Reason To Stay

Derek

"Your Majesty," She curtsied. Her head slightly bowed. I stared awestruck at her, totally forgetting that I have to respond to her greeting.

I just couldn't believe that this was Melody. I mean, she looks so different and....and... beautiful, even mature. She has this strange aura around her that I can't quite put my head around.

"Wow, Melody! It really is you!" Sophia jumped forward before I could speak, thankfully snapping me out of my daze.

"How have you been, Your highness," She smiled.

Gosh! That smile is....

Before I could react or process what was happening around me, Miranda spoke.

"So, you are Melody?" Miranda's disdainful voice was enough to bring me back from my reverie.

"That's, princess Miranda. She is Derek's fiancee." Sophia said in a not so whispering voice.

"Oh, my apologies your highness. I didn't know who you were." She bowed.

"So, you're back now or....?"

I don't know why Miranda chose to ask that, but I found interest in that question. For some reason, I wanted to know if she was going to stay or if she would leave again soon.

Not that I care about her or her whereabouts, I just wanted her to see how undeserving she was of me and how perfect my life is with the woman I have chosen.

"I will be leaving soon." She replied much to my disappointment.

I hated her. I still do! But something seems to be missing. Something was odd.

Wasn't she always fawning over me? Wasn't she always running behind me? Why does it seem like she doesn't care anymore?

"What? You're leaving?" Sophia sounded displeased. "You only just returned and now you're leaving?"

"Forgive me your highness, but I only came to see my mother and as soon as she feels better; which is already happening, then I have no reason to stay."

No reason to stay? The hell does she mean by no reason to stay? I know she was sent out of the pack because she committed some heinous crime, but I never got to know what she did. Malcolm will never talk about it no matter how many times I ask him and no one from the manor wants to disclose the issue. It's like they've all taken an oath never to disclose the topic.

It's one of the reason why I admire the family. Whatever happens in the family, stays in the family. Even the employees knows never to rant or talk about things they shouldn't. They are never caught gossiping too. It's no wonder father cherishes Maximus Wayne. He is a very good leader. I can't help but admire him too.

However, this only piques my curiosity. I mean, what could a mutton like Melody have done to deserve such a punishment?

"No reason to stay?" Sophia spoke my thoughts. "Why would you say you have no reason to stay? This is your home, Mel, your pack!"

"Only werewolves and she-wolves belong to pack and I'm not one and perhaps you didn't know that I was banished from my home five years ago." She announced, unfazed.

She didn't seem bothered by the fact that she called herself wolfless now did she care to say that she was banished. The old Melody, would be extremely shy to say such a thing. Which brings me to realize that this Melody is a lot different from the old one.

"What crime did you commit, that got you sent away from your pack and home?" I couldn't help jumping into the conversation which is so unlike me.

I don't know why I so badly want to find out why she was sent away. Could it probably be because I was also guilty of some kind of crime?

If she was punished so severely for this crime she must have committed, which I'm sure must be trivial compared to mine. Then, I wonder what punishment I deserve if word went out that I took advantage of an helpless and innocent woman that night?

"Such matters shouldn't be of concern to you, your Majesty. You have other important matters to attend," Melody bowed.

Did she just snub me? Did she just politely ask me to mind my business? Why will she just never stop getting on my nerves? For the first time ever, I was interested in something related to her and this is what she tells me? To mind my business?

No problem! If that's what she wants then so be it!

"Tell me about it, Mel. I want to help you. I can't help if you don't tell me. I'm your best friend aren't I?" Sophia tugged at her arm and they both giggled.

My eyes darted to her dimple and my lips curled up. I never knew she had dimple.

"Alright, I'll tell you everything, but...."

"Let's go, Sophia!" I called, cutting her off.

I didn't know why my voice was raised, but I was pissed. When I asked what happened, she shunned me, but she was s willing to tell Sophia!

Between Sophia and me who is superior? Doesn't she know that I'm king now? I think I have to remind her.

"We're here for a reason!" I ordered and Sophia jumped to my side. No one disobeys my alpha voice.

Melody bowed at my voice. Even I was stunned by the volume of my own voice.

"What's wrong?" Miranda asked.

"Nothing, we're running late." I replied, taking few steps ahead before pausing. "Show us the way. We're here to visit the Luna."

Without mentioning her name or looking at her, she knew I was referring to her. Melody led the way to her mother's chambers.

I watched her steps as she walked in front of us. Her walking steps was refined. She walked with her back and shoulders straight and her head was held high. Her waist swayed beautifully with her hips as she walked. They worked synchronously dancing to an unknown rhythm.

I wonder why I never noticed that she was curvy before now. I mean, where were all these attributes before?

"Mother's chamber is here." She pointed at the door. The guards bowed to me before opening the double door.

Melody turned to leave as soon as I moved to go in, but I caught her hand before she could make a run for it.

"Where do you think you're going?"