His Call

Harlyn

Holding the phone to my ear, I felt a rush of warmth flood me as Wayne’s voice filled the line.

“Wayne,” I greeted him, unable to suppress the smile that tugged at my lips.

“Harlyn, how are you doing, my Luna? I hope you’re not getting bullied.” I can hear the worry in his tone.

“No, I am not getting bullied. Things are well,” I assured him. The internal struggles I have threaten to betray my words. I can't have him worrying about me, not when he has his own pack to lead and protect.

“Are you sure? You sound defeated, my love,” he says.

“I promise. I think I am just getting worn out from the long day,” I admit. My heart aches at the thought of him worrying for me. Especially when he is so far away, and I can't reassure him except with words.

There was a pause on the other end of the line.

“Wayne, is everything okay? You are unusually quiet,” I ask, my concern mounting with each passing second. He's too quiet, and I don't like that.

“I miss you, Harlyn. I don’t know if I can stay here without you for much longer. I need to be near you, and it feels like forever since you left, even if it was just yesterday,” he confesses. I know how he is feeling, I feel the same myself.

“I miss you as well, Wayne. But remember, when I return, we’re planning the wedding. I will be yours, Wayne,” I reassure him. I'm hoping that the promise of our future together helps to reassure him and settle his uneasy worries.

“I’m coming to see you, Harlyn,” he declares, his voice filled with determination. My eyes widen at his words, he can't come to see me.

“No, you’re not, Wayne. You need to look after the pack,” I insist. I have missed him, but he has duties, and he can't just leave them.

“But I miss you and the pups. I need to go. Don’t get bullied, Harlyn, and please kiss the pups goodnight for me,” he pleads. Our nights were so different when we were together.

“I will, Wayne. I will see you soon. I love you,” I say.

“I love you, Harlyn,” he echoes. His words lingered in the air long after the call had ended. I sighed. Lucy has gone, and I have time before her get-together tonight. I know I must find time to tell her the truth.

As I made my way back through the manor, the pups’ laughter greets me and soothes all my worries. As I step into the room, they run at me. Kneeling, I open my arms. Their warm embraces offer a sense of comfort that eases the ache in my heart.

“Are you okay, Mummy?” Thorin asks. His eyes are filled with worry; I know he wants to protect me, but he's a child and should enjoy this holiday without watching and protecting me.

“I’m fine, sweet Thorin. I promise that no one has hurt me,” I reassure him before I gently kiss his cheek. His worried expression eases as he hears my words, and he smiles.

“He’s hard to crack, isn’t he?” Colton jokes, nudging Thorin playfully. Thorin scowls at him mockingly.

“He’s not. If you want to get more out of Thorin, train with him,” I suggest with a smile. Colton looks at me, surprised.

“Train with him?” Samuel’s voice cuts through the playful banter, and his expression is confused as he joins the conversation.

“Have you three shown your uncles your training yet?” I ask, genuinely surprised that none of them had. Thorin is quick to offer an explanation, echoing Wayne’s teachings.

“Never show your enemies your skills and strengths, mummy. It means they know what to expect when they come to attack,” Thorin reminds me. His words are a reminder of the dangers many kingdoms face.

“Wise words from such a little man. We’re not enemies, though,” Samuel explains, kneeling beside Thorin and ruffling his hair affectionately.

“But enemies are close and watch,” Thorin adds. His words are filled with an understanding, unlike his age. His wisdom brings a smile to my lips, but I still feel uneasy by how quickly he is changing and growing.

“It’s late anyway, so I think it’s time to get ready for bed, don’t you?” I suggest, glancing between the pups as I begin to guide them to the door.

“Really, Harlyn? Ten more minutes?” Samuel asks. I sigh and look between them. We will get them sorted for the night. You're with Lucy, right?" I nod at his words.

“Fine, ten minutes,” I say, giving in with a laugh, knowing full well that ten minutes will no doubt turn into thirty minutes.

Turning to Thorin, I smile reassuringly. “Go have fun; I will stay right here for a bit,” I promise. He runs off and begins to join in.

After a few minutes, I walk through the manor, and I find Lucy with Diandra. Okay, so I have to deal with Diandra. I curtsey them both as I arrive.

"Princess Lucy, Princess Diandra," I say as I take my seat. A maid offers me a drink, and Mother comes to sit with us. We talk and I relax. Me and mother keep the conversation off the pups, I'm grateful for that.

I'm not sure how others will react to everything that has happened, and I don't want the pups at the centre of it all. It also means Lucy doesn't ask about that night, as Diandra is here.

I'm confused as to why the queen isn't here. Lucy has explained she is set to ensure the wedding tomorrow is perfect, so she has skipped out on our get-together tonight.

Standing, I walk to get myself a drink. I smile watching as Lucy and my mother speak. They are so close, and it feels like Lucy has become her daughter. I know my mother could never replace me, but it hurts to know Lucy is essentially in my place when I'm gone.

"Harlyn, I am just showing your mother my wedding dress," Lucy smiles, and I nod, watching them leave. As I get my drink, I turn and yelp feeling something hit against my ankle.

"Stay the hell away from my fiance!" Princess Diandra glares at me.

"I haven't been near him!" I argue.

"And you will never go near him again, mutt, not if less you want me to hurt you more. I saw how you look at him, he's mine, not yours!" She moves and kicks my ankle again.

I go to shout at her but Lucy walks back in. She's so damn happy I don't want to destroy that the night before her wedding.

So I push away everything. "I'm going to get to bed; I'm tired. It's been a long day," I walk forward and struggle to put weight on my ankle.

"Are you okay?" Lucy looks at me.

"Yeah, I tripped, always so clumsy," that's a lie; since I left here, I no longer tripped and fell; I realised fear drove me to be clumsy. I hug her and walk to my room.