The Lovely Paradox

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR | CONTROL

Hey guys! Sorry that this chapter took a little longer than usual, I'm on vacation and literally wrote this on my phone from the beach.

<333 love yall for sticking around.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR | EZRA POV RECAP

She sleeps soundly beside me. I observe her features, brushing a strand away from her cheek.

Being mated with a human is unheard of and the unknown terrifies me. I'm taking everyday with as much patience as I can gather. As long as she is here with me, then it will be worth it. Eventually this will all be a distant memory.

Amara

A voice calls. I furrow my eyebrows, stroking my thumb gently on her cheek.

Amara, can you hear me?

Her eyes are closed, but they race with the words. Her eyebrows tighten at this.

I clench my teeth. My wolf roars with anger internally and I attempt to with hold it.

He's mind linking her, but how? How is his connection as strong after only a day of training?

I move my hand from her cheek onto the small of her back, rubbing small circles to help soothe her.

I close my eyes, channeling my focus into her mind's eye. His words echoes distantly in the background, but I lift a mind block.

At least I can grant her this peace.

I'll deal with him later.

AMARA POV

I awaken feeling more well rested than I have since I got here.

The memories from the night before rushes back and immediately heat rushes to my face. That may be why...

I reach my arm over and am met with only the beddings and pillows. At this I open my eyes to confirm my suspicions. A feeling of disappointment creeps in, but nestled on the pillow beside mine lay a note.

Gingerly, I pick it up.

Duty calls, but I will pick you up at 6pm.

Pick me up?

I turn the note over to see if there's any other hints on what he's referring to but there's nothing else. My stomach flips as my thoughts rushes to different ideas of what it could be.

Whatever he could have planned, let me at least look presentable. I wipe the sleep from my eyes, and head over to the bathroom to freshen up. Today, I want to take my time at least in this part of my day. I feel that everything's been moving at 100 mph without my consent, at least I can have control at this part of my day.

When I exit the shower immediately my eyes find a blue fabric laid neatly on the already made bed.

I step closer for inspection. It's a dress in a deep rich shade of midnight blue, the color stands out in contrast to the crisp white sheets. I finger the fabric to figure out exactly what it is. Silk would be my best guess.

It's stunning.

"You've slept quite a bit."

I jump in my position, startled from the sudden voice. I look over to see Hyacinth, two more maids follow in suit behind her, each holding a case.

"Yes I-- had a hard time sleeping last night."

She only nods at this, thankfully not asking anything further. "We have about two hours to get ready, so it would be best if you can get dressed now and we'll work on hair and makeup after."

"Two hours? It's 4pm already?" I ask in bewilderment.

"Almost, which is why we need to get going." She gestures me towards the dress, then rushes over to the bathroom with the other two individuals.

I turn towards the dress again, now taking it into my hands. It's so beautiful, I can't imagine how much it's possibly worth.

But what is the occasion?

Wasting no time, I grab the undergarments beside it and slip them on. The dress slips onto me seamlessly, one of the shoulder sleeves falls so it sits asymmetrically from the other.

Although it cinches at my waist, it flows subtly outwards afterwards. I'm grateful that it's a dress that I can breathe in.

"If you're ready please have a seat."

EZRA POV

I adjust the collar of my button down, suddenly it feels all too tight around my neck.

"Beta, the car is ready if you would like to have a seat." Archibald calls.

"No, I'll wait for her."

Hyacinth, how is she? I mindlink.

She should be there any moment, Beta.

I don't dare turn around to see Archibald's possible amused expression. Today has been grueling. In between the boarder control and the constant tightening of rules for the pack, there always seem to be a slip through the cracks.

And we can't figure out why.

The timing could've been better but what matters is that she's here now. Knowing where she is, at least I have control her safety.

The smell hits me, an intoxicating garden of flowers. I look up.

Amara steps forward, her presence commands my attention in a stunning silk gown that flows elegantly to her ankles. The fabric catches the light with every step forward that she makes, accentuating her silhouette.

She's so fucking beautiful.

How did she possess me and encompass my entire being? All while being completely unaware.

My wolf beckons to be closer to her, to be entrenched in her scent. With a clenched smile, I hold back to urge.

She returns the smile.

"Hi." She says.

"Hi, my love."

Her eyes widen at my last bit of the sentence.

"Are you ready for dinner?" I ask, ushering her over to the car.

"I'm starved actually." She laughs, taking my lead towards Archibald's open door.

She slips into the seat and I follow. A quick nod at Archibald and the door is shut behind us.

"How has your day been?"

She pauses at this, thinking it over for a moment. "It feels short because I woke up in the middle of the afternoon. I must of had a deep sleep."

Memories of last night swept momentarily in, the flavor...

Clouded by the mind block I've had to lift. I stayed up a few more hours to ensure she could sleep peacefully without his intrusion.

"I'm glad that you've slept well."

Her face flushes at this, and I attempt to push back the feeling from the memory alone.

"Yeah, it was the first time in a while. Where are we heading to?"

"Assaggio, an Italian restaurant."

Her jaw drops at this, "Assaggio? I heard reservations are made a year in advance."

Her expression illicits a laugh from me,"Not if you're a Mazzeo. Just say the word, my love." I grab her hand and place a kiss onto the back of it.

Chapter End