Melody
"Ready?" Dorian's sweet gruff voice sounded from behind me. He hugged me from behind and kissed my nape."Almost." I moved to arrange the rest of the cakes and cookies. Like an obedient child, Dorian was already working. He sorted the rest of the trays and cleared the tables."Now we're good to go." He raised his hand and huffed."Aww _ You're such a darling." I pulled his cheek and wiped his sweat with my handkerchief."Then do you think I deserve a kiss?" He flapped his eyes and opened his arms expectantly."Of course."I went into his arms and kissed his cheek and the side of his lips. I was out of his arms before he could catch me."Teasing me, huh?"I gasped dramatically and covered it up. "I wouldn't do that.""You naughty little sheep." He moved to catch me, but I moved away and ran towards the counter.Dorian launched forward with his hand outstretched as he tried to catch me, but I slid past him and made for the door. I was caught before I could. He grabbed my waist and pulled me to him. He slipped and fell on the couch, pulling me down with him.I fell on his chest and his hand landed on my waist. He tightened his hold on my waist as I moved to leave and pinned me to him.Dorian moved my hair from my face and slowly tucked it behind my ear. "You're beautiful, Mel.""Thank you." I bit on my lips and made sure I was looking everywhere else but his face. My eyes settled on his chest.He stared at me with deep emotions, but I didn't dare look into his eyes, afraid of getting pulled in. I'd rather stay away than suffer another rejection.Dorian's face was slowly inching closer. I could feel his breath on my face, his index lifted my chin.Our lips were inches apart now, and he locked our gazes, but I reverted mine; glancing down at his lips."We should go." I moved, and the kiss landed on my cheek."Yes, it's getting late." He agreed and released his hold on me. I stood up and arranged myself.Dorian's eyes settled on me. He was looking nowhere else but at me. I offered my hand, so he would get up, but he pulled down instead.I fell on his lap and his neck dropped on my shoulder. "What do I lack, Mel?"I sighed and closed my eyes. I didn't know what to say because I knew that this wasn't about him."Dorian _ It's not you." I came clean."Then what is it? The kids?" He flipped me around, and I was now straddling him. "You know I can talk to them, right? They'll understand."I shook my head and pursed my lips. "This isn't about the kids either.""Then what is it? You can tell me anything. You know that, right?""It's nothing, really." I opened my mouth and closed it, then I shrugged. "Perhaps I'm just not fit for love.""Then let me change that." He said, his hands wrapped around my waist as he pulled me to hug him."Just give me some more time." He buried his face in my nape. Deeply inhaling my scent. His hands tightened around my waist as if he wanted to bury himself in me."How much longer, Mel?" I dipped my finger in his hair and kissed his cheek."Not much longer."Another kiss landed on my nape and I felt his canine brush my neck. He couldn't wait to mark me. I didn't move until he got a hold of his emotions.He released his grip on me and I stood up. I gave him my hand. He took it, and this time he got up too."Let's go."We went out of the cafeteria and Dorian locked the door. He led me to his car and settled me in. Then he drove out of Ma-Belle.Dorian Flame is the Alpha of the Dark Flame Pack. He is my best friend and boyfriend, and he is the best of both.When I first arrived here, I was pregnant and homeless. This cold Alpha gave me shelter in his home, against the protests of the council and people.I offered to do the laundry, so I wouldn't have to stay for free. Dorian agreed at first upon my insistence, but as time went by, and I became heavy, he stopped me.He offered me his holiday home on the outskirts of the city. I lived there until I delivered my pups.Dorian never left my side from the day I moved to the holiday home. He stood by me and was there with me throughout the entire journey.We became best friends, and after I delivered my pups, we became close as we spent time together. He offered to help me with my business and I took it.During my stay in the holiday home, I made some sweets and several treats which Dorian offered to sell after tasting them.I was able to earn enough money from selling those desserts, and after I delivered my pups he advised me to make a business out of them, and then boom! That was how it all started until it is what it is now. Ma-Belle keeps growing with more customers pushing in orders every day.Dorian started to court me when my pups celebrated their first birthday. I became his girlfriend after six months of courtship. We've been together for two years, and now he wants me to marry him.After his mate died, Dorian chose to be celibate, hence everyone was stunned when he introduced me as his girlfriend and future wife.I was rejected by my mate, and his mate died. We're perfect for each other. I don't see why I shouldn't accept his proposal, but something keeps pulling me away.Perhaps what I need is to open my heart and let love in."We're home, Ma Belle." Dorian opened the door, pulling me back from my train of thought.He loves to call me that and that is why I chose the name for my cafe."Dorian is back!""Mama is back!"Two energy boxes rolled out of the house as soon as we reached the door."Hi, Aaron." Dorian picked the hyperactive pup in his arms."Momma!""My sweet Gio." I picked my other pup in my arms.Aaron becomes a chatterbox once he sets his eyes on Dorian, but Giovanni always wants to stay with his mama.I don't know where my pups got their good looks from, but they always make heads turn wherever they go.I try not to think about whatever happened those years ago, since that terrible incident gave me the two most beautiful gifts I could ever get.My pups are everything I could never be. Intelligent, smart, sweet, handsome, and most important of all, they have their wolves, and to my absolute surprise, they were able to shift on the night they turned four.This has never happened before; at least not to my knowledge. But Dorian believes they are special.Aren't I lucky?I wasn't bestowed a wolf, but the moon goddess compensates me with two special wolves.What more could I ask for?"Did you two eat?" Dorian took Jio out of my arms, and we walked inside."No. We were waiting for you."Dorian was chatting with the pups while I prepared to make dinner."Babes, I made dinner for us all." Claire set the table and asked me to go take a bath.Claire is Dorian's sister and I live with her. We've been living together since my pups turned two and she's been nothing but loving towards us. She cares for my pups as much as Dorian."Thank you, hon."I went to the room to take a bath and returned to the living room. Dorian was still busy with the pups. They had a lot to tell him about their day, and he was ready to listen."It's dinner time boys!" I clapped to get their attention, but Aaron growled."Aaron, how many times do I have to tell you never to growl at me?"I made sure that my face wasn't smiling. He hated my frowning face and that is what I show him when he misbehaves."I hate it when you call me boy." His eyes twinkled as he spoke.The color of his eyes amazes me, especially when his wolf is near. His eyes changed from blue to gold. Like the color of flames."Oh really?" I left the table to go to him. "Then tell me what should I call you?""Anything but boy."Dorian stood up and ruffled his hair. He purred, and his eyes slowly changed to blue. "Perhaps he would like to be called a man?""Not bad," He gave a mysterious shrug.Sometimes I wonder if he is just five years old."Come on, Wolf boy, it's time to eat," I repeated with a pat on his head. He glanced at me as if he would revolt, but he smiled instead."I like that."I shook my head and returned to the table to serve the food, but the phone suddenly started ringing."You might want to answer that," Claire called out from the dining table. "It's some guy..." Claire tried to recall the name.Dorian was off the table and beside me in a flash. He stood as if he was about to kill anyone who came close to me."... Ah, it's Malfoy," Claire announced as she remembered who the caller was. "He's been calling all day, and says it's urgent.""Malfoy?" Dorian repeated. He was staring at the phone as if it was his enemy."It's my brother," I announced.His body relaxed, and he glanced at me as if to confirm. "My younger brother." I repeated, then he smiled."If Malfoy is calling, then it has to be important."I dialed the number and it was answered immediately."Melody, it's mother!" Malfoy shouted from the other side.No greeting. No formality. He sounded desperate.My body froze as I heard the urgency in his tone. "What happened to mother?""She's ill. She has been sick since you left.""What?" I staggered backward and the phone almost fell. Thanks to Dorian's broad chest, I was steadied. "Why_ why didn't anyone tell me?"After I settled in Dark Flame Pack, I called my brothers and informed them of my whereabouts, and we sometimes exchanged phone calls."Father didn't want you back and mother has been stubborn. She won't take any drugs unless you come back.""Goddess, why would she do that?" I hissed.My eyes were brimming with tears. I miss my mother and brothers, but I cannot go back."She wants you back home."I closed my eyes and sighed. The silence was long, and Dorian hugged me to give me support. Malfoy must have guessed my thoughts because he immediately spoke before I could."Melody, she's dying. She has refused to take drugs."Damn!I'm in a fix. I can't let my mother die.Malfoy breathed into the phone. He was expecting a positive response. I know how much they must have argued with father just to make that call.I can't forsake them just because of my father. My mother doesn't deserve that."Alright, I'll come."Melody"Do you want me to come?" Dorian engulfed my waist with his hands. I leaned into his chest and let him breathe in my scent. He has asked that question over ten times since the break of dawn. "And abandon the pack?" I shook my head and declined as I've done in the past ten times he' asked the question. "With Thomas on the loose?" I reminded."I won't be abandoning the pack, I'll just.....""As long as it will hamper your duties as the alpha, I won't let you do it." As much as I wanted to have Dorian accompany us back to Shadow pack, I couldn't be selfish to take him along, especially when there's a menace out there threatening to wage a war against the pack. The council and some of Dorian's siblings thinks he's become weak since he lost his mate. Some think I became his weakness too while some thinks he's been derelict in his duties as the alpha. I couldn't prove them right by making him come along with us. Though I know that I won't have it easy by returning to the pack,
MelodyJust four years. I've been away for four years and everything has changed over here. The entire kingdom looked entirely different. From the landscapes to the scenery, to the roads. The kingdom now has several schools and hospitals. There was a park and a Diner at the heart of the Kingdom. I couldn't help but admire the place. The king's reign has been quite fruitful. There has been quite a lot of development since I was here.I smiled as I watched the place where I grew up. The fields where I usually play hide and seek with my brothers. I smiled as I traveled down memory lane. It felt like yesterday when I would be chased and caught by my brothers. We had an interesting childhood even though my father made it difficult. We were now traveling in a cab, so I watched the city through the window. "Mama, are we there yet?" Aaron's voice snapped me out of my thoughts."We're in Mallory now Son, but we aren't home yet.""Wow, Mallory is beautiful!" Aaron exclaimed as he looked
Melody"Melody, is that you?" Mother's voice cracked, bringing tears to my eyes. She was looking so pale. I ran straight into her outstretched arms and wiped the hot tears tripping down her cheek. "It really is you." She smiled and pulled me into her arms.I hugged my mother tightly, putting my pent up emotion into the hug. "Its me, Mother. It's Melody." I confirmed, tears cascading down my cheek. I missed my mother so much and as much as I have made myself strong for my pups. I couldn't help being weak at the moment. I was in my mother's arms after so long. "My baby is looking so good," Mother kissed me as if to ward off the evil eyes away from me. "You are all grown up." Mother put a tiny space between us so she could check me out. "Of course, she'll grow. She is now a mother herself." Malcolm answered for me, he used the same words I said to him. It only dawned on me then that I had my two joy bags with me.Amidst our sweet reunion, I had completely forgotten that my pups were me
MelodyAaron told everyone about Dorian and our life In the dark flame pack. Mother was overjoyed to find out how much Dorian loved and cared for us. She couldn't wait to meet him. I went outside to the garden to take a walk, giving mother time to rest. She wouldn't stop chatting with the kids. Malcolm had to steal them away to give her some time to rest and I got some time to myself. I chose to stroll around the garden because it was my favorite part of the manor. It was the only place where I don't feel suffocated.I sat in the middle of the peonies. These flowers were planted by me back when I was here. I had so much time in my hands being the unwanted child. So I spend my time planting flowers and peony happened to be my favorite.I remembered my dream of having my wedding dress adorned with peonies. A sigh escaped my lips as I laid amidst the flowers. I decided to call Dorian since I was free now. I can imagine how worried he'd be as I haven't called him. "Melody!" His voice
Derek"Your Majesty," She curtsied. Her head slightly bowed. I stared awestruck at her, totally forgetting that I have to respond to her greeting. I just couldn't believe that this was Melody. I mean, she looks so different and....and... beautiful, even mature. She has this strange aura around her that I can't quite put my head around. "Wow, Melody! It really is you!" Sophia jumped forward before I could speak, thankfully snapping me out of my daze. "How have you been, Your highness," She smiled. Gosh! That smile is....Before I could react or process what was happening around me, Miranda spoke. "So, you are Melody?" Miranda's disdainful voice was enough to bring me back from my reverie. "That's, princess Miranda. She is Derek's fiancee." Sophia said in a not so whispering voice. "Oh, my apologies your highness. I didn't know who you were." She bowed. "So, you're back now or....?" I don't know why Miranda chose to ask that, but I found interest in that question. For some reas
Melody"Where do you think you're going?" Derek caught my hand. I know he is king now and I should address him as such, but I just can't bring myself to accept a heartless man like him as the king. I raised my head to look from his hand to his face as if to confirm if he was sure that he got the right hand. Was he probably mistaking my hand for princess Miranda's? "Where do you think you're going?" He repeated, confirming my doubt. "Back to my quarters," I shrugged. I wanted him to let go of my hand, but he held tightly onto it. "I ordered you to lead the way to the Luna's chambers and you want to run off halfway?"Half way? I wanted to scoff right in his face. Who exactly was his English teacher? We were standing right inside my mother's chamber except that I was at the door. If he takes two steps further with his long legs, he'd come face to face with everyone inside, yet he thinks this is only halfway? He's got to be kidding me."This is mother's quarters, your majesty. In
DerekWhy does Melody's hand feel so strangely familiar? We've never held hands before and I'm only holding onto her right now because I can feel her impatience. She was trying to run away. She didn't want to go into her mother's chamber and I have a strong suspicion that this is related to the reason why she left the pack before. I want to find out what happened and I will stop at nothing to get my answer, even if I have to hold her hand against my wish. I rubbed my hands against hers again and I felt this familiar feeling. It felt as if I have held this hands before now. The warmth and softness of her hand reminds me of the woman I spent the night with those years ago. I know for a fact that it couldn't be Melody, but why does her hand feel so familiar? I tried to figure out why I was having this strange feeling, then her body brushed against mine as she moved to go into her mother's arms. I felt it again the tingles and this isn't from the mate bond. This is something differe
Derek"My sister already found her mate!" At first it felt as if I didn't hear him right. Did he just say that Melody found her mate? Shouldn't that be me? I mean, I know I rejected her a long time ago, but she still hasn't accepted the rejection which means our bond is still there. I'm still connected to her, so who is this new mate she's found? "She's found her mate?" I repeated like it was the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard. Well honestly, it is. How can she find her mate when I am standing right here and she hasn't found me?"Yes, he is an Alpha from across the sea." Malcolm replied with pride. He was so proud of the fact that Melody was getting married to this alpha. What's so special about getting married to an alpha, huh?'Her real mate is a king dude, why are you so enthralled by the fact that she is engaged to a mere alpha?' I wanted to shout out loud, but it will only make me sound crazy. Especially after I had rejected her. "Oh, I see." I muttered instead. My