Chapter Nine

* Emma *

When I saw Brad Langston and Nick Langston after many years of meeting them when I was younger, I could tell the big difference! It's hard not to notice how they are both hot and so good-looking. Brad is taller by just an inch compared to Nick however the latter is bigger and looked like he could just carry me in one hand. The thought sent shivers on my skin which made me wonder, this is not the first time I saw handsome men in my life. In fact, I am always surrounded by them in the industry that I worked for. However, the big difference are, these men are not what you call normal due to the reality that apart from being filthy rich and powerful. They are also wolves just like myself.

Nick's eyes when he looks at me, speak a hundred meaning more than his few words. While Brad give me recognition and a signal that he wanted to speak with me privately, I could feel Nick's eyes not leaving me and it made me shiver inside. I wonder why his gaze affected me more than Brad's and I remember something from childhood, something which I may have forgotten before and realizes just now.

"Meet me at the back garden Emma, we need to talk about these so-called engagement of ours."

I almost jump out of my system when I heard Brad speak on the mind link. The wolves around us are busy having their own conversations except for his brother who gives me an intense stare. it's like saying that he can hear his brother talking to me in the mind link.

"Alright, let us have a talk I need to tell you something in private too and we cannot discuss this in front of our families."

"Precisely."

The music played and Brad stood up faster than anyone around the table. Everyone cheered and nodded as he moves swiftly around the table.

"May I have this dance, Emma?"

He held out his hand and I hesitated for a few seconds. Then I look to my other side and see Nick's eyes challenging me to deny or accept Brad's invitation. Then I slowly give him my hand, but I saw his mouth move to give me a sarcastic expression.

"Yes, Brad. I think I like this music."

He helps me stand up as our hands meet and I felt his warmth giving me comfort. I don't feel anything of the so-called mate's pull or attraction that my mother mentioned. Brad is very good-looking despite his cold and humourless stare. I feel like I can confide in him, it's the opposite of what Dylan used to describe him as a cruel commander. I think that he has more compassion inside of him than his twin who seems to hide his dark thoughts in his killer smiles to everyone.

"Thank you for this Emma, now trust me and let us take a walk outside."

I nodded and followed him but glance back a little as I felt the need to. Then I saw Nick's angry eyes following us, it made me wonder why. I gulp down a lump in my throat when he looks away and I continued walking away with Brad. My parents are busy indulging themselves in a conversation with the Alpha King but I am quite sure that they notice us leaving.

We walk for a couple of minutes until Brad opened the back door towards the beautiful garden outside the palace. The beautiful place is like paradise that these family owned, wide varieties of flowers are blooming and well taken care of as well as the green plants which serves as a habitat for tiny living organisms. We have our own backyard garden at home but not as grand and vast as this one who I'm sure it takes more servants to employ.

"Do you remember the first time we played on this side of the palace Emma? Or can I call you Ems just like everyone else in your family?"

His smile is friendly when I see him looking at me. "Of course Brad, you can call me Ems if that is what you like."

He motioned to follow him into the garden. The roses are blooming so well, it did not matter what season is at this time of the year. Their scents filled my nostrils, I wish I could take a few and put them in my antique flower vase above my small table back home.

"I can't quite clearly remember the time I've spent with you and your brother here. But I remembered meeting you both."

I don't know why but even uttering his brother's name, Nick, made me feel a bit awkward.

"Oh, Nick would not be happy that you don't remember."

He chuckled, unlike his attitude at the table. Brad is showing me a different side of him, and I like this one better. But still, I am waiting for my heart to turn erratic and felt my knees melt by being near him but nothing. It only feels like talking to Dylan, my older brother. I look at him with a question on my face but he changes the subject quickly.

"This engagement is a mistake Ems, we can both tell that we are not mates. Forgive me but I know how you feel, this will be different if we really are chosen for each other."

My eyes turned wide at his direct comment.

"Yes, I think you are right about that Brad. But the wizard told our families a different story and they have planned it all for us. We could not oppose your father, and you saw how my father's condition is. Disappointment is a feeling that he should avoid and I don't want to cause it, I love my father just like how you love yours."

Then I let out a heavy sigh. Maybe he is interested in another wolf, it will be possible by looking at how the female she-wolves who work in the palace take a glance at both him and Nick. They both scream of male dominance and sexuality, I'm sure that the she-wolves would drop their panties with just a wink from each of them. They could compete with the male models that I walked with in the UK the Langston twins will surely get the crowd.

"I understand the situation Ems, I am willing to help you but now I am glad that we both feel the same way and we are both sensible enough to read what is between us."

I give him a smile and nodded. "Yes I get what you mean but how are we going to live in the next few days?"

"Listen, I am not saying that we opposed them rather I am hoping that we can let them see what they wanted just until the engagement is finished and until the full wolf moon comes. When the right time comes we will both get called out by our perfect mates because I am sure that Maleficus will have a different vision and that time we will know who our fated mates are."

My forehead wrinkles a little as I try to understand his plan.

"Do you think that it's possible for the wizard to learn something apart from this vision of us being mates?"

"Positive, the old man made mistakes sometimes. He is not always right about the future and he cannot see all things for everyone here in the palace but he is very useful for the safety of the Kingdom and my father loves him just like my grandpa."

We let a few seconds of silence to passed before Brad exhaled and talk again.

"I should get us something to drink Ems, please have a seat at the stone chairs and let me call someone to serve us here. That is if you prefer to stay and talk with me."

"Of course, that's a great idea Brad.”

He walk farther and I let myself sat down on the cold stone chair. I could hear the faint music from inside the palace and I thought it's better to be here than to stay inside and get those weird gaze from Nick Langston. The cold wind blew and I shiver a little.

I was enjoying myself looking at the different flowers in the garden when suddenly the air around me changed. A presence that is too difficult to ignore has stirred the calm peaceful surroundings.