Chapter 51

Annie’s POV.

I can’t sleep, but what else is new. At least I’m free now. Free of the Alpha house, free from the pack that never knew me, free of the fake bond, and free of Alpha Asshole. But most importantly, I’m free to be myself again. I can run and do cartwheels if I want, not that I want to. I could go jump in a lake and no one would judge me, though that doesn’t sound much fun either. Goddess, I haven’t thought of having fun in months. There’s not much to do in the middle of the night, but it doesn’t matter because I’m free to do it.

Staying in my room is making me feel claustrophobic and this room doesn’t have a balcony. Ever so quietly, I open my door and step out into the hall. My barefoot crushes something silky yet stiff. I step back to find a bellflower. Oh, Toby. You’re too perfect to exist. Unwavering love, that’s what this little bell-shaped purple flower means. It’s light but sweet fragrance makes me smile and I lay it to rest on the nightstand beside my bed.

Toby has spent time in my room, I can smell him in the closet and in the bedding. His scent, oh goddess. The scent Alpha A-hole had appealed to me, but Toby’s is much stronger and more pleasant. It’s so refreshing and I’m relieved they smell different. I don’t know what I would do if they had the same scent, I don’t think I wouldn’t be able to handle it. I’m so grateful Toby broke the spell.

That kiss we shared, my first kiss, was perfect. Not once did he press me, he waited for me to make the first move and I can’t believe I did. Our mate pull is stronger as is his touch. Everything is magnified with Toby. I have no doubt that we truly are mates, thank the Goddess. Maybe she hasn’t forsaken me after all.

The palace is quiet except for the sound of the piano softly streaming from the music room. The room looks exactly as I remember, identical to the one in my dreams. I look down to see I’m in my pajama pants and a tank top, not the pretty pink dress. This is real. Toby’s back is to me as he stops playing to make a mark on the sheet music. His gray t-shirt is snug enough that I can distinguish the muscles of his back. He wears sweats… I close my eyes and shake my head. A lot of people wear sweats, Annie, I chide myself.

The music continues and I open my eyes to watch him play. The melody is one I’ve never heard, but it’s so beautiful it makes me want to cry. I’ve cried enough over the past two months. Instead, I smile as I listen. Toby stops again to mark his sheet music and I take a step closer. He turns his head with a soft smile on his lips. “Annie,” he softly speaks my name in surprise, then stands to welcome me.

“I didn’t mean to interrupt.”

“You’re never an interruption.” He stands still, waiting for me to make the first move.

I slowly walk into the room, stopping a few feet away from him. Close enough to have a conversation, but not close enough to touch. I’ve been keeping my distance from everyone, I don’t know why I stopped, it’s Toby and I trust him. He watches me closely as I force myself to take a step closer. His smile slightly widens. “That piece is beautiful. I’ve never heard it before.”

He kind of looks back at the music then back to me. “It’s just something I’ve been working on for a while.”

“You wrote it?” I’m impressed.

“Yeah, well it’s still not finished and I've made a few changes.”

I step around him to look at the music written in pencil. It’s four pages front and back, with one section marred with eraser marks. Toby watches me as I flip to the front page and gasp. I look at him confused. “You wrote this for me?” He only nods “How long have you been working on it?”

“About two years,” he answers and takes the pages from my hand then sits on the bench. He scoots over enough to allow me to sit with him, but I remain standing beside him.

“How long have you known… about me, that I’m…”

“My mate? I only found out yesterday when I walked in and your scent almost overpowered. That was smart by the way, the flowers,” he praises, but I’d rather forget everything about that place.

When I don’t respond, he begins playing my song from the beginning. By page two, I’m seated beside him. By page three, tears form in my eyes, then he abruptly stops. I continue playing where he left off, though there’s nothing written on the marred page. I feel his eyes on my face so I stop playing. “I’m sorry, It just felt like that was the next part.”

“Please don’t be sorry. It was perfect.” He plays what I played then marks the page. “Annie, you don’t have to walk on eggshells with me. I want you to be yourself, at least as much as possible.” He looks me over then adds, “Though I might have to bug you a little about eating more.”

I look down at my tiny wrists. I do feel unhealthy. “I’m okay with that.”

Toby’s eyes drop to my neck. I’ve noticed him looking there a few times. “You’re not wearing your charm.”

I shake my head, but I honestly feel naked without it. “Giselle made it and I don’t want anything to do with her right now.” It feels petty, but I don’t care after what she did.

“I can understand that, but that charm is probably the only reason you didn’t fall for his BS. Without it, I’m certain the mate pull, fake or no, would’ve overwhelmed you into believing him.”

“You mean I would’ve wanted to stay, that I would’ve wanted him to do those things to me?”

Toby nods. “I still would’ve taken you away from him, but you probably would’ve fought me.”

I think about what he said, even though it’s difficult. While I’m thinking, he begins playing again. The music is so soothing, eventually, I rest my head on his shoulder. I inhale deeply and for the first time in months, I feel a sense of peace.

Toby’s scent enraptures me and soon we’re dancing. He’s in a handsome suit and I’m in the pink dress. Everything is perfect and we smile as he pulls me in for a gentle kiss. “I love you, Annie,” he whispers then kisses my cheek.

“I love you too, Toby.”

He softly chuckles. “Sweet dreams, my wonderful mate,” he whispers, then Toby and I go on adventures together in human and wolf form. I’ve never felt so alive and happy.

“Annie!” Xavier’s voice startles me awake. I hear little giggles and find two pairs of bright blue eyes in matching-shaped faces beside my bed.

I can’t help the smile that spreads across my face. “I’ve missed you two!” I say and pull them both onto the bed. Their laughter makes me giggle with them and we get into a tickle fight that leads into a pillow fight accompanied by more giggling.

Gilbert peeks into my room then fills the doorway. “Alright, break it up. Breakfast is ready. Come on you two.” He claps his hands and the little ones scurry away. “It’s good to see you smiling,” he says with a wink. “Breakfast is ready. We’re going to pay tribute to Lucinda at dusk and you haven’t met Aria yet.”

“Aria?”

“Yeah. She’s Callie and Bells’ sister. She was at dinner, but you both were too distracted to notice each other, plus you were on opposite ends of the table.” I vaguely recall seeing a younger version of the sisters.

“I’ll be down after I shower.”

“Take your time, we’re all kind of having a late start.” He grins then shuts my door for me. Goddess, I’ve missed him.

I stretch before standing up and notice the gray shirt Toby was wearing last night is draped over the top of my pajamas. No wonder I slept so well. It’s almost hard to believe that he’s my mate, but when I think about it, it’s almost like I always knew. There is just something so special about him.

The table is filled with people that I know and love, each one greets me with a smile. Even Aria is kind enough to welcome me. I sit beside her and look around the table at all of the breakfast choices. “Annie.” Toby’s voice greets me as he places a plate in front of me filled with high protein items. “Just do the best you can.” He winks then sits beside me. “Coffee, tea, juice, or milk?” He asks.

“Juice, please. No tea for me ever again.”

“Tea is yucky,” Xavier comments from across the table from me, and I smile at him.

“You’ve never liked tea, little guy. Chocolate milk is your favorite.” His eyes light up and he gives me a tooth-filled grin.

“Here, Xavier. I have it for you. Calliope, do you want some too?” Giselle offers and I’m shocked to see her actually acknowledging his presence. She then fills his and Callie’s plates. I look to Gilbert wondering what’s going on and he gives me a wink. I barely keep from rolling my eyes, but Toby reminds me that I should eat. I give him a smile then eat until I’m completely full, which doesn’t take much.

I ignore Giselle to chat with Aria while preparing for Lucinda’s ceremony. She and I pick the flowers and make the various flower arrangements for the service. Toby reminds me to eat when it’s lunchtime, otherwise, he keeps busy until the services are about to start and he enters the room in a black suit and tie. His shirt is blood red and fits him attractively. Ironically, my dress matches in blood red with a black sash. It’s customary to wear red and black for the death of a loved one, and I loved her. I’m sad that I’ll never have another conversation with her.

As the sun begins to sink. Toby, Gilbert, Victor, and both inner circles lay her body atop a pyre. With anemone flower wreaths adorning their heads to represent eternal peace, Giselle, Belinda, Aria, and Callie circle the pyre and begin to chant. A white flame begins to burn and the witches step back to join the rest of the onlookers.

I only notice the second pyre when the other body is brought out. Matilda is laid out and once again the witches begin to circle and chant. Her fire erupts with a dark, almost black flame. Belinda holds Aria’s hand as they both shed tears for their mother. I don’t look at Giselle as I stay at Toby’s side.

After the service, we have a banquet with all those that came for the ceremony. “Annie. Will you take your place at my side or would you rather remain as a guest? Either way is perfectly acceptable.” I peer around to all the people, some of whom I haven’t met. “It’s up to you, Annie. It’s not about them.”

Looking into Toby’s eyes, I see his sincerity. He really is good with either decision, but I want to make him happy during such a sorrowful occasion. “I’ll sit beside you.” He softly smiles and holds out his hand for me to take. I look to his hand then back up and place my hand in his. His thumb softly caresses my skin then he walks with me to the table where he pulls my chair out for me then helps me to my seat. Belinda smiles brightly, and Victor nods to us. Gilbert gives me his grin of approval, but I don’t look at Giselle. I’m still hurt by what she did, even though I did put my charm back on.

Toby watches to make sure I eat while still being present for conversation with those at the table. I already feel healthier after one day of eating. It’s still not much, but it’s more than I was eating.

Dinner wraps up and I excuse myself to go to bed. It was a long day and I’ve had little sleep. I’m getting ready to lie down when there’s a knock at my door. I already know it’s Toby from his scent so I answer the door in my pajamas which he doesn’t seem to mind. “I brought you a shirt to help you sleep.”

“Thank you. That’s very thoughtful of you.” I accept the shirt and pull it on, even though I still have the one from this morning. “How are you holding up? Lucinda was an incredible person and an amazing witch.”

I see the sorrow in his eyes, though his facial expression hasn’t changed. “It’ll take some getting used to. I was very close to her. Like you for Xavier, she was my go-to person.”

My countenance falters. “I haven’t been his person for a while and now he has Giselle.”

Toby shakes his head. “You’ll always be his person. I had my mother, but I still went to Grandmother. She was always my favorite person. My mother is getting them ready for bed now if you would like to say goodnight.”

“Thank you, Toby. I think that’s a great idea.”

Belinda stands from tucking the siblings into their beds. I love that they’re already such good friends. She looks at us with her beautiful smile. “Hello, you two. We were just about to read about the Wemmicks.” She tells us as she holds up the book.

“We came to say good night.” Toby informs her as I go straight to the pup.

Xavier opens his arms for me and I pull him in for a hug. “How do you like your family?”

“It’s great. Callie is a witch and can do magic. Auntie Bells says I’m a good boy and lets me run around outside. It’s so much fun. Did you know that Uncle Vic was the king?”

We all softly chuckle. “I did know that. Your cousin Toby is the king now.” I tell him and wave Toby over.

Xavier nods his head excitedly. “Yeah, he told me at the other house. But he’s busy so we haven’t played yet.”

“I’m sorry, buddy. I’ll try to do better.” Toby musses his hair and I hold back a smile because I know he hates that.

I comb my fingers through the golden strands, fixing the mess. “You need a haircut.”

“You can cut it tomorrow.”

“We’ll see. Your mommy might want to do it.” Sadness pierces my heart knowing that she’s in the picture. I’ve wanted her to step up from the very beginning, but now… I love this little boy, but the baggage I’m carrying makes it difficult to give him the attention he needs. I selfishly need to be focused on healing myself.

“Callie’s mommy is mine too, right? That’s what Gilbert said.”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“Does she want me now?”

I sniff back tears and give him a tight hug. “I think you should ask her that question. Good night little guy. I love you.” I kiss his head then sit next to Callie for a hug and kiss goodnight. “You two watch out for each other and keep each other safe.” I nod to Belinda then wipe my eyes as the tears begin to fall. Toby wishes them good night then follows me out of the room.

“Annie?” He softly holds my hand and I turn into his chest, crying my eyes out. He rubs my back and just lets me cry.