Chapter 36
Gradel
"Thank you," I muttered after we left Mr Hanlow's house.
Staying there for more than two hours while dining and conversing like we were a family further uplifted my already buoyant mood. The warmness that their house exuded made me want to stay back, but then I couldn't run away from my responsibility, and neither could I disown my father even if I wanted to.
"Hmm?" Iris replied like she had been caught unaware and then she tilted her head to the side, her face a mask of confusion. "Why are you thanking me?" She asked innocently.
"I've been thinking a lot and I realized that my life has been moving in circles. It seems like I've made some progress, but deep down I'm a complete mess," I admitted.
Her hand came upon my back and then she turned around to face me so we could stop walking.
"I don't think your life is a mess, though I can agree that it used to be when you arrested me for stealing your bracelet." She blurted with her lashes lowered so she wouldn't notice my frown. "But you're no longer the man from that day. It's hard to explain, but it feels like something has changed and it's very evident. What you should do is focus on your progress and don't allow anyone to drag you back to the past."
Her brown eyes brightened while she spoke passionately to me and then the resemblance between my late mother and her struck me.
My late mom was the only one who could stop me from making foolish decisions just by mentioning my name, and now, this woman was having the same effect on me.
Cold chills worked their way through my spine at the realization, plunging me into a perplexity of emotions.
Should I be happy or sad with the development?
It was scary that a beautiful petite woman like her already had such power over me. It was petrifying.
"You're right, Iris, and you did a great job in bringing me out of my shell. Although I was angry at you for making that decision on my behalf it ended up better than I thought. I've been fed properly, found a new hobby and got new friends as well." I chuckled.
She palmed her lips and gazed at me in awe.
"You're joking, right?"
"Do I share some resemblance with a clown?" I retorted playfully.
Her hands dropped to the side, her lips parted widely. "No, you don't, but it's so hard to believe because you don't even like being here or associating with people. What did they do to my mate?" She teased.
It was all you. I wanted to say, but my uncertainty sprang up, preventing me from admitting the truth.
I shrugged and took her hand and we resumed walking. As usual, some of the pack members bowed and waved at us. Strangely, I waved back which sparked some excitement within them.
"Where are you taking me to? What do you want me to see?" She asked out of the blue.
We were getting closer to our destination so I didn't respond until she kept tugging at my arm.
"How will it remain a surprise if I tell you about it? Just be patient."
Her lips were pouted, showing that she didn't agree but she made no further comment and remained quiet until we got to a more quiet part of the town where a big black gate stood.
I jolted on my steps and she did the same, throwing a questioning gaze at me. "Is this what you want to show me?" She looked disappointed.
I shook my head. It was funny that she was yet to understand what the surprise was all about even though it was glaring.
"Can't you take a wild guess?"
"My brain is in sleeping mode right now. I don't think I can make proper guesses so, just tell me what this is all about." She whined.
"Well, here goes your new apartment." I smiled.
Several emotions ran through her face at the same time; from shock to disbelief and unbridled ado. And when the realization hit her, she jumped on my body, throwing her arms around my neck.
"Oh my goodness, Gradel. This was the last thing I expected." She beamed at me, holding me tightly.
I snaked my arms around her waist, holding her firmly to ensure that she didn't slip. "I'm not one to go back on my words and I feel like you aren't comfortable staying with me."
A gasp escaped her lips and she pulled away from me. "That's not true. You are the one who prefers to stay away because you don't like me. I mean, your room alone is bigger than the whole of my former house put together so I'm not inconvenienced in any way, but thank you so much. Can we go in?"
"Sure," I replied, my head swelling in satisfaction.
I couldn't understand the rapid changes that occurred within me in a few days of knowing her. Some weeks back, I was depressed and willing to return to the human world, but now every little thing I did with her gave me a sense of fulfillment.
The gate opened rolled open on its own and we trotted into the yard of the house. Before us stood a beautiful bungalow with different kinds of flowers bordering towards the ends of the yard.
I was specific when asking the gardener to ensure that there were enough flowers to brighten the place and I was glad that they did a perfect job.
"Oh my! This is so beautiful, Gradel. When did you get the chance to build this?"
"I used my influence and bought it from one of the pack members," She threw a wistful glance at me so I added, "Don't worry, the person was rewarded handsomely. Do you like the place?"
"Of course, I do. I can't believe that I have a better place to stay after living in a hell hole for years. This calls for celebration," She squealed like a child. "I'm not going to leave here alone, I'll bring Hazel along with me so that I won't be bored. I'm just imagining the number of things I can do here..."
Her excitement spilled to the roof and I watched her rumble on without interrupting. My heart felt like it was about to burst and then I realized that it was because of our relationship as mates.
Since I didn't reject her, whatever emotion she felt would rub off on me be it positive or negative.
She stopped talking and grinned at me. "Tell me, Grade, what can I do to repay you?"