Chapter 167
167 The forever I dream of … Lyla I missed you , I murmured to Nathan for maybe the thousandth time since he arrived , placing my head gently on his shoulders .
I hadnt realized how much I missed him until now .
I missed you more , he replied , squeezing my hand gently .
You look beautiful as always and … he paused for a minute , running his eyes the length of my body .
Different but in a good way .
Did I miss out on anything ? Im sure youve been busy , too I didnt change .
I said quickly , steering the topic of my physical appearance .
Since Nymeris manifested herself to me , Ive gotten many compliments about my appearance .
Although , I havent felt Nymeris for a few days now , but I wanted to attribute it to the stress that came with all the Harvest Moon Festival .
The first thing I would do as soon as I go back to Blue Ridge was to learn everything I need to about having a wolf .
Learn everything Im supposed to learn about my wolf .
I was dying to run through the forest with the moon shining brightly above us and the wind in my fur ….
And yes , Ive .
Been busy , I continued , grinning .
But its been good .
I enjoy working , the apprentices are doing great too , and everythings on track for the festival : He smiled .
Im so proud of you , Lyla .
Every day … and Im lucky that a few months from now , well be together forever hopefully .
I smiled .
I cant wait .
We continued walking , talking and trying to catch up with lots of things .
I noticed it was just my sister Clarissa walking a distance behind us , but I didnt want to think too much of it .
I wanted to ask about my mother and all , but still , I was afraid I would ruin the mood .
Perhaps later .
because Moreso , I felt a lightness in my heart that I hadnt felt in weeks , and I knew it was b Nathan was here .
As we neared the central square , I noticed Nanny was watching us from a distance .
Her expression was unreadable , but I waved to her like a small child , earning a sad smile in return .
Nanny has been acting strange for some days now .
I would wake up to find her watching me intently by my bedside ; most times , her eyes were swollen with unshed tears ; at other times , I saw sadness in them .
All attempts to find out what could be the problem always end in the same thing … silence on her part .
After the little details I gathered here and there from the whispers of the other priestesses , it seemed Nanny had left the Moon Temple ran away would be a perfect word .
She was next in line to the High Priestess but suddenly ran away one morning and only turned up recently .
However , no one seem to know why she ran away .
I realized for maybe the millionth time again that there was not much I knew about her .
Weve spent the better part of our life together , catering to my needs , and making sure my pheromones do not hinder my everyday life .
Nanny has sacrificed so much for me … much more than all the people in my life put together The foover I dream of Nanny has sacrificed so much for me … much more than all the people in my life put togeth and the fact that she had a lot going on with her and Im unable to help her hurt me more than anything .
Whats on your mind ? Nathan asked suddenly , noticing my momentary distraction .
Nanny , I sighed .
Shes been … different lately .
I dont know how to explain it .
Shes still herself , but sometimes , I feel theres something shes not telling me .
I dont know … Im just feeling like a sheep backed to a corner .
I think I can handle a lot of things now , but no one wants to tell me anything and the fact that Nanny is still tight lipped hurts even more .
Nathan frowned slightly .
Have you asked her about it ? I shook my head .
I tried subtly but I dont want to push her .
I feel shes ashamed of opening up p to me and I get it … its difficult to talk about certain parts of your life you wish never happened .
Shes always been there for me and I want to trust her .
If theres something I need to know , shell tell me when the time is right .
Nathan nodded , though he looked thoughtful .
Sometimes , people keep secrets with good intentions , Ly But they can still hurt when they come to light I glanced at him , sensing a deeper meaning in his words .
Is there something youre not telling me ? He smiled softly , leaning down to kiss my forehead .
Nothing you need to worry about right now .
I didnt press further , choosing to trust him .
Together , we continued towards their lodgings .
As soon as we entered the room , he pinned me to the wall , sliding his hand under my dress , rough and unapologetic .
Catching my eyes , he smirked when he saw the embarrassed look on my face .
You were waiting for this , werent you ? Now Im here , we can practice all those things youd say to me on the phone .
Well … I swallowed hard , managing a nervous smile , I didnt think … The words barely left my mouth when his lips claimed mine .
An instant rush of energy pools all over my body as he starts to ravage my lips .
His mouth left mine , trailing wet kisses down my throat , sucking on it .
He drags hungry kisses to the space in between my breasts and then down to my stomach .
Nathan … I gasped , taking in shaky breaths .
I cant .
Please , I cant … please .
What ? he pushes away from me , panting , Why ? I want you , Lyla … please … I leave his arm , tugging at my dress that had ridden up during his exploration .
I cant , Nath , until the Moon Festival is over .
I cant be with a man .
The High Priestess told me .
What ? his face fell .
Thats cruel , I mean … its not like youre a sigma or something .
Why would they subject you to something like that ? As I opened my mouth to reply , a knock sounded on the door .
Before Nathan could respond , the door opened and Clarissa walked in let me rephrase that .
C 167 The forever I dream of … +107 Her gaze flitted from me to Nathan and then back to Nathan , practically ignoring me .
Alpha Nathan , can I talk to you for a moment ? Itll be real quick , I promise .
Nathan shifted uncomfortably , reaching for my hand as if he needed the extra layer of security .
Cant it wait ? I just … It cannot , she said pointedly .
I know I am not too small for you not to have noticed me , I tried not to show the anger coursing through me in my voice .
I was here first, didnt you see ? You cant just come in and demand his attention without considering what he was doing first .
Nathan , I turned to him .
Whats the meaning of this ? Im sorry , Nathan said hurriedly , trying to calm me .
Just go , well talk about whatever it is you want later , okay ? No , I wont ! Clarissa dropped onto the bed , crossing her legs .
If anyone should leave , then its her and not me .
I want to talk to you .
Besides , I guess she doesnt know yet ? That would explain why shes giving me this attitude .
Clarissa , Nathan warned , I told you to stay out of it ! Know what ? I turned to Nathan , already feeling riled up .
What am I supposed to know ? Its nothing consequential , darling .
I promise Ill tell you , but you just have to calm down , okay ? Nathan said .
I am calm , I laughed dryly .
Dont I look calm enough to you ? I just need to know what is going on , but first , let her leave and I mean it .
How can she come in here and disrespect me like that ? I am older than you , Clarissa .
You should show some respect .
I only give respect to people who deserve it .
Theres nothing about you that demands respect , Lyla .
Plus… who do you think you are ? Do you think becoming an upgrade of your lowly self would make any difference or change who you are ? Clarissa laughed .
Oh , my poor girl , you have no idea .
Are you going to stand here and watch her insult me ? I turned to Nathan , who just stood there with his eyes closed and both of his hand in his hair .
Nathan ? Lyla , please ! he turned to me with a pleading gaze .
I just need you to trust me this time around , okay ? Ill explain everything and Clarissa , leave … now ! I wont ! she answered , flashing him a defiant gaze .
The only person who shouldnt be here is her and no one else .
So , nope … I wont be leaving .
Ask her to leave instead .
My eyes widened with shock .
I stalked over to where she was , not thinking through my reached for the neck of her blouse , dragging her to her feet .
What did you just say ? I demanded .
I said , youre the intruder .
If anyone should leave , it should be you and not me , Clarissa repeated .
Were dating , I fumed .
And we plan on taking things to the next level .
Forget about it , dear ! Clarissa snickered .
Theres no next level for you and him .
actions .
I 167 The forever I dream of Clarissa … Nathans warning growl came again .
And why is that ? I challenged .
You have a problem with that ? Nope ! Clarissa shook her head .
Because Ill be marrying him instead , and not you , Lyla