RUBY DOUGLAS
11
King Gavin didn’t return the previous night. And I didn’t sleep a wink that night. The jealousy billowing inside me made it hard to rest or to think of anything else other than Gavin and Denise spending a blissful night together somewhere quite private and special.
I wasn’t supposed to care. Gavin had a life. A king was never a one–woman type of man and had he not made it clear he didn’t want to disappoint me when this all ended?
Heaving a sigh, I stepped out of the car, blessing the middle–aged chauffeur with a dazzling smile.
Being a part of the king’s all–exclusive team meant being present at most of the warriors‘ gatherings. Attending this Seminar alone without Drew or Gavin sticking somewhere close was pretty unnerving. Especially with how condescending these men treated me.
Luckily, I spotted Kirk in the vast hall in a light conversation with Nathan and two other men from Gavin’s troop. The hall was crowded with pack defenders, so many men gathered around in one hallowed hall.
Even though I knew some of the men from Syzygy Pack were only going to pick on me, I walked through the aisle summoning all the nerves I could gather.
Some of the men on my path surprisingly paved the way for me, some of them broke their necks as they craned to get an ceric view of me. Their eyes conveyed a silent message.
It wasn’t until I reached the left wing of the hall did I spot Drew who beckoned on me to join him in the honor seats.
But I had to pass through Nathan before I could get there.
Nathan paused mid–sentence, his face fell when he regarded me. No trace of hate in his gaze, nothing to suggest he wasn’t pleased to see me here. All he did was nod politely and excused himself from Kirk. Towards me!
I hastily made it towards Drew but he cut across to me and lightly grabbed my arm.
“The king’s assistant says the king wanted me to attend this Seminar.” I spluttered, heart racing in fear of being hurt. As usual.
Nathan threatened me to never show up anywhere close to the defenders. However, Drew wanted me to attend this Seminar so as to be enlightened on the state of the attacks and defense system.
Nathan flailed his hand in the air and I flinched, securing my face with the arch of my arm, but he only swiped his forehead, cussed, and muttered, “Look, Ruby, I must apologize for what happened at the Pack’s training ground.”
His soft gaze matched his tone and apology.
My mouth dropped to the floor. No, this wasn’t real. I searched his gaze to catch a glimpse of sarcasm, scorns, anything to show this was one of his taunts. There was none.
In the hall filled with the low rumbles of men, Nathan’s apology was all I heard. Dumbstruck to my bones.
“I understand if you can’t forgive…”
“I do!” I exclaimed, a small smile tugged at the edges of my lips, “It’s just weird. People don’t say they’re sorry to me.” Especially after hurting me.
The sound of the speakers died down the murmurs in the hall, interrupting what Nathan was about to say. He offered me a huge grin, winked, and walked away leaving me grinning from ear to ear.
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16:04 Fri, 11 Apr NA
Chapter 23
“You look happy,” Drew noted when I settled beside him.
“Did you see me talk with Alpha Nathan?” I asked to be certain this wasn’t just one of
my
reveries,
“Is that why you’re this happy?”
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I rolled expressive eyes at his arched brow. “It has always been my dream to have my mate speak nicely to me.”
“Nathan’s your mate?”
Why did everyone sound so shocked when I broke the news?
“He rejected me but it’s starting to feel like he’s coming to his senses. Did you see him wink at me?” I giggled merrily, “I must look pretty today. How do I look?”
I fluttered my lashes and waited for Drew to confirm the thoughts in my head.
“Like the girl who stole from my apartment.” He sneered.
I stuck out my tongue, “I want to be your friend so I’m never going to steal from you or anyone else again. No matter how tempting it is. Can we be friends?”
I stretched out my hand for a handshake to seal the deal but Gavin walked in through the reserved entrance, capturing my attention like no other, knocking the air from my lungs.
How did he look so darn good every time?
“You don’t want flies in your mouth.” Drew whispered.
What? Oh!
I sucked in a breath and slammed my lips. My eyes focused on and loved his powerful image as he took gallant steps to his seat. Settled his hardened body in it and then his gaze shot our way. Speared mine, and lingered a while before he looked away to Drew.
Drew gathered a file and left to hand over the minutes of the seminar to him. Returning shortly.
“Was Gavin with you last night?” I whispered below the sound of the speakers. Drew gave me a disgruntled stare, “I just want to know if he was with Denise. They were to have dinner.” I chuckled dryly. Drew chose silence. I didn’t quit, “Is Denise your boss’s girlfriend?”
“That’s not why you’re on this team.” He chided. “Gossip doesn’t have a place here.”
“They’re cheating on each other,” I went on regardless, “Denise cheats with this soldier from Syzygy, his name’s Marcus. While Gavin cheats on her with…”
“Your mouth could land you in a deep puddle you can’t swim from.” He snapped, “Stop saying things that are none of your business.”
“You’re no fun talking to.” I huffed and remained quiet.
I turned my attention to the podium, listening without hearing a word one of the commanders of Syzygy Pack was saying. All I could focus on was Gavin Ackerman. He looked better than the rest of the men in the building.
He made me feel safe and sound.
Gavin looked lost in his thoughts, his fingers strummed quietly on the armrest. Once in a while, he’ll discreetly glance at his phone. A message from Denise. Perhaps? Why did his features suddenly brighten up?
ve ever imagined. Watching her from where I sat, she looked happy and content.
