Chapter 29

"But, you know, when it comes to you, he's always so impatient and emotional, even if he tries to hide it behind an indifferent mask."

Jane's words stayed with me for a long time. That night was almost completely sleepless. I was thinking about what she had said to me earlier. Different thoughts came to my mind, starting with "body reaction" and finishing with "Ranold's attitude". I was exhausted and heartbroken. I couldn't think clearly because my emotions were tearing me apart on the inside. I realized that everything we did was a result of our pheromones and instincts. I was frustrated. And disoriented. So, as far as it appeared, there was nothing between us two except our instincts. This thought made me feel bad in some way. I started crying early in the morning and didn't stop until the sun came up. Only then did I finally fall asleep.

I awoke late in the afternoon. The familiar voice behind the door was the first thing I heard. I shivered slightly, clenching the pillow, but the tone of both was calm. There appeared to be no conflict or arguing. I sat up on the bed and paid close attention to the voices. It was difficult to hear anything from where I was, so I quietly stood up and approached the door, leaning my ear against the wooden surface.

"Ranold, he's terrified and befuddled. I told you he was green. He's not the one for you," that was Jane's voice. "And yesterday's performance. What was the point of that if you had already planned for him to stay here for a few days?"

"New Orleans is becoming more dangerous. Something is happening. I couldn't leave my husband alone at home any longer. At least not right now. You know, I can't always be near him," that was Ranold's voice.

"But he needs you," Jane said quietly. "He needs you to be his husband. We're both alphas, you know."

'What?! 'Jane is... the alpha?!' The thought crossed my mind.

"I could smell the mess in his scent," she continued. "Don't you feel the same way? And you still leave him to handle it on his own?"

"Because we're both alphas, I could rely on you to keep an eye on my husband," I heard the jingling sound of a cup standing on the plate. "If things worsen, just call me."

"Ranold, you're being far too strict with him. He's a young boy. He had been living with his parents and was unaware of the grief until you arrived. He had to go through a lot. He relies on you. And you simply abandon him here, at someone else's home," Jane sighed.

"Not at "someone else's," but at yours. I entrust my husband, the dearest I have now, to you," I heard him get up and walk somewhere.

'The dearest?'

"I would never do anything if it wasn't him, but the other omega. He's my husband. He's Hamilton. And I know he can handle it. I believe it."

'He believes in me?'

"Okay. I have no choice but to believe you if you say so. It's your husband; you know what's best for him."

I could hear the lock click.

"But I still think you're too strict."

"Jane, don't sneeze or I'll take him to "The Paradise," my husband's voice was too far away to be heard.

"No way, Ranold. Don't even think about it," these were Jane's final words before closing the door.

I dashed to my bed and jumped under the blanket, covering my head and turning my back to the door, pretending to sleep. Jane quietly opened my bedroom door. I heard the sound of the car leaving. Jane gave me a brief glance before closing the door. I waited until she left the flat before getting up on the bed. There was a lot to think about. So, Jane was the alpha, Ranold wanted me to stay safe and away from our house, and my husband didn't say anything, once again relying solely on himself. I felt worthless. I simply slid back onto the bed and resumed staring at the white ceiling.

'Why should everything have happened that way? Why just for me? Why did my sister and father flee? Was there any other way to avoid everything? Why should I now have to share my life with Ranold Hamilton? I despise him...'

The days passed. I spent a couple of days with Jane. My husband hasn't shown up since. I'd gotten used to my calm daily routine. I also began cooking for Jane. She was astounded by how good I was at it. My classes... I didn't go to any lectures. I didn't explain anything to Ethan; I simply apologized. I assumed he understood everything because he didn't ask me any questions. I needed to get away from everything, forget about Hamilton, and just be alone. We went to the cafes and shops a couple of times, but only in the morning, when the streets were less crowded. It brought some solace to my wounded soul.

It was just another ordinary morning. I was pondering going to university and finally starting to attend classes when the door to my room suddenly opened.

"Jane? Did you leave anything out?" I asked, sitting on the bed with my back to the door.

"No, it's me," I heard my husband's voice and jumped out of bed wearing only a T-shirt and underwear.

"Hi," I said, stepping back and feeling the cold wall behind me.

"Hello," he softly said. "I went in because Jane was not at home. The smell from the kitchen drew me in. What is it? Did you make anything?"

I nodded slightly and turned away. I wasn't scared; I was just surprised because I hadn't expected to see him so quickly. I almost forgot I was married to Ranold Hamilton, to be honest.

"I'd like to try," he said unexpectedly. "Your cooking is excellent. Jane praised it, and to be honest, I wish I had given it a shot. So, if you don't mind, may we?"

"Sure," I replied, surprised that he wanted to try my cooking.

I approached the door slowly, raising my gaze to him, almost feeling the warmth of his body. He didn't take a step back, sigh, or move at all. All I had to do was turn the knob and the door would open. I was staring at him while twisting the handle, and he didn't even try to stop me. When I heard the click, I looked down, realizing he hadn't cut me off. It gave me a boost of confidence. I exited the room and entered the kitchen. He was following me.

"What is it?" He asked as I wrapped the pancakes with cottage cheese and jam.

"Pancakes," I said softly, handing him one. "It's delicious."

"Let me try," he said, biting a little and chewing it for a while, as if he wanted to taste it more.

"She was right. It's good. I like it."

"Really?" I asked quietly, looking him in the eyes.

I couldn't believe I'd finally done something that pleased him.

"Really," he confirmed with a firm nod.

I lowered my gaze to the table. Why did his words make me so happy? When he complimented my cooking, I was about to burst with pride and happiness. When I was wrapping one more for him, I felt a slight shiver down my spine.

"Will you return home, Olivier?" Ranold asked, gently covering my hand with his fingers and looking me in the eyes.

I froze for a moment before turning away, feeling guilty.

"I don't know..." I mumbled.

"I miss you," he said as I felt his warm hand on my cheek, and I swear I leaned in closer to feel its long-awaited warmth.

I could only murmur something in response to his words, but I was powerless. I needed him.

"Ranold," I almost sobbed quietly as he placed his hand on my lower back, drawing me closer to him.

"Let's go home," he said quietly, tucking my hair behind my ears and kissing my lips briefly.

"Hey, not in my house, guys," I shuddered, grabbing my husband's shirt, when I heard Jane's voice behind us. "Go home and fuck as much as you want. I don't need your obscene odors lingering in the air of my humble abode."

I pushed my husband away as I realized we were too close.

***

"This is a very special day for Ranold," Jane said as we drove outside of New Orleans.

That day, I turned down Ranold's proposal. He walked away without saying anything. I was terrified. I assumed he'd drag me into our apartment and then leave me there until he returned late at night. But he just walked away. And I felt relieved in some ways. I've been preparing for the lessons I've missed since that day. There appeared to be an abundance of homework. Even though I wasn't in class, I was kept busy. After a few days, Jane abruptly stated that we needed to get ready in the morning. She gave me dark trousers, a dark jersey, and a dark jacket to wear. I was confused because we were dressed all in black as if we were going to a funeral. And it appeared to be so.

"It's the only day of the year when I can shed a silent tear," Jane explained.

I was surprised. Was it a kind of a special celebration? Or maybe it was a special ceremony? I had no idea. I realized why we were all dressed in black when we appeared to be in a cemetery. Ranold had already arrived. He was standing at a distance near the grave. Jane and I came to a halt not far from him. The air was heavy with sadness. I was breathing heavily.

"Did Ranold tell you anything about his past?" Jane asked quietly, adjusting her wide-brimmed hat.

"No," I responded quietly.

"His parents were killed in a shooting. It was some sort of mafia internal conflict. They were civilians who appeared to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. The previous Don, God rest his soul, felt sorry for Ranold and took him in. He raised him as his own son. Ranold lost his biological family but gained a new one. Much larger and more powerful. Everyone became his brother, and he had no one to detest or despise. It had been a long time since Ranold could finally exact revenge on those who had murdered his parents. As a result, family ties are the most important thing in his life. You could be his mother, brother, sister, husband, wife, or even daughter or son; all of these are simple words until you truly become his Family. You can be sure that once you two have agreed, he will never abandon you," Jane remained silent for a few moments before turning to face me. "You are Hamilton. You are one of us. Ranold's oath at the altar on your wedding day proves it. Ranold himself guarantees your loyalty to the Family. He took on this burden as your husband, so be brave enough to share it as his husband as well."

I heard thunder somewhere in the distance. It was cloudy in New Orleans that morning. The sky was obscured by dark, gray clouds. I was thinking about what Jane had said to me. She was right. Ranold never abused me or said anything that could upset me. He saved me numerous times, but was it because he truly wanted to or because it was his duty as my spouse? Both of those things would hurt me. I refused to accept that I was the one who was linked to him. I didn't want to be a member of the Family. I didn't swear any oaths to him at the altar. I didn't beg him to save me or drag me into his world. But fate is cruel, and it sometimes puts you in situations like this, leaving you with no choice but to accept it.