CHAPTER 55

MIA POV.

I crouched beside a circle of curious children, attempting to engage them in a lively discussion about today’s lessons. Edward leaned against the nearby wall, observing with an air of amusement.

"So, who can tell me about the different pack roles?" I asked, hoping to spark a lively debate. A bright-eyed girl piped up, "My grandma was a healer! She helped people feel better." I beamed. "That's wonderful! Healers are essential to our pack's well-being." Edward chimed in, his voice laced with humor, "Mia, you're doing it again – lecturing instead of listening."

I glanced up, catching his knowing gaze. "What do you mean?" Edward pushed off from the wall, walking closer. "You're reciting a theory, Mia. Ask them about their experiences, their stories." I nodded, taking his cue. "Okay, Emma, what was it like to have a grandma who was a healer?"

The girl's face lit up. "She's always made potions and helped our friends!” She spoke enthusiastically. “I remember that she once bandaged my grandpa’s paw when he cut it while running in the forest.” The little girl elaborated. This seemed to encourage the other kids to start sharing their own stories, and I listened intently, weaving their stories into the conversation.

Edward observed with a hint of approval on his face. "Better. You're starting to connect the dots between theory and reality." As the lesson wrapped up, Edward offered a warm smile. "You're making progress, my Luna. Don't be afraid to delve into the minds of the little ones. We can sometimes learn a thing or two from them. I nodded, feeling more at ease. "I'll try to remember that."

As the day moved along, I felt myself enjoying the day even though my thoughts sometimes drifted to Dominic, but as Edward and I walked side by side, I couldn't help but feel relaxed. His calm, gentle demeanor puts me at ease, yet simultaneously makes me shy. I found myself stealing glances at him, admiring the way his eyes crinkled at the corners when he smiled.

Our conversations flowed effortlessly, like a gentle stream meandering through the countryside. We discussed everything from pack history to our shared love of psychology. Edward's passion for stories was infectious, and I found myself laughing and engaging with him in ways I never thought possible.

The contrast between Edward's warm, relaxed nature and Dominic's cold, calculating demeanor was day and night.  I felt grateful for those moments with Edward, free from the tension and anxiety that accompanied interactions with Dominic. Edward's presence was a balm to my frazzled nerves, soothing my fears and doubts.

As I basked in the warmth of the sun and in Edward's kindness, the weight of my precarious situation began to recede, like the ebbing tide. The dangers and the uncertainties all seemed to fade into the background. For fleeting moments, I allowed myself to forget that I was a pawn in Dominic's game of power and manipulation.

All too soon, the day came to an end. The kids seemed disappointed that I was leaving as well because they hugged me over and over again and some of the younger ones even wrapped themselves around my legs, which made Edward burst out laughing.

As we drove through the winding roads, Edward shot me with another one of his warm smiles. "I've got a story for you." he said, his eyes sparkling with a hint of mischief. Suddenly very keen to hear the story, I straightened in my seat and looked at him in expectation. "I'm all ears," I replied with a smile of my own.

Edward launched into a tale of his childhood, of the mischief he and his siblings caused. His laughter was contagious, and I found myself laughing alongside him. As he spoke, his gaze drifted to mine, his expression softening. "You know, Luna, the way you connected with those kids today? Was amazing." He praised me and my cheeks flushed. "Thanks, Eddie. You're pretty great yourself." He chuckles. "I'm just glad I got to spend time with you. You make even the most mundane tasks enjoyable."

Edward pulled the car up to the front of the house, but I didn’t get out immediately. I lingered inside the car, the evening air thickened with an unspoken connection. Our gazes met, and I sensed a subtle, growing intimacy that had formed between us. But suddenly, Edward’s eyes caught something past me and his face went pale. I almost instantly knew why. When I turned around, there he was. Dominic's imposing figure stood at the front door, and he didn’t look happy. I looked back at Edward, but he had already gotten out to come and open my door. The friendship that formed between me and Edward suddenly felt strained and, instead of his usual smiles, he had a mask of indifference plastered on his face.

With a curt nod, Edward turned to me, his eyes locking onto mine for a fleeting moment. "May the rest of your evening be a pleasant one, my Luna." I smiled at him and nodded in understanding. “You too, Thank you, Edward.” I said as I got out of the car and started to make my way towards Dominic. I had barely made it up a few steps when Edward disappeared with the car around the corner.

Dominic's voice was low and even, a facade of civility. "Did you have a pleasant day, Mia?" I nodded, annoyed and a little wary of him. "Yes, thank you." I replied, and I was just about to walk past him, when Dominic stopped me by putting his hand on my arm. His hand was warm on my skin and I swallowed back the goosebumps that appeared. He handed me a simple white envelope, my name written on the front. "This arrived for you earlier today." He said, and I took the envelope, turning it in my hand to open it and read what it held inside. I was shocked and even more annoyed by what I found in it.