I turned away from the book I was reading to look at the door as it opened, expecting someone might enter. One week after I woke up, the doctors informed me that my body was recuperating well and that I would be able to resume normal activities in a few days. Also, it has been five days since I discovered Traian spending every night in my room while my parents and sister came to visit in the morning. My sister also informed me about all the events that had happened to her, particularly during her pregnancy.
But we never dwell on the day of the incident and the things I discover. I know my parents and older sister want to talk about Traian but they never once speak a word about him. I know they are waiting for me and I am also preparing myself.
Jane was the one who came in with the platter. Her beaming countenance just tells me something is going on, so I frowned at her with my lips curled up in a smile. I put down the book I was reading on the side of my bed.
I asked her as I took a look at her food, "What are you doing here? And is that Fried Salmon?"
She murmured, laying down on the couch in the room, "With pesto-dressed veggies, Yup."
The next set of people came in. My parents followed Jaxon, Claire, Evan, Cayden, then Kate and Sally. Each of them is holding a dish that contains the same assortment of food as my sister. Evan waved at me and I smiled at him. He recently paid me a visit.
They all take their seats on the couch, and I ask, "Okay, what's going on?" as my parents move a chair up next to me.
Even though I had just eaten soup a few hours earlier, the smell of food made my stomach grumble. I asked, narrowing my eyes at them, "Where's mine? You guys didn't forget me, right?"
My mother responded, looking to the door, "Of course not, honey. Traian is just making sure your plates have a full course." As she turned, we heard footsteps approaching the door until Traian showed up, carrying a tray. "Oh, there he is!"
My father merely grins and gives the door a quick peek before setting up the overbed table and saying, "Your man is a very fine cook," to me.
Traian walked over to me and curtsied as if he were a waiter at a posh restaurant. He had that little smirk on his face. When Traian finally came to my side, I was unable to respond.
"Your meal, My Lady," he said while putting the tray of food on the table over my bed.
I regarded the food that was on the table. I have the same food as the others but I noticed that I have a variety of neat and freshly cut fruits, and even my drink was different from theirs. Instead of juice, I have water and a pineapple green smoothie. A grin crossed my face as I muttered, "Thank you very much"
Then a new voice joined in. I looked at the door once again to find Adam who was also carrying a tray.
"And would you mind taking your meal, My Lord?" Adam taunted while looking at Traian.
“I don’t mind,” Traian replied, shaking his head as everyone laughed. He approached Adam, got his food and drink off the tray, and then sat down next to my bed on a chair. I have my parents on each side of me.
"Adam? You're here! I thought you already left that day"
Adam shrugged, "No, I heard about what happened to you and I decided to stay. I left after 3 days and came back just yesterday. I visited last night but you're fast asleep"
I chuckled and replied, "I am? I'm sorry”
He smirked and gave Traian the side eye. "Who am I to disturb your beautiful slumber, right? And someone might break my bones if I made a disturbance last night," he said.
Traian shrugged and said, “Bon appétit” before taking the first bite of his meal. As he gazed down at his food, I noticed how his mouth curled into a little smile.
Jane agreed while munching, "I will likewise." She extended her hand holding a fork.
"You can't. That will need force, but I can do the task for you."
My sister, who was staring at my brother-in-law with narrowed eyes, cut off Jaxon's speech. I started eating while listening to the two bickers. I miss watching these two dorks bicker.
"Are you saying I can't do it?"
It was amusing to witness Jaxon shaking his head as though he immediately regretted saying, "No, no"
Jaxon has dark brown, well-groomed hair hanging over a fine, warm face. He has a short beard complimenting his face and bright gray eyes. He and my sister are actually a perfect fit.
My mother also made fun of him, saying, "I suppose that's what he was indicating."
Dad jumped in, saying, "I don't think it is."
When it appeared to be girls vs guys at this point, I laughed.
Evan concurs, saying, "I agree. The baby may get hurt if she tried to shatter Adam's bones."
Claire said, arching an eyebrow at his fiance, "I don't think so since you can just grasp Adam's hand and twist it”
Sally abruptly blurted, "That's painful to hear," and gestured theatrically with her palm to her chest, "Oh my dear Adam."
The resonant sound of everyone's laughter filled the space and produced that calming symphony.
Kate chuckled as she said, "And she finally made a move, ladies and gentlemen."
I frowned, still a smile stretched on my face. Something seems to be going on since Adam grumbled grumpily and refused to look at Sally, who on the other hand remained to stare at Adam. Longingly?
Traian was already fixated on me when I met his eyes. As if he sensed my confusion. My eyes widened when he mouthed ‘Mates’ in my direction.
That is definitely breaking news.
Even though I was quite intrigued, I chose not to bring up the subject and instead simply let the discussion drift as they continued to argue. It was the nicest sensation ever when laughter filled my chamber.
..............
"This will help you relax further and get asleep faster" Traian stated while his focus was on massaging my feet. He was sitting on the foot of my bed.
He always massages my hands and feet every night. While he reminded me to ask for everything I needed, I just listened to him. Whether I have something I wish to read or eat.
"I will make you some tea later"
When I didn't even give him a response, he lifted his head to me.
He replied worriedly and was ready to stand up, "Are you okay? Is there something wrong?"
I remarked, glancing at his hands on my ankle before staring into his eyes, "Your hand is so warm."
He smiled and continued to rub my feet, saying, "I am grateful I am alive."
I smiled and looked up at the ceiling, pondering. "Is that really happening, you know, Adam and Sally? I thought Adam's mate was Lara"
I could see the worry in his blue eyes as he gave me a quick glance, but he eventually nodded. It was the first time I had ever discussed Lara or asked him or anybody else about a subject related to shifters. The only time I broached the subject was when I asked my sister the reason for their abrupt arrival and she replied that they would have to explain something to me. She didn't go into additional detail, and I refrained from following up because the doctor had already come.
"Yes, it was possible, but it seldom happens. We called them second chance mates, and no one knows who or why these Shifters got such a chance," he explained.
Sincerely, I was glad that Adam had Sally as a second chance mate. I am aware of the suffering Adam went through when Lara rejected him.
And now that I think about it, I realize how much pain I must have caused Traian. The fact that he chose to stay by my side despite the horrible things I've said to him and that he hurt someone to protect me speaks volumes about how much he cares for me.
And it was something I cannot give back right now.
I asked, "Before you killed Lara, you declared that her deed constituted treason.
Although Lara's passing saddens me, I am aware that it was something I was unable to prevent at the time.
He said, his jaw tightening, "Because you're her Luna. She knows that like everyone else in the pack, She knows that you are my mate. You are her leader yet she still decided to do that."