Chapter 394: Tell me who it was
The next morning, when Dominick woke up, he recalled everything from the last night. He looked for Juniper, who was not on the bed. Turning his head, he found her on the recliner, a thin blanket covering her.
Getting down from the bed, he walked to her and bent a little to carry Juniper in his arms. While doing so, he made sure he wouldn’t disturb her sleep. As he carefully laid her down on the bed, Juniper’s brows furrowed slightly. But her sleep didn’t break.
Dominick brushed away the strands that rested over her cheek. ’I think I made a mistake. June and I’ve been together for eight years. She was waiting for the wedding day so eagerly. Yet, I let Casaio take that day, thinking nothing would happen. But June is hurt.’
Simply staring at her face, he contemplated further, ’If June has to expose Zilia’s past, she could have done it earlier. I don’t think she will ever do it. I have to trust my mate. I love her and there shouldn’t be an ounce of doubt in it.’
Staying like that for a few more minutes, Dominick finally went to the washroom. He had a hot water bath to calm his senses. After freshening up, he changed into the outfit that Juniper gifted him not long ago.
As he returned to the room, his eyes found Juniper standing near the window, sighing as gentle morning breeze blew. He fiddled with his fingers as he walked slowly towards her.
"You got drunk last night. Do you know what you’ve told Gabriel?" Juniper asked, not turning around.
"I am sorry," Dominick apologized immediately. "I should have told you that Casaio had chosen the same day to surprise Zilia with the marriage. I failed to understand what you might have been feeling in that moment."
Juniper turned around and gazed at him in confusion. "Does that matter now? Everything is already in ruins," she muttered.
"I will make it up for you," he began, again resuming his walk. "Let’s do what you want. We will go for our honeymoon as you want. Casaio can take the help of the other wolves to take down the beta hunters."
He stopped and grasped her both hands. "June, I was feeling betrayed, you know. I thought I knew everything about you. I never witnessed the other side of you before this. But I love you. You should know that I have always loved you."
Juniper looked away, her eyes brimming with tears. "Do you even mean it? Last day you were so upset with me. You didn’t care what I’ve been feeling. Suddenly, you are saying all of this. It’s just hilarious that you realized I did get hurt badly."
Dominick held her chin, gently moving her face to him. "And what about you? You went straight to Zilia to say all of that on her face. What if she had gone to my parents and spoke about it? Who would have been affected the most? You and I. My anger stemmed from the words you said in that moment. I did come after you, but I lost it the moment you spoke to Zilia with such a harsh tone. I know you’re hurt, but that doesn’t mean you can bring anyone’s past like that. Understand that."
Juniper chose to remain silent.
"I’m sorry for hurting you," he said again, this time pulling into his embrace. His hand rested on the back of her head as he shut his eyes.
Juniper lifted her hands and put them on his back, embracing him too.
~~~~
Raiden sipped his morning tea in the garden. His eyes skimmed the newspaper, but before he could turn another page, a familiar presence brushed against him.
"Good morning, Dad!" Katelyn’s cheerful voice rang out as she approached, holding a tiny white flower delicately between her fingers.
Raiden tilted his head, a warm smile softening his stern features. "Good morning."
Lester, ever efficient, stepped forward, taking the newspaper from the Alpha King’s hands. He folded it neatly before retreating a step back.
"Here, for you. I randomly picked it," Katelyn said with a playful grin, slipping the small flower into the pocket of her father’s blazer.
Raiden’s smile deepened at her gesture. He gestured toward the chair across from him. "Have tea with me."
Katelyn nodded, settling gracefully into the seat. As the maid poured a steaming cup for her, Raiden’s voice broke the comfortable silence.
"How is everything going with Sage?"
"It’s going good," Katelyn replied softly, her eyes lowering for just a moment.
Raiden studied his daughter’s expression. Something unspoken lingered in her gaze. With a subtle flick of his hand, he dismissed Lester. The butler bowed and left, the maid following closely behind, leaving father and daughter alone.
Katelyn took a slow sip before lowering the cup on the saucer.
"You don’t seem to be honest with me. I’m your father. Don’t you think you should tell me what’s in your heart? It’s not like I’ll scold you or anything for speaking the truth," Raidan asserted. "You’re still not happy about my decision, are you?"
"Dad, I hoped I could have found a mate like my brothers did. I know your promise holds a weight to Sage’s father," Katelyn stated. "Only two weeks left, then I’ll tell you my decision."
"I think I already know your answer. You will say no to Sage," Raidan replied. "Do you have anyone in your heart? Tell me. I will make sure you marry that person."
Katelyn’s eyes lit up to hear that. "What if the man doesn’t like me? It’s too late, Dad, for everything. Honestly, he never saw me as a woman, so it doesn’t matter anymore."
"Who? You liked someone and you hid it from me!" Raidan felt hurt.
"That’s because I thought you would be upset with me. I didn’t like an alpha as you expected from me. It was a beta, who stole my heart. But Dad, I have stopped my feelings for him. Besides, I told you he never liked me."
"Who did you like? At least tell me who it was," Raidan urged.