Family of Archery

Clary’s POV

Today, it is another day of my training with him, and so I decided to cook some decent dishes that we could eat.

‘Tch. You just wanted to cook for him, Clary.’ Cordia said.

‘Shut up, Cordia.’ And she laughs.

Well now that I think of it, we really haven't had decent food to feed our stomach when we were training at the magical falls, it is just me, him and his orders. We only eat some grilled fish that can be found in the river, that was the usual meal that we have. Sometimes, I could see him eating some apple from the surrounding trees.

I woke up early and decided to went in the market, it was not that crowded probably because it is still too early to buy some goods. I bought a deer and some vegetables. When I got home, I used the deer to cook some steak. I just hope that he will like my dish. My parents are still not around; I am starting to worry about their whereabouts. Are they going home? Our house felt empty without my mom nagging around and dad sitting quietly. Andrea hasn't been home, too. I wonder where she is.

It was around seven in the morning when I arrived at the magical falls, with my hands carrying three tupperware containing the steak and cooked vegetables. When I got there, there is still no traces of alpha. I quietly sat in the grass surrounding the tree where he usually sits.

Was I too early?

I tried doing random things here in the falls, waiting for him to arrive. After two hours of waiting for him, I started to get woried. I can't deny that I am overthinking for the fact that he's not showing up. He is usually early and never the type of person to be late. Hoping that my worry will fade, I decided to run for some minutes. I haven't been running for couples of days. I kind of missed running around and looking for the breath taking view of the forest. Last time I went running, I found a cliff that shows the whole view of our kingdom. It is breathtaking, it feels refreshing.

I decided to visit the cliff again to refresh and clear my thoughts. I brought my bow and some arrows just in case that somebody will attempt to attack me. When I am here, watching the tiny houses and villages from this cliff, I am reminded that the world is not circulating around me. That I am nothing compared the universe, I am probably a small dot or smaller than that in the whole universe.

"Enjoying the view?" said in an amusing tone of some unfamiliar voice behind my back.

I immediately gripped my bow and positioned myself to attack him when I turn around. I stopped when I realize who it was. My heart pounded for that split second. My body relaxes when I saw him.

I bowed my head,"I am deeply sorry, Beta..."

He laughed mischievously. "No need to be formal, miss..." He said as if he was waiting for me to say my name to complete his sentence.

"Clary." I said as an answer to his inquiry.

He looked at my bow, "family of archery, huh?"

I nodded at him. I haven't seen him this close, I can only see him and his family during an event but not this so personal. He looked much more approachable than his brother, Alpha. He shows his expression on the surface which makes me feel at ease for not having to guess unlike with his brother.

"What is your family name?" He asked as if he was interviewing me for some article.

I bit my lip and answered, "Vertina." That sounded like a whisper but I am aware that he did hear that because of his sharp sense.

"Ohh..." He said in an amused tone with his brows raised. He looks adorable, he's reminding me of Darren who likes to joke around.

"Wanna marry me?" He said jokingly with a smile plastered on his face. I only laughed as a response, he can remove the tension from the air by throwing some jokes.

"Are you...waiting for someone?" He asked with his brows raised.

I instantly shook my head. I am not waiting for someone here. Now that he reminded me, I should go back at the magical falls. Alpha might be waiting for me; his eyes is probably flaring for waiting.

"I should get going," I pointed the forest behind him.

He smiled boyishly and inserted his hand in his pocket. "Mind if I walk with you?" His smile widened, he slightly messed his hair.

"I...uh..." I stuttered, unable to think an excuse to turn his offer down.

He pouted, probably realizing the answer to his question. Conscience bit me, he was just being nice and I all I can think is to turn him down? It is also the first time that someone, aside from Darren, who asked to walk with me.

I bit my lip. "Okay..." I am not sure if that is the right answer when someone asked to join you. I haven't had friends, of course, I don't know how to respond!

True enough, we only walked on the way back to magical falls. I was preoccupied with the thoughts concerning alpha. How am I supposed to tell him that I met his brother? What should I tell him? Was I allowed to bring someone in our training grounds? Or if it is okay that I brought his brother with me?

My thoughts jumbled with these questions. It is possible that he kept the fact that he is helping me to his family. Not possible but definitely! Why would someone, as high as him, will mentioned an ordinary woman like me? I haven't thought about this when I agreed to walk with beta.

"Thinking something?" He looked at me with curiosity. He looks kind and sincere; how could I possibly turn him down? Someone who is also mighty like him, how am I supposed to say no to that?

I shook my head and continue leading the way towards the magical forest.