Bella:
"It's crazy how the days are flying by," Ryder said, breaking the spell of the book I was engrossed in. I closed it and looked at him as he sat close, lifting my legs onto his lap. His warmth seeped into my skin.
"I've kept you cooped up here for days, just eating and lounging around. I must be boring you to death," he said, his voice tinged with concern. His lips puckered in a mock pout, making me smile. I took his hand, sitting up to reassure him.
"I love being with you, Ryder. We don't need anything spectacular. How about a walk?" I suggested, hoping to ease his mind. He sprang to his feet immediately, his sudden energy almost startling me. He began pacing around the room, one hand covering his mouth, the other resting on his waist.
It was a familiar sight-Ryder overthinking things again.
He suddenly clapped his hands, eyes lighting up with an idea. "I've got it!" He rushed over, grabbing my thighs and shaking me gently. "A party! But not just any party, I-"
"Let it go," I interrupted gently, placing a hand on his arm. "Let's just take a walk. The estate is beautiful, and I'd love to see it," I said, hoping to ground him. He slumped back onto the couch, looking momentarily dejected. "I'll indulge whatever fantasy you have later," I added, a playful tone in my voice.
His grin returned, and he sat up, his eyes gleaming with renewed excitement. I rolled my eyes playfully.
"You guys are so gullible," I teased, heading up the stairs, with Ryder close behind.
**
Soon, we were bundled up for the cold, ready to explore the frost-covered estate. The thick layers of our winter clothes made us look like walking marshmallows, but they were necessary to combat the biting chill. Ryder took my hand as we stepped out of the mansion gates and onto the quiet road. The tall houses glowed with evening lights, a warm contrast to the cold, and we could see families inside, preparing dinner or playing games.
"This isn't as bad as I thought," Ryder admitted, his breath visible in the chilly air, forming little clouds with each exhale.
"You've never walked here before?" I asked, surprised. He shook his head, and I squeezed his hand, feeling a mixture of affection and sadness. "Well, now you can enjoy it," I said, chuckling as we left the estate gates and ventured into the bustling street beyond.
The street was alive with activity, cars and people moving about, New Year songs filling the air. It felt like stepping into another world, vibrant and full of life. I tossed a five-moon note into the bowl of a street band playing cheerful tunes, Ryder adding a hundred. "Thank you!" the lead singer called out between verses, her smile bright under the streetlights.
As we strolled, the crisp winter air nipping at our cheeks, we spotted an ice skating park nestled among the buildings. Twinkling fairy lights adorned the trees, casting a magical glow, and a large ice rink sparkled at its center. The scene was straight out of a winter fairy tale.
"Look!" I pointed excitedly. Skaters glided gracefully across the ice, their laughter and the sound of blades slicing the ice, creating a harmonious symphony. I exchanged a thrilled glance with Ryder, pulling him towards the entrance.
The festive atmosphere enveloped us, the scent of hot cocoa wafting from a nearby stand, mingling with the crisp scent of snow.
We found a spot near the rink, watching skaters up close. Some moved with the elegance of professional dancers, their movements fluid and mesmerizing. Others wobbled and giggled, holding onto each other for support.
I couldn't help but smile as I watched a young couple attempt a spin, only to end up in a heap of laughter on the ice. The park was alive with winter's spirit, and we were soaking in every magical moment.
"I wish we could stay here all day," Ryder whispered, his voice soft. I rested my head on his shoulder, feeling his arm wrap around me, pulling me closer. He pressed a gentle kiss to my forehead, and I closed my eyes, savoring the warmth of the moment.
"Let's get some hot cocoa if we're staying longer," he suggested. I nodded.
As we walked to the cocoa stand, my phone beeped incessantly, breaking the tranquility. I tried to ignore it, focusing on the moment, but it wouldn't stop. With a sigh, I pulled out my phone, my heart dropping at the text.
"Hey, Bella. You might have deleted my number, so I'll get straight to the point."
"It's Sebastine. You still look great, even better than at the pack. I heard you found your mates. I should be happy for you, but I can't pretend that I'm not still in love with you."
"Is everything alright?" Ryder asked, his brow furrowing with concern. I shoved my phone into my pocket, swallowing hard, struggling to find words. The ground seemed to shift beneath my feet, the joy of the evening replaced with an icy dread.
"Ye.......yeah, I'm fine," I lied, my voice unsteady. He handed me a cup of hot cocoa, and I took it with shaking hands, almost gulping it down, burning my tongue. "Ouch!" I winced, tears springing to my eyes from the pain. Ryder grabbed my hand, his touch grounding me.
"I'm fine," I lied again, trying to mask the pain. "Let's go back to watching the skaters," I suggested, forcing a smile. He nodded, his eyes filled with worry, but he didn't press further.
Suddenly, my phone beeped again. I let go of Ryder's hand, pulling out my phone with trembling fingers. Another message from Sebastine. An image of Ryder and me at the rink, our faces lit with joy.
"That waist is mine to hold."
Panic surged through me, my heart pounding in my chest. I looked around frantically, trying to spot Sebastine, but he was nowhere to be seen. The festive atmosphere now felt suffocating, the joyful laughter and music a contrast to my growing fear.
"Ryder," I called, my voice shaking. I grabbed his hand, holding on tightly. "I feel really cold. We need to leave now," I urged, my eyes pleading. He nodded, sensing my distress, and we quickly made our way out of the park.
Sebastine was here, in the Frost Pack. My life was doomed....