Chapter 13 13
Jenna's POV
I had to admit, seeing Caesar defend me so protectively made my chest warm at the sight, and my stomach did that weird little flip, but I had to keep myself grounded.
Still, it would be really weird if a fight broke out because of me. So I grabbed his arm and started dragging him back, murmuring, “Excuse us ” while pulling him away from Jerry.
“Why are you dragging me away?” Caesar demanded, his eyes narrowing, his jaw tight. “If not for you, I would’ve punched him until he learned how to speak to a lady.”
I stopped and turned to face him, planting my hands on his chest. “That’s exactly why I pushed him away, to stop you from getting into a fight with him.”
“Fight?” He repeated, incredulous. “Who said anything about a fight? It’s only a fight when two people are involved. I only wanted to punch him and let him bleed a little, not fight him.”
I blinked, had at his innocent delivery, yet a small smile tugged at my lips because of how much he cared about me, really. But I couldn’t let this slide, if I didn’t call him to order now, he would go around hitting anyone who dared to insult me, and trust me, that happened often enough. I hated being the talk of the town, which meant I ignored most of the nonsense. So, if he started punching everyone who said something rude, I’d end up in the spotlight more than I wanted.
“You could’ve just voiced your displeasure.” I told him calmly.
“I did just that.” He replied. “I voiced my displeasure.”
“By threatening to hit him?” I asked, raising an eyebrow and he nodded. I couldn’t believe he really didn’t see the problem. I sighed and stretched out my hands. “Give me the keys.”
“Why?” He asked, clearly confused.
“Because I won’t be letting a stubborn man drive me around,” I said firmly. He tried insisting, but I shook my head. “Unless you know what you did wrong, you’re not driving.”
He pleaded, but I held my ground. Eventually, he handed me the keys, and I led the way to the car, with him following, whining softly. I had to admit, I wanted to forgive him long ago. Heck, I wasn’t even angry. But seeing him act so cute while begging made me like him even more in that moment.
When we reached the car, he walked beside me, trying to hold my hand. I yanked it away and scurried to the driver's seat, pouting. He followed, still pleading silently with those dark eyes of his and I let out a small laugh as I slid in and started the car.
The drive to the Packhouse was quiet because Caesar stayed silent the whole way, sitting stiffly beside me with his gaze fixed somewhere far away. I glanced at him occasionally, but he didn’t react. When we arrived, I parked and stepped out, holding the keys. He followed, clearly wanting to grab my hand again. I dodged him, laughing, and ran inside. He ran after me, both of us laughing until we reached the living room.
Luna Elsa was seated there, just as she had been when we left, sipping tea and watching TV. She turned toward us, her expression shifting into a smile. “How was your day?” She asked.
I replied honestly. “Actually, I had a good day.”
She turned to Caesar next. “And you?”
“Of course.” He said without hesitation, glancing at me. “I was with Jenna all day, so yeah, a great day.”
I rolled my eyes and started heading toward the stairs. He reached for me, and I yanked my hands away, running up the stairs with him chasing me. We laughed as we ran down the hallway, finally reaching our room. I threw open the door and dashed inside, but Caesar was fast as he followed and held me before I could shut it.
I pushed him off, turning to face him. “I’ll only accept your apology if you now know what you did wrong.”
“Yes.” He said immediately. “I know I did something wrong by threatening to punch someone.” He paused, then added with that familiar stubbornness I knew so well. “But I can’t guarantee I won’t do it again. If anyone insults you, looks down on you, or acts aggressive toward you, I’m going to do worse than that.”
“Caesar, really?” I asked, exasperated but inwardly thrilled.
In my head, I knew he was serious, and it made my heart race. This wasn’t the Caesar Greywood I’d known since first year. This version was raw, unfiltered, completely protective, and infuriatingly sincere.
“I’m just being honest.” He said, cupping my cheeks. “I can’t lie to you, that’s how much you mean to me. But, I’ll try my best not to punch every person who insults you, however if anyone dares, no matter who, I’ll do worse than just punch them.”
My face heated as he leaned closer, rubbing my cheeks. I felt my heart thundering in my chest as he began confessing, how much he cared for me, how he couldn’t live without me, how every moment with me mattered.
I was blushing, utterly caught off guard because this wasn’t the Caesar Greywood I’d known all these years. Anyone at the university witnessing this would be flipping out.
He leaned in further, and I let him because my resistance had melted away in the whirlwind of the moment. Our lips met, and I was completely lost, dropping my bag on the floor. But before it could go further, a knock interrupted us. Caesar refused to stop, so I had to shove him away to answer the door. Straightening my clothes, I opened it to see a maid standing there.
“Luna Elsa has sent for you to come down to the living room.” The maid announced.
“On my way.” I said, and the maid left. Then I turned to leave, but Caesar grabbed my wrist. “I’m going with you.” said.
I opened my mouth to argue but remembered that he followed me everywhere so I sighed, giving in. “Fine.” I muttered, and we headed downstairs together.
When we entered the living room, Luna Elsa was not alone. Evelyn, Caesar’s birth mother, was also there so I nodded politely, greeting her and Caesar did the same.
I stepped closer to Luna Elsa. “You sent for me?” I asked.
“Actually, I did not.” Elsa smiled faintly. “Evelyn told me to send for you.”
Evelyn’s eyes scanned me from head to toe. “Well.” She began, her voice measured. “My son has already chosen you, so I cannot possibly send you away or refuse you, since he made his choice. But as your future mother-in-law, I have every right to access you.”
I arched an eyebrow. “Access me? How exactly?”
“You are to be the future Luna of this Pack and my son’s future wife.” Evelyn explained. “So, I need to make sure you are perfect in all areas. That’s why I’m here today, to join you all for lunch, and I expect you to prepare it for us.”
I froze for a moment, staring at her, processing every word as Caesar’s hand brushed my back reassuringly, and I swallowed hard, trying to summon my composure.