The Persistent Alpha, & Resistant Luna

34. So Very Wrong .

Nova's POV

I immediately dropped his hand when a field of gorgeous, full-bloomed flowers came into view.

"I thought you'd like this. I'm sure it's nothing compared to the one you love, but-"

"..it's beautiful." My eyes watered. "It's so beautiful, Grey."

"This time of year we bloom some of the most beautiful flowers." His voice was soft and low, I could tell he wasn't following behind me anymore.

He was letting me have this moment.

I was glad I was barefoot, he was right. Now having this emotion surging through me, I loved the feeling of the raw earth beneath my feet.

Earthing. That's what he had me doing.

Smiling at all the flowers after a while and wiping my tears, I could hear Grey slowly begin to make his way over to me.

Then running, when I dropped to my knees. Smile wiped clean from my face.

"What is it? What's wrong, pet?" I felt his familiar, warm hands inspecting me.

I slowly reached a shaky arm out.

He followed with his gaze.

"These.. these were her f-favorite flowers." I cradled the daylilies in my arms gently, not wanting to pluck or pull them from their roots.

"I'm sorry, Nova. I didn't.. I didn't know."

"Grey," I looked at him, tears still uncontrollably streaming down my face, "She would've loved this place."

The smile he gave me was so sad, so very sad. I could only imagine how he felt about the look on mine.

"Why did you bring me here?"

"You love nature, the outdoors. Though you have no sense of direction, whatsoever," He chuckled, "Being out in the open doesn't make you feel vulnerable, I've noticed."

I fiddled with the petals between my fingertips.

"It gives you a rush.. makes you feel alive."

"Is this where you tell me you know a part of me better than I know myself?" I scoffed lightly.

"Actually yes, it is. Because I do. Why do you think that is, pet?"

"Same reason I call you exotic eyes, I suppose."

"Can I ask you something, seriously?"

"Shoot, wolf boy."

"If I were to postpone the meeting, would that make you happy?"

"Very. Have you not been listening?"

"Stay and accept this life, happy? Or just.. happy?"

"You have a strange way of trying to ask things." I laughed a bit, looking over to his awaiting eyes.

I sighed, "Stay if you treat me more as an equal than a helpless burden, happy."

"I'm sorry that you've felt any less than such. I told you that you were my equal, then treat you like you can't handle situations."

"You can't do that if you expect me to be Luna, Grey."

His eyes reflected, giving me a proud smile. "You're right. And I do apologize, it's just.. All my life I've always had this embedded in me to protect all that's mine."

He sat more comfortably next to me, sliding an arm over my shoulder.

"And now, to get this new feeling that gives me a whole new meaning of what protection is.. it's scary. I thought I knew what it meant to keep the ones I love safe, but I find myself going crazy doing everything in my power to keep you safe."