CHAPTER 296: _THE CALM BEFORE JANELLE

Odessa’s POV

*****

Three days passed like a dream, and now, the Blood Moon Festival was here. Time moves fast when your mind doesn’t have things to worry about.

And how do you prevent yourself from having too many things to worry about? Well, by drinking my aunt Althea’s special tea every morning and evening.

Since that eerie encounter with Lord Ryker, Althea had insisted on sending her special tea through Caroline or sometimes through Kaelos who’d serve it to me in bed.

And it worked wonders!

I could sleep without having any nightmares and my mind no longer reeled with thousands of bothersome thoughts.

I stood on my balcony, taking a sip from the tea in question while staring down at the pack. Pack members in the elite district were scampering around, either going to their tailors late to get their outfits ready for tonight or discussing it openly.

Decorations were being placed all around the pack to welcome the appearance of a moon phase that was seen as a symbol of change. Golden lanterns shimmered as they were strung across rooftops, catching the first rays of morning light.

The pack was filled with joy, and beyond the elite district, shops were opening, and children ran about, laughing and playing.

"Someone woke up early this morning." Kaelos’ voice echoed behind me just then, causing my heart to swell.

I didn’t need to turn around as he slowly wrapped his arms around my waist, planting a kiss on my neck. His cologne wafted into my nose, causing me to lean closer to him while I caressed his hands on my waist.

"Had to be up in preparation for tonight," I muttered, finally glancing back to meet his piercing silver gaze.

He wore a black long coat and had his hair tied into a small bun. Surprisingly, he’d shaved the side burns on his jaw, emphasising his exquisite jaw line and making him look... softer.

"We’ll be expecting the Alphas from across the continent by three in the afternoon. The Alpha Kings will be here by six, give or take, then the festivities go into full swing by seven." Kaelos explained even though I didn’t need it.

Right now, it doesn’t matter when what happened. I just wanted this tranquillity, this soothing warmth, to last as long as possible.

I took another sip from the tea, smacking my lips and savouring its subtle caramel taste before slowly walking out of Kaelos’ grip.

I leaned against the handrail, smirking as my eyes trailed from his legs to his face, which had a curious smile.

"Why don’t we hit one for the road before officially starting our day?" I queried teasingly, leaning closer so my lips were only inches away from his face. "If you know what I mean..."

His eyes widened slightly.

Even during pregnancy, Kaelos and I were... Sexually active. Of course, he had to be a little more careful, but he found it easy to control his strength when it came to me.

It was I who was the wild card in moments like that.

Now that I know how to summon my werewolf fangs and claws, I’ve accidentally scratched and bitten him on multiple occasions.

"Oh, you’re sure you want to go there?" He asked, but he was already stepping closer, placing his right hand on the handrail beside me and then lowering his head.

I nodded slowly, finishing the rest of the tea in one gulp before I dropped it on a small round table on the balcony.

Our lips locked in a fiery kiss, my arms wrapping around his neck. He gripped my waist with both hands, kissing me with need.

He kissed me like I was his source of life. Like I was air... Which was ironic because I was losing my breath kissing him.

I moaned softly into his mouth, getting so carried away that I forgot we were outside and people could probably see us down there.

’You’re a walking scandal waiting to happen.’ Sirena sniggered in my mind at the same moment that a teasing whistle sounded from downstairs.

My eyes opened as Kaelos pulled away briefly, stretching his neck to see who it was. I did the same, glancing back and almost rolling my eyes.

"Marcellus..." Kaelos clicked his tongue at the Beta who grinned, bowing slightly from where he stood twenty meters or more below.

"I see you two are having a good morning." He blurted. My face heated up with a blush as I stepped away from the balcony’s edge while Kaelos growled.

"What do you want, Marcellus?" He scowled, rubbing his forehead.

Marcellus raised his hands. "Hey, trust me... I’m not a cock blocker. I’m just here to inform you two that the event hall is finally ready and it’ll be nice if you come take a look."

I clicked my tongue, turning around so I could see his face more clearly from up here. "Really, Marcellus? This could’ve been an email."

He smiled sarcastically, shrugging. "Sorry. I guess I’ll just have to send an email to Luna Queen Janelle to wait."

My eyebrows snapped into a frown while Kaelos placed his hands on the railing, staring down with full alertness. "Luna Queen Janelle is here?"

Marcellus, who was about to walk away, grinned, shaking his head. "No. But she sent a message to Layla. Said she’ll be coming sooner than the other Alpha Kings. Actually, she used the word ’they’ so I’m guessing her husband is coming along with her after all."

Crap...

I glanced at Kaelos and as expected, he seemed like he was about to flip.

"Alpha King Thorian as well?" He blurted with a mix of excitement and frustration, rubbing his hand down his face. "Why didn’t Layla give me this report earlier?"

Marcellus responded quickly. "Oh, she’s busy with the preparations."

Kaelos grabbed my face gently just then, forcing me to turn my gaze to him. He had a wry smile, pressing a kiss on my forehead.

"Alone time will have to wait, mi amor."

I smiled in return, watching as he finally stepped back before grabbing my hand. With that, we walked out of the balcony and then my room, heading downstairs to prepare to meet two of the most influential wolves alive.

In person.