Reborn As Cursed Alpha's Mate
Chapter 183: Her Embrace

Chapter 183: Her Embrace

Of all the times he had been hugged, this was the time his body chose to go rigid just from the sheer surprise of it. He didn’t expect her to embrace him.

But he would be a liar if he didn’t say that was the most satisfying embrace he had ever felt. His sullen heart seemed to settle right in its place and soak in this fluffy warmth, the kind which made him fuzzy in most delectable ways.

The scent of wild berries and wild forest whirled like a tornado around them, twisting the desires they were trying to hide, but most importantly, it eased them towards each other.

"None of us are perfect, that doesn’t exist in the world of you and me. Let’s step past this?" She asked, leaning her head on his rapidly beating chest.

The hard rhythms of his organ were soothing and it blanketed her heightened senses, calling her to him.

Although he didn’t embrace her in return, she hadn’t anticipated it either, considering they were only strung together by fate and not by choice. She only wished for him to feel less guilty and anxious.

Unwillingly she let him go and stepped back, hoping he wouldn’t be pissed at her trying to invade his privacy. She had acted purely on instinct.

Aiko slowly lifted her head to peek a cursory glance, her heart, somersaulting in her chest, hoping she didn’t find irritation or anger on his face.

Instead, she found surprise and a smidgen of gratitude, as if he needed this hug.

The red stood prominent in his orbs; the orange had dimmed down, meaning his wolf was peeking at her with quite an interest.

"I.." she decided to explain herself but his words came as a surprise.

"Thank you for understanding, appreciated. Come I will guide you inside." He gestured with his hand and she obeyed.

Silence reigned between them. Faris was never lost for words, but his mate had begun to take away his ability to speak today. He didn’t know what to even say to her.

"I would freshen up and meet you for the meal," Aiko finally broke the awkwardness. Faris simply nodded and watched her leave.

This was going to be more difficult than he had anticipated.

During the meal she sat at the other table with her family. As Faris hadn’t announced that she was his mate, she didn’t sit at their table.

The pack members rejoiced when Cassandra and Siroos walked out hand in hand. She had put on a fancy magenta dress and her hair were neatly arranged by Lana.

Siroos had primed up as well and put on his best attire.

"Alpha! Luna!" Everyone stood up from their seats in respect. The more enthusiastic ones rushed to Cassandra and she received everyone with open arms.

"Nissa!"

"It’s an honour to have you back."

"We worried about you."

The elder women hugged Cassandra, letting her know her presence was missed. The Luna’s heart swelled with the love and affection her pack held for her.

"I am all well now and appreciate all of you." Cassandra returned their sentiments.

She then proceeded to Ara’s mother, the woman had sunken eyes from all the crying she had done since her daughter was taken from her.

She held the older woman’s hands and gently squeezed.

"My words can’t bring Ara back but I want you to know that your daughter died protecting me. She was a warrior through and through. Respect and pride I hold in my heart for her."

Her words strengthened the broken heart but brought tears to the older woman’s eyes. Although Siroos had told her they hadn’t revealed to the pack that she was taken, Cassandra wanted Ara’s mother to know the truth behind her daughter’s death.

"I—am proud of my daughter—and of the fact that she laid her life for her Luna. You sacrificed a lot for this pack, we will cherish you."

Both women hugged and Cassandra let her cry for a while in her embrace. Offering her love and kindness, which she needed at that moment, and at the same time, strengthening her heart so she could keep going with the memories of her daughter.

Siroos finally led her away and they seated themselves in their designated places.

Wila brought her flowers and placed a kiss on her cheek while himself going red in the process.

"Welcome back, Nissa," he chanted before running away with his mop of hair. Siroos and Cassandra openly smiled.

"Luna! It’s a pleasure to see you up and joining us. How are you feeling?" Haylia kindly said, offering her hands to Cassandra.

Luna accepted them with affection while turning to face her mother-in-law.

"Thank you, Vera Haylia. Much better."

"SIL!" Faris side-hugged her as well; he seemed in a much better mood now.

"It feels good to settle among my family," Cassandra said with a happy sigh, placing her hands on the table while Siroos gave sour eyes to his brother.

"You and I are going to have words after. Seriously, flowers build up muscles? The poor guy was literally chewing on their petals." Siroos glared at Faris, indicating how he had sent Armond his way with a bunch of wild flowers.

Faris cleared his throat and looked away sheepishly, a teasing smile remained on his lips.

Siroos turned his attention to his mate and placed his hand on hers, patting it before revealing.

"I hated eating alone here. Welcome back!"

She turned to face her mate and answered.

"We will eat together from now on."

The smile spreading on his face spoke of how content he was with this development. Picking up the wooden tankard, brimming with red wine, he stood up and demanded the attention of his pack.

Seeing their Alpha standing, the chatter broke down and everyone turned to face him with relaxed postures.

"The last month has been rough on us all. We were attacked twice, we lost one of our finest, our fields got destroyed and I had to send my mate away to keep her safe. She still got injured but she is back with us now. Together we will rebuild and grow even stronger than we are."

Cheers followed as warriors and others pumped their fists in the air and agreed with their Alpha.

"We have three more people joining us. I urge all of you to make them feel welcome and take care of their needs." Siroos pointed towards Aiko’s family and all heads turned in their direction.