Chasing the Moon

Four

A knock at the bedroom door interrupts the story I was reading to Nova.

I set the book down, smoothing my shirt as I walk to the door. I pull it open, revealing my mate.

Chills go through my body as I take him in. His scent is intoxicating, filling my nose as I take it in like a need for oxygen.

"Hello Alice," he says quietly. "I'm sorry to interrupt your activities, but we are having dinner in an hour. Please be downstairs at that time."

He leaves without another word. My wolf pushes forward, wanting to go to him. I shut the door.

Nova sits comfortably in the large bed, looking at my expectantly.

"We've got to finish this story momma. You said we would!"

I crawl onto the bed and start tickling her. Nova erupted into giggles and tries to push me away.

"No momma no!"

I laugh along with her. We settle back into our story as I push negative thoughts about dinner away.

I didn't like that Ryder wasn't accepting Nova. As much as I understood why, my wolf and I were hurt.

He would either have to accept us both, or neither of us at all.

____

I follow Nova down the stairs and into the dining area. The fading sun illuminates the room in a soft orange that matches the chandeliers.

The room is filled with hundreds of different scents. Fresh bread, warm honey, potatoes and perfectly seasoned meat. My stomach grumbles, enough to cover the butterflies inside me.

Ryder hasn't arrived yet, and the table is already set. But only for two. I'm confused, and then enraged. I leave Nova standing at the table and I go into the kitchen.

"I need another plate," I say to Marcus.

"I was instructed to set out only two," he says to me sheepishly.

I couldn't be mad at him. I knew he was only following Ryder's orders. I take the plate and silverware from him and go back into the dining room.

I set her plate, and get the pillow off the couch. Putting it in the chair, I set her gently on top of it. She notices nothing, isn't upset about being left out, and I'm suddenly more thankful than ever before for her childlike obliviousness.

I take my seat next to her, grabbing her plate.

"Momma we should wait for Ryder."

I look over at her, and see her all-business face. She reaches for her plate back.

Why did I teach her to be so kind? I wanted her to be pissed with me.

"Alright, sweets. You're right. I just thought you'd be extra hungry after today's activities-."

"What is this?"

I turn to Ryder's booming voice. His face is red with anger, his body trembling.

"You said we were having dinner, so here we are, waiting for you," I say back. My wolf and I were on the defense for our pup.

"Yes, you and I are supposed to have dinner," he says back quietly.

Nova looks at me with a look of concern.

"Momma I can eat in our room," she says. She's so eager to please me all the time.

"No. You're staying right here and we are going to eat dinner together."