Chapter 7

Viviane

I rushed to my room right after my encounter with the duke. In my wildest dreams would have I thought I was attractive to him. I knew something was off with him from the moment we've met. His domineering aura and the way I respond to him is confusing, I feel like I'm not being myself around him but a version of me. We didn’t even get formally presented until today, how can he called me his mate!

 

I have told you before, he’s your fated mate. The person the moon godess destined you with. The one and only man you’ll ever want. He's your match in every way.

"Mate? What does even mean to be mates? Look, forget that I've asked, I don’t want to know. This is way too confusing.” I was hugging my pillow, knees pressed to my chest, rocking myself back and forth on the bed. I look demential in this state. Right in this moment my great concern is if someone saw the duke and me. Otherwise, this could mean my ruin and my family’s name tarnished forever. Not to mention that my grandfather will disown me in a wink. Sinclair's are very worried about reputation and honor. My feelings for Philip are true, or I thought so. What can I say? I'm a foolish romantic. I have grown to love him and studied all about him. Though I know he doesn't harbor any feelings for me, I want to be a good and caring wife. But I'm not naïve, of course he must be in the company of women during his escapades with friends.

He assured me that since the marriage announcement he has never been with another woman in public. Given the nature of our compromise, I'm grateful for his commitment to this arrangement. At least is what we agreed on. I want to be loyal to him, show him we can make this work. I'm so excited that we will be soon husband and wife, I know I have to give it time for him to grow feeling for me though.

I have had a crush on him like forever, there's no other man for me. It has always been Philip and I finally will go down the cathredal aisle for him. I exhale a long breath I had been holding while dayrdreaming, but I forgot all about Harmony when she retorted in a mockery tone "Yeah, maybe that can change in the future."

“Oh, shut up and don’t ruin the moment.” Was my response before I found myself lost in deep thoughts again. I didn't realized how much I long for someone to hold me in his arms. Then the duke shows up, and swept me off in his arms. My mind flashed images of us embraced in the terrace. For a brief moment our breaths mingled of how close we were. Goosebumps erupted all over my skin making my hair rise up. His warmth enveloped me, invading me and making me lose my mind.  He smelled so good too. His intoxicating scent either made me want to bite him or lick him to savor every  inch of him. "Ohh, what am I saying? This is insane! How can a man I've just met can make me feel this way?" What happened between the duke and me must be kept secret. We can't be seen alone or risked to be seen together.  I felt sick from the shame of being caught in such a compromising position. Bile rose up my throat threatening to come out and a new wave of vomit sent me straight to the bathroom.

“Relax, I didn’t scent anyone near.” The voice within me was trying to calm me down.

“Harmony stop this nonsense! I’ve had enough of this. Leave me alone!”

 

Just like that the voice in my head receded to the back of my mind and I was again alone lost in my thoughts. First I took a long hot shower and then I snuggled into bed and wrapped the thick duvet around me. I wanted to be surrounded by its warmth. I looked up to the ceiling focusing on the reflection from the lights outside my room as a wait to fall asleep. Soon I was too tired and shut my eyes not remembering anything else.

I glanced at the window, through the curtain I can see is already morning. Thankfully, I woke up rested. Though I had the most strangest dream. I was in a medow and this woman appeard out from thin air. As odd as it sounds, I was not scared of her. Instead I felt safe, like if 'i were in the presence of someone familiar. "Don't be afraid my child. I know your having many quewstions and I come to enlighten you."

 

"Who...what are you? I asked as I winced my sight and notice she's not touching the ground. She's in fact floating enveloped in a glow, her delicate gown shimmers under the light of the moon. But when I look at the sky is a moonless night. Weird.

"I'm called by many names, but I prefer Selene." She gives me a tender smile and approaches me. That’s when I see she's not alone but two wolfs and a pup are her enturage. The female wolf is white and gthe male is jet bkack, the pup looks cute with his caramel fur. I keep staring at them uneawere of what will happen now.  "Do I know you Selene? I feel like I've seen you before." I try to remember were I’ve seen her face and it hits me that it was after that day.

 

"Yes, mi child. We've met before. You were twelve years at the time, are were bleeding profoundly. I gave you a gift then but now is time for her to blossom."

 

"The accident.“ I gasp taking my hand to my mouth in disconcert. How could’ve I forgotten, that’s when I first heard the voice in my head. It was faint at first but as I grew she became stronger too. Now that I came to the palace she has been more vocal and pressing forward.

"That’s it, I came to you in a moment of peril, one of my Luna's implored my intervention. You helped her, in return I gave you a wolf spirit, she is Harmony.  You are to take care of her until the day she will come back home to my realm." I look at her quizzingly,  "And when is that?"

"I'm afraid I can’t tell no one when it’s there time to meet me, be sure I don’t let my children behind, I will always look after you. Which is why I come now to you. I see you've met your mate. He has suffered a great deal and needs someone to guide him and love him so he can take care of others as the Alpha. I ask for you to be understanding and patient with him. All will reveal itself in due time.”

The soft sound of someone knocking on the door made me jump on the bed and forget about the odd dream.  "Who might it be now?" I said thinking aloud. I haven't requested any room service at this hour.