Fated

Chapter Eleven

I finish my makeup in front of the vanity we just set up a couple of days ago. The apartment is finally starting to look better after a few days of decorating and unpacking. It took a while with everything that we've been through, but we managed. On top of all, I've been balancing spending time with Lex and not upsetting Hudson. Our meetings have been brief for the past week, just a short chat and holding hands to keep the bond from becoming unbearable. I know Lex has been busy with the situation with the neighboring pack. I don't want to be a burden, so I've put our bond on the back burner. However, this means I've been slowly cracking my relationship with Hudson a bit more every day I don't decide.

Today, I decided to make it up to Hudson with a day out together. I put on my earrings and smile at my reflection. It's been a while since we went out together. We both need this outing. Lately it feels like we're in two different realities and it's time to merge them once again. Hudson walks into the bedroom, leaning against the door frame.

I smile at him through the mirror. "What's up?"

He shrugs, not taking his eyes off me. "You're beautiful and I like to look at you, that's all." My stomach flutters with the compliment, and I realize this is definitely something we need.

Once I'm ready, I approach him, and Hudson reaches out for my hand, kissing it gently. The gesture reminds me of the way Lex kissed my hand days ago, and guilt immediately follows. I brush those thoughts away and try my best to smile at him. He asks if I'm ready, and I say I am, so we head out of the apartment.

We decided to go out of Gravewick, about an hour and a half to a little town nearby. There's a restaurant with great reviews that we reserved for lunch. The place is cozy and elegant at the same time, with warm wooden interiors, soft lighting, and a view of the nearby lake that adds a serene touch.

Hudson mentions how it's been a while since we've had an actual date, to which I agree. With the move and everything that came after that, we haven't had time for ourselves. I tell him we should make the most of it while we have time. We order our food and talk while we eat. For a moment, it feels like it used to, just the two of us. It feels like we don't have a single problem and can face anything that comes our way. We are family, after all.

Hudson talks about his plans for the future, like eventually getting us a house, a place we could have kids in when the time is right, living our life. I love every second of this dream, of this future together. Everything we've been working towards since college. I can see it. I picture myself working from home, surrounded by our kids, a girl and a boy who would look like the perfect mix of both of us. I see myself pregnant, inside an old rustic cabin, enjoying the sunset on the porch. Although, wait...

I quickly push these thoughts to the side. My own brain is tricking me, it has to be.

As we finish our meal, I find myself caught between two worlds. One filled with memories and promises of the past, and the other, an uncertain future that pulls at my heart. I know I have to make a choice soon, for the sake of everyone involved, but for now, I just want to enjoy this moment with Hudson. This simple, beautiful moment.

Once we finish eating, Hudson takes me to a nearby park. The sun is warm, casting a golden glow over everything. Families are scattered across the green expanse, children running around with kites, couples lounging on blankets, and groups of friends laughing together. An old lady accidentally crosses our path and pauses to smile at us.

"You two look so lovely together," she says, her eyes twinkling with kindness. "Young love is such a beautiful thing."

"Thank you," Hudson replies with a polite smile. We exchange a glance, a shared warmth passing between us.