Deja Vu?

002 

Just then, the sudden creak of the door cut her off abruptly. It was Rebecca's mother and her sister. The look on their face was that of worry as they hurried towards Rebecca and Kenziel.

"Becca..." Her mother cried her as she grabbed her hands gently, fondling them in her. "Thank Moon goddess you've finally woken up!"

Rebecca could sense the worry in her mother's voice. As she looked up to her face, she saw the dried trail of tears on it. Her eyes were still swollen and red but the glint of relief still had its trail in her eyes.

"You scared us, Rebecca." Her sister's voice came up, earning Rebecca's attention. She was sitting on Rebecca's bed foot. "You should have seen how mom was worried. Alpha Kenziel was restless as well — mostly when the pack's physician couldn't detect what was wrong with you."

Rebecca laughed softly to ease the tension in the room. "I'm fine, okay?" She called out slowly, a small smile on her lips. "It's not that I'm gone. Like death or something."

Kenziel cleared his throat lightly, uncomfortable with her mention of ‘death’, as though he was cautioning her from acting the same she was with him to her family.

Rebecca's mother, still clutching her hands, smiled a quaking smile as she took in the sight of her daughter. A mixture of relief and trepidation danced across her face, a reflection of the disorderly emotions she'd experienced since Rebecca's mysterious collapse.

The room was heavy with unspoken questions, a tangible tension that penetrate the air. Rebecca could sense it all, but she didn't yet have the answers to satisfy the curiosities of her mother and sister.

"Rebecca, you need to get some rest." Her mother told her. "You need it, at least to regain the strength you must have lost."

"Wasn't I out for more than three hours now?" She asked, although rhetorical, her mother nodded her head, still. "You see, mom, I've gotten enough rest already."

But her mother wasn't convinced as she held Rebecca's sister, helping her up. "Come, Brenda, let's go." She enunciated slowly. "Let's excuse Rebecca for now, she needs her rest."

Rebecca's sister, whose name turns out to be Brenda, countered. "But mom..."

Brenda's protest fell on deaf ears, as Rebecca's mother ushered her out of the room with a gentle but firm hand. The click of the door echoed in the silence that followed, the sound of her mother's concern still lingering in the air.

Rebecca turned her gaze to Kenziel, who was now seated beside her on the bed. His presence was a comfort, a constant amidst the chaos that had descended upon her life.

"Kenziel..." She began hesitantly, her voice barely above a whisper. "I can't make sense of this. I tried hard to process it all, but it's not working."

Kenziel reached out and took her hand, the warmth of his touch sending a small ripple of comfort through her. "I understand, Becca." He replied gently, his voice soft and soothing.

He tried to cajoled himself that it was all a dream — and needed to do the same to Rebecca. "You went through a traumatic experience. You believed you were poisoned, that you died...and now you’re awake, and I can understand how difficult it must be to process all of this."

He paused, his eyes meeting hers, a sincerity reflected in his gaze. "Just know that whatever happened, you're here now, and I'll be here for you." He told her, earning a small nod from her.

Rebecca, on the other hand, knew when to stop. If Kenziel is finding it hard to believe her, no one will — and she might even be labelled as someone who's gone nuts.

Rebecca could sense the tension in Kenziel’s voice. She knew the situation was complex, and that pushing too hard might only make things worse. She wanted to trust in his belief that everything was going to be okay, but her memories of her death lingered like a specter in the back of her mind.

“He's right. I'm safe, here with him...” She cajoled herself, squeezing his hand lightly. As she opened her mouth to speak, the rumbling of her stomach cut her off.

Her cheeks heat up, slightly embarrassed. Kenziel stared at her for a moment then laughed softly. "Someone's famished, no?" He teased her, as she avoided his gaze.

"Oh, shut up." Rebecca said, playfully swatting Kenziel's arm as she tried to hide her embarrassment. "It's not my fault my stomach's protesting. It's all your fault for being so charming and distracting." She teased him right back, a small smile playing on her lips.

Kenziel chuckled, the moment of levity providing some relief from the heavy atmosphere. "I’m sure we can figure out a way to silence your protesting stomach without my charm." He quipped.

"Indeed, indeed." Rebecca said, with a raised eyebrow, trying not to be too obvious about her enjoyment of the teasing.

"My stomach isn’t the only one protesting here." She added, her eyes meeting Kenziel’s, giving him a coy smile. "But don’t worry, I won’t hold you solely responsible. We should get to the dinning hall instead."

Kenziel smirked. "I suppose we could make our way there and let the chefs work their magic..."

Rebecca and Kenziel entered the Alpha’s dining room to a luxurious spread of gourmet food and elegant decor. The long oak table was set with shining silverware and fine china, while the sweet scent of wildflowers and savory aromas filled the air.

The Alpha's maids bustled about, tending to the couple’s every need, ensuring that their experience was nothing without fault.

Rebecca took a deep breath as she savored the intoxicating aroma of the gourmet dinner, eyes closed as if she was experiencing it for the first time in ages. Every sense was heightened as she enjoyed the simple pleasure of good food.

A maid was refilling Kenziel's empty glass when he suddenly yelled at her. "Can't you watch what you are doing?" He countered, as he stood to his feet.

The maid quickly fell to her knees, her face etched with apology. "Forgive me, Alpha..." She pleaded desperately, her eyes watering. "I-I... was..."

Rebecca felt a familiar flashes, she has encountered a scene like this almost two years ago. Yes, she remembered. It was on the same day as this — a dinner on the day she accepted Kenziel as her mate.

“...but the moment you accepted our mate bond...” She recalled Kenziel's words, and realization struck her. Without thinking it twice, she raised her gaze towards the ceiling and froze.

The chandelier was shaking violently, threatening to unhinge from the ceiling, a wave of realization washed over her. This was more than just a déjà vu — this was the real thing. She had experienced this moment before, and it didn’t end well.