The Rejected Luna’s Prince By Aurora Archer
Chapter 56 – Walk Through The Woods
(Willa)
The next day was thankfully our last. I was excited to get back home and see Emmett.
We checked in with my parents to make sure they were ready to go. I took one last look around this house, my home, and my emotions swelled. It felt like I was losing a part of me somehow, even though I knew the memories would remain and what was to come would be so much better.
The thought of putting this behind me was something I had never imagined.
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Caspien gave me some space to look back through my childhood room. I reminisced on all the memories and focused on the good ones.
I relieved the happy memories of growing up here, feeling their warmth, and cataloged them.
Caspien and I walked through the pack grounds one last time after saying our temporary goodbyes to my parents.
“Can we take a walk through the woods?” I asked him.
“It would be my p.leasure to escort you,” He squeezed my hand.
I led him to one of my favorite paths; we walked silently until the trees enveloped us.
“This used to be my favorite place,” I admitted.
This walk was one I took when I needed to think through things, if I was feeling down, or if I just needed time to myself.
I looked around and smelled the scent of warm earth and the last few blossoms of honeysuckle. I tilted my face towards the sun and let it envelop me. Warmth settled over me and radiated off my bare skin.
I savored it.
Being in the city was nice, but I missed this. I missed being this close and connected to the earth.
When I opened my eyes, I reached for Caspien but didn’t see him next to me.
Turning around, I almost bumped into him on the ground.
“Uh, hi,” He said.
I looked down at him, placing my arms on his shoulders, “What are you doing?”
“Trying to propose,” He frowned, looking away and fidgeting.
“Oh. I’m sorry, go on,” I bit down on my lip, trying not to laugh.
“Willa,” He looked at me seriously before a wide smile parted his lips, “Well. F*uc*k Willa, you know how I feel about you. Will you be mine in every way possible?”
“Yes,” I almost shouted; I was so surprised, but happiness flooded through me in waves; it was a tangible thing and lit me up from the inside.
I knelt down to him and wrapped my arms around his neck, touching my forehead to his.
“Okay,” He breathed, “Good.” He gave me a smile and took my hand in his.
He slipped something on it, and I looked down. It almost took my breath away. On my ring finger was a large oval diamond. I twisted it to see it was set on a thin gold band with some etchings and swirls.
“Family band,” He muttered. He didn’t seem like his usual confident self, “The engravings are hard to see now, its been passed down for centuries. If you don’t like it, I can update it.” He frowned.
“I love it,” I looked at him, “You didn’t have to.”
“I wanted to.” His icy blue eyes fixed on mine.
“Did you plan this?” I asked, not able to look away from him.
Not that this wasn’t a great spot, but it seemed random.
“I had the ring made ages ago,” He lowered his hands to the small of my back, “Okay, well, weeks ago. I was just waiting for the right time. I didn’t want it to feel staged.” He frowned, “I really didn’t plan on it to happen here. I’m sorry if that muddled things.”
I leaned up to k*iss both edges of his frown.
“This place still means so much to me. I’m glad that I get to share it with you.” I replied, making his anxious stare meet mine again.
“I asked your dad and Emmett, by the way,” He looked at me, “They both said yes.”
I laughed at that, “Of course they did,” I brought a hand to his cheek and ran it through his short beard.
“Willa, I want this. I want you in every way. You are mine.”
___
I felt more confident than ever walking out of the Blue Ridge packhouse, finally on our way home.
No part of me wanted the life that I was promised here. I knew that already, but it was different actually to come back and see it. See how much I changed and how this place and people didn’t.
Nolan and Camilla were standing at the front to send off their guests. When they saw us, Camilla was shifted on her feet but glared at me as if I did something to offend her personally. Nolan was wearing a tight frown.
“Alpha Nolan, Luna Camilla,” I started plastering a bright smile on my face, “Thank you for your hospitality. This weekend has been refreshing.” I couldn’t think of a better word, but it fit. Camilla looked down, but I saw her gaze snag on my ring.
Nolan’s parents appeared out of nowhere. They must have been waiting for us.
“Let us know,” Hugo reached out a hand, and Caspien shook it, then he smiled down at me.
“I will, but it’s up to him. I can’t promise anything, and it might not be for a while.” I explain honestly. I wanted to get Emmett settled before I even mentioned the convoluted history with his s.perm donor and his parents.
Camilla’s face contorted in shock as she stared at Hugo, realizing what he was implying. Nolan looked angry but had the good sense not to say anything. Natalie was silent for once in her life, not able to meet her son’s eyes, and I relished it.
“Thank you for hosting us,” Caspien said, regaining the attention of everyone, “And don’t worry about the incident with the dress,” He went on talking to Camilla, ” I already ordered her a new wardrobe full of his originals.” Camilla’s lips met in a tight line and she took a shaky breath through her nose.
He turned to me, frowning slightly, “Don’t be mad, darling, but you’ll have to go to a fitting again. I know you hate these royal duties, but he insisted that you come to his private office so he can design pieces specifically around you.” He sighed, “If it makes you feel better, go shopping afterward. Take the jet, of course.”
I looked at him and tried to suppress the smile, “Might pass on that monotony,” I raised an eyebrow.
You think you’re funny, huh? – I linked him
I was met with a swift k*iss and a smile.
“We will be back to discuss the other matters at hand,” Caspiens voice dropped lower as he turned back to our hosts.
“What matters?” Camilla’s voice was high-pitched and shaky.
Caspien raised a brow at them as if they were s.tupid and led me out.
We had no intention of claiming Emmett’s birthright, but they didn’t need to know that, not yet, at least.