CHAPTER 157: ALL SHE COULD EVER WANT & MORE

• DREVON •

Eloise passed out amidst our passionate activity. I mentally cursed myself for being so careless, blaming my half-drunk state for thinking without reasoning and putting her in harm’s way.

I shouldn’t have strained her too much, knowing fully well she had just woken from a two-month unconscious state.

I made an order to bring the finest cuisines needed for nutrients, and also her favorite pastries.

I bathed and changed her into a much comfortable nightdress. I sat at the table with her in my arms, waiting for her to wake up.

Her beautiful porcelain skin was like milk and glowed from the candlelight flickering from the chandelier.

She was even more gorgeous, and her hair was breathtaking. I couldn’t get enough of her or think about anything else. I could spend the entire day just gazing upon her beauty without getting tired.

I pulled her hair behind to see my mark, and when I did, I felt a pulse mine. The mark has been more active since she woke up.

Even when she didn’t say anything to me, I could tell everything from her emotions, how hurt she was because she broke my heart. She was scared that I’d reject her, as if I could ever.

I smiled, stroking her soft cheeks, loving the color there. She’s in my arms, chest rising and falling. My Eloise was okay, and I felt like exploding in joy.

Eloise stirred, and my smile became brighter. I kissed her forehead, and she moaned, a smile curling on her plump lips.

"Drevon..."

"Yes, my love?"

"Why are you fluttering?"

"Fluttering?"

She adjusted her head to face upright, but her eyes remained closed. "You’re a softie, you’re all mushy inside like a giant baby." She poked my chest.

I chuckled deeply. "Really?"

She nodded.

"Well, I am... only for you."

Eloise sniffed the air and opened her eyes to the table filled with all her favorites. She gasped, adjusting to sit on my lap, and I did my best to keep my body in check.

I promised myself I’d suspend any attempts to touch her intimately until she fully recovers.

Eloise moaned as she ate through the food.

"How’s the taste?" I forced myself to ask to distract myself.

"I never realized how hungry I was until now. It’s so good." She moved her hips.

I grabbed onto the armrest for balance. "Eat as much as you want, little wife."

Eloise faced me, licking her fingers, and gave me a sly smile. "There’s no need to hide it. I can feel everything."

My hand snaked around her waist and pulled her close. "What exactly do you feel?"

"Your desire, as well as your love. It’s too much that I feel like my body will go up in flames. I haven’t scratched the surface, have I? There is much you keep repressed."

"It’s lovely how accurate that is."

She narrowed her eyes and murmured. "Loneliness."

"Loneliness? I’m not lonely, Eloise, I have you."

"Hate."

"Hate?" I gave her a bewildered gaze.

"You hate yourself to the point of madness. It’s eating you from the inside out like a disease. You’re screaming as you drown deeper into that darkness, and there’s no escape. Nothing can save you from it."

I got more confused, wondering where all this is coming from.

Eloise blinked as if snapping out of it and held her head.

"Are you alright?" I asked, worried.

She sighed. "I’m fine. I think I’ll have to get used to feeling your emotions."

I don’t remember being lonely or filled with hate. Maybe she tapped into the emotions I had when she was still unconscious.

"The mate bond will get stronger," I said, rubbing the back of her neck to ease her. "It’ll get better, too. Your mind will adjust, as will mine."

Eloise smiled softly. "Do you think I can handle it? You know how awful I handle situations, even my feelings. What am I to do now that I have yours?"

"What do you think you should do?"

She made a thoughtful expression. "I honestly don’t know."

"You have me." I kissed her knuckles. "I promise not to burden you with too much. I’ll repress if I have to."

Eloise placed a hand on my shoulders and pushed me back on the chair, lips on mine.

"You need to eat too," she said, grabbing the fork. "Let me take care of you."

~•~

Lucan adjusted my collar, while I peered at my appearance through the mirror. I had a fresh haircut, and my stubble beards were shaved. For months, I didn’t care about my look or sleep. I didn’t feel anything at all and was more of an empty shell.

I moved my gaze to Eloise and Osha. They giggled at something while she had her makeup done.

My life was Eloise, and without her, I wonder what I’d have become. The months without her proved how fast I’d fall into the abyss.

"What’s the progress with the restorations?" I asked.

Lucan seemed shocked that I asked, which I understood, given how I relinquished myself from everything.

"Renovations are going well, but there’s still much work to do. Given the entire landscape has changed, we might have to move away from the original designs of the castle."

"I see, use this opportunity to expand my wing."

"You want an extension? It’s already big enough as it is..."

"More space is needed when Eloise becomes queen; changes should be made."

This wasn’t just about extra space; I wanted to make the entire wing like a separate place from the entire castle. It’ll be a home she never had.

I’ll discuss this with Eloise, too. I needed to know what she’d want and make arrangements for it. Anything she had ever dreamed of, I’ll give it to her without question.

~•~

We neared the Moonhall. We were summoned by the Fates, and I could tell Eloise was nervous.

"Do they know?" She asked. "About me being a snowblood."

"They do. They were the ones who told us what was required to save your life."

Eloise gulped. "Why? Shouldn’t Lycans hate the snowbloods? Especially the Fates or the goddess."

"You’re goddess chosen, Eloise. It means the goddess chose you despite knowing what you are."

"But why me?"

I faced the door we now stood in front of. "You can ask them... but if you asked me, do you know what my answer will be?"

"What?" she asked with trembling eyes.

I kissed the ring on her finger. "Because it had to be you and no one else."

The doors opened.