Chapter 49 Chapter 49
Chapter 49
\- Jason -
I usually don't appreciate having any conversations with anyone on a day like this
At most, I don't mind Natasha or Alexei who is my beta
Aside them, I don't have any pack engagements and everyone knows
But when Aria came by, standing behind us and looking so radiant in the night, I could not help wondering what she actually wanted to discuss
"Can you not read the room?" Natasha said to her when she asked her to excuse us. "The alpha is not in a position to have any discussion right now."
I was about to speak when Aria did
"I don't think you are his mouthpiece, Natasha," she said calmly. "If the King does not want to talk to me let him say it himself. He's going to tell me if I can't. Besides, you are talking to him, so why can't I?"
"It's okay," I cut in so they wouldn't have to banter any further. "Natasha just give us a moment."
She hesitated for a while before nodding.
"Alright Alpha," she muttered and walked away.
I turned back to Aria.
"What do you want to talk about? Are you having any troubles?" I asked her. She walked slowly towards me
"Do I have to have troubles or need anything from you before I can talk to my husband?" She asked.
I was slightly amused
"Not really," I said as she stood closely beside me.
"I just want to be close to you," she said softly. "I know you are going through a rough moment right now and I want to go through it with you."
My heart softened at her thoughtfulness
"You did not have to," I said to her. "My wife did not die today."
"Yes, but the grief of acceptance hits differently," she said, looking into my eyes. "When you realise you've lost your loved one forever. That they will no longer be there for you to hold, to watch their eyes shine with laughter and wet with tears, to share in their joy or sorrow. Every time you are reminded of such, it's always very hard."
"Have you lost anyone before?" She spoke so passionately I had to ask
"Not really," she sighed. "But in a way I actually have. All the people I have loved once who never chose me, that in itself is dead. And I'm not really grieving their absence, I am grieving for what my heart and love had to go through. I am grieving for myself."
"I am so sorry about that, Aria," I said solemnly
"But hey, we are not talking about me," her voice became a bit lighter and she smiled a little. "You are someone who's experienced true love. Can you tell me what it feels like?"
"Oh it's wonderful," I said. "It is the most beautiful thing to happen to a man. Even one who is the most dreaded and feared, the heart becomes soft to that one woman. And you just want to give her the world, to be with her..." I slowed down. "To protect her."
"And I am sure the late Luna, bless her soul, felt all of that with you. I mean, if you can just remember all the wonderful moments you've shared together, professing love and being comfortably vulnerable. I bet she's smiled the most being with you."
I thought about Elena's beautiful smile and her infectious laughter
It brought a smile to my face.
It was so genuine, just like Aria's words.
Even though she was in a position Elena had been in before, she did not seem to care about how I felt towards her and was offering words of comfort.
I felt a certain kind of feeling resting on my chest. And it seemed to ease the burden of pain I was having earlier
"I know you're a good man," she continued. "Even though you don't owe it to anyone, and definitely not to me, you've been kind since the very first day you met me. That's how I know."
I could spend the entire night listening to Aria. Her words felt good.
She moved closer
"Can I ask you for a favour, as my husband?" Her voice was calm yet persuasive.
I shook my head, wondering what she was up to.
"You said I could ask you anything while we are together, except that there are no rooms for falling in love, which is very much understood."
I chuckled lightly, finding it funny with the serious look on her face.
"Go ahead," I said.
"You have to promise me," she made a baby face.
"What now? What if you ask for my head?" I smiled at her
"I will be damned, so I wouldn't," she said and I laughed lightly.
"Okay fine, I promise."
"Pinky promise?" She held out her little finger like a child. I couldn't stop smiling. She looked funny.
"Fine," I crossed my pinky fingers with hers and noticed for the first time how tiny her fingers were, compared to mine.
"So what is the request, my Luna?"
"I know that you have not eaten anything all day," she said, her tone resting seriously. "That you usually don't eat or find any sleep on the anniversary of Elena's death. So I made you a very nice delicacy. Before you say anything, remember your promise. And it's very nice you'd like it. It has a soothing effect. Just try it."
I was not really hungry and had no appetite, but the way she asked gave me no choice.
"Please don't say no," she pushed. "Remember you promised."
"Okay fine." I had to agree.
"Great," she jumped lightly in excitement that I had to hold her protectively
"Careful now. Remember you are pregnant," I said and she smiled
"My baby and I are really excited. Right baby?" She touched her belly slightly and her movements got my attention. I did not get to look for so long.
"Come on, let's go eat," she said gingerly as she dragged me along.