A Late Night Visit
Heaven
The moment the dance is over, I scan the crowd searching for the infuriating blue-eyed man who has stolen my heart. Theo’s disappeared somewhere. He’s been super stubborn, but I’m ok with that. I can still feel his eyes on me often enough.
And I did hear something quite interesting at school. Apparently, I’m off limits. That amused me. After all, for someone who really wants to get over me, he’s going out of his way to make sure no one else looks at me or approaches me. Again, I’m ok with that.
Uncle Liam now smiles at me as I thank him for the dance before I slip away.
I see Sienna drinking another glass of iced water. She’s been experiencing hot flashes, and she will soon be in full-blown heat. Kataleya’s wedding has been perfect, and now the couple is about to cut the cake. I notice Leo is also missing.
Strange…
One more glance around shows all the other adults are here.
Hmm, where has he gone?
I turn back to Kataleya and Enrique as they feed each other some cake. They are a beautiful couple, and soon will be parents, too. I’m happy for them.
“Alright, girls, gather around,” Kataleya says. She’s about to throw her bouquet.
“I’m not going to get involved in that,” Allie states, crossing her arms, making a few people laugh.
“Well, I am. Come on, Heaven!” Sienna says, with an excited spark in her grey eyes.
She’s been wearing her glamour for the most part since her return from the Gods’ Realm, and even today, she has it on.
And with her heat approaching, it’s probably wise, since she already entices people with her demon form.
I allow her to pull me to the cluster of single women, even though I think we’re too young to consider marriage. But even the little girls, including Phoenix, are standing here, pushing to the front to make sure they have a good chance at catching the bouquet.
Phoenix’s expression makes me want to laugh. She has this death glare on her face as if she’s ready to go to war if she doesn’t get the bouquet.
Skyla is standing towards the back, finding it funny as Aunty Kiara pushes her forward, encouraging her to join.
Kataleya turns her back to us, her glittering dress catching the light beautifully as she begins counting. “Three… two…” She turns her head, smiling slightly before she looks away again. “One!” She tosses the bouquet as everyone cheers.
Several of the girls jump forward, trying to grab it, only for it to go propelling right towards Skyla. She grabs it on reflex, blinking in surprise.
“See, Mama, happy?” Skyla says as she waves the bouquet, smirking as some of the other women pout.
“Royce, I think this is a sign.” Aunty Kiara winks at me, making him smile as he looks at his mate. And I’m sure they’re exchanging some words privately from the look on their faces.
“Alright, now on to my favourite part,” Jose, Enrique’s Beta, says. “The garter!”
Several of the men cheer, and I hear Grandpa Alejandro grumble. “I’m all for that tradition to be skipped.”
“We don’t skip it here, Alpha Alejandro. Enrique! Come on!” someone from their pack shouts.
Kataleya blushes as Enrique kneels on one knee beside her and slides up her dress. I can’t help but blush at the intimate display in front of us, as he cups her thigh, placing her foot on his thigh as he leans forward.
“Oh my Goddess,” Allie groans, covering her eyes, as many guests cheer and catcall. I watch as Enrique places a few kisses on his blushing bride’s thigh before taking the garter in his teeth.
I see motion from the corner of my eye, and turn to see Leo join us.
Hmm, he’s alone, meaning he wasn’t with Theo…
I look back at the couple as Enrique slides it down Kataleya’s leg.
Her cheeks are hot pink as she cups the back of his head, biting her bottom lip coyly.
Just then, someone whistles loudly, and I turn, my heart skipping a beat when I see it’s none other than Theo, his usual trademark smirk plastered on his face.
Suddenly, my stomach knots with dread. I don’t know why, but I’m worried about him. It’s the way he’s smiling, the type that tells me he’s hiding something behind it.
I’m about to go over to him, but he won’t share anything with me, not with so many people watching anyway… maybe later tonight.
I turn back just in time to see Enrique throw the garter. Everyone cheers, and I crane my neck to see that Royce has caught the garter!
“How convenient!” someone calls.
“It’s a sign!”
“I had to catch it if my woman caught the bouquet,” Royce says, smiling over at Skyla, who rolls her eyes, but the smile on her face gives away what she really feels.
“I think it’s only fair you two lead the next dance,” Kataleya says as Enrique pulls her into his arms, kissing her forehead.
Everyone cheers as Royce makes his way over to Skyla, and then, to not only my surprise but everyone’s, he goes down on one knee. I instantly realise that Enrique, Kataleya and Azura were in on it from the way they exchanged looks.
Skyla’s eyes widen slightly. “What…”
“Will you do me the honour of becoming my wife, Love?” he asks quietly, taking out a dark green velvet ring box as silence fills the room. “Because you are all I want. Now, and forever.”
There’s a moment of silence as Royce’s sister gasps, and then Skyla nods vigorously.
“Yes. Yes! I’ll fucking marry you!” Skyla says as she throws her arms around Royce’s neck, throwing him to the ground as she kisses him. Someone covers Kai’s eyes, and I see Kaden giggling as Mama sends a spiral of fireworks into the sky.
I smile as I cheer along with everyone, giggling silently as Aunty Kiara strokes Grandpa Alejandro’s arm to calm him down. I look around at the happy faces, wishing Jayce were here. He’s the only one missing.
“How did you know I’d say yes?” Skyla asks teasingly.
“I might have asked for some advice on that,” Royce admits.
“It was the girls, wasn’t it? You guys knew, didn’t you?” Skyla smiles as she looks over at Kataleya and Azura, who are both grinning as Royce helps her to her feet.
“Obviously!” Azura says as Kataleya nods. “And Kat suggested today.”
“Thanks,” Skyla says. “Mama, did you know?”
“No!” Aunty Kiara says, fighting back her tears. Skyla smiles before turning back to Royce. “And FYI… I’d say yes to whatever you ask for, Magic Fingers.” She kisses him passionately as others break into applause.
I sense someone watching me and turn just in time to catch Theo’s eye. Everything around me seems to fade, and it’s just him and me, and before he can look away, I give him a small smile. Not one of stubborn defiance or to tease him, just a small, genuine smile that asks for nothing in return.
His smirk fades slightly, and he looks away. My own smile fades as I turn my attention back to the couple as Royce places the ring on her finger.
Theo, you’re worrying me.
The music begins playing as Skyla and Royce begin dancing, and slowly, others begin joining the dance floor. But despite the beautiful warmth of the evening, something about Theo has left me feeling uneasy.
Tonight, once everyone is asleep, I’m going to talk to him.
It’s late at night, and I’m struggling to sleep.
We’ve all been given rooms in Enrique’s parents’ villa.
Allie and the rest of her family are staying at Kataleya’s home; Kataleya and Enrique have now gone away.
The Westwoods, the Nicholsons and the rest of the Rossis are here too, and I’m lucky I’m staying in the same place as the Westwoods.
I’m just waiting for everyone to fall asleep so I can go find Theo.
I know he got his own room, so did Ares, leaving Carter and Renji to share.
But people are still up and awake. When finally the distant hum of chatter dies down, I feel a little relieved. I’m tired after the long day, but I refuse to sleep until I’ve spoken to him.
I crack open my eyes, staring at the glowing digits of the clock that sits on the bedside table.
It’s already past one in the morning… I’ll give it half an hour.
I close my eyes, waiting. It’s barely been a few minutes when I hear my door unlock with a quiet click. I had locked the door.
I send a wisp of my magic towards it, but I can’t sense anyone as the door ever so quietly opens. Instantly, I focus on keeping my breathing level and my heart rate steady. Activating a protection spell without even thinking.
It could be Sienna; in the dark, she can’t be sensed, but she’s not the kind to sneak into my room. So, who is it? I’m alert, even as I pretend to sleep. I’ve practised this for years, and it’s not hard.
Quiet, yet calculated, footsteps reach my ears, and then the door shuts, the door locking behind whoever has entered. Then more footsteps. This time, I realise from the sound of the footsteps that it’s a man. I can make that out by the way they’re walking, and realisation hits me.
It’s Theo.
It takes everything in me not to react, refusing to let my body respond in any way, as I lie here ‘sleeping’ peacefully.
But my mind is racing.
What is he even doing here?
Did he want to talk?
I feel his gaze on me, searing into me as it always does.
The way I love. I’m extremely aware of the fact that I don’t have my sheet pulled over me, as it’s quite hot.
All I’m wearing is my cotton white shorts with hot pink flowers, with a matching bandeau crop top.
And just the thought of his eyes on me makes a wave of heat wash over me.
I resist the urge to move, but it’s not easy. He’s just standing there, and I’m so curious as to why he’s here.
He sighs softly, the sound heavy, as if something is weighing on his mind. Then I feel a coolness wash over me, and realise it’s his mist. Is he trying to make sure I’m asleep?
But the barrier I’ve activated is doing its job, partially anyway, because although it’s seeping through the crack, I’m awake. It’s obvious he isn’t using his full power, but I’m beginning to feel drowsy. Whatever he’s doing is beginning to work, breaching my barrier.
No! I refuse to sleep.