Today was one of those days. I couldn't seem to concentrate. I was finishing up on some paperwork and getting ready to go back to my apartment when my personal phone rang.
Rich called.
"Hi, Trin. Where are you?"
"Hi, Rich. Still in the office, but ready to go home now. I cannot do any more of those business meetings. I am exhausted."
I heard noises behind Richard's voice.
"How fast can you get home, Trin?"
"I, uh, probably need a day. Where are you exactly, Rich?"
"Something happened, Trin. He needs you."
My stomach dropped. I shivered. Oh, God, what now.
"Did he get hurt? Did he punch anybody?"
"Nah, something I cannot really tell you over the phone, but I think he really needs you now. You're still in Paris?"
"Yeah, my flight should be in the morning. Where are you exactly?" I demanded.
"You're not gonna like it, but we are at Zara Mansion."
"Zara...Mansion..??" I was beyond confused.
"I will text you the address, and a driver will be ready to pick you up at the airport. Send me your flight details, okay," Richard sounded very business-like.
"Richard," I replied, "I will be there as soon as possible."
"Thanks, my Lady."
—————
I couldn't wait until tomorrow morning. I rescheduled my flight, picked up my suitcase from the apartment, and went straight to the airport. I texted Rich my flight schedule, telling him I will arrive first thing in the morning.
My wolf Maxine stirred. Zara? What happened to her?
I don't know, Max. We'll soon find out, but I am feeling really anxious.
—————
I finally reached Zara Mansion. Such a regal house I have never seen, but for now I pushed my irritation aside.
A butler opened the front door for me. I immediately locked eyes with Richard. He had been waiting for my in the lobby for God knows how long.
"Trin, finally you are here." He squeezed my shoulder, "You look tired."
"I am tired. Where is Kaid?" I just wanted to see him as soon as I can.
Rich brought me into a huge living room, full of people I have only known by name. One of them was Zara.
"Kaid!" I walked quickly toward him.
"Trinity..?" Kaid glanced at Richard and he knew who told me.
"Trin.." I can see a wash of relief in his eyes, mixed with guilt and sorrow.
"It's alright, my King. I am here for you." I whispered and placed my forehead on his.
He closed his eyes for a moment, relishing in the familiarity of my presence. I could feel his weariness, dejection, disappointment, even his longing.
I thought Kaid felt pairs of eyes looking at us. He cleared his throat and broke away from me. "Ehm, this is Trinity Atlas. She is..."
"I am Kaid's right hand man." I cut him with a smile, "Call me Trin."
"I thought I am your right hand man, Kaid," Richard chimed in and made things even more awkward for Kaid.
Kaid regained his composure and confirmed, "Yes, Rich, you are my Beta, but Trin here—is my Lady Companion."
Zara looked at a handsome man who must be her husband, Snow. They both looked at me and smiled widely.
"I am sorry I didn't get the chance to know you before, Lady Trinity," Zara offered me a handshake which I returned.
"Nice to know you, Lady Zara. I mostly handled business stuff for Kaid, but I have heard quite a story about you and Alpha Snow."
After exchanging a few formal pleasantries, I excused myself to the balcony, which was followed by Kaid.
—————
I lit up my cigarettes to ease the tension I had been feeling, and then I felt Kaid's presence. He put his hands on the small of my back. I took a drag and put the cigarettes out.
"You are smoking again, love," Kaid spoke to me very softly.
"You owe me a long ass explanation, Kaid."
"I know, I am sorry. I didn't want to hurt you." He pleaded.
"I am at a loss for words." I told him sternly.
"I promise I will tell you everything."
"You have 10 minutes to tell me now." I demanded.
Kaid kept silent.
"My King, I can feel how heavy your heart is. My only regret is that you didn't tell me sooner. I could have helped."
"Trin, every word I say is going to break your heart."
"My King, I was broken and shattered when you found me. You put me together piece by piece. I was already broken if not for you. The least I can do is to hear your side of the story."
I placed my palms on his cheeks. He looked so hollow and pale, my heart ached for him. And so the story flowed, like a river meeting the sea. The day he found his betrothed, the dark witch coven, until the day he marched to the Dragon's Realm with Zara in order to revive Snow.
"Kaid, you could have died."
"I am sorry, love. It happened so fast."
"Kaid, you didn't think to tell me or at least asked Rich to tell me?"
"But, I am here now. Battered and bruised."
"Kaid, you do know how much I care about you? Don't you pull this kind of stunt ever again. I mean it."
"Alright. I won't."
"Do you love her?" My question surprised him.
"I....care about her. I....witnessed a fated bond so strong so powerful. I have never felt such a weight as an outsider. I told Snow to take good care of her."
"Do you love her, Kaid?" My voice barely a whisper.
"I thought I did. For a while, I did." Kaid admitted. I exhaled, I knew this was happening.
"I will still be here for you, Kaid. I will be here as long as you need me," I replied.
Kaid's arms fell at his sides. I took his hands into mine, and I said, "Let's go home, Kaid. Let's get some rest. The war can wait."