Chapter 143: Chapter 143: Butterflies and Bonds
RAMON’S POV
I could hear the celebration still going on in the distance as I lay on Sonia’s bed, while she lay on my body. Her breathing was steady and soft against my chest, each rise and fall a quiet reassurance that she was truly here with me.
When she said she needed to sleep because she felt tired, I wanted to stop her. At that moment, I was afraid that if she slept, she wouldn’t wake up again. The fear gripped me tightly, making my arms tighten around her instinctively.
It was beginning to dawn on me just how precious she was. I didn’t know what I would do if I lost her. So I held on tightly as she slept, my hand gently stroking her back in slow, soothing circles.
Neither Blane nor Ivy had returned. It could only mean they were consumed by the celebration. It was unfortunate that we couldn’t join them. But I didn’t mind. Sonia was alive. That was all that mattered in this moment.
I closed my eyes briefly, letting the distant sounds of drums and howls lull me into a light rest. When I opened them again, it was morning. Sunlight filtered through the windows, casting a warm golden glow across the room and highlighting the simple furnishings.
My head quickly turned to the side in search of Sonia when I didn’t feel her in my arms anymore. A spike of panic shot through me.
"Here," I heard her voice say softly, and I straightened up immediately, relief flooding my body.
She had clearly showered and changed into something else. Her hair was let loose, flowing freely down her back in soft waves, still slightly wet. The gown she wore barely covered her thighs, the light fabric clinging gently to her curves and swaying with every small movement.
She twirled playfully in front of me, then stood fashionably on her toes like a performer.
"How do I look?" She giggled, eyes sparkling with mischief and a hint of nervousness.
Breathtaking. That was the first word that came to my mind. She was the most stunning creature in the entire universe, and by the moon goddess, she was my mate. The realization hit me harder than ever in the quiet morning light.
"Come here," I beckoned to her, my voice low and warm.
She hopped towards me with light, almost playful steps, stopping right in front of the bed.
"You didn’t answer my question," she said, tilting her head.
"Sit on my lap, and I will."
I dragged my body to the edge of the bed and joined my knees together, creating a stable seat for her.
She giggled as she plopped onto my lap, her warmth settling against me instantly. The scent of her freshly washed skin, something soft and floral wrapped around me.
"I’ve done what you’ve asked. Now tell me."
I parted the hair that was covering the side of her face from my view and patted her back gently, feeling the steady beat of her heart against mine.
"You’re beautiful, Sonia. Very much so," I said sincerely, my thumb brushing her cheek.
Her eyes widened as she burst into laughter, the sound light and musical. "You’re not teasing me, are you? According to you, I was dead. How does a dead person look beautiful?"
"But you’re not dead. You’re alive. You’re here, with me. Don’t speak about death, Sonia. Death doesn’t suit you at all." freewebnoveℓ.com
"So what does?" She lifted a pretty brow, tilting her head curiously as she studied my face.
"Life. When you’re full of life, like this. Happy, smiling, being cute. It suits you perfectly."
"Hmmm," she stroked her chin as if in deep thought, pretending to ponder seriously. "So what you’re saying basically is, henceforth, even when you hurt me, I must remain cute?"
"Who says I’m going to hurt you?" I asked, my brows furrowing slightly.
"It just happens that way, and I’m okay with that. As long as at the end of the day, I get to sit on your lap like this, I’ll be fine." She nodded confidently, as if she had already accepted this as fact. freёwebnovel.com
"Do you understand what you’re saying to me right now?"
"Yeah. I’m saying it’s inevitable. You hurt me. There’s too much baggage between us, so it’s bound to happen even though there’s a conscious effort against it. Just allow me to be cute to you after you hurt me," she said, and I was completely stunned into silence by her honesty.
She stroked my brow gently with her fingertips, then moved to my chin, tracing the line of my jaw.
"What? Why are you suddenly quiet?" She asked, searching my eyes.
"You."
"Me?" She pointed to her chest, and my eyes followed her fingers.
Her chest was well—very inviting. The gown she wore had an interwoven string that kept the front together. If I just loosened the string, I would be able to see more of her soft skin.
"What are you thinking about?" Her voice pulled me back.
I cleared my throat and lifted my head. "Nothing. But I’m curious about something," I said, growing more serious.
"What’s that?"
"Your wolf. I’m usually able to feel her when you’re this close. Why can’t I?"
"Good question. I can’t feel her either. Do you think she’d be hurt?" She panicked, her eyes widening with sudden worry.
"I don’t think you should panic. We could ask Carl, or Adelaide for help."
"Adelaide. She’s so beautiful. Jenner too. I love the elders of your pack. They’re all so friendly," she said with a dreamy expression in her eyes, her body relaxing against mine again.
"Really? Tell me, what else do you like?"
The worry was gone from her body as she stared into my eyes, her expression turning softer.
"You when you’re not being aggressive. Do you want to hear a confession?"
"Sure, go ahead."
"You know how my wolf is naturally drawn to you because we’re mates?"
"Yeah." I nodded, my hand resting on her waist.
"Well, I had a hard time in the beginning seeing what she saw in you. Questioning why the moon goddess had to make you of all people my mate. I wasn’t in harmony with her over you."
"Hmmm, I can understand that. We don’t always want what our wolves want."
"But that’s the problem. That feeling didn’t last as long as I expected it to. Because I looked deeper, and saw a side you didn’t want anyone to see. But that’s going to be my secret. I won’t tell you about what I saw."
I laughed. I couldn’t help it. Had she always been this funny and cute? How could I not have seen it before? The sound of my laughter filled the room, surprising even me.
"What’s funny?" She pouted adorably, crossing her arms.
"Nothing," I shook my head, still smiling. "My wolves would want to know where their Alpha is and why he wasn’t around for the full moon celebration."
"That’s true. You have to go talk to them. I’ll just stay here and rest."
"No, you’ll come with me to the pack clinic. You also need to eat something."
At my mention of food, her stomach rumbled loudly, breaking the tender moment.
She gasped and covered it with both hands. Throwing her face to the side in embarrassment, she made a move to stand when I pulled her right back onto my lap.
"Where do you think you’re going?"
"We’re being peaceful now. I don’t want to ruin the vibes with my rumbling tummy."
"What about butterflies?" I asked, surprising both of us with the sudden playfulness.
"Butterflies? I don’t understand."
"Would you like butterflies in place of the rumbling?"
"Uhmm– I mean—"
I kissed her whilst she was still searching for the right words. It felt so good because it was the one constant thing that stayed on my mind the second she opened her eyes last night. Her lips were soft and warm, responding to mine with a sweetness that made my wolf stir contentedly.
"Butterflies yet?" I asked, pulling away slightly, my forehead resting against hers.
"How about more?" She laughed breathlessly as I claimed her lips again, deeper this time, pouring everything I couldn’t yet say into the kiss.