Chapter 40

“I can’t tell you,” I say, unable to hold in my tears.

Maggie nodded. “Yes, you can. I may not understand, but I can try.”

“No, I really can’t, Mags.”

“How are things going?” Ansel asked from the doorway, making us jump. Maggie dropped my hands, and I tried to wipe my face without him seeing, but it didn’t work. He enters my room and grabs my shoulders. “Hey, what’s the matter?”

“I miss my father is all.” It may not have been the reason for my current tears, but it also wasn’t a lie. After our last visit, my father banned me from coming back. It hurt, especially because I know deep in my heart that something is wrong. Ansel kisses my forehead to comfort me. I smile softly at him. “Sorry for worrying you.”

“Don’t apologize. I understand how much he means to you.” He rubs my cheek with his thumb. “How about we go for that walk now?”

“You’re not too busy?”

He shakes his head. “I can make time. besides I realize you’ve been here for a while now and you haven’t seen all of my land.”

We say a brief goodbye to Maggie, and he escorts me from the manor. Walking in silence for a moment, I broke the ice.

“Hey, have you spoken to Doc? He promised that he would visit, but I haven’t seen him.”

“Probably because he’s been out of town since he officially retired. He said something about spending time with his brothers and staging a mutiny against his parents…”

I laugh loudly. “Has he ever told you his brothers’ names?”

“No, why?”

“Ask him the next time you speak with him. Everything will make sense.”

Ansel rubs his chin. “Hm, I find myself intrigued,” he says. Shortly we reached a lake deeply hidden by massive trees. Its crystal water was clearer than any I’d ever seen. “It’s beautiful,” I murmur.

Ansel smiles. “Yes, it is. It’s one of the many reasons that I bought the land and make it my home.”

“Wait, you own this lake?”

“Actually, I own two. The one on the other side is just as beautiful.” He picks up a rock and skips it across the lake, then turns to me. “Talent,” he says smugly. “Some people have it, some do not. I’m certain I’m the most talented rock skipper around.”

Saying nothing, I pick up a stone and throw it in the water. It skips further than his, and I grin. “Indeed. You’re the most talented rock skipper here.”

He chuckles and nudges me. “You know, sarcasm is considered the lowest form of wit.”

“Point out someone who believes that, and I’ll show you someone who proves that common sense isn’t as common as they think. Anyone who says that phrase is someone it takes minutes or even days to realize they have been insulted through what they consider wit that’s beneath them. They are the true geniuses among us.”

“Hmm…you may have a point,” he says. After a few minutes, he glares at me. “Rude.”

I laugh. “Took you long enough. Two points for me.”

“You’re lucky you’re cute or I’d insult you back.”

“You shouldn’t let that stop you. I mean, you’re cute too, but that didn’t stop me.” Ansel tilts his head, and I clear my throat. “That was supposed to be a thought.”

He smiles. “But you said it out loud, and it’s done wonders for my confidence, so thank you.” He pauses and looks at me. “I need to address something.”

“Alright.”

“I will be hiring a new doctor for you.”

“I expected it, and I know better than to object.”

“Good. I wish not to fight with you, but this isn’t up for negotiation.” His jaw twitches, and I don’t push the topic further. Ethan may be my friend, but for the sake of his life, I knew it was best if he stayed away. Besides, the last few days have been like a dream with Ansel, and I refuse to mess that up.

“There’s something else,” Ansel says as he stops. “I will be leaving tonight to assist Moon Shadow in clearing up a few issues they are having. They’ve been dealing with attacks from bearmen and need help to eliminate the problem like we were able to do here. Our packs have done a lot for one another over the years. If I’m going to have success in unifying the packs when I’m Alpha, I need to make sure not to sour any relationships.”

“Oh…” I don’t want to say what’s on my mind, but I know my face is betraying me. There is no way that he will spend time in Moon Shadow without seeing Cherry. Beyond that, I know how dangerous the bearmen are. I will never forget the gash in Ansel’s leg the last time he battled one. “How long will you be away this time?” I ask.

“A week, though I’m hoping we can get things tied up faster. Between their army and my gammas, we should be able to get through them rather quickly.”

“Okay, well, please have a safe journey,” I say.

“Karin.” He cups my face. “You don’t have to worry. What I desire most is in Blue Moon, not Moon Shadow. Do you understand?”

I nod. “Yes. I understand.” The sincerity in his eyes makes me feel better. “I know that you’re working hard and I’m proud of you for it. Promise you will be safe, too.”

“I promise.”

“Good. I’ll be awaiting your return.” His gaze at me deepens, and I fall shy under it. “I-is something wrong?”

“This is the first time I wish I didn’t have to travel. Now that I think about it, I don’t believe I’ve ever had anyone waiting for me to return, either.”

I smile warmly at him. “Well now you do. Don’t get a big head about it, though.” I see Ansel’s eyes shift in color from their natural blue to bright yellow. Yanking me closer, he clashes our lips together. Slipping his tongue in my mouth, he backs against a nearby tree. He grabs my neck, turns my head, and runs his tongue against his mark behind my ear. I shivered.

“You have to stop looking at me that way,” he said through heavy breath.

My mind falls blank as his hands continue to roam over my body. Gripping my waist, he kissed down the front of my dress. Landing at the hem, he raises my dress to my hips. He placed my leg on his shoulder, and I grip into his hair. “Ansel…” I moaned as he kissed my thigh.

“Shit,” he says and drops my leg. Seeing him stand, I find myself in a state of confusion.

“Wha—”

“It’s Henry. He needs to speak to me about something. He said it’s important.”

“Oh. Duty calls. If Henry says it's important, then I’m sure it is.”

He cursed again and ran his hands through his hair. “It’s like everyone knows the MOMENT I want to do things to yo—damn it, come on. Let’s head back.” The angry pout on his face makes me want to laugh. “I swear, someone’s fucking head better be on fire,” he grumbles. Hand in hand, we made our way back to the manor.