playing games, others reading or simply basking in the warm sunshine.
As we arrived, we chose a spot under a majestic oak tree, its branches stretching out like nature's own umbrella. Then Mirabel and Aurora spread out a colorful blanket, while Eli and Shawn began unpacking the basket of food.
I let out an exhausted breath as I finally sat down, picking up a very meat-filled sandwich.
"Hmm, delicious." I moaned.
“Sun’s great today,” Jake said, biting into a sandwich. “This was a surprisingly good idea, Lucian."
I nodded. “Yeah. Great.”
Aurora was sitting at the edge of the picnic cloth, she squinted toward a trail that led into the forest and tilted her head.
“I think I’ll go do a little sightseeing. It would be a miss to not look around.”
I instantly stiffened. “Uh… do you want me to come with you?”
She chuckled and shook her head.
“I’ll be fine. It’s just a few minutes.” She dusted off her jeans and waved. “Don’t miss me too much.” she winked.
I wanted to argue because I felt she didn't know anywhere in this place, she could get lost.
"It's alright, Lucian. She's an adult after all and also a bad ass wolf now. Stop worrying and eat." Mirabel chided while feeding some chicken to Shawn.
"Sure." I replied halfheartedly, watching as she disappeared into the trees.
I sat back and took some chicken wings while waiting. I waited ten minutes. Then twenty. Thirty-five. Then I started panicking, along with Mirabel.
“She’s been gone too long,” she said, her eyes darting to the woods. “What if she got lost? Or...”
I couldn't keep standing here doing nothing.
“I’ll go,” I said, already making my way out.
I followed her scent trail quickly, weaving through the trees until i emerged into a large clearing.
"Aurora!" I called, her scent stopped here. I turned around and froze.
There, in the middle of the grassland, stood a statue?
The statue was life-sized. Tall. Slender, its clothes also stone. The details were eerily accurate. Even the small mole on Aurora’s chin was sculpted perfectly.
My heart stopped, with shaky legs, I made my way to the statue. My trembling hands reached out and touched the face, it didn't move. It was as solid as it looked.
“No,” I whispered. “No, no, no, NO!”