Chapter Seven
1156 Words
Arlo Pov
I feel happy with the outcome as I close and lock the media doors. But when I turn to Nova she doesn’t look as happy. In fact she looks upset as she sits in a chair and sighs.
“Are you alright?” I ask as I sit next to her.
“Just a little nervous I guess,” she says but doesn’t look at me.
‘I’ve never seen her so upset’ Bodhi says sympathetically.
I sit forward and grasp her hands in mine, she looks up at me with those big blue eyes.
“We’re in this together Nova. You and me always. We have always been together, nothing will change.” I assure her, not breaking eye contact.
“That’s what I’m afraid of,” she says back lowly.
“What do you mean?” I ask, confused by that comment. Why would she be afraid that nothing will change.
Nova opens her mouth to speak but is cut off by banging on the door.
“Open the door now Nova,” Nova’s father shouts through the door.
We both stand and look at the door but neither of us move.
It bangs again, “open the door!” He bellows again. “NOVA!”
I step forward and unlock the door. Nova’s father opens it with such force that I stumble backwards. He rushes past me and towards Nova.
“Let’s go Nova,” he grabs her roughly by the arm and starts leading her out.
Bodhi roars in my head and strides after them. “Let go of her,” I snap as I shove her fathers shoulder. He stumbles before turning to glare at me.
“What are you doing boy?” He asks in outrage.
“Don’t touch her like that,” I snarl as I step forward. I can feel that rage building again and I know my eyes are glowing purple.
Nova approaches me fast and grasps hold of my face, “calm down Arlo.” She is whispering with desperation, “please look at me.”
My eyes drop down to meet hers and I feel my heart rate slowing again. The rage is flooding out of my veins.
“Nova?” Her father says and holds out his hand expectantly.
Nova turns in my arms but doesn’t move again. Her back is pressed against my front as she holds onto my arms.
“You don’t want to marry him Nova,” her father says. “You need to think about this first, he won’t love you back.”
Love her back? What is he talking about. Bodhi sighs in my head.
Nova’s father can see the confusion on my face as he gestures to me. “Look at his face Nova. He doesn’t even understand.”
“Please dad,” Nova says through tears. The hurt in her voice makes me wrap my arms around her on instinct. “Please just stop.”
“It has already been decided Josh,” my father says from behind him. “They will be married by the end of next week.”
Nova’s father looks at her with sorrow, “you don’t want to live a life with unrequited love Nova. You deserve better than that baby girl. All I am asking you to do is think about it. Don’t rush into this.”
Nova nods but still doesn’t move, her hands still clinging to my arms wrapped around her. I can feel her tears dripping onto my skin.
“Arlo, take Nova to your room to calm down.” My father says.
I turn with Nova still in my arms and lead her away. She doesn’t say anything once in my room. I sit her on the edge of the bed before getting a bottle of water from my mini fridge.
“Are you hurt?” I ask as I look at her arms.
“What?” She asks confused and looks up at me. Then looks where my hands are on her arms. “Oh, no. I’m fine.”
“What was your dad talking about Nova?” I ask carefully.
She shakes her head as pain fills her eyes.
I sit on the bed beside her and pull her into my chest. She doesn’t resist and instead snuggles closer to me
“Please Nova,” I patiently plea.
“I will, I promise. Just not right now,” she sighs and pulls back out of my arms. She stands and goes into the bathroom.
‘Bodhi!’ I query hoping that he has more answers.
‘Be careful Arlo,’ he warns. ‘Solo il tempo dirà il vero t dell'anima gemella’
My brows knit in confusion. ‘What does that mean?’ Silence. ‘Bodhi?’
Why can’t someone just give me a straight answer. I don’t want to jump to conclusions but from the snippets of conversations today I think Nova has feelings for me. I suppose that would not be a bad thing though if we are to be mated anyway. There is a possibility that with time I can also develop those feelings for Nova. She is beautiful and strong, she can fight very well. Plus she is my best friend, she knows me better than anyone.
-
My father gathers the pack to make the announcement. Myself and Nova stand just behind him with my mother and sisters as he addresses the pack.
“Thank you all for gathering this evening, apologies for the short notice. For those of you who do not know we are joined tonight by his royal excellence King Archibald.” My father gestures to Mr Archibald who steps to his side.
“I am present here today to announce the next in line for the throne. His ascension has been in progress since he was a baby and the time has finally come. But first he must marry and secure the line of heir’s to follow himself. Therefore, we are gathered here tonight to announce an engagement. Please join me in celebrating your future Alpha king and Luna queen on the day of their engagement.” Mr Archibald announces and steps to the side.
I grasp Nova’s hand in mine and we both step forward.
The pack members erupt in cheers, gasps and a mix of gossip. Myself and Nova await them all to settled back down before speaking.
“We are pleased we could announce our union to you all and hope you will join us on our special day.” I turn to Nova with a soft smile before looking back at the crowd. “Many of you will know that Nova is and always has been my best friend. She is strong and resilient. She has always been by my side and I have no doubt she will be an amazing Luna queen.” I bow my head to Nova before kissing her hand.
- Writer
