Episode 9

...John...

Ella instantly turned to me and I allowed my wolf to approach her,

Her father issued a growl, it was true we were still in front of her family.

After we put on something to cover ourselves, we entered the mansion, but by then I was inseparable from my mate; we seated ourselves on the couch, her still clinging to my arm.

Estefano: Leonardo, could you sit between them to keep them apart?

Leonardo: Yes, father.

William: Oh, Estefano, you're something else.

He just looked at him shaking his head and my father-in-law frowned.

Estefano: When I married you, you were 26 and I was 31.

William: But I already had four of your kids.

Estefano: That was down to you running off the first time, and the second was to ensure you wouldn't run away again.

William: Uh-huh and the third?

Estefano: To reaffirm my love for you.

Adriel: And here I thought he did it to keep him pressured not to leave.

My friend whispers to me, but even then a wolf has excellent hearing.

William: What did you just say?

Adriel: Nothing, father-in-law, I mean, Mr. William. I was just remarking how another pair wouldn't be a bad idea. They turn out beautiful.

Estefano: Grrr, stop looking at my omega!!!

Adriel: Apologies, father-in-law, I was merely saying... Got it, got it.

My friend seals his mouth with these words.

Estefano: Alright, we're here to discuss what's going to happen with you two. Daughter, I know you've found your mate, and the law of lycanthrope life states that once you find your life partner, you can be with them. But daughter, you're very young, just 16, and this young man is 19. Why not get to know each other a bit more and join together once your careers are complete?

John: She won't lack anything with me.

William: I know, but it wouldn't hurt for you both to finish your studies. A woman wasn't just made for the house, to give birth, care for the children, and wait for her husband to come from work.

Estefano: Even my husband doesn't do that, and we have five children.

My father-in-law says with a hint of disgust.

William: Is that what you want from me?

Mr. William replies, annoyed.

Estefano: My love, I just don't like you working and being seen by so many, men and women alike.

Adriel: Father-in-law has to show off a beautiful spouse.

Estefano: Anyway, stop calling me father-in-law. You enter this house because of Leonardo, since I'm certainly not content that you are that man's son. Besides, I already know my spouse is beautiful, but no one is allowed to see him, or I'll claw their eyes out.

Adriel: My apologies, Alpha Estefano, excuse me, Luna William.

John: Well, back to the matter at hand, father-in-law, I know I should marry Nia, and with your permission, we'll wed in one month, and I promise she'll continue her studies.

Estefano: You see, my grandfather used to say, 'he who doesn't run, flies,' but no, she is too young and you're too much of a greenhorn for her to be married until she completes her degree. I also trust that you won't touch her until you are wed.

What an ungrateful old man, does he truly think I won't touch her?

John: Yes, father-in-law.

Nia wanted to protest, but I gave her a wink.

I knew that the mating periods would be painful once you found your mate.

I knew it and I was somewhat worried about it.

After saying goodbye to her with a lingering kiss, which she returned somewhat clumsily—she is pure in all senses, and that is something I adore, though it wouldn't have mattered to me if she wasn't because I have loved her since the moment I first saw her.

I loved her from the moment I knew about her and that she was practically my neighbor.

So now I must prove my worth, earn my place by her side, and also train hard, so that in the future, no one can ever separate us.

I am left to believe in the future for the rest of the journey.

Adriel: What are you thinking about?

John: That I'll use the remaining time before I marry Nia to train and clear the path, so nothing can stop our happiness this time around.

Adriel: Yes, my friend, believe me, as much as I miss my beautiful omega, I know he'll be alright, and so it will be.

John: Have you spoken to the sorcerer king?

Adriel: Yes, he said I have to train very hard and that he will let me know when the moment arrives.

John: Aren't you scared?

Adriel: Of course, I've said my goodbyes to my deceased children, to my parents and siblings, to you and your baby that was on the way. The pain, the rage, and the helplessness I felt at losing the love of my life and not being able to do anything... I've died. The agony of death and the chill of the dagger piercing my heart will never hurt as much as experiencing it for real. And you know, I still feel that pain in my chest, the sensation of the dagger still embedded as a sign that if I mess up again, perhaps this time it can't be mended.

My friend says with tear-glazed eyes.

John: Stay calm, my friend.

What can I say? I've seen it through his memories, and it hurt, so how must he have felt experiencing it firsthand, in that moment of helplessness?

I can't even imagine, but well.

Three years have passed, and although my mate and I have been able to be together and sleep together on several occasions, it's still hard.

In two years we can get married, once her brother arrives.

Today little Kevin heads off to Italy; it seems everyone goes through rigorous training. My friend looks saddened, but I know that at this stage, he too must prepare even more.

***This work has been signed with NovelToon, and piracy such as reprinting without permission is strictly prohibited.***

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***