Chapter 4
Pecan's pov
Our lips were only a few inches apart when suddenly we heard a rattling sound that jolted us both back to reality. I pulled my hands away from his arms and stepped back.
He was panting trying to get his composure. This was insane and hard to grasp but I had to get out of here as soon as possible.
Shit.
I was fidgeting and anyone could tell I was nervous. If things continued to go this way then soon everyone would know about us. I needed to keep my distance, my friendship was on the line, and a marriage too was on the line.
"Um, I'll be heading back out." I blurted, clearing my throat with a little cough. I didn't wait to get a reply before I rushed out of the cellar and into the hallway.
I rushed out into the hallway. I had no direction. All I knew was that I needed to get some air. I wove my way across the crowd, bumping into random people along the way. I felt dizzy and full all at once. I longed to escape the pandemonium of the party and find some silence and solitude.
My heart was still racing so fast.
I couldn't believe what just happened. I had never felt anything like it before. Not even the tiniest bit with all the men I've dated in the past. I looked around the area and noticed that I was up on the top floor. No wonder it was so quiet, no one was ever allowed into the top floor except Paul Regan.
I remember when we were young we would always scare ourselves with haunted house stories about the top floor. We believed that the top floor was off-limits because it housed the souls of our dead ancestors.
But being inside it right now, It wasn't as scary and creepy as we had imagined it to be. And it didn't house the souls of our dead ancestors. It was just a floor with a bunch of fancy doors.
What I considered scary now, was the fact that of all persons to be mated to, Paul Regan was whom the moon goddess deemed fit.
Like how does that make any sense? He's my best friend's father! He's married to a beautiful and great lady, how am I supposed to deal with that?
I paused to calm myself. Since I was here already I decided to take the time to explore the floor. It would be a good distraction from my scattered thoughts.
With a curt sigh, I walked along the hallway, looking around the corridor to be sure it was safe. Or rather, I was safe. For all I know, there could be a rogue hiding somewhere around based on the fact that Noah invited the entire pack to the party.
I stepped towards the door and walked into the room. It was an old room with a lot of antiques but with a nice view.
I gasped at the view from my place at the top of the building. You could see the entire town from here. It was all so beautiful. I walked further and leaned over the railings. I could see the gas station, the mini Mart, Old Man Reese's yard, and even my house.
I inhaled deeply. The air was so refreshing. I looked down at the party happening in the yard. I spotted Noah by the keg stand. He was doing his favorite trick where he'd stand head down and sip beer straight from the hose. I laughed at the sight of him. Again, I took a deep breath, relishing the view. I could stare at it forever.
"Beautiful isn't it?"
My heart skipped a beat at the familiar voice of Mr Regan. Paul Regan.
My mate. What was he doing here again? Could we not avoid each other for even an hour?
I turned back, preparing to become startled by his presence.
But fortunately, he wasn't alone. He was with his Luna and she was holding his arm quite intimately, smiling at me.
I swallowed deeply, avoiding eye contact with her. For a moment, my eyes flickered to Paul. He looked distraught. Uncomfortable.
"There you are Pecan, we've been looking all over for you." Mrs Regan gave me a pointed look and my heart skipped a beat. They looked so good together.
"Where did you run off to silly?" She cackled, firmly interlocking her arms with that of Paul. I couldn't explain why I felt pain in my heart seeing them so close.
It felt like a pang of jealousy coursed through me, I suddenly wished I was the one standing right next to Paul but as soon as the thought reeled into my head, I sent it to the deepest part of my arse where it belonged.
Because what the hell?
The goal was to solve the situation at hand, not to complicate it further.
"I had a light headache so I thought it wise to come here and clear my head a bit." I lied, plastering a smile on my face.
"Oh dear." She gushed, leaving Paul and stepping closer to me, "It might be as a result of not resting properly after your arrival. But not to worry, I'll make sure the party ends soon so you'd rest."
Watching her gently caress my face and speak so lovingly made me instantly feel so bad. Mrs Regan has always been an elegant woman with a big heart. I remember being so jealous of Noah for having a mother who was both beautiful and homely.
She's been more of a mother to me than my mother had ever been. I can't be so cruel to her by wanting what's hers, not after everything she's done for me.
My eyes caught Paul staring at me and my body tensed. Just like it did while we were in the cellar.
I cleared my throat and gently removed Mrs Regan's hands from my face.
"Thank you ma, but I think I'll be leaving you two right now. I'm pretty sure Noah and the rest of the guests will be looking for the…." my voice trailed, searching for the right word, "hmm…celebrant."
I backed up my lie of an excuse with a wide smile and didn't bother to hear whatever response Mrs Regan or Paul had to say before trudging out of the top floor but I bumped into Noah, who was giving me a skeptical look.
"What is going on between you and my dad?" My eyes bulged wide open when I heard the question roll out of his mouth.
Had he noticed? My toes curled up in nervousness.
Quickly masking my fear and guilt, I replied, "No, why? Is there a problem?"
He paused for a while before he started, "Uhm, he keeps asking how long you will stay with us. Maybe he's just curious, I have no idea." He answered dismissively.
So Paul was looking forward to seeing me leave? My fingers folded into a fist and I couldn't explain why I felt angry about this revelation.
"Or maybe he feels threatened by my hotness," I blurted without thinking and bit my tongue when I realized but it was too late, Noah was already giving me a judgmental stare.
This situation was just so messed up and I couldn't even share the details with my best friend.