Chapter 14 Thirteen
Nora.
“Wakey wakey…”
I open my eyes to Lizzie’s happy face. I smile back at her, knowing the reason why she was in my bed at 6am in the morning. It’s my wedding day.
I take a deep breath, trying to push away the lingering fear and doubt. Today is supposed to be the happiest day of my life, the day I marry the man I once thought would be my forever. But now, everything feels different. I can't help but question if this is the right decision.
Lizzie notices the unease in my eyes and gives me a comforting squeeze on my hand. She knows me too well. "Don't worry, everything will be alright," she says with a reassuring smile. If only she knew the truth behind my relationship with Howard.
I force myself to believe her, to believe that one day, Howard would accept me as his mate, his wife and Luna. But last night's confrontation with Howard left a deep scar on my heart. It wasn't the first time he lashed out, but this time, I couldn't overlook it. I deserve to be treated with love and respect, not anger and bitterness.
“Go take your shower, I’ll get the chef to make you something to eat.”
“Thank you, Lizzie,” I said appreciatively and hugged her. As I get off my bed to go shower, doubts continue to creep into my mind. Should I go through with this? Is this marriage worth sacrificing my happiness and self-worth? My thoughts are a whirlwind, and I can't find a clear answer.
Looking at myself in the bathroom mirror, I see the reflection of a girl on the verge of making a life-changing decision. I feel torn between the love I have for Howard and the fear of a future filled with unhappiness.
I was so fixated on Howard’s words echoing in my head that I had forgotten the bruises I had on my face from Ella’s claws last night. The scar that had marked my skin is now gone, a testament to the extraordinary abilities that come with being a werewolf. I chuckle softly, reminded of the uniqueness of my existence.
Stepping into the warm cascade of water, I let it wash away the tension that has been building up inside me. As the water flows over me, I try to clear my mind of Howard's hurtful intentions toward me. It's been a challenging journey with him, and I've always tried to see the best in him, to believe that we could overcome any obstacle together. But it feels like he's more focused on causing pain than building a future together.
Today is supposed to be a celebration of our union, the day we declare our commitment to each other in front of our loved ones. Yet, the joy I anticipated is overshadowed by the unease and uncertainty that have consumed me.
I close my eyes, trying to center myself and find the strength to face the day ahead. I want to make things work with Howard, but it's becoming increasingly difficult when he seems intent on hurting my feelings and disregarding my emotions.
I step out of the shower and through a towel around my body. I saunter out and meet Lizzie going through a bag. “You got a phone for your birthday?” She spoke breathlessly.
I glance at Lizzie, puzzled by her mention of a phone. I wonder where she got it and why she thinks it's a birthday gift for me. Intrigued, I walk up to her and inquire about its origin.
“A phone?”
Just as I'm about to ask, a memory rushes back: Howard had come into my room last night with a bag.
“Wait… there’s more.” Lizzie continues searching through the bag and pulls out a box, revealing a stunning bracelet. My heart flutters with excitement once more, and a smile spontaneously lights up my face. Lizzie looks at me and confirms, "Howard gave this to you, right?"
“I… it slipped my mind last night.” I took the box of bracelet away from her to observe it.
As I gaze at the dazzling diamond bracelet Howard gave me for my birthday, conflicting emotions swirl within me. It's a beautiful gift, no doubt, but it also makes me wonder if he really hates me or if there's another motive behind it. It's confusing because, typically, you wouldn't give gifts to someone you despise. Maybe he wants to scare me away from the idea of marrying him, but why would he do that?
In spite of my mixed feelings, I can't deny the fact that Howard has been there for me in ways I never expected. He protected me from my harmful stepfather, Herman, and his malicious daughters, who always seemed to make my life unbearable. I was almost attacked at the cliff but he protected me from that. Having him by my side in those difficult moments made me feel safe and cared for.
The bracelet is a symbol of his affection, but it's more than just a piece of jewelry. It represents a new sense of hope and freedom in my life. It's a stark contrast to the way Herman treated me, always thwarting my dreams and desires, like owning a phone, for example.
I've always longed for a phone, but it was a distant dream under Herman's rule. Howard, on the other hand, not only gifted me the bracelet but also surprised me with the phone I've always wanted.
As I hold the bracelet in my hand, I can't help but feel a wave of affection towards Howard. Perhaps he truly cares for me, and these gifts are his way of showing it. I may have been more in love with the bracelet initially, but now I see it as a symbol of a budding romance, a chance at happiness that I never thought possible. The journey ahead is uncertain, but with Howard's support, maybe I can learn to let go of my past and embrace a brighter future.
“Okay, enough with the admiration. We need you ready before the ceremony begins.” Lizzie snaps me out of my daydream and drags me to the dressing mirror.
I sat on the vanity stool, thoughts of Howard filled my mind, and a mix of emotions surged within me. Lizzie was by my side, skillfully doing my hair and makeup, but my heart couldn't stop racing. Yes, Today was our wedding day, and I couldn't help but feel both anxious and excited about what lay ahead.
I longed to see Howard's reaction as I walked down the aisle, but deep down, I couldn't shake my fear. He always harbor resentment towards me, making it evident through his words, actions, and expressions. The uncertainty of how he truly feels about me leaves me unsettled.
Yet, in moments of vulnerability, I've witnessed a side of Howard that confuses me further. It's as if he'd go to great lengths to protect me, which contradicts his outward demeanor. His unpredictable nature adds to the complex web of emotions that envelops our relationship.
As Lizzie helped me slip into my wedding dress, a rush of emotions washed over me. It was my mother's wedding dress, and her absence on this special day filled me with sadness. I wished she could be here to witness this milestone in my life. But as I looked in the mirror, I knew she would be watching from above, guiding me with her love and support.
With my heart heavy yet hopeful, I took a deep breath and prepared myself to face whatever lay ahead.
“You look so beautiful, Nora. I bet he will not be able to hold his tears of joy when he sees you.” Lizzie’s compliment really boosted my hope. I needed that.
I grin from ear to ear. “You think so?” I ask her as she helps me slip on the bracelet he got me. I just felt the need to wear it.
The door to my room swung open, revealing Eliana and Ella's disapproving faces, I couldn't help but chuckle at their reactions. Even I was taken aback by my appearance in the wedding dress. Ella, her eyes filled with envy, couldn't help but inquire about the source of my gown. “Who gave you this gown? How comes we never saw you go out shopping?”
“It was my mom’s,” I said proudly. When I told her it was my mom's, she rolled her eyes in a dismissive manner before storming out of the room.
Eliana, ever the practical one, reminded me that time was ticking, and I should hurry up as no one would wait for me. With a brief nod, she too left my room, leaving me with my thoughts and emotions.
Just then, Miles, their brother, entered the room with a beaming smile on his face. His amusement was evident, but he quickly composed himself to compliment me, “you look ravishing, Nora.” His words touched my heart, and I felt tears welling up, but I didn't want to ruin my makeup.
Summoning my courage, I asked him, “can you please walk me down the aisle? I don’t want anything to do with Herman right now.”
His reaction was unexpected, as he became emotional at my request. After a moment of silence, he nodded his head, agreeing to fulfill that role. His willingness to be by my side brought a sense of comfort and reassurance amidst all the chaos.
With a deep breath, I tried to steady my nerves and look at my best friend, Lizzie. “Let’s get me married.”
The car's soft hum soothes my nerves as I watch the city lights blur by, filling me with a mix of excitement and anxiety. Being in a car or seeing the outside world isn't new to me, but this time feels completely different. I'm now married to Howard, and he's taking me home with him to Direwood pack.
My mind drifts back to the moment I walked down the aisle, remembering Howard's reaction. There was no hint of amusement or emotion on his face, just that familiar unreadable expression that always bothered me. It's moments like that which make me doubt his feelings for me.
I am seated beside him in the car, I can't help but wonder what life will be like in the Direwood pack and as Howard's wife. I feel a surge of fear, knowing how much he dislikes me. But then, I also remember the rare instances when he showed kindness, moments that felt like glimmers of hope in an otherwise cold demeanor.
As we drive through the night, I find myself lost in these thoughts, unsure of what awaits me in our new life together. Will Howard's heart ever warm to me, or am I destined to be forever entangled with a man who may never truly love me? The uncertainty weighs heavily on my mind, and I can only hope that time will reveal the answers I seek.
As we approached the towering gates of the Direwood pack, a knot formed in my stomach, and anxiety gripped my every thought. This moment marked a significant turning point in my life. Once this car enters those gates, I'll be leaving behind Greenbell, the place I've known as home, to call Direwood my new home. It's a daunting prospect.
I am now someone's wife, and yet, I don't even know how he truly feels about me. My mind races with questions, doubts, and fears. What if Howard resents the fact that he's now bound to me? What if he never warms up to me and our marriage is nothing but a hollow facade?
I stole a quick glimpse at him, hoping to read something from his expression, but he was engrossed in his phone, seemingly indifferent to my presence. The thought of being married to someone who appears to be constantly annoyed by my existence weighs heavily on my heart.
Part of me regrets my decision, wondering if I've gotten myself into a situation that will only lead to more pain. I never imagined being tied to someone who might harbor such strong negative feelings towards me.
Yet, I remind myself not to jump to conclusions too quickly. It's just the beginning, and I hope that time will reveal the true nature of our relationship. I pray that the moon Goddess, in her wisdom, made the right decision for me, and that there's a deeper purpose behind all of this. Maybe, just maybe, there's a chance for understanding, acceptance, and maybe even love to grow between us. I hold onto that hope as we cross the threshold into Direwood, my new home and the start of a new chapter in my life.
The car rolled through the gates, the sight of the pack members cheering our arrival surprised me. I felt a mix of emotions, unsure of how to respond. However, Howard's reaction was far from pleased. He grunted in annoyance and withdrew further into his phone, dismissing the welcoming gesture with disdain.
Once we reached his house, his abrupt order for me to get out of the car left me feeling even more disheartened. It seemed like he wanted to be rid of me as quickly as possible. I complied with his command, reluctantly stepping out of the car, and followed him into the house.
As I entered the living room, I expected to see Howard waiting there, but to my confusion, he was nowhere to be found. It was as if he vanished into thin air. I stood there, feeling lost and uncertain, not knowing what to do next.
I hear a door open and close, and a lady, who seemed to be my age or perhaps even older, approached me with a warm smile. "Welcome, my Luna," she said, using a title that didn't yet belong to me. Howard’s father hadn't officially handed over the Alpha throne to Howard until after our wedding.
I couldn't help but express my confusion to her, trying to make sense of the situation. "No, you must be mistaken," I said firmly, still trying to wrap my head around everything. How could she already be calling me Luna?
The lady's smile remained unwavering as she gently shook her head. “Alpha Claude had ordered everyone to address you as Luna because your husband was set to become the new Alpha within seven days after your wedding ceremony and mating rituals.” She bows at me, lowering her gaze.
It was a lot to take in, but I tried to process the information as best I could.
Nodding in acknowledgment, I took a deep breath to steady my emotions. I knew I had to be strong and adapt to this new role that was being thrust upon me.
“My name is Selene. You have tons of maids provided for you but I will be your personal maid for anything you want within your chamber. Now, let me take you to your chamber upstairs, you need to rest, my Luna.”
I wanted to tell her not to call me Luna again but she was too quick. She led me through the house, I couldn't shake the feeling of unease lingering within me.
Selene, my personal maid, assured me she'd be at my service for whatever I needed, but my mind was preoccupied with one pressing question. "Where's Howard?" I blurted out, unable to contain my curiosity any longer.
She paused in her steps, turning to look at me with a thoughtful expression. "Your husband?" she clarified, and I nodded in response, my heart pounding with worry. Where could he have gone without informing me?
Resuming her walk, she explained that he had left and wouldn't be back until tomorrow. My anxiety only grew as I cut her off before she could finish her sentence.
"He left?" I asked incredulously, trying to process this unexpected information. Why would he leave, especially on the night we just got married?
Selene nodded, her expression sympathetic. "Yes, he followed through the back door and left," she confirmed, and I felt a mix of confusion and hurt swirling inside me. Was he avoiding me already? Was there something urgent he needed to attend to?
Trying to keep my emotions in check, I thanked Selene for letting me know and assured her that I would be fine. As we reached my chamber, she left me with a reassuring smile and a promise to be nearby if I needed anything.
He warned me but I chose to be persistent. Now I have to face the consequences of my own choices.