Chapter 12 Chapter 12
Ethan's POV
“She is charming, really Jax,”
“Listen, I’ve heard you say the exact same thing at least twice a day for the past eight years. Honestly, I should tell you this is probably the most that I have ever heard you talk to me in all the years that I have known you.”
Glancing at Sophia in her new clothes, I sat silently in the car and rolled my eyes at my wolf.
Once the two assholes had been hustled out of the store, she’d picked out a dress that she’d fallen in love with and the lilac color that she’d chosen was just perfect for her.
I could swim in those chocolate eyes the more I look at her and I also know that when they need to turn a secret sexy purple colour just like I saw that day well that was the thrill as well.
“Why do you keep looking at me?”
“Because you’re just so beautiful. “Even the moon goddess herself, be it the phase of the moon or the moonstone, would never be deemed worthy.”
Sophia was obviously a little taken aback by my praise and it made her shy immediately which in return made me smile.
She had refined manners as well as that effortlessly perfect poise that she could present in even her flustered moments.
It had been such a turn on, watching Marcus and his lover with such intensity, that the only thing I wanted to do was to take her where no one could see us and I could have her completely.
But I knew I had to rein myself in.
Fuck. He’s such a fuck.
Marcus Blackthorn had really left me with a hell of a riddle.
“We just have to wait for the perfect moment to kill the Shadowmoon Pack.” My wolf snorted helpfully.
“Sure, but first it’s important that we get Sophia to accept us.”
“I know you’re right. But a wolf can dream, can’t he?”
“Mm. And that Lila…there was something wrong with her. I could smell that weird smell again…”
“Let's have Max probe her and learn everything we can.”
I nodded and made the mind link, but in my head, with Max.
"Max? Do we have the welcome party all set?"
"Yep! Everything is ready, Alpha!"
I had secretly staged a welcoming party for Sophia before we left. I hoped that when we returned, the surprise would bring her joy.
When the car stopped in front of the palace, I took Sophia's hand and helped her out of the car.
The palace stood before us decorated to perfection by Max and the rest of the pack members while we had been away, gorgeous flags and the pack crest displayed all around.
Everyone in the pack stood in a line behind Max, all dressed in suit and tie, and the moment I came a step closer towards them, a handful of a girl tightly wrapped in my hand, they all bowed deep towards me.
“Welcome home Miss Sophia!”
I couldn't help but tilt my head sideways to try and see Sophia's reaction to the surprise I had arranged.
She seemed a little startled by the unexpected scene in front of her and her beautiful big eyes blinked a few times, without saying a single word.
"Do you not like it Sophia?"
"No, it's not Ethan. I just... no one has ever done anything like this for me before. I love it!" Sophia's voice trembled slightly and I noticed that her eyes were tearing up a little.
My heart tugged at the vulnerable image that she was projecting and I just wanted to pull her close to me and soothe her aching heart.
I reached for her other hand and caught her gaze, holding it with a sincere expression.
For some reason, I felt a little nervous at this moment but the scent that drifted towards me from Sophia soothed my nerves, awakening the lust that I felt so deeply for her.
Her beautiful chocolate eyes stared up at me nervously and I smiled gently, dropping my head and planting a soft kiss on her forehead.
"I'm so lucky that I found you Sophia." I murmured softly as she gazed up at me.
"Honestly Ethan, It's me that feels lucky to have met you."
I took hold of her hand and we were led by Max into the banqueting hall for the welcoming party.
The staff had taken great care to prepare Sophia's favorite food and served it with dishes that complimented it perfectly.
The specially invited band was proving a hit with the guests too.
"Oh my word! These are all of my favourite foods!" Sophia laughed happily as her gaze travelled across the vast array of dishes that were on offer.
"Of course! This is a party to welcome you into the family, our pack."
Sophia's eyes were truly beautiful. When she laughed, they almost seemed to bend into the shape of a crescent moon and her long eyelashes left the barest shadow on her face.
Whenever she laughed, you couldn't help but want to laugh along with her.
"Max, make sure you reward her maids well. They deserve it for organising all this."
"Sure thing, Alpha."
I was so happy that I had thought to ask for the input of the two maids that were in charge of supporting Sophia with her daily schedule.
It was worth it to see her so happy in this moment.
The dinner continued without incident and everyone enjoyed the food.
After dinner, the melodious music of the band had started and people began to pair off and head to the dance floor.
I straightened my collar and cleared my throat nervously as I approached Sophia.
"May I ask you to dance, my beautiful mate?"
"Of course." she beamed back happily.
Sophia placed her hand in mine and we walked to the center of the ballroom.
I held her close, my arms around her waist as we danced in time to the music, her intoxicating scent lingering in my nose as I gazed down at her contentedly. The only problem I had was how painfully tight my trousers were becoming at this moment with her body held so close to me.
She was looking into my eyes presently, her eyes shining with happiness and the smile that sat on her face had not disappeared from the first moment that we stepped foot inside the palace. I could feel the joy that she felt radiating from her and it had a significant impact on my own mood.
"She's just perfect Jax... everything about her is perfect."
"That's because she is our fated mate."
"No, it's because she is Sophia Evergreen."
She shouldn't be controlled by anyone or made to bow down in submission.
Sooner or later, I would walk into Sophia Evergreen's heart and reside there for eternity.