Chapter 15: A Present

It did not take me a long moment to respond to his kiss. I was not going to be a hypocrite and would pity myself.

This was what I had been waiting for... to have Valerian's lips on mine again.

It was so sweet and passionate that it shed me a tear.

I reached for his nape and showed him how much I longed for him. With the kiss, I responded to him, I would show him that I loved him and would not let anything happen to him again.

This time, I would save him and his pack.

For now, I should indulge myself in being inside his arms.

I did not know how long I had been kissing him, but he only broke it when he wiped the tears from my eyes.

"Why are you always crying as if... you are mourning for me, honeydew?" he asked softly.

I gasped and was about to remove his hands, cupping my face. "N-No. This is not..." My words were cut off when he kissed my eyes.

His expression softened. "I am not dead. So, why is that?" That made my heart ache.

In my previous life, you were dead, Valerian. I betrayed you and took you for granted.

I reached for his cheek as my vision was blurring because of my tears. "I-I have a dream that you died..."

His eyes widened. "When?"

"A few nights ago." I couldn't tell him that I was regressed to this timeline from two years ago.

Valerian creased his forehead before he heaved out a sigh and smiled. "Well, as you can see, I am alive and breathing..."

"In my dream, I took your love for granted as you met your miserable fate." A sob escaped from my mouth. "Val... Honeydew..." He looked surprised when I called him by his nickname, Val, and our endearment, honeydew.

"Domi..." His face contorted. "It is only a dream. I am here, you see?"

I know! I know that!

I nodded. "Yes, I know... And I am glad to see that it is only a dream..." I hugged him and drew myself closer to his body.

His body was so warm. I could stay inside his arms forever if he asked me.

Valerian stiffened. He was like that for a few seconds before he hugged me back. "Does this mean... you are reciprocating my feelings?" There was a teasing tone in his voice.

I smiled and laid my head on his chest. "No, I am not." I grinned when he stiffened and coerced me to look at him. "What?" I chuckled after he wiped the tears from my eyes and cheeks.

He was frowning at that moment. "Ah, so you are using me?"

"Aren't we using each other?" I arched my eyebrow, grinning more.

Valerian looked unhappy at my answer. I pinched his cheek since he was looking so adorable right now. His frown grew more, but this time, he was pouting.

"Lay out your hand and close your eyes," I told. "I have something to bestow on you." He followed what I said. I fished out the bangle that was meant for him. "Here."

He slowly peeled his eyes open and landed on the bangle. "Wow... This is... attractive..." His chartreuse eyes were sparkling as he touched the intricate designs. "Is this for me?" His tone sounded excited.

I nodded and took it so he could wear it. "This has an enchantment of protection. I went to the temple to have it blessed after I purchased it." In this way, whenever Valerian was in danger, his life won't be at risk.

His expression softened before he laid his eyes on me. "I should be the one who must bestow you a present, Dominixe."

I frowned. "Then, you can return it if you do not like it." I felt embarrassed all of a sudden. I suddenly regretted that I bestowed him that. But I promised myself I would bestow him an incantation of jewelry for protection once I purchased one.

Valerian chuckled. "I thought you were not the type who jumps to conclusions."

"Yes, I am." What was this man trying to do?

I flinched when he gently pinched my chin and drew closer. "I did not say that I did not like your present. Then, why are you jumping to conclusions?"

My eyes widened when I realized that I was wrong. "B-But you said..." I couldn't continue my words when he had this mischievous expression playing on his chartreuse eyes.

"I only said I should be the one who must bestow you a gift since I am a man, not you." I closed my eyes when he placed a kiss on my forehead. "Ah, Domi... You are making me want you more."

I shivered in delight. My wolf even squirmed at his words. The tone of his possessiveness was lingering in his voice. It was... refreshing and made me want to say the same thing.

I looked at him and saw that familiar adoration in his eyes. I distanced my face from him, feeling overwhelmed by his emotion.

"The sun is already set," I said and didn't dare to look at him. My heart was racing rapidly. If I allowed myself to succumb to his gaze, I might fall to kissing him again.

This time, it might not be a sweet, passionate one. I might change the course into hunger and savoring. And I might end up giving up myself for the second time around.

"Shall we get going then?" Valerian asked and offered his hand to me.

I looked at it, wanting to indulge myself in feeling his hand over mine. But, whenever I looked at him, I felt unworthy to witness his kind and loving nature.

I mentally shook my head. This was my second chance that I would make things right. Even if Valerian said now that I was easy to get, the only thing that mattered was he was here with me again.

And I already promised that I would show him that I love him.

Valerian must not have expected that I was accepting his hand. However, as soon as I accepted it, he flinched and looked surprised. "Let's go."

He was in a daze for a moment before he brought my hand to his lips, landing a sensual kiss on it. "Domi... You are making my heart pound so fast."

I bit my lower lip, softly hearing the rhythm of his heart on the same melody as mine. The sound of his heart beating sounded so tranquil and made me want to be with him more.

Thanks to one of the abilities to be a werewolf. With our sensitive ears, we could happen to hear that we were 10 miles away from our position.

"You are being hilarious again." I mischievously rolled my eyes. "Allow me to remind you that I am not accepting our mate bond."

He scoffed a big smile and kissed the back of my hand once more. "We will be there, honeydew. It will be a matter of time before you can accept me," he said confidently. I just shook my head and ignored how my stomach somersaulted. "Also, it is your fault that you are holding my hand."

"Ah, it is my fault?" I was about to remove my hand from him, but Valerian did not allow me. "I am not jumping to conclusions!" I exclaimed when I saw his playful gaze.

"I am not saying anything." He feigned ignorance.

"I know that gaze of yours, so halt it." But he looked so adorable as well!

He chuckled and gently squeezed my hand.

We were enveloped in silence after that. We enjoyed each other's company while taking a stroll around the town. We even had our supper in one of the notorious restaurants that welcomed commoners.

The restaurant was filled with harmonious, joyful music that allowed people to dance on the platform while enjoying some drinks. It was entertaining to see people dancing and waltzing as if they had no problems dealing with right now.

"Do you wish to dance?"

I snapped back and looked at him. "N-No. I am full." I showed the empty plate I had already finished.

"Aww... I wish to dance with you, though." There was a melancholy expression on his handsome face.

I rolled my eyes, knowing that he was not taking that to his heart. It did not seem like Valerian was offended by my answer. He just looked like he was enjoying that he was teasing me.

"Oh, right. I remember." My attention was on him, slightly bewildered. "I might have to go home next week. I have matters to attend to by the end of this month."

I became alert when he said by the end of this month. It almost slipped my mind about the secret gathering with Crown Prince Henricus.

"Is that so?" I masked my tone with disappointment when he nodded. "I see..."

Fret not, Valerian. I was also interested in attending that secret gathering. It was just in time that I needed to speak with His Royal Highness.

"Will you be here in Calaren if I decide to return as soon as possible?" His tone sounded hopeful.

I stared at him. I wanted to say yes, but I also had matters to attend to. "Unfortunately, I will not be here." I was also planning to go to the Solacia. But I did not want him to know that. "My vacation is over by the time you come back," I lied.

"Is that so?" He looked troubled. "Then, can you tell me from which pack you are? Or at least, what noble household are you from? I could have at least visited you."

As soon as he said that, a furtive smile stretched out on my lips as I reached for his cheek. "There is no need for that, Valerian. There is no need for you to know where I came from."

"Why?" His forehead was creasing. It was obvious that he did not like my words.

I used my thumb to caress his lower lip. He inhaled sharply and leaned to my touch. "We will meet each other again." I should come and find you since you were going to be helpful in my plans to bring down my father. I wanted to say that, but I did not want him to be alarmed.

Valerian frowned. "Dominixe, I hate playing around. And I am serious about knowing you well. I want this mate bond we have. You cannot just leave me hanging and—" I shut him up by kissing his lips.

It was just a peck, but it was enough for him to render speechless.

"I said we will meet again, Valerian." I smiled. "In the right time. You will know who I am." Those were the words I told before I decided to stand up so I could leave. "See you again, honeydew." I winked at him.