When they touch me (Shelagh Milano)



ARTEMISIA

"Missy?" I stop biting the nail of my thumb as Astrid calls me, tearing me out of my thoughts.

"Huh?"

"Are you alright, dear?" She asks me as she leans into my line of sight.

I realise where I am, looking around me lost as I look for my files. "Yeah, yeah. Sorry. I was pensive because I was still thinking about how we were going to organise everything with the escort cars."

"Ah, don't worry about that. The warriors will be driving the jeeps, and I will drive the little bus with the children," she giggles, making me smile. "You are a superstar, Astrid," I sigh with relief.

I'm about to get up as she holds me by my forearms, looking at me worriedly. "Are you sure that you are okay? We went through this already this morning, and you look a bit pale."

“Sure, sure! I'm perfectly fine. Just nervous," I lie, stepping away from her. "I'll talk to Georgius again and see if we are ready for tomorrow. Just to be sure."

She nods, folding her hands. "Thank you, Missy."

"See you tomorrow then," I say, waving at her and the few kids playing in the garden as I walk out through the gate.

Letting go of a deep breath, I start walking back home along the river. People greet me kindly as always and the chirping birds signal me that the world didn't in fact end, even if it feels that way.

I close my eyes shortly as I think back at Cayden's confession the day before and how I reacted in the worst possible way.

Instead of saying anything, maybe even confessing that I had feelings for him too and that I thought of kissing his luscious lips since he teased me at the lake in my old pack, I just got up and walked out of the room.

Like a fucking idiot!

I haven't seen or talked to him since, and I even thought about having Lisa bring him my final notes before the excursion.

I'm such a lost cause.

Groaning, I concentrate on taking a deep breath as the wind blows gently through my hair, wrapping my long colourful skirt around my ankles.

I don't even notice how my feet are killing me as I step into the warriors' training fields. "May I know where I can find Gregorious?"

"Sure," the young warrior says, pointing to a bulky and tanned guy, who is currently talking to Fynn.

My usual luck.

Thanking him with a smile, I walk towards the two men confidently, ignoring the looks my shoes clicking on the pavement attract.

"Gentlemen," I greet them, still smiling as I reach them.

"Missy," Gregorius celebrates, welcoming me with wide arms while Fynn just distorts his face.

I keep my smile up, not wanting to give Fynn any satisfaction. "Would you have a moment to spare for me, Gregorius? It's about the excursion tomorrow."

"Sure," his laugh rumbles over the training court, and he slaps Fynn's arm playfully. "Let's take a look at this boss."

He starts walking into a little hut at the side of the training court and I turn around to talk to Fynn lowly, "You don't have to waste your time if you have more important things to do."

"Don't worry. I have to supervise everything anyway, so getting it in first person is actually better." He answers, laying his hand on the small of my back as we start walking.

I keep myself from distorting my face but fail at not getting his attention.

I forgot that he can feel my emotions.

"Are you hurt?" he asks, looking at me worriedly.

Waving dismissively, I smile at him. "Oh, no. These shoes are just killing me."

He hums, eyeing me up as we reach the hut and he opens the door open for me. "If you want I could mind-link Logan to get you carried back to your room."

I chuckle as I walk past him, "All this jealousy really doesn't suit you, Master Fynn."

He clicks his tongue but I can clearly see him hiding a grin.

Spreading the plans out on the table standing in the room, I get through tomorrow's lineup and organisation quickly.

As we finish discussing, Gregorius looks at Fynn with a big grin, and he shrugs. "Looks good for me."

"Perfect!" Gregorius claps his hands before he shakes me by grabbing my shoulders. "Good job, Ms. Beta."

I smile, trying to keep my balance. "Thank you!"Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

He nods happily, before walking out and Fynn is about to follow him as I step aside, wondering what the hell got into me.

"Fynn!" I call out a bit too loud, making him halt in his step. Both men turn around to look at me and I knead my fingers. "Maybe I could talk to you real quick. In private?"

"Sure," he sighs, before dismissing Gregorius. "Go ahead, I'll be with you in a minute."

My heart beats into my throat as he steps closer to me, putting his hands into his pockets leisurely. "What is it?”

"I-I have a little problem," I start, making him roll his eyes.

"Why don't you talk to Logan about your little problem?" he scoffs, about to turn back around as I grab his arm, stopping him.

"I can't! I could barely look him in the eyes this morning. I really tried, but I couldn't tell him. Please, just a second! I don't know who I should go talk to about this, otherwise." I plead, and his expression morphs.

He looks at me worriedly as he turns back around to face me fully. "What is it?"

"It's Cayden," I whisper, gulping.

Leaning into me, he takes his hands out of his pockets to cross them across his chest. "What's with him?"

"You were right!" I shake my head, taking a deep breath. "He wants me to be Luna for this pack."

Fynn chuckles, shrugging. "His Luna?"

I grimace before I nod slowly, getting him to laugh even louder.

"Don't laugh, this is not funny!" I scold him, tucking my hair behind my ear.

"I just knew it," he says with a broad grin. "I'm just surprised it took him this long to tell you."

"What do you mean?" I ask, making him shake his head.

"This is not my place to tell," he simply answers, making me groan.

"What should I do now?" I ask, and he passes a hand through his hair.

"I'm still not getting why you are asking me! Shouldn't you have more respect for your mate's feelings?" he says, acting theatrically offended.

"Oh, stop it. Look who's talking!" I

tsk, "You were different the last time we talked and I thought... I just felt comfortable talking with you. Maybe it's because you plan to reject me anyway, making me feel without pressure around you."

He snorts, and for a short moment, it seems like he is proud. "Okay, look. You like him too, don't you?"

I stare at him for a moment before I nod again, feeling my cheeks warm up.

"We all know this already. You

should just talk to Matthew and Logan about it. Afterwards, you can decide if you want to accept him as a chosen mate or not. As your mates, we just care about you being happy, and just because you choose to tisten to your heart while doing something important for our pack, doesn't mean you will lose us over it," he breathes out, squinting his eyes at me as I grin at him.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" he asks, and I shake my head.

He groans, rolling his eyes. “Missy!"

"Nothing," I say, not able to keep my smile from growing. "It's just that you said 'us'."

"It was just a slip of the tongue. It should be clear to you that I meant Matthew and Logan," he grumbles.

I chuckle, as I start collecting the files. "Sure, I know that."

"Argh, let's go, Ms pain in the ass," he growls, already walking through the door.

As he opens the door for me, I notice

that by standing on the high step, I'm nearly as tall as him. Clasping my files in my hand, I wrap my

hands around his neck, hugging him

close to kiss his cheek. His eye's widen as I push myself off his strong shoulders, and whisper. "Thank you so much. I feel better already."