Cinnamon in the Palace

Winnie’s POV

“Hmph.” I released a heavy sigh for the umpteenth time tonight.

My eyes hovered over the empty chair before me, then to the couples around me who were whispering over desserts. Waiters cleaned empty tables, and the candles on mine kept burning lower and lower—like they were waiting with me.

It's been seven years since we've been doing this.

Seven anniversary nights and Jason never once came late.

Not until tonight.

I tapped my fingers on the table, trying to calm the burning bulge threatening to burst out of my throat.

Maybe it's the extra training drills he's been having lately, maybe the Alpha called for a last-minute patrol.

Jason would never ignore or keep me waiting, something must have happened.

I kept telling myself while trying to blink back the tears in my heavy eyeballs.

I checked the door again.

Hoping to see him rush in with apologies but nothing.

I leaned back in the chair and closed my eyes for a moment.

Memories slipped in—me and Jason as kids, running barefoot behind the training grounds, building tree forts, him holding my hand when the other pack kids bullied me for being a freak with no wolf.

“You’re not weird, Winnie,” he told me.

“You’re just you. And that’s enough for me.”

He had been the only one who stood beside me through everything.

My only real friend.

My only real person.

And that made tonight hurt even more.

The waitress walked over.

“Ma’am, we’re closing soon.”

“I know,” I whispered, pushing the untouched cake away. “I’m just leaving.”

Outside, the air was colder than I expected.

I wrapped my arms around myself and forced my feet to move.

“I'm not going to cry,” I bit my lower lip.

Halfway down the main road, I spotted Marcus—Jason’s best friend.

He was leaning against the barracks fence, scrolling through his phone.

He glanced up and instantly straightened when he noticed me.

His eyes widened at my dress, the soft makeup, and the small gift bag in my hand.

“Winnie? You… you look nice. Special night?”

“It was supposed to be.”

I hated how small my voice sounded.

“Ah—anniversary,” he mumbled, remembering. “Did Jason reach late or something?”

“He didn’t reach at all,” I said quietly. “Is he still on that late-night training?”

“There’s no—”

He froze.

I felt my heart stop. “There’s no what?”

He swallowed hard and tried to laugh it off. “No, I mean—there’s no… uh… reason to worry. You know Jason, he can be like this sometimes.”

“That’s not what you were about to say,” I whispered.

His face paled and I saw regret flicker in his eyes.

“Winnie, listen,” he said, stepping closer. “I don’t want to get him in trouble.”

“Can you please tell me the truth,” I said, my voice breaking. “Please.”

Marcus looked pained, like he wanted to disappear.

“There haven’t been any extra drills or training,” he finally whispered. “Not for weeks.”

A slow ache spread through my chest.

“But I’m sure there’s a reason for his absence. Maybe the Alpha asked him to do something private and he didn’t want you worrying. You know Jason… he never wanted you upset,” he said with a small smile.

“Oh... I see, thank you, Marcus.”

“You’re welcome.”

I walked away before I broke down in front of him.

Something is definitely wrong, definitely.

I found Jason near the south gate, standing alone under a flickering lamp.

My heart twisted.

So he was standing there while I was in that damn restaurant waiting for him?

His eyes met mine but they looked away almost immediately.

“Winnie,” he breathed out. “You shouldn’t be out this late.”

“Where were you?”

My voice wasn’t angry—just tired and confused at his recent attitude.

“I told you,” he said, still looking away. “Training.”

The lie hit harder this time.

“There is no training,” I whispered.

His entire body went still and I saw it.

The way his throat bobbed when he swallowed.

Fear.

He didn’t deny it.

He didn’t say anything.

He just stepped toward me slowly, as if approaching a wild animal that could break at any second.

“Winnie… I’m sorry.”

I didn’t know which hurt more… his lies or the secret he might be hiding.

“Why are you lying to me?” I asked.

He looked down at my hands like they were pieces of glass.

Then he gently took them, holding them the way he used to when we were kids hiding behind the woods after a bad day.

His thumb brushed my palm.

“I didn’t mean to hurt you,” he whispered. “I swear I didn’t.”

“What are you saying? Jason, look at me, what's been going on with you lately? You are not the same man I know. Just four days ago you forgot to meet me at the park for the ice cream date we usually have every two weeks. Something you would never miss even if it was raining. You hardly call or text me now. And tonight, our anniversary, you didn't show up. What's bothering you? Talk to me.”

“I can’t.”

What?

“You can tell me anything. You always did.”

His face twisted painfully.

“I wish I could but… It's work-related and I'm so sorry for missing tonight. Genuinely sorry. I just finished a bunch of meetings with…” his voice trailed.

“With who?”

“The Alpha.”

“Oh… Moon Goddess, you really scared me. You should have told me before now and Jason, you've been working for three years now, you have enough experience and you should not let anything stress you out,” I said, and his arms wrapped around my waist while pulling me closer.

“I know, I know, darling, but it will be over soon. I'm sorry once again, lovey, I'd make it up to you.” He muttered, his hand pushing my head into his chest.

We stood there for minutes with my head pressed against his chest and his arms wrapped around me like I was going to disappear.

The only thing that broke the sick silence was his heartbeat which was pounding against my ears like a war drum.

The same heartbeat that used to sound like a lullaby to my ears but tonight? They sound different.

Even though he assured me that everything was fine… and even though I forced myself to believe it.

I know it myself—something was going on and whatever it was? It's not good at all.