Page 5 of An Ancient Power's Revenge

My heart sank at the revelation. Knowing Alexei, he immediately decided to act on the idea as soon as it occurred tohim. I didn’t mind him being determined to secure peace among the supernaturals. I would just prefer it if he told me first.

“Why wouldn’t he tell me about such an important meeting? I should be there with him.”

Ana nodded in understanding. “I agree. That’s why I’m going to find him. Want to come?”

Without hesitation, I nodded. “Absolutely. I need to talk to him. Give me a second. I need to sign a few documents. I’ll be ready in five.”

Chapter 3 - Meeting the Werewolves

Alexei

Iimpatiently glanced at my watch. Ana was supposed to be here thirty minutes ago. What was taking her so long?

The werewolf pack was in a secret location that would take us awhile to get to. The earlier we arrived, the better for us.

A few minutes later, I spotted her. I waved to Ana when I realized she wasn’t alone; an irritated Evelyn accompanied her.

“Hey, baby,” I greeted, my enthusiasm dimmed by the tension that lingered in her gaze.

She stopped in front of me, frustration evident in her expression. “Alexei, we need to talk.”

I glanced at Ana, who gave me an apologetic look. Something had gone wrong, and I braced myself for the impending conversation.

“Why didn't you tell me about the meeting with the werewolf pack?” Evelyn’s voice carried a mix of hurt and frustration.

I sighed, realizing my attempt to handle the matter discreetly had backfired. “I didn't want you to worry. The werewolves are cautious, and I thought it would be easier for me to discuss things with them alone, without other authorities. Besides it was just decided at the council meeting.”

Evelyn’s eyes narrowed, and she crossed her arms. “Alexei, we're a team. If you're facing challenges, I should be facing them with you. Keeping me in the dark only makes things worse.”

Ana stepped in, her voice calm and diplomatic. "Evelyn, I understand your concern, but Alexei was trying to protect you. The werewolf pack is wary of strangers and that means they might be dangerous. I think Alexei just wanted to gauge the situation first.”

Evelyn’s frustration didn't wane. “Ana, I appreciate your perspective, but I should have been informed. We're partners, and partners communicate. Besides, we're not even just partners, we're going to get married. Alexei, we need to trust each other if we're going to make this work. I'm coming with you.”

I nodded, acknowledging the validity of her point. “You're right, Evelyn. I should've communicated better. I'm sorry.”

Her gaze softened, and she sighed. “It's just... I don't want to feel left out or incapable of handling the challenges we might face. We face them together, right?”

I reached for her hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “Absolutely. From now on, we'll face everything together. No more secrets.”

Evelyn’s smile returned, a mixture of relief and understanding. “Good. I want to be there for you, Alexei, in every way.”

Ana said, “Hold on, did I hear you just say you're getting married?” She said to Evelyn.

A very bright smile appeared on my fiancé’s face as she turned to face Ana. “Yes. Alexei proposed this morning.” Evelyn said, raising her hand to show Ana the ring on her finger.

Ana’s eyes widened and I could see the obvious joy and surprise in them. “Oh my God! Congratulations to both of you. I’m so happy for you.”

Evelyn thanked Ana, the smile never leaving her face. Seeing her so happy brought a small smile to my face and in that moment, I realized that there was nothing I wouldn't do to make this woman the happiest woman on earth.

I cleared my throat, interrupting their conversation. “I know you both wouldn't mind spending an extra ten minutes squealing but we really have to get going.”

Ana rolled her eyes at me. “You're such a big killjoy.”

***

“How much longer?” Evelyn asked after we had been on the road for over two hours.

“Not much. Also, this is the fifth time you've asked this question in the last thirty minutes.” I said, turning to look at her and chuckling.

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