SWNOVELS Chapter 42 - Mia
Things have been suspiciously quiet in our pack; no attacks, no demands, no threats or anything of the sort since Nikolaos killed Mikhail. He has been working tirelessly to get the entire city under SilverCrest control and with a few packs refusing to submit to their new Alpha, he’s had to make examples of them with exile.
Yet even after he did that, there's been no pushback. I know that I am sounding like a worrywart, but seeing as even the Elders were against Nikolaos, you never know what might happen.
That, and it's a week before my due date.
I moved into Nikolaos’ room when we got back from Bastien and we've been sleeping in the same bed ever since. Things don't even feel out of place, it's like I was always meant to be here next to him.
I've taken to walking through the back gardens on my own, a hand on my belly and a smile on my face. Autumn will be here soon, so I'm enjoying the last bit of greenery before the garden is no longer green and full of life.
Niko insisted on guards so they were not far behind me, but they've come to be my shadow.
It's on one of these daily strolls that I notice a lone figure sitting on one of the stone benches with his elbows resting on his knees, seemingly deep in thought. My eyes narrow at him, recognition setting in when I see the blonde hair and cold blue-gray eyes.
"Ghost?" I murmur and he blinks a few times before he realizes I'm practically standing next to him. “Luna Mia,” he says and moves to kneel, but I stop him and shake my head.
“There's no need for that. You must have been thousands of miles away to not even feel my presence. May I join you?” I ask and watch as he swallows deeply, paling.
“If you truly want to, Luna,” he answers, sitting down and I squat down next to him.
When I first saw him, he was the one who scared me the most; but looking at him now, I realize that he's not that scary. To be honest, he looks like an anxious mess. “How old are you, Ghost?" “Dinner?” I ask Niko when he hands me the beautiful dress. “We're going out for dinner?”
He smiles. “I realize that we haven't exactly been on a date or anything like normal couples do,” he says sheepishly. “And I would like to show off my beautiful Luna.”
My chest warms. “And you want me to wear this tonight?” I look at the lush crimson dress and fall in love. Knowing Niko, he got my size correct, too.
"Yes, I know you'd look beautiful in it,” he says and pulls me close. “Please, my precious Luna, will you go out to dinner with me tonight? Afterward, I promise to ravage you thoroughly.”
"Yes, sir,” escapes my lips and his chest rumbles with a growl as my ears warm.
“Call me that again and I might just ravish you on the way to the restaurant,” he warns, but all it does is send a tingle to my core.
We've become closer, and making love has been easier. Although, I still need to lead so his body knows it's what he truly wants. He still has panic attacks when he has to initiate sex, so I don't mind leading things
“You're practically begging me to disobey you, sir,” I tease, standing on tiptoe to kiss him. “Let me clean up, so I can get into this dress. When do we leave?”
“In two hours,” he says, and as surprised as I am, I don't let it show. Another thing about Niko? He plans things on a whim and I just go where he leads me. “I'll join you in getting ready.”
It's been a few days since I spoke to Divan and from what Niko has told me, a few Alphas are sending their daughters as tributes. The Pente, as well as Maxim, need to pick their brides from these women - one per pack.
I haven't mentioned Divan's fears at all, but I haven't seen his mask slipping again. I think I just got a rare glimpse into Divan himself and not just the Ghost persona he keeps up. It's interesting because I know now that he’s actually a soft soul underneath the walls he’s put up.
Kind of like someone else I know.
After our shower, I watch as Niko goes from hot Alpha to gorgeous Greek God in a three-piece suit. He slicks back his dark hair and adds a cologne that has my ovaries screaming - dear Goddess, my Alpha is beautiful.
“I promise you can take it all off when we get back,” he says with a smirk when he catches me staring. “If you don't hurry that sexy ass up, we'll be late.”
I clear my throat and try to hide my embarrassment, but he simply chuckles as I do my make-up and hair. Twenty minutes later, we're walking to a limo at the bottom of the stone steps and I find myself feeling like a princess.
This dress is beautiful; off-the-shoulder and long-sleeved, with a sweetheart neckline. I look like I'm floating with the floor-length train and it frames my pregnant figure perfectly.
I have my hair curled over one shoulder, no jewelry save for the engagement ring, and just some eyeliner and mascara. I'm not wearing heels because I'm like a baby calf in them and the last thing we need is for me to flatten Ares.
"Where are we going?” I ask as we drive away and he kisses the back of my hand.
"One of the restaurants I own, don't worry. They're all under SilverCrest control,” he says.
I smile at him, then turn my head to stare out of the window. It's dusk and the city lights are twinkling against the dark purple sky. A few months ago I never would have thought I'd be going out on a date, much less with a powerful Alpha who has claimed me.