We put our clothes back on and hurried out, closing the door. We were so busy uniting as one that we had lost track of time, and the sun was already setting. We began what I should call the walk of shame, although Richard didn't look one bit like he was ashamed. He was whistling a tuneless song happily as he held my hands while we walked down the path leading to the pack house. Occasionally, he would pause his whistling to reply to greetings from pack members before he resumed again with greater vigor. I could see people staring at us with amusement, and I could imagine what they were seeing. I mean, we looked and smelled like we had just had mad sex. Thank goddess for the jacket I had on that covered my body, which was littered with bite marks. Richard was beside me, walking with a proud smile, until we got to the pack house. It was a Saturday, so I had nothing to do. Richard had gotten dressed and left with Ian, as they had something to do out of town, so I was left on my own. I

Richard arrived home quite late that day, and I was awake throughout the night waiting for him in the sitting room until I couldn't take it any longer. I had sat on the bed reading a book and trying to bid time, but you can't cheat nature, so I ended up dozing. "Babe?" A warm hand was caressing my back. "Mmm?" I murmured with a sleep-laden voice, but I didn't wake up, not when I was still deep in sleep. "Babe." He whispered in my ears. "Wake up and get changed; you are still sleeping in your full outfit." "Richard? Is that you?" "Yes baby, it is I. Get up and get changed. Were you waiting for me all this while?" I opened my mouth, and a loud yawn escaped me, even as I stretched my body. I turned my neck from side to side, trying to relieve the pain that had developed there. Sleeping in an uncomfortable position for that long had its effects. "Why did it take you so long to come back?" I queried him as soon as I was aware of my environment. "I was waiting for you until I dozed of

With the help of my nose, I followed Richard's scent till I got to the room where his scent was more concentrated. I found him sitting on a chair beside his mother, his hands holding hers in a tight grip. The sight I saw had me holding back tears. Richard's mom has always been a strong figure; I don't think I have ever seen her dull and inactive. She was always involved in the hospital's dealings, and she was always around to make sure everything was in place. I must say, it was sad to see her on the bed, looking frail and worse for wear. I dragged the lone chair I saw lying around towards Richard and sat down. "What is wrong with her?" "I don't know. Gamgam said she couldn't put a finger on what was wrong with her. I would have said it was old age, but she isn't that old." He explained, caressing his mother's hand. I looked at her lying lifeless on the bed. White hair was sprinkled all over her head. Her eyes were shut tight in pain, and she was constantly groaning in her sleep.

Richard opened the door, and the stench of alcohol hit me hard. I froze, my sensitive nose wrinkling at the smell of the fermented drink. I glared at him, my mouth pressing into a line. I was pissed at the fact that he left without telling me, making me worried, only to come back drunk. "Take care of him." Someone slurred, and I turned to look at who had brought him; it was his Beta and he also reeked of alcohol. "Ian, wait," but he was already off, staggering to his room while holding the wall for support. I was left alone with Richard, so I moved closer to hold and steady him. He was so drunk that he couldn't stand well. My ear pricked when I heard a loud crash on the floor. "Fucking floor, can you just be straight for a minute?!" He cursed at the ground. I was going to help him up when he called out, "I'm okie dokie; don't worry, Luna." I looked at the corridor, and it seems like he got it under control. He had picked himself up and was staggering back to his room. I shook my h

The date hasn't even begun, but overall, I was loving it. My skin was glowing after hours of pampering and care. My nails were on fleek, and even my hair was flawless. Apparently Richard told them to get a hair stylist for me because he wants me to look my best. Like can I love this man even more? He was just too sweet.I was heading towards the inner room to go get my clothes when the head of the spa handed me a bag and said it was from Richard, and she was gone like a flash. I looked at the corner where she had disappeared, wondering why she had given me a bag.I peered into the bag, and I could see black wrap. I was skeptical about it, but since it was from Richard, I trusted that it would be something good. Today has been full of surprises, and I wonder what he had planned. I went to the changing room and brought out the items from the bag, and my hunch was correct. It was new clothes.I tore the wrapper off the clothes in a hurry, my heart pounding within my ribcage, wondering