Chapter 6

[Nayla's POV]

"I never should have left." I told my father.

"Perhaps." He replied. "…but there are some things we have to learn on our own."

He looked at me. "I'm sorry I tried to stop you."

"Sometimes I wish you had." I looked at him earnestly.

"Well, I could." He laughed good naturedly. "But then we wouldn't be talking like this right now. You'd be sulking in your room hating me for who knows how long, wondering what it's like to have bonded with your mate." His face softened. "I know it's hard, but you've got this."

"I thought I found my soulmate," I joked weakly.

"Well, perhaps you did." My father said, "—just not the best kind."

I gave him another quick hug. "I have to go back there and take care of everything. The sooner I detach myself from Gareth, the better."

My Father nodded. "Do what you must. We have important matters to discuss when you return." He smiled. "I'll be at Wisconsin tomorrow."

__

It's a little pass nightfall. Violet and I sat lazily at the porch. The waxing gibbous moon is just rising. The wind carries the scents of the woods and the nearby fields. I mentally scanned the territory for any irregularities. I could tell life stirring in the dark. The creatures of the night are awaking. All is well. I let myself relax.

"We should do this more often," Violet took a small sip of wine. "Are you sure you don't want to go on a grand vacation or something? I could book us a flight to Vigilius – perhaps spend a couple of weeks there? Or maybe Paris? You deserve a holiday."

"No thank you," I told her. "Gareth don't deserve such grand farewell." I took a bite of Nana's Grilled Cheese and a sip of red wine – perfect combo. I smiled and took another bite. I liked being home. "You know what would make me feel better?" I said through a mouthful, deliberately breaking table etiquette. "To ritually and legally stop being that a-hole's wife, and get my name back."

I meant what I said. There's no use mopping around or postponing the next move. I have endured enough already. I gave up so much for Gareth, and he appreciated none of it.

I looked at Violet. She had this strange expression in her face -- like she's proud of me or something. "What?" I threw the unused table napkin at her. "Stop looking at me like you're my dad." I laughed. She grinned. Then more seriously: "I'm impressed by how you're handling this Nayla, I really am." Her face glowed with warmth. "I was wrong to be so worried about you. 'Glad you proved me wrong."

"I hate you," I joked.

"I hate you more." She tried to stifle another laugh. She failed. I grinned.

I took another sip of red wine. It felt really good to spend time with Violet again.

__

I closed the door behind me, and slipped into bed. It was only a little past eight when Violet headed home. She knew I would be busy making preparations for trip back to Gareth's. I was able to finish half the tasks on my checklist for less than a couple of hours. By ten o'clock, I was ready for bed. I switched off the night light and just lied there. I usually don't settle earlier than midnight, but I have a long day ahead of me tomorrow. I needed my strength. I closed my eyes. I frowned. My wolf is wide awake.

I opened my yes. I could sense my wolf grappling through the emptiness, searching. I know what you're doing. He isn't here. I felt her retreat back to her corner. I'm sorry. I whispered. I shouldn't be so hard on you. It was hard for me too. I sat back up, folded my knees in front of me, and rested my chin in them. I sighed. I reminded myself this is normal. It's the mate bond. Once it's broken, me and my wolf will be free from it.

I couldn't get my husband out of my head. His face. His back. His hands. His hair. His voice. Those hazel-grey eyes. I memorized every inch of him. I valued him deeply. How do you make yourself forget, just like that? Is a fit of anger enough? I had hoped it was.

There was a time I allowed myself to believe I could make it work. I was delighted when Gareth accepted me as a mate three years ago, despite my disguise. He offered me a place in his pack, regardless of the disapproval of those around him. He offered to marry me; legally allowing me a good share of his assets; but he never loved me. Shortly after our wedding night, he made it clear he wants nothing to do with me other than sex. "You married a noble Gwyneth. Don't expect me to shower you with affection. I don't owe you that. I have made you rich and our marriage raised your status higher than most of your kind. That should be enough." I convinced myself time would do the trick. I was wrong.

"Nayla, I'm sorry." I felt my wolf's warmth all over me. "I didn't mean to remind you. We both thought it would work. It felt so right. "I sighed." I know. It's okay. I was so used to Gareth's presence it's difficult to go to bed without remembering. I missed him but I'll get over it."

I flopped back to the soft cushion. I stared at the faded glow stars at the ceiling. The sooner I cut ties with Gareth, the better. I heard myself tell my father in a memory. I turned to face the window, watch the shadows dance in the moonlight for a second. I drifted to sleep.

__

I opened my wardrobe and pulled out an elegant navy dress. It was the last one I've bought before leaving for Canopus. It had been too fancy to bring. I tried it on. It's expertly hidden button down feature made it easy to slip on and off, so I don't have to worry about ruining it when I shift. I studied my reflection in the mirror. The dress is of classic design – an off-the shoulder bodice, straight neckline and ruched skirt detailing, slightly flared at the end.It looked good. I was glad it still fit.

A knock on the door.

Violet.

"I'm letting myself in!" She called.

"Hey, what'd you think." I turned around to show her.

"Perfect." She smiled.

I smiled.

Violet didn't lie.

__

"Good morning Lady Nayla," Michael, one of my father's senior guards called out merrily as he lowered the car window. He will be driving me to the Moonlight Ceremony. I slipped inside the car. Khayim and Violet had wanted to come, but I asked them not to. As much as I wanted to have them at my lowest, this is a battle I have to fight on my own.

"Thanks for taking me on such a short notice Michael," I said. "Anything for our Lady Nayla," Michael said good naturedly. We drove off.

Now, I am no longer Gwyneth, my name is Nayla..