AUTHOR'S POV
"What happened?", Diana could only cry more tears, with her nose and cheeks reddened, eyes swollen and lips drying out. She lifted her chin at Scott feeling that uncommon chills of getting a hunch right as she hears such terrible news.
"Isavelle is the only witness. Yet, she's still shaken and haven't spoke ever since... And the card that you gave me, it matched Emilia's deck of cards. Her husband said it's the only one missing.", Scott moved his chair closer to Diana, embracing his Luna who's just staring with her welled up eyes. "All the guests on that day were held for questioning. They are verifying the current guests from the previous list when an nagual was there too.", he added. AS of the moment, there were no matches at all. It is as if, the nagual made a sneaky entrance at the island during that time when Diana was attacked. Thus, at the murder of Emilia, there's little to no evidence at all giving it an almost flawless execution of a perfect murder.
"It's Emilia's? Are you saying... my mother went to the island? Did someone invited her over?", Diana was left completely dumbstruck, with her jaw dropping down to the floor. "Aren't there any security cameras?", Diana asked, hoping a tough evidence is secured to prove either the innocence or the involvement of her mother.
"The security cameras caught a glimpse of the intruder. It's blurry, and we're still having some experts to help us clear it out", he added. "And no, your mother, is not on the list of the guests in the island.", Scott is as perplexed as Diana on how Emilia's tarot card was found in Alva's belongings. Thus, her connection with Emilia's death is still being investigated as the pack and the island authorities explicitly lace every single detail related to Emilia's murder.
"Poor Emilia.. poor children", Diana leaned on Scott's shoulder, remembering the happy faces of the twins, and the warmth in Emilia's smiles.
"She's a nice wolf. No enemies, lots of friends.. Blends well with other people. As how we are devastated with such a tragic loss, we are one with grief with the ones she left", Scott soothe Diana's arms, calming her down.
"My mother… she probably knows something", Diana mumbled, given the fact that Emilia's tarot card was found in Alva's belongings. At some point, Diana wondered if the WHEEL OF FORTUNE tarot card, the one that fell out of Emilia's pocket when they first met warning of bad luck, was intended for her or for the poor island steward. She wondered, if she hadn't told her mother about her, will Emilia be still alive today? Why was she killed in the first place? Her thoughts rambled in her head, as she bite her nails. Saddened with the fact that Isavelle had to witness such horrible state of their beloved mother, Diana could only worry more about the child's safety. "Where's the children now?, Diana said as she look up to Scott.
"They are safe with the Trevors.." Scott noticed how already exhausted Diana is from so much crying. A lot has happened in one day, and there are so much for her to bear. "We might invite your mother for questioning, Diana..".
"I know", she answered sadly.
Scott cupped her cheek, as he let her look into his eyes. "I don't expect you to trust me so easily. Just so you know, I wont let anything happen to you. And your mother, she's still innocent until proven guilty", Scott could only speak positively about her mother despite he is shrouded with uncertainty on Alva's her real character. He then kissed her forehead, and hugged her even more.
"I know..", she gave Scott a peck on the cheek with her droopy eyes trying to stay awake.
"Let's have more of these tomorrow", With Diana looking worn out, Scott have decided to call it a night. He stood up and carried Diana in his arms, like a weightless bird tucked in his chest. In a steady gait, he brought Diana up in her room and laid her down on the bed. Without protest, Diana slipped under the plain white king-sized duvet and snugged in the soft white pillow in a ruffled pillowcase.
Scott dimmed the lights of the bedside lamps before leaving the room for Diana. Just then, Diana grabbed his hand, as he was about to turn away. "Don't leave", she whispered. Scott sat down beside Diana, as he brush her hair gently with his fingers. "The wolves will protect you, sleep tight", Scott said as he gently tap her shoulders with his palm, humming his favorite lullabye.
"Wolves..", Diana mumbled as she goes off to dreamland.
DIANA POV
It's pitch dark. I'm running barefooted in the forest under the red moon that seemed to follow me wherever I go. Catching my breath with every stride I make, I didn't care about the bushes hitting my body and my face. The leaves were rustling so hard as the strong winds blew. I heard Lucas screaming my name, telling me to run as fast as I could. I can feel my heart pound from fear as I trudge on the cold wet ground not knowing where my feet leads me. I tripped down on my knees, and when I looked back, I heard a deafening howl that sent all my hair raising. I stood up and ran again, until I noticed a large entity swiftly moving across me. I stopped and hid behind a tree. I could feel my body shaking from the cold and terror, waiting for the next thing that will happen. When I peek, an enormous monster with a head of a wolf suddenly growled and pounced on me..
I opened my eyes and woke up sweating so much, clutching on the duvet with my heart pounding like a drum. Everything felt so real. The stormy air circling. The sloughy ground under my feet. I could even taste the terror in my throat. I can't believe that even in my dreams, I'd be haunted with imminent perils.
I looked beside me and saw Scott is still in deep slumber. He didn't leave, thankfully. If not for this man, I would've woken up with a headache from that realistic nightmare. Laying on my side, watching him sleep with lines forming on his forehead. I looked closely and studied his face. He's extraordinarily breathtaking even when asleep. I brushed my finger on his long lashes, down to his lips. I gasped softly remembering giving him my first kiss last night, something I didn't regret doing.
The imprint may be one of the mysterious ways why it feels like I'm easily drawn to him. His lingering stares were like gravity that pulls me closer, wanting me to feel the comfort of his touch. The sweet sides of his lips, almost irritatingly charming, had its own allure sending me that overwhelming desire to own them. How could something that's seems wrong, feel so right?
Slowly drawing back without waking Scott, I could see the clear dawn as the sun gradually glow in the sky by the slightly covered window just right ahead of the bed. Being a morning person, I stood on my feet and went to the bathroom to begin my day. Looking at myself in the mirror, I saw how puffy my eyes were from crying last night. So many revelations were unfolded yesterday that I don't even know where to start. I wouldn't want to rely on Scott all the time, that I should find the courage to face them all one at a time. Nevertheless, not getting emotional at every overwhelming situation may not be easy as mustering all my courage. I've always been a crybaby, and my mother hated that. My tears may have been used to falling down my cheeks, that's why whether I'm happy or sad, they always appear. Then again, with tears or not, I should face my fears.
I washed my face and brushed my teeth. It was then that I noticed that there's another toothbrush at the side of the sink. Looks like Scott is also settled in. I patted my face dry and put on a robe. Today is a new day. A new day for more rounds of daily fray.
I ran down the stairs and as I descend a floor, the peacefulness that's radiating in the new home Scott gave me dawned on me. The faint soft light coming in through the windows. The blissful silence in the sophisticated simplicity of every detail. A seclusion away from it all. He delivered a new world of my own at my feet. Something I cannot do for myself. Somewhere in the corners of the house, I wondered if I deserve this fresh start? The last time I tried to explore outside my comfort zone, bad things happened. And so, I can't help but doubt such rash decision.
I decided to make breakfast. I made eggs, sausages and pancakes for Scott. Rather than the usual tea that I drink, I tried to copy the tea which Scott makes me. I like Scott's tea. It's aromatic, mouthfeel, and had a unique taste from the dried tea leaves and flowers. It made me feel that trying something new is not too bad. I wet my lips before tasting the tea that I made. It doesn't taste exactly as he does, I said out loud when suddenly I felt his arms wrap around my waist. "You awake?", I asked putting down the teacup and rested my hands on his arms on my belly.
"Hmm..", he hummed feeling his body vibrate on my back. "You're so cold", he buried his face in my hair.
"Come, let's have breakfast", I said tapping his arms as I face him. I was almost taken aback when he kissed me straight away.
He lifted me up and placed me on top of the counter as he kiss me tenderly. I kissed him back, tasting the peppermint toothpaste that he brushed his teeth with. He pushed his warm tongue in my mouth, circling and playing with mine as he nibble my lips. As we move to a more passionate kiss, I felt uncomfortable when he started kissing me roughly. He grunted lowly, biting and sucking on my lips until it felt sore. I stopped and held his face, pulling him away. "Slow down Scott.. what's the matter?".
He buried his face in my neck, as I feel ticklish with his warm breath. "I had a bad dream. I thought I lost you. When I woke up, you weren't by my side..", he said as I feel his heart beating so fast.
"I'm just right here, I'm not going anywhere", I wrapped my arms around his neck and tapped his back gently. "Come, I made breakfast", I added as I get down the counter. I pulled him to the table and saw him chuckle softly at my dish.
"You cooked this?", hiding his laugh.
"Who else?", I pouted my lips.
"I never thought that Dr. Diana Woodsworth have a weakness", he stared at my crusted fried eggs, toasted sausages and soggy pancakes.
"If you don't want it, don't eat it", I rolled my eyes taking the plate.
"No! This is mine", Scott swat my hand and slid the plate in front of him. He happily ate my dish even if it was looking horrible like a rubbish.
"So?", I leaned forward and lifted my brows looking forward on how it taste.
"It's not that bad", Scott said as he smack his lips and smiled at me, chomping on my dish and licking his fingers.
"It's good?", I wondered.
"Okay… it's bad", he laughed so hard but still continued eating my dish. "The eggs were too salty, the pancakes were bitter but.. I don't know..", he paused, licked his lips with a smirk, before he finish it all up. "I still liked it."
"I hate you", I rolled my eyes and took his empty plate to the sink. Hearing his contagious laugh made me forget all my dilemmas. The simplicity of us having breakfast together make a very happy memory, making it the best early meal I've had in my life. I never thought that sharing a meal with the one you like, can be this good. Scott really has his nice ways of making me feel better, and safe I suppose. "So.. Can I ask something?".
"Hit me", he said, as pour himself a glass of water.
"I was almost bitten by Calvin last night. Didn't your Alpha senses picked that up?", I finally asked.
"HE WHAT?" Scott dropped the glass of water, spilling the liquids on the table as he give me a scowl. His eyes were as round as the plates, with veins on his neck rooting up.
I stammered, unsure if I should continue. But the look in his searing gaze forced the words to come out of my mouth. "He.. he almost bit me. Thank heavens, Kate arrived on time", I answered, as we both stayed unfazed while the spilled water on the table drip down the floor.
"Why didn't you tell me?", he roared in madness, scaring the hell out of me. Startled, I flinched, with my back hitting the counter. My heart raced as I held my breath, seeing Scott all worked up. Then, his eyes softened, that the tensed muscles on his arms relaxed. He pushed his chair back, rushed towards me, and knelt on my feet.
"I'm sorry.. I'm not angry at you.. Don't be scared", he held my hands, showering them with kisses. His skin is hot to touch, that I could still some of veins pumping out of his skin. "I don't what's going on, but my Alpha senses seem to be not working completely with you".