Twenty Four
Once she was out of sight, Graham turned to them, frowning. That was the first time she'd ever seen him looking annoyed.
"Ruby, what was that?" He asked in a cold tone.
"Just as she said."
Emma felt bad for letting Ruby handle Graham alone, but her attitude was clearly telling her to stay out of it, and she remembered Elena's words. Graham and Ruby stared at each other for a few seconds, and she wondered if the alpha would interrogate her again, but against Emma's expectations, he didn't ask anything else. Instead, he took a deep breath, regaining his composure, and turned towards Emma.
"Sorry about that, Princess. Anyway, you look lovely! I hope you have a great date tonight with my brother. Enjoy your birthday."
His words sounded a bit empty, and she couldn't help but think that his mind was somewhere else. She almost had forgotten about the salons staff around them after all her talking with Elena, but they quietly and swiftly resumed working once Graham exited. Emma remained silent and waited for a while before she turned to Ruby.
"That scared me..."
"Don't worry. I doubt he would do anything to Elena. But let's be more careful next time. It might not be Graham that shows up."
Emma nodded. It usually didn't end well for a werewolf trespassing on other clans territory. Elena did seem pretty confident, but Emma still wouldn't bet she was totally out of danger by being there. The lady behind her clicked her tongue when Emma turned her hair to talk to Ruby, but she ignored her.
"Is the Opal Moon territory far from here?"
Ruby shuck her head and scratched the nape of her neck while thinking.
"Not really. They are mostly located on the Art District and around the University grounds. But they are affiliated with the White Moon clan, which is even bigger actually, so they can walk freely on most of North end. They have lots of good bars and restaurants with live music. They are usually tolerated on the Black Moon turf though, as long as they don't push it."
Of course. If the other packs members weren't tolerated on the Black and Eclipse Moon turfs, a third of the inhabitants wouldn't be able to take a step in the city. Usually, everyone tried to stay on their own land, but for several reasons, an estranged wolf can walk freely on another packs turf, as long as they have a good reason for it. Most of the time it was for work, or the young ones who go to school in the city. What could raise suspicions was if a wolf adventured too far alone and unannounced on another territory like Elena had done. Basically, once on another packs turf, any wolf was at mercy of that pack. They didn't need a reason to attack; they made their own rules on their domain. Which made her wonder how Elena would be able to meet her again.
Emma was lost in her thoughts while another woman came to do her makeup. As her preparations went on, Ruby asked if she wanted a cup of tea, but she politely declined. She knew Ruby was just trying to help ease her mind, but she still had a hard time processing everything she'd just learned.
The child of a Royal? How could that be? She looked at her reflection in the large mirror facing her. Was it even possible? Until then, she didn't even know Royals still existed in their day and age. Then Elena came in and stated that Emma was related to such a legend. As a mixed child. Did her father know? If so, why did he take her from her mother? Was she killed along with the Royal family?
Somehow, Emma felt a hole in her heart whenever she thought of her birth mother. Was it because she never really got alone with the one who raised her? She wondered if she looked like her. She was probably the one with green eyes. Emma wanted to know more about her, but where did she start? Elena seemed to have more information, but Emma had nothing.
And what about Killian? Elena advised to not tell him a thing, but why? If she really was a child of a Royal, she wished she could tell him. Emma wanted to ask Ruby, but there were too many ears around them, so she held it in. Anyway, it is all too sudden. She needed to think about it.
Lost in her thoughts again, time past by quickly. When her makeup was finally finished, Blue walked in just in time to witness it.
Emma stood in the middle of the salon wearing the very pretty winter dress Blue had given her as a birthday gift, paired with Graham's amazing shoes. If she was being truly honest, she loved what she saw in the mirror, though she could barely recognise herself. With the heels, Emma didn't seem so petite anymore, and the dress that fit her perfectly, made her more feminine than ever. The sea blue colour, with its silver ribbon and pearls around the waist, how it stopped at her knees. Perfect.
Her hair was very nicely done as well, giving her light curls an elegant but natural look. The makeup was light, too, with a bit of blush over her cheeks, a touch of mascara and camellia pink lips.
The girl facing her was really pretty, and Emma felt a bit embarrassed staring at herself. But behind her, the sisters were both smiling.
"Very pretty."
"Pretty? She is stunning!" Claimed Blue.
Emma didn't know what to say, so she just whispered some why thanks.
It was then that she started to feel anxious. Seeing herself all ready and dressed up reminded her that she was about to have a date with Killian. Her very first real date! She was both excited and nervous... And she had no idea what he had in store for her. Emma felt like she barely knew him already; how could she guess what plans he had made for their night together?
As she suspected, Blue was driving her to the rendezvous. In the car, Emma was as anxious as one could be, and no one spoke. The girls from the Red Moon clan always argued about romantic moonlight strolls, going to the movies, or candlelit dinners. It was a bit hard to imagine Killian doing any of those.
Blue put some music on the radio, and Emma tried to let herself relax.
About half an hour later, it was already dark outside when they stopped at a location she didn't recognise. It was pretty quiet, actually, except for the sounds of the seashore.
Why were they at the waterfront? The last time she was close to the sea, it didn't end well. But the atmosphere was quite different.
Blue covered her up with a large white fur coat, and they walk a couple of steps to face a large boat.
Correction, a superb white yacht, with its lights on and elegant wooden flooring. Pushing Emma gently, Ruby helped her onboard while she was still in awe. She'd never been on a boat before, and it was a private yacht to boot! She took shy steps inside, but the sisters didn't follow behind her, staying on the dock. She wanted to ask them why, but they just gestured for her to go on without them.
Emma's wolf detected five- no, six people inside as she slowly walked in, though she couldn't see anyone. But that didn't really matter, because her heart was already thumping loudly. Her wolf felt his presence, and that was all she could focus on. A romantic song was floating in the air, coming from the deck, so she headed that way. It was all so intriguing.
Once she finally reached the deck, Emma was left completely speechless.
As if in a dream-like setting, the deck was decorated with small pastel coloured flowers and fairy lights all over. On the floor, there was a thin layer of snow, perfectly even and white. In the middle of it, a wooden table was set for two, with white napkins, crystal glasses, and silverware, with a centrepiece composed of candles, sand and seashells. All of it was arranged in an elegant, but intimate, and unbelievably romantic setting.
Everything was absolutely perfect.
And in the frame of the incredible sight, stood Killian.
Emma found him more handsome than ever. As always, he was wearing only dark clothes, but this time it was a jet black costume, with a silver tie matching his glowing eyes. He appeared effortlessly handsome standing there, and she found herself falling for him once again. His muscular figure, the marble-chiseled traits, his thin lips... He'd even got a fresh haircut and a clean, short stubble beard.
How could one be so strikingly stunning?
Emma was tearing up when she walked up to him. He caught her hand, entangling his fingers with hers as their faces came close. Their eyes met, and she felt happier than ever. Emma's heart was so warm and loud she felt like it might explode at any given moment. Killian's eyes, locked onto hers, sheening love on her. How could such an icy gaze make one burn with feelings at the same time?
Before they could say a word, his lips found hers, and they lost themselves in a long, tender and passionate kiss. He was passionate but gentle. Emma followed his rhythm, answering his kiss with more confidence than before. The taste on her lips was addicting, and she didn't want to stop. Ever. She kissed him back, putting her free hand on his chest. Emma didn't need air. She just wanted his breath against hers.
She felt Killian's hand sliding through her hair, his fingers playing with her curls like he loved to. He grasped and held it, keeping her close enough to melt under his embrace. Winter meant nothing. She felt herself burning from the mans delightful kiss, almost like she could get drunk on it.
When their moment finally came to an end, Killian held her close against him, and his lips slowly slid all the way to her ear to say a whisper.
"Happy birthday, Emma."
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All I can say is that I am so sorry it took this long to get a damn date. BUT ITS HERE. Well, the start of it, but fear not, much more is yet to come!
It's currently 11:30pm and I've tried to type this out as quick as I possible could for you guys, so PLEASE excuse any typing errors and misspelled words lol.
Thank you to everyone who has continued to follow this story from the start, and to those who are new, welcome, I hope you're enjoying it!
I'm not actually quite sure where I'm going with it but I'd love for you all to follow along with the journey of this crazy fiction! As always, thank you for reading and let me know what you're thinking in the comment/review section! Xoxo
