Chapter 5

[Gareth's POV]

It has been three days since Gwyneth went off. I was beginning to doubt her return. In fact, I'd like to say I wish we never met. My blood still boils at the thought of what she did to Remu's wife. I've always detested having been paired to that wolf, but went along with the Moon goddess for the blessing. What a mistake! And now I failed Remu! Again. I looked out the window and shook the thoughts off. Childish. There were things beyond your control, I reminded myself.

I could see a glimpse of the sky through the half open window. The day is cloudy, just right. I walked to the wine counter, poured myself half a glass. I have fifteen minutes before the next meeting.

Thoughts of Gwyneth again. "She's gone too long." My wolf breathed. Screw it. This is what I get agreeing to accept that monster as a mate. I took a sip of wine and let myself think. Her face kept coming back to my memory. The night before she left, I had looked at her, tried to sense all of her for the lie. Nothing. I could not even feel her wolf. Fabulous actress.

I was never able to put a finger on why the Moon goddess would choose her. She was too ordinary. I've seen the lots of her. Pheasants, commoners, rogues. She had been quite refined for her kind; quieter than most, gentler than most, but no more special than the chambermaid. Still. Pushed Melanie in the pool knowing how complicated her pregnancy was! Jealousy. It was obvious. Such infantile whims!

I can feel my anger rising up again. Jealous?! I have made it clear from the beginning. I have no business buying fairytales; affection is a waste of time. She married an Alpha of Canopus; she should live with it. I know I have been all over Melanie since Remu's death, catering to her, protecting her, so that must have been it, but so what? Poor Melanie. I should have seen it coming. I would have protected what was entrusted to me. I have always considered Gwyneth as a bit odd, but never vicious. Of all times to be wrong!

I took another sip of white wine, steadied myself. My wolf is stirring. Not good for the business meeting. I straitened up, looked at my watch, turned hyper-focus on. Time to get to work buddy, I whispered to my wolf. Don't worry. We'll ask the Moon for a better mate. Or maybe we could just have all the girls we want and play around. I hear myself chuckle. There is too much to be done at the estate. I left the glass at the counter.

The door opened. A familiar scent surprised my senses as a noble looking female stepped in. She wore a plain black dress, beautifully cut, wrapping her body perfectly. Her hair falls loose behind her, light brown with fine streaks of moonlight gold. I have no trouble keeping a straight face, but upon recognizing her I felt my jaws clench. Gwyneth stopped a good distance in front of me.

"The full moon will be in eight days. I accept your offer. I want our mateship dissolved." Her voice was firm and unwavering. Her eyes fixed on my face; they looked the same, but the tenderness and naivete I had grown accustomed with these last three years were gone.

"Beech tree, at the Canopus border, twelve a.m." I heard her. My wolf perked up, sensing something apart from the mate bond. Gwyneth turned to leave. She paused. "Oh, and I'm returning everything…" I heard her say without looking. I caught myself staring at her back as she walked out of the room, leaving the door open behind her. Her hair bounced lightly and, caught by the pale sunlight outside, glowed elegantly. Since when had she had that hair? Hadn't it always been dull brown? I shook the thought off.

I want our mateship dissolved. Breech tree, at the Canopus border, twelve a.m.

That went faster than expected. Surely, she didn't mean that? I'm returning everything. That's just ridiculous. What is this, a joke? She'll sure snap out of it soon enough.

"She means it, Gareth. "I hear my wolf. I don't think so. It's been three years and I have supplied her everything. It's unlikely a nobody like her would have the confidence to leave.

"Excuse me sir," It was Dmitri, the head helper. "Shall I now pack Ms. Gwyneth's things?"

"Leave it, for now." I said."I'm sure she's just being dramatic. No commoner would give up life as a noble just like that."

[Nayla's POV]

I slipped through the blue car waiting for me in the driveway. I leaned on the seat and closed my eyes. Khayim drove us silently off. Violet too, allowed me some space, and I welcomed it wholeheartedly.

It was over before I knew it. For a moment I thought my emotions would betray me, but I held my ground. My wolf was behind me a hundred percent. It hurt. A lot. But there's no turning back. I let the pain dawn.

My wolf and I -- we are both unafraid of pain. We know how to wallow in its depth and just sit with it till it can consume us no longer. We spent years trying to perfect this. We don't even have to cry anymore.

Three years have been stolen from us. I cannot hide forever. I cannot give a lifetime. I was not born for walls; I was not meant to hide myself. I owe myself and my wolf this decision. We have suffered long enough. Freedom, now, is worth every bit of pain we would have to endure.

The foreboding separation ebbed like ocean waves all over me halfway through the drive; then it subsided, like low-tide revealing a fine peace of white beach sand.

"That's mighty courageous, Nayla." Khayim finally said. He was smiling warmly at me.

"We're sorry about everything, but we're really happy to have you back." Violet said.

"Thanks," I said to my friends earnestly.

A few more hours and I found myself looking at a familiar sight -- home.

"I haven't told anyone." Khayim confessed as he pulled over the empty driveway. "I figured you want this time alone. I sent word to your father though. He'll be back from their trip first thing in the morning. They couldn't get an earlier flight."

I threw Khayim a grateful look and then scrambled out of the car. Violet was behind me. "I'll help you unpack, but I won't be spending the night. You need to rest," my best friend gave my hand a squeeze.

The next morning, seven a.m.

I woke to thick smell of roasted chicken and spices, and my nana Alma smiling at me warmly, breakfast tray in her hand. She laid it down to the coffee table beside the window, and I rushed to throw myself in her arms.

"I missed you, nana!" I breathed in her smell of cedar wood and cinnamon. "Glad your back, child." She whispered. "Glad your back."

Nana and I chatted for a good deal while I ate. When she left, I let myself soak in the reality of finally being back. I checked my things -- everything is as I left them. I could see myself painted in every corners of it. It can only remind me of who I was. I can't believe I've almost forgotten.

___

I took a deep breath before turning the doorknob of my father's study. It was a huge library, really. It has ceiling-high shelves, solid hardwood flooring, and a huge oriental rug at the center.

Dad's personal desk was positioned beside the window, where he could easily survey the territory and check the weather. I turned the knob and slipped inside. He was a tall dark silhouette beside his desk. Though I couldn't make out his face against the light, I could feel his tender gaze and warmth.

He hasn't changed. I felt my lips quiver as I fought to hold back tears. "I'm sorry Dad," I muttered. He took a couple of steps towards me and unfolded his arms. I rushed into his embrace and cried, finally letting myself go. "It's okay wildflower," he finally said. "You're home now."