Chapter 6 Prince Charming

The party, the celebrations. Everything. Absolutely everything was magical. Ezra and I dancing was breathtaking, and even without any rehearsal, it felt like we were born to glide together across a ballroom.

He was so kind, helpful, and gentle with me all night. He tried his best not to leave me alone, but at times, he stepped aside so I could enjoy myself with my friends.

The party was over. My feet hurt, as did my back. I sighed while my parents just walked back and forth, giving orders.

"So, did you like it?" Ezra asked, sitting down next to me.

"A lot," I smiled. "Thank you so much for coming, it meant a lot to me."

"It was no trouble at all." He sipped his drink.

"What's that?" I asked, wrinkling my nose.

"A drink, and it's not for you," he murmured, leaning against the wall.

"I don't know how you guys can drink that..." I stuck out my tongue in disgust. "I hated it when Toby, Dana, and I drank..."

"That kid gave you a drink?" He frowned, looking irritated now.

"No, I mean, not him." I mumbled, trying to focus my thoughts to find the right words. "It was... Dana." I confessed and cursed myself. "Why can't I hide anything from you? I'm always talking too much and..."

"That's good, keep it that way." He laughed, hugging me from the side.

"You smell like alcohol." I pushed him away slightly.

"You're hurting my feelings, little one."

"Oh, sure," I rolled my eyes. "When are you leaving?" I asked.

"Tomorrow, at eight in the morning," he noted.

"Oh, no," I sighed, letting my arms drop to my sides. "I thought we could..."

"Sorry, sweetheart, I can't..." he murmured, regretful.

"Ezra, would you do something crazy with me?" I asked, starting to take off my heels.

"What kind of crazy?" He asked, frowning.

"Come on, come on," I murmured, pulling his hand to run away from the ballroom as fast as possible. "It's only one in the morning. We have the whole night to enjoy, hm?" I laughed.

He laughed too, as he ran with me to escape.

–*--*--*--

"Oh, God," he laughed, collapsing onto the floor of his treehouse, his chest rising and falling. "I haven't had this much fun in a long time, Em. Thank you."

"I should be thanking you for coming from so far away," I murmured, lying down next to him.

From where we were, we could see the sky and the stars, shining beautifully above us. The night was lovely and peaceful, and we had turned off our phones at some point. Our parents were calling constantly, and we simply didn't want to answer.

I knew I would get scolded tomorrow, but I didn't want this night to end. Never. I simply needed him to stay with me.

"Ezra," I whispered.

"Yes, Em?" he asked, looking at me softly.

"Do you think I'll ever find a mate?" I asked.

"Yes, and he'll be there at your transformation." He intertwined his fingers with mine and kissed the back of my hand.

"Do you think so?" I asked.

"I'm absolutely sure, dear," he smiled, sighing.

"I'm scared," I whispered.

"Of what?" He turned completely towards me, placing his hand on my waist now.

"That he won't be good or love me," I shrugged. "Or that he'll reject me." I closed my eyes. "I just want to be loved, Ezra."

"And you will be, I promise." He kissed my forehead.

"How can you promise that for someone else?" I whispered.

"I just can," he shrugged. "If he hurts you, I'll kill him immediately."

I laughed softly, closing my tired eyes. "I don't want to sleep now."

"Sleep, Em," he whispered. "I promise we won't leave, okay?"

I nodded and sighed, giving in to his caresses and finally falling into a deep sleep.

–*--*--*--

Ezra's Point of View

Emy crawled towards me, resting her head on my chest and placing her hand beside her face. She snored softly, sleeping peacefully in my arms.

Emily had become such a beautiful, happy, and sweet girl. God, she managed to find a way into my heart and my life, and even from afar, I felt we were closer than with anyone else I knew.

I still remember when she told me the news that my best friends - Kyle and Lindy - were mates. She seemed so worried I would explode, even though she was so young, that I couldn't help but laugh and feel relieved. Lindy deserved a man who would care for and love her.

Over time, Emy grew and became a part of my routine. It was normal to talk to her before bed, help her with her homework, and then have the best night's sleep of my life. On the other hand, since I left, I've been troubled and never managed to get involved with another woman - not even a prostitute.

Hades wouldn't allow me to betray his mate like that, and I no longer had the patience to deal with needy she-wolves. In general, I wasn't the same anymore, and I was always so absorbed in problems that I would just collapse into bed and pass out completely.

But tonight, I simply couldn't sleep. Not with her so calm in my arms, clinging to me like she was afraid I'd leave. So, I covered her with my blazer, rested my head on my palm, and stayed like that for hours until I finally gave in and fell asleep completely.

I blinked and was already awake. My alarm clock was blaring in my ear, and Emy rolled away from me, making me growl and grope around the floor for the small device - I wanted to throw it against the wall.

I turned off the alarm and ignored the thousands of missed calls, just staring into space for a long time. Emy sat up and yawned, looking at me with slightly smudged mascara around her eyes. "It's time to go back to reality, Ezra," she murmured, her voice husky.

"Time to go back to reality, Emy," I repeated to her, sighing heavily. I don't think I'm ready for reality after tonight.