Chapter 48
Nikolas’s POV.
I awoke to find Amira nestled in my embrace, her limbs entwined with mine, and her tousled hair creating a cascade of beauty all around us. A smile naturally curved my lips as I gazed upon her peaceful form, her sweet fragrance enveloping my senses, a scent potent enough to intoxicate anyone. Inhaling deeply, I carefully extricated her arm and leg that had cozily taken refuge in me. Leaning in, I pressed a tender kiss to her forehead, my lips barely grazing her skin, as I wished to let her sleep undisturbed. With a silent promise to return soon, I slipped out of bed, leaving her in the gentle embrace of dreams.
As I slipped into my shirt, I couldn't help but feel a surge of determination to make this day special. The fridge was adequately stocked, yet the one thing missing was what I knew Amira was craving: strawberry and cherry puff pastries. While not exactly a culinary masterpiece, I had pledged to contribute more to our meals, and this small gesture would surely earn me a smile. Grabbing my wallet and keys, I embarked on a quick journey to the local farmer's market.
Upon securing a jar of honey, fresh strawberries, and plump cherries, I was all set to head back home, my mind dancing with the anticipation of surprising Amira. But fate had a different plan, as Ava crossed my path and it was quite clear I couldn’t escape without being unnoticed.
"Good morning, King Nikolas," Ava greeted with genuine politeness, her lips painting a soft smile. She was someone I could see myself trusting – a rare quality in this new world, unlike Ace, who was shrouded in mystery and I still assumed the worst off.
"Hello, Ava. How are you today?" I responded warmly, noticing her own bag of strawberries – a shared choice.
"I'm doing well, I see you've procured strawberries from Ingrid. Her produce is quite the best in town, though I admit, it's a secret opinion. I can’t let the others find out," Ava remarked, her keen eyes glimpsing into my bag's contents.
"Fear not, your secret is safe with me," I chuckled, my gaze sweeping over the bustling market. The thriving atmosphere spoke volumes about the success of this place, not to mention its economic growth through exports.
"Is the Queen around here?" Ava asked, her brows furrowing slightly as she scanned the crowd.
"She’s still at home. I'm hoping to surprise her," I admitted, indicating the bag in my hand, a faint blush coloring my cheeks. Public displays of vulnerability weren't second nature to me, I still wasn’t used to showing my soft side.
Ava's lips curved into a friendly smile. "Would you mind sharing both your and the Queen's favorite dishes? Our pack is preparing a few dinners, and it would be wonderful to include your preferences."
"Of course, we'd be delighted to experience your culinary creations. Just steer clear of pork and non-salmon fish; those are the least favored dishes from Amita," I shared honestly. Amira's curiosity for their culture was insatiable, I wouldn’t dare to make her miss anything. A lot of things here reminded her of her old pack and seeing her enjoy that made me glad.
"Thank you, King Nikolas. Your input is appreciated," Ava said, promptly noting down the information on her phone's notebook app.
Shifting gears, I couldn't help but inquire, "And how is Ace faring?" The dynamics between Ava and Ace had piqued my interest, hinting at something beneath the surface. Something I was curious to know about.
Ava's response carried a hint of unease, her words hesitant. "Uh- Ace should be engaged in morning meetings, though our visions sometimes differ, leading him to manage certain matters independently."
I noticed Ava didn’t show color in her face but instead, the tips of her ears gave her away when it turned a vibrant red. There’s more to it but she won’t tell, perhaps she’s trying to remain united in the public eyes which I respected.
Curiosity satisfied, I offered my appreciation. "You and Ace have truly excelled in leading the Oceans Howl pack. Amira and I are genuinely impressed by your achievements."
A warm smile graced Ava's lips, gratitude shimmering in her eyes. "Your words mean a lot, King Nikolas. Have a wonderful day."
With our exchange drawing to a close, we parted ways, a sense of intrigue lingering in the air. As I returned home, thoughts of Amira filled my mind, her smile awaiting the sweet surprise I'd brought from the market. I made the fruity puff pastry as promised along with two cups of coffee and placed it all on the table.
I heard the soft creak of a door and turning around, I leaned casually against the archway, waiting for Amira to notice my presence. She stood there, running her fingers through her disheveled hair, gathering it to one side. Our eyes met, and a smile danced across her lips, lighting up her face.
“I was looking for you," she pouted, her steps drawing her closer until her arms found their way around me in a warm embrace.
“I was out surprising you,” I confessed, returning her hug with a sense of contentment. “Had I stayed in bed any longer I would’ve certainly fucked you till dawn,” I teasingly whispered into her ear, earning myself a playful jab to my midsection.
“Come on,” I held her hand and led the way to the small table that fit just the two of us perfectly. With her in the seat I pulled out for her, I settled beside her, our vantage point offering a lovely view of the garden at the side of the house.
"Niko! You've made puff pastries! I've been craving these forever!" she exclaimed as she uncovered her plate, her delight palpable. Her excitement was contagious as she turned to me, wrapping her arms around me and bestowing a trail of affectionate kisses – my mark, my cheek, and then my lips.
“If we were home I’d suck you off the office whenever you’d want me to,” Amira's voice carried a seductive undertone as her lips brushed my ear teasingly, setting my imagination ablaze with vivid images. Fuck, how I wished we were home right now.
“Don’t tease me, Amira, I’m not beneath tying you up and pleasuring you all day and night long, Love,” I stared deep into those icy eyes, taking her hand and placing it on my pants where it got tighter.
“When we go to shower, I expect you to fuck me hard, long and damn good,” Amira’s eyes twirled with lust as she took a deep breath. I smirked, “Your wish is my command, my Queen.”
With appetites sated, we tidied up together, her enthusiasm for our domestic tasks infusing a simple chore with intimacy. Soon after, she led me into the shower, her eager anticipation driving us to fulfill our promises to each other. To the point, I was certain we wouldn’t leave the shower but she was determined for our plans today.
Emerging from the cascade of water, I watched as she slipped into a sky-blue sundress, its flow hem capturing the essence of a lazy summer day. Completing the look with sandals, she effortlessly packed her belongings into my bag, a sense of readiness enveloping us both. This was it, we’d be going to the ruins of her old pack.
As we ventured to the car, her fingers entwined with mine, keys hanging from her other hand, I couldn't help but feel a rush of memories surge through me. Memories that painted an image of joy, youth and laughter. Recollections of times when my parents and I journeyed to the Ocean Dawn pack, embarking on adventures and making memories that still warmed my heart. Those visits were marked by the presence of Leia, Amira in her earlier days when she was my cherished best friend and companion. The memory of those shared moments remains etched in my mind, proof of the unbreakable bond we'd cultivated.
The drive to the Ocean Dawn pack evoked a wave of nostalgia. Fond recollections of a time when life was simpler and our hearts were entwined in an innocent friendship. I'd never forgotten those days, nor would I ever. And now, as we approached the pack, a chapter of my past had reopened, a sense of poignant familiarity enveloped me.
As I recalled the dreams of my childhood, the moment the moon goddess whispered to me that Leia was my destined mate, a radiant joy almost suffocated me. From a simple childhood, crush had bloomed a profound connection, one that the moon goddess herself had blessed.
Her separation, hearing that she was dead for years had wounded me, then later I thought I had found my Leia only for her to die in my arms. It had plunged me into a sea of despair. It turned me bitter and I was close to losing myself within that hatred.
In the wake of that heartache, the Ocean Dawn pack and its remnants had become my parents' task when I ascended to the throne. They had asked me to rebuild the ruins, recreate the pack. This was something Amira didn’t know nor would she ever know about it because the moment my parents had suggested it I had turned it down immediately and only because I thought I had lost my mate forever.
As we stepped onto the grounds of Ocean Dawn, the first thing that struck me was the unstoppable reclamation of nature. The salty tang of the ocean breeze filled my senses, carrying with it memories of my childhood visits. Back then, I'd burst out of the car, a whirlwind of excitement, and dash towards Alpha and Luna's house.
My gaze swept ahead to where their house should have stood, but now, it lay in ruins, a stark reminder of the passage of time as well as history. Turning away from the car, I reached for Amira's hand, her warmth and presence making me smile. "Are you ready for this?" I asked, squeezing her hand gently.