Nalya
We soon reached the LaCroix fashion house, and my jaw dropped as soon as the elevator stopped on the top floor. It was so big and bright.
"Hello, ladies, I'm Stan," A tall thin man in his early forties came to us, his hair was messy, and he was wearing tight pink pants. He stylishly kissed us. He pointed at me and said;
"Big beautiful eyes, flawless skin, v jawline, shape gosh, you look so familiar! " he pointed. Azura and I exchanged a glance. This was my first time meeting him.
"Follow me to the studio," The studio was a large white space. People were busy running around. We talked to a few people and other than us, there were two more girls and three men who came for the shoot.
We were later taken to a dressing room where they did our make-up and hair. The designers gave us different beautiful clothes to change, and we did the shoot in groups and individually. It was exhausting but fun. I don't think I've laughed and been serious in seconds before.
"You're doing amazing, guys," Stan was taking the pictures, he was lying on his back or stomach. He was a pro.
"Be fierce, Nalya!" he called.
"Good, you're a natural, love!" he was encouraging. In the evening, the shoot was over, but we were to return on Saturday next week to do an outdoor one.
I smiled when I got into the car; " That was fun,"
"I told you it would," Azura smiled, driving.
"Check what's in the gift box they gave us," I got mine and opened it. Inside was a check for a thousand dollars, a white sweater, boots, and two chic dresses.
"Amazing! Do you know how expensive these brands are? And we got all of them for free?!" Azura mused.
"We kinda worked for them," I chimed.
"I'm so hungry," she moaned.
"Yeah, me too. I was given yogurt and a bowl of fruits to eat," I frowned.
We arrived at the packhouse, and I waved at her as she left. I went straight to my room, and the first thing I saw was the French Marigold. I tried on the dresses and then the sweater. I looked at the cheque and smiled. Tomorrow I'll need to go to the bank before going to the country club.
I got ready for bed and turned off the night lamp.
'Good night,' My wolf said.
Rhaegar
The next few days were overwhelming for me. My mind revolved around Nalya. Something about her changed. I mean change is good, she is glowing, and I loved that she was more confident. However, she avoided me at all costs, and days went by without seeing her.
She went to work at the country club on some days, and I recently learned that she didn't get paid for the work she did at the packhouse. It made me angry, so I told them to be paying her like everyone else.
"You've been so distracted lately. What is it?" Nadia asked. I sighed and rubbed my temple.
"Like you?" She thinks we don't notice, but I know something has been bothering her lately.
"You first," she said.
"Did I tell you about my mate?"
"That's news. I knew you were interested in someone, but you didn't mention she was your mate," Nadia stood up and went to the window.
"I rejected her,"
"That's harsh, even for you," she said calmly.
"What I did was for the best,"
"For whom, Rhaegar," she sighed.
"For her, me, and the pack. She's eighteen, a rogue not strong enough to be my mate, or so I thought," he said.
"I'm sorry to hear that. No woman deserves rejection from the man who's supposed to love them. She must be in pain," she said softly. It was the first time I saw Nadia being empathetic. She was a cold and intimidating woman. The only people she showed love and affection to was Roma and me.
"She accepted the rejection, but I still feel the strong emotions I felt the first day I met her," I said. She looked at me in thought.
"Rhaegar, did you mate before you rejected her?"
"Yes, but I didn't mark her... Why?"
She scoffed, "What an idiot... Mating with her is sealing the half of the deal, and marking is completion. The bond can't break as you please,"
I stood from my seat, "What do you mean?"
"The bond between you could have been broken if you didn't fuck her, but since you did, the only way you can sever ties with her is during a luna Eclipse which is to take place in three weeks," she explained. I stumbled a few feet away. So many emotions coursed through me. Relief was one I could identify with most. I was relieved that she was still mine.
"Wait, didn't your wolf tell you that?"
"He- he didn't,"
"But Rhaegar, what you did was wrong," she said in a motherly tone. I took back my seat and closed my eyes.
"I know, I've been shitty... It's not her fault that she's not part of a pack,"
"I was in love with a rogue once..." She had a faraway look in her eyes. " he said he loved me, but the truth was that he loved my money and power,"
Nadia looked vulnerable at this moment, and I saw tears in her eyes, but she didn't let them fall.
"I lost my child because of him. He took her to god knows where, and I live with the fear of not knowing whether she is still alive or not. The uncertainty kills me every day, and it's so bad that it gets hard to breathe,"
"You never talk about your daughter," I said.
"How could I? I'm ashamed,"
"Why?"