| 22 - Kiss Me? No

🌼Amari's P. O. V.🌼

"Please forgive me for my action earlier." Did I that hear correctly? He wiped my tears and continue, "Don't cry now, my love. I just...I just have a lot on my mind right now-"

"I understand," I interjected. I am probably being selfish because I didn't consider sympathizing. He's got a lot on his shoulder and I am supposed to be helping him but I am not worthy of being a luna. "It's really hard to be an alpha, especially if your mate couldn't help in anything to ease your burden."

"Did you really think you aren't helping?" I could feel him raising an eyebrow at me. "Don't you know how much you influence my decisions?" Me? Influence over his decision? I'm not even there when they plan anything. I have no idea how it even works and on top of that, I am weak, physically, emotionally, and mentally.

"Who said you're weak. You're the strongest woman I've ever met...besides my mother." The last part was a hushed voice. He might also be hurting and all I think of is my own emotion and welfare. He did say he was my protector when we were young. Wait! It means, I was too young and he was already a teen back then? How did I even catch up with him? Maybe we were like brothers and sisters.

I turned to him and without thinking draped my arms over his neck. He instantly responded by pulling me on his lap and burying his face in my neck and he took a deep breath. Is he sniffing me?

I began to giggle when he began placing small kisses on my neck. He just chuckled and continue until his kisses began to turn into sloppy ones. I could hear him nipping on it causing me to yelp at the new experience. He has never done this before. This is the first time, but maybe he's done it before...Oh no! Denzel has done it when he tried to force me.

"Al-alpha Andres--stop now."

"What if I can't? Will you allow me?" His voice is a rasp and he runs his nose again on my neck.

"Then, you should stop now." It came out more soft than I intended it to be.

"Fine," he huffed like a little kid and smirked. "How about on the lips for one hour?" My eyes widen which causes him to smirk even more. "It's different than the neck...What do you say?" The way he asked, as if it was something I would have asked him as a suggestion.

"I said I don't want to," I whined and cross my arms over my chest.

He smiled at me with adoration and contentment, and something more I couldn't decipher.

"This reminds me of our younger days when I used to do the same," he informed with a smile.

"Wait, what!" I exclaimed. "You kissed me on the lips when I was just a child? Does it mean you were a pedo-"

"Ouch!" He faked hurt. "I didn't actually kiss your lips, it was just my way to tease you. You were easy to tease and still are. Like, right now, you gave the same response...the same response."

I breathe a sigh of relief and he gave me a playful glare.

"You wouldn't wish for a handsome me to have kissed you as a child?" he asked in a silly way. "Many would have wished to be in your position, do you know that?"

"Then, I would have made you wish you were the one I kissed." Oops, what did I just say?

His eyes hardened. "Who was he?" he snarled.

"I, uh, no one. I don't know where it came from."

"Then, prove it!"

"What?"

"Kiss me on the lips to prove it."

I hopped off his lap and shook my head. Do you know his reply? He rolled on the bed laughing wholeheartedly.

"Hahaha, very funny," I said sarcastically and rolled my eyes in irritation

"See? You're upset again." He shrugged and afterward winked at me. "You look cute when you are upset. An upset pregnant woman that I love."

After we bicker, he finally went out not before stealing a kiss on my lips and me blushing profusely.

I was supposed to get mad at him for stealing a kiss on my lips! Uggggh! My baby is probably messing with me.

° ° °

I sat on one of the benches near the woods inside the territory's premises and inhaled deeply. My baby bump is growing fast. I couldn't help but feel a little excited to see him. I have a really good feeling I'm having a baby boy.

Suddenly, I heard the rustling of dry leaves. I snap my head in the direction of the sound but see no one. I sniff the air but I can't smell anything. It's probably just a lizard or some crawling animal.

I should probably head inside, though it's only past ten in the morning. Maybe I should help Eva and Ben in the kitchen. I couldn't shake off the feeling of someone is watching me or lurking around. Maybe I'm being paranoid. I didn't even smell anything.

As I walked back, I received many glares from the girls and looks of disgust from our pack members.

I should have expected this. They never actually liked me since then, especially Kelly. For some reason, I don't see Kelly more often, and Hunter is probably another story.

The ground is fully guarded and many new warriors, male and female were deployed from I don't know which pack. They are under the command of Chase and of course, Chase is under the command of Alpha Andres.

"Hey," someone called behind me. I turned to see a young man, probably a little younger than I am. "Wait!"

"Yes?" He blushed and coughed.

"Hi, Amari," he began with an even redder cheek. "I have only seen you trice and you are really pretty...I-I-I really like you. I wish to be friends with you. Will you be my friend?"

I chuckled at his childishness and nodded my head. "Why not? I'd like that."

"Really?" His eyes lit up and punched the air. "Yes!"

"How did you know me?" I asked. "According to what you said, this is the third time you see me. How did you see me for the first time?"

"Oh, I was just a new deployed warrior from Dark Crescent Moon Ground and my continuation of training is here. I am under the supervision of Chase Reed Jackson, the chief-in-commands."

"Wow!" I exclaimed. "You must be a great warrior too. Most of the warriors here are really great at fighting. How did you end up here?"

His face is almost red from blushing. "Thank you but not as good as the Alpha of course." He laughed causing me to join him. "Oh, I forgot to ask. How far along are you?"

I smiled and looked down at my baby bump. "I'm in my second trimester, 18 weeks to be exact."

"Your way to go and don't forget to take me as a godfather," he said.

"Why not-"

"I was just joking." He laughed and looked around. He motioned for me to come near him. Once I did, he whispered, "I notice how Alpha Andres would look at you. Do you have a special relationship with him or are you mated to each other?"

My eyes widen in surprise. "Where did you even get this idea?"

"Let's just say, the way he looks at you says it all," he shrugged. "Don't worry, your secrets are safe with me."

"You are really funny but I should head inside now." I stopped in my step and turn to him. "You haven't told me your name yet."

His eyes widen. "Wa-wait! Are you really asking for my name?" I nodded my head with a small smile and held out my hand. "I am Samuel O'Brien. Call me Sam." He took my hand and we shake hands.

"Since you told me your full name...I am Amari Uma Franco. Just call me Amari."

"Your name is really beautiful and so does your personality."

"Thank you, Sam." I thanked him for saying nice things about me. He is just like my little brother. If only I had one. "It's nice talking with you, Sam. I'll see you around?" He nodded and we bid goodbye to each other.

When I enter the kitchen, Eval looks stressed. "Hi, Eva," I greeted. She smiled back and said, "Hi, Uma."

"What are you looking for?"

"Oh, I am just checking the fridge if I missed something to write down. I'm on my way to the grocery store and market to buy some products."

An idea popped into my head. "Wait for me here, Eva."

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