Chapter 234 Queen Anne's lace

Chapter 234 Queen Anne's lace
Nathan's POV

Tyler stammered, his face flushing crimson, "I-I'm sorry, I really didn't mean to... I just..." His hands trembled as he struggled to form a coherent sentence.

I cut him off with a sharp wave of my hand, my eyes narrowing. "I know," I said coolly. "You'd better treat my sister well, or you know what I'm capable of."

The threat hung in the air between us, unspoken but unmistakable.

Tyler nodded vigorously, sweat beading on his forehead. "I will, I swear it," he promised, his voice cracking slightly. His eyes darted nervously around the room, avoiding direct contact with mine.

"For God's sake, I'm not going to eat you," I grumbled, rolling my eyes in exasperation. "You're acting like I'm about to execute you." A hint of amusement crept into my voice despite my best efforts to maintain my intimidating demeanor.

Gina smiled warmly, placing her hand on my arm. "Oh, come on," she said, her eyes softening. "You're both important to me. Tyler's a good guy, I promise." She glanced affectionately at Tyler before turning back to me. "I know you're just being protective, but I trust him completely. Can't the people I love get along?" Her voice carried a gentle plea that was hard to resist.

The tension in the room shifted perceptibly, like a heavy cloud finally breaking. I softened my expression and gestured toward the leather chairs by the window.

"Sit down, both of you," I said, my tone now businesslike but less threatening.

I leaned forward, lowering my voice conspiratorially. "I have a... task that requires your services." My fingers drummed rhythmically on the desk as I waited for their response.

Tyler and Apollo straightened, their expressions serious as they awaited what they clearly thought was some kind of suicide mission.

"I want to propose to Rachel," I stated bluntly.

They stared at me in confusion, first looking relieved, then puzzled.

"I need help planning it," I clarified.

Apollo cleared his throat. "Alpha, tell us what you need, and we'll make it happen."

"Yes, requirements. Like date and time, location, color theme, floral arrangements, music preferences..." Apollo's voice trailed off as he noticed my deepening frown.

"What do you think?" I asked them.

Apollo's mouth fell open. "...You're actually asking for our opinion?! Alpha King Nathan Blackwood is asking for our opinion?!"

Tyler smacked the back of Apollo's head and shot him a warning look. "Alpha, if you don't have specific ideas yet, then I think, as with any operation, we should develop an actionable plan."

I nodded.

"Let's start with what Rachel likes," Gina suggested, and Tyler nodded in agreement.

"Is there anywhere she's mentioned wanting to go?" Gina asked.

I drew a blank.

"What about her favorite color?" Apollo tried.

"White... I think?" I answered uncertainly.

"Flowers she prefers?"

"She seems to like all flowers equally," I replied.

Apollo hesitated before asking, "What about jewelry style? Does she wear certain types?"

"She has a necklace," I offered. The one I'd given her.

Gina smirked, ''Bro, You're really something else.''

Apollo fell silent. Even Tyler's brow had furrowed. "Beta," Apollo whispered to Tyler, "are you sure Alpha is ready for this?"

Tyler cleared his throat and shot Apollo another warning look. "After careful analysis, I believe we have three main tasks, Alpha."

He ticked them off on his fingers. "First, you need to talk with the Queen and learn what she likes. Can you do that?"

I nodded. "I can do that."

"Second, we'll send Victoria to figure out what kind of ring Rachel would prefer—shape, size, color, all that."

"Jewelry selection sounds complicated," I commented.

"It is," Apollo chimed in. "Get the wrong cut—like a princess cut instead of a square cut, or a colorless diamond when she prefers pink—and you're doomed."

I'm sure Rachel would be happy with any cut, I thought, but said, "Fine, yes, let's get the jewelry right. Victoria will gather intelligence on that."

"Third, once we know Rachel's favorite flowers, Gina will handle the arrangements."

I glanced at the clock on the wall. 7:00 PM. "I'm meeting Rachel now. I'll go ahead."

"Perfect timing!" Tyler nodded. "Make good use of it, Alpha. Apollo and I will stay and work out the details."

As I walked toward the gardens to meet Rachel, frustration gnawed at me.

I'm such an asshole! Fucking idiot! How had I never bothered to learn these things about her? What kind of mate was I?

Looking back, I realized I'd rarely asked Rachel what she liked. I'd just assumed... or decided for her. I hoped it wasn't too late to start now.

When I reached the garden path, small lanterns illuminated the winding trail through beautiful flowers and fruit trees. High hedges surrounded us, creating a private sanctuary.

Rachel was already there, and her eyes lit up when she saw me. Just seeing my girl made my heart involuntarily start racing for her.

"You look beautiful tonight," I said, kissing her softly before handing her a perfect red rose I'd plucked along the way. She brought it to her nose, inhaling its scent.

We walked in comfortable silence for a while. Tonight's mission: learn Rachel's preferences.

"When I was a kid," I began, breaking the silence, "I used to play in the gardens at Ironjaw territory. Once, I stole some fireworks and nearly burned the place down."

Rachel giggled. "Poor flowers."

"My mother loved flowers," she said. "She grew the most beautiful lilies."

Lilies, I noted mentally, though I wasn't sure if they were her favorite.

"She built us a secret garden," Rachel continued, her voice soft with memory. "At the end of the meadow, hidden behind trees and brambles, with a secret entrance. We'd go there to pick flowers and herbs."

Her expression was wistful. "I loved it there." Her eyes sparkled as she described reading under the trees while her mother transplanted flowers and hummed sweet melodies.

I recognized the tune she often played on her harp. "Is that the song your mother taught you?" I asked.

Rachel nodded.

"What flowers did you grow in your secret garden?" I asked.

"Oh, all kinds," she replied. "Mom surrounded our garden with wild roses so no one could find it. There were peonies and lilies and lavender..."

I gently asked, "Which ones are your favorites?"

"Queen Anne's lace," she replied immediately.

"Because I love how the delicate white flowers look like little clouds floating above the stems. Mom never called them weeds. She would sit with me in the meadow and encourage me to make wishes. When I'd run my fingers across the lacy blooms, she'd say our prayers were being carried on the breeze, up to the sky where the moon goddess could hear them."

Her voice was filled with longing, and I could tell how much she missed her mother. I pulled her closer to me.

"After she died, everything changed," Rachel said. "I never went back to our secret garden. I knew it would wither without her care. So many things I once enjoyed became impossible. That part of my life was erased."

I clenched my fist, angry at what she'd endured.

I stopped walking and pulled her head against my chest, embracing her. "I'm sorry to hear that."

"It's okay now," she said. "Back then, I used to dream about meeting you."

"Yes, my mate. I dreamed my mate would save me." She added with a playful smile.

"I wish I could have met you sooner. Then..." I began.

Rachel teased, "Then my garden might have been set on fire by fireworks."

I chuckled. "Those days weren't easy," she continued, "but during those days, the hope of meeting my mate kept me sane. I dreamed of meeting you, of you rescuing me from my pain."

I kissed her forehead, my arms encircling her. Rachel nestled against me, breathing slowly.

"You're safe now. You have me," I promised.

"I know," she agreed.

We stood in silence for a moment, Rachel secure in my embrace.

I feel so heartbroken for my girl.

I will definitely give her all my love. I won't let her down, I promised myself, feeling the determination settle deep in my bones.

She deserved nothing less than my complete devotion, my unwavering support, and my endless affection.