FANGS AND ROSES

CAMILE

My hands tied the last knot in his tie and smothered the wrinkles out of his sleeve then with a satisfied sigh, I stepped back and admired my work.

Trevor’s smile was boyish as his eyes lit up, he twirled like a little boy in front of the mirror before facing me and grabbing my neck passionately kissing me.

My hands encircled his arm in return as I molded against his chest, my breath hot when he finally released me.

“I love you,” he whispered and our heads touched each other. A smile crossed my lips as I repeated the same words to him.

“Too bad, we can’t finish what I started,” he whined and I couldn’t help but give a short laugh.

“Well, let’s thank the goddess that we have all the time tonight,” I promised and his grin stretched a bit.

“You mean after my induction as the new Master to the Skylar region or after our anniversary dinner?” He inquired and it was my turn to grin.

I arranged my hair in front of the floor to ceiling mirror, my ceremonious attire glinting under the morning sun as my back arched to give myself a wider view of my lips in the mirror. I jerked forward, a soft moan escaping my lips as Trevor smacked my ass before bending to kiss my cheeks.

I shook my head, this was so like him. He never stopped doing this signature move that never ceased to turn me on for the ten years we have been together.

I watched him go and even though my heart was gleaming with excitement for tonight’s sexescapades, I couldn’t help but hope that tonight’s activity should yield a better result.

Whether I liked it or not, I was getting tired of my anniversary morning rituals.

I walked out of my chambers, my chin held high and proud. The guards bowed low when they saw me, their swords by their hands and their shields ready to defend me in case of an attack. It was really all for show. There hasn’t been a single cause for attack, not when I got married to a man who wasn’t my mate making us the first werewolf couple to engage in such an activity and certainly not today when we clocked ten years together.

I was escorted to my car and for the first time this morning my brows had a reason to become furrowed.

“Where is Vanessa?” I questioned to no one in particular, my other PA quivered where she stood as she started to wring her fingers together.

“Well?” I questioned again and I could feel her trying to form words. I gave a tired sigh.

Ever since Trevor said it was a good thing to open our court to other packs like an internship program — a show of good leadership and faith, he called it — Vanessa has been the worst case of recruit.

She was either sick or she was late. She was so bratty, I knew how many times I had to restrain myself from ordering my guards to teach her a lesson, that and that Trevor constantly reminded me who her father was and how he wanted to win him over…

And I knew that if I reported her to Trevor again, he would just make up some funny excuse for her insolence, so instead of allowing a twenty moons old child spoil the morning of my important day, I’d  rather go without her, perhaps I’d have to visit her and see how serious this “illness” of hers really was this time and maybe alert her father.

If she was not going to be useful then she may as well go back home.

I got into my car and allowed the driver take me to the one spot I always go every morning of my anniversary — The motherless pups homes.

We arrived there and I was astonished to find that other women were present, at least more than the recent years and for the first time I was uncomfortable.

I walked into the room and they all bowed to me with grace but I could smell the discrimination, the jealousy, the envy and the side talks.

After all, I was the pupless Luna who married anon- mate and who despite defying both the goddess and my people, I still couldn’t give them an heir. I knew they were too chicken to say it to my face but it didn’t stop the heartless rumors from flowing around my ears.

I closed my eyes and took a shaky breath, I refuse to be mocked on a day that has never ceased to bring me joy. I ignored their stares and continued to do the one thing that brought me immense joy.

After about five hours of continuous smiles, I knew that my time had expired when the other women couldn’t hold back their whispers or their stares, normally I would stay up to seven hours or even more after all this was my abode but I knew I couldn’t feign it anymore, I needed to find a way to still hold my head high and leave this place.

I started to give my farewell greetings but unsurprisingly it was met with disdainful looks, as I was about crossing the threshold for the exit that’s when I heard it ; “How is the moon goddess supposed to give us children if she keeps coming here?” A woman spoke harshly and all of my defenses shattered instantly.

My lips quavered and I tried to walk slowly but even I could tell that I had increased my walking tempo. I got into the car and angrily slammed the door.

“To the palace. Now.” I commanded even though my breathing was shaky.

We arrived momentarily and I suddenly felt weak and tired, the whole experience more tiring than any hard labour I’ve ever done. In a way I was glad I came back early, I could get some rest.

I don’t know why I didn’t smell them, why nobody warned me but the moment I stepped through my double doors, my body stiffened.

The eyes widened in horror, my stomach knotted.

And in one sentence, my world came undone.

“Finally. You’re back,” she said, her legs dangling dangerously over my bed. 

My palms turned to fists by my side.

“And what the fuck do you think you’re doing?”