Chapter 24 Chapter 24
Ethan's POV
“Make sure that’s perfect, and watch this one, too. Miss Sophia likes this color for decorations, Alpha was insistent," Max ordered.
I sat on the couch with my legs crossed as Max scurried about.
After all, this was the first time Sophia had asked me out on a date since we met, and I had to make sure that I gave a good impression.
When the time came, I dressed in a light-colored suit, sprayed on a bit of cologne and went out to meet my beautiful mate.
“Good morning, Ethan,” Sophia said with a coy smile.
“Good morning beautiful lady,” I said.
Sophia had on a white dress with some light gold trims which made her look elegant and brought out the curves of her body.
In my eyes she was unbelievably sexy. Her light brown hair was slightly curled, framing her delicate features.
Jax was immediately drawn to her sweet scent.
I took Sophia's hand and kissed the back of it as I always do, treating her as if she were a princess.
“I don’t know if it’s just me, but she seems to be getting more accustomed to my touch.”
“I’ve cooked for us a simple meal.” I said as I led her into the dining room and gave her a bouquet of roses I’d prepared beforehand.
"Oh, Ethan! Thank you!" She looked at the flowers, and her eyes lit up.
I sat down and poured her some tea. "So, did you miss me this time?”
She smiled, and I couldn't help but return the smile as well. I placed the teacup in front of her and heard her say, "Yes, I missed you. Close your eyes."
I tilted my head curiously, not knowing what she was going to do.
But I obediently closed my eyes. In the darkness, I felt someone touch my tie, then immediately let go.
"Open your eyes," she said.
I opened my eyes and glanced down at my tie, which was held with a dainty tie bar.
The silver clip bore a delicate engraving and had a small purple stone in the middle – just the same color as Sophia’s eyes after she shifted.
It was mysterious, and the color made me think of her, a never-ending reminder of how hot she was.
“Thank you, I love it,” I smiled with an expression of earnest.
"I'm glad you do. I didn't know if it would be your type of thing or not," she said, seeming happy with my response.
“The tie clip itself is exquisite. Where did you get it?" I whispered, my fingers caressing the tie clip.
I made it from scratch," she explained, seeming a little ashamed. I was taken aback by what she said.
“This is magnificent, my splendidly multitalented mate."
" This tie clip is one of the finest designed and made that I've ever seen."
The jewelers that had come to the house the previous time timed were about the same level but I personally thought Sophia was superior.
I raised my china cup to my lips and took a sip, suddenly recalling what my mother had said just now. “Sophia, would you be interested in working with me? In a business venture or something.”
“On what?” she demanded.
We could run a jeweler's.” I suggested it offhand. If my memory serves me right, Sophia had been quite eager to find out about my mom’s clothing shop.
I thought she would like this collaboration project.
"Can I really do it?" she asked, her eyes widening as she looked at me.
I put down my teacup and stood up, walking over to her and bending down to look at her face.
"Of course! I believe in your abilities, I believe in everything about you."
"But I'm not ready to join you yet..." she suddenly became flustered and couldn't look me in the eye.
"Hey," I crouched down and took her hand. "I said I wouldn't pressure you to make a decision. The jewelry business is just a collaboration between packs. That's all."
She looked at me in surprise, as if she never anticipated I would say that.
Her eyes were so full of surprise that I was nearly heartbroken. What the hell was that Marcus doing to her?
Our partnership was arranged just like mother had said, and I was at ease knowing we’d get more chances to see each other.
I was very pleased with the outcome.
Sophia and I went for a walk in the garden after we had our breakfast.
I introduced her to the pack and took her to the marvellous view.
Everyone was warm to her, and Sophia came across as very happy.
"Do you know, Ethan, I've never had this kind of popularity before? Just with the Shadowmoon Pack, I might as well have been a tool for everyone to use. There was never any real friendship.”
I ached for her, and I pulled her to me, resting my hand on the back of her head.
“You will never be a tool to me. You are the most important thing in the world to me, beloved mate of mine and true love of my life."
“Ethan...” She held me in return, silent, moved by my words. My mind was full of that damn Marcus, and I was shaking her, "My mate please stay away from Marcus. What if he hurt you again?"
"But I've already agreed to attend Lila's succession ceremony with him next month."
"What?”