Chapter Four
Ray was having a déjà vu. A mating ceremony, flowers, pictures… he had seen these very recently indeed. This time, though, the names had changed. Dean was in Raul’s stead, and Kate was in Monica’s. Not being a fan of posing for the camera, he was getting more and more bored by the second. He was happy for his brother, yes, but standing for more than forty-five minutes annoyed him. After all, Dean’s happiness was not the only thing on his mind. Ray was unwilling to forget his conversation with Raul the night before. Part of him wanted to believe the Alpha’s words. Why? Because Ray needed to find hope, the hope that his brothers’ troubles had ripped out of his heart. Nevertheless, the part of him that prevailed was the one telling him that Dean and Raul had both been hopelessly wrong, and would soon come to regret their choices.
As the bridal table was filled, however, Ray discovered that his negative thoughts would not be his only issue that night. Julia was quickly coming his way, with the bouquet of azaleas in her grasp, and a silly grin that reminded him of the incident in the bar the night before. Much to his discomfort, she eased the flowers down onto the table; then took up a seat beside him.
“I’m next, baby!” She cheered, putting her hand on his shoulder.
“Good for you,” he muttered under his breath, gazing into the void.
“Actually, I couldn’t care less about this stuff,” Julia maintained, squeezing his skin as she leaned over him. “I don’t need social contracts to be with someone.”
“This isn’t a marriage, Julia.” Ray put a little force in his voice, tapping his fingers on the table in frustration. “It’s just a statement. The couple celebrates their love in a joyous occasion.”
“I can see you’re overflowing with joy,” she muttered, sarcasm dripping off her tongue. Yet, her comment did not sit well with him. Ray snapped his head to the left to face her, feeling his pulse rising.
“I’m not in the mood,” he grumbled, tossing a nasty glare down at her.
“You know, I’ve been coming to Paxton for a while now,” Julia stated, assuming a much stiffer tone. “I’ve seen you three, maybe four times. You’ve always made me laugh. I’m going to ask you again, in case you missed it last night. Where did that guy go? Because: I don’t see him anywhere.”
“I’m surprised you even remember anything about last night.” Ray said, narrowing his eyes at her.
“Ok, that was cold,” she objected, tearing her gaze away from him. Incredibly enough, Julia rose from her seat. Before Ray knew it, she was walking away from the table, covering her mouth with her hand, as she strode towards the forest. It was then that he realized how cruel he had been to her. He meant to avoid her, not devastate her. Without wasting any time, Ray got up. Unfortunately though, the scene had not gone unnoticed. Quite a few of his kind were watching Julia, as she neared the forest border. He felt more than enough pairs of eyes on him as well, as he took off in her direction. However, he would not bother with prying eyes. Neither was he going to tell anybody off for their lack of discretion. All that mattered to him was finding her. Ray ducked under low-hanging tree branches, and gazed around him, as he entered the realm of woodland. The shadows of trees and underbrush flickered across the forest floor, as another blast of wind ripped a few leaves off the balsam fir tree behind him. A wave of relief washed over him, as he spotted her. Julia had not gone far. She was standing before a broad fork between two trunks, head lowered, and arms crossed over her chest, just a few paces across from him.
“Are you here to tell me off about my drinking again?” She wondered, pitching her voice louder, as he sauntered towards her.
“No.” He shook his head sideways, gently. “I came here to apologize. I’m sorry. I’ve been an idiot.”
“Apology accepted,” she said, nodding at the same time. “Now please, get back to the party. I need to be alone.”
“What’s been bothering you, Julia?” He asked, his deep voice lowering to a tender whisper, as he stared down into her eyes. “Ok, I acted like a total jerk tonight, but you didn’t look alright last night, either.”
“I’m in pain.” Julia’s answer came fast, a lot faster than he anticipated, freezing the blood in his veins. “That’s why I got drunk last night. That’s why I got so…” she faltered, “…emotional tonight.”
“Was it your ex?” Ray heaved a deep sigh, taking one last step towards her.
“It’s not Sean,” Julia whispered, unfurling her arms, a tiny patch of moonlight falling on her face, as she tipped her chin up. “That douche bag is not worth my tears, anyway. My best friends got married, Ray; married. I’m happy for them, I really am, but it just reminds me of the fact that I’m not.”
“You said…”
“I know what I said,” she interrupted, lifting her right hand to her chest. “It’s not the ‘marriage’ part I’m jealous of. It’s the connection. All that love in their eyes makes my heart melt, but it also shows me what I don’t have. I also know what’s been bugging you. Honestly? I’m disappointed in you.”
“You know?” Her revelation sent shockwaves down his spine, turning his voice into a high-pitched squeal: “How?”
“I spent the night on Monica’s couch, remember?” Julia spoke, as a wicked smile burst upon her lips. “Raul was freaked out, after your little conversation. He told her all about it. Are you really afraid you’ll die of that ‘broken heart’ issue? Seriously? Monica’s mentioned the story between your brother and Warrick like a hundred times already. Kate won’t shut up about Dean’s bravery, and you think falling in love is going to kill you? That’s why you’ve been so grumpy lately?”
MostHe failed to hear most of her rant as it passed him by. Ray had been watching the beams of moonlight, shining upon her hair, painting it a brighter shade of red, and the curls that flowed freely down the sides of her face. The beast within him was licking his lips, hungry to touch her, ready to claim what his body desired. But Julia was human. Temptation wrapped in a curvaceous figure that could destroy him. He had to keep his hands off.
““‘Earth to Ray; Earth to Ray’,” she called, waving her hand in front of his face, snapping him out of his thoughts. “Are you still with me?”
“Again, I’m sorry for being a jerk,” He countered, clenching his jaw. “Have fun tonight.”
“Did you hear any of that?” Julia squinted up at him.
“I’m afraid, alright?” There was a hint of annoyance in his voice, as he thrust his arms out to either side. “I’ve faced the other dangers, and I know to deal with them. This is…”
“Not“…not danger.” She finished his sentence, raising her voice over his. “It’s the best thing that can happen to you. There’s nothing to be afraid of. I never took you for a coward, Ray. I guess I was wrong.”
“I am not a coward,” he emphasized, her remark sending his adrenaline through his veins, as he leaned closer to her.
“Prove it,” Julia urged, as the rigid line of her lips loosened to a smile. “Come on, I dare you.”
“Is this some kind of game to you?” Frustration was lingering in his voice, as a fierce growl reverberated in his chest. He wouldn’t linger in the woods any longer. Ray spun around, regretting his decision to follow her.
“Have you ever seen the Hudson?” Her question froze him to his spot. Of course, he knew what she was referring to, the river that flowed through New York; but he had never been to view it.
“No. Not once,” he replied, looking down at her over his shoulder.
“Then meet me at Hudson River Park, Pier 46, West End, tomorrow night, at eight,” she suggested, her tone calm and steady: “one date.”
Julia’s audacity both baffled and enraged him. But this was no time for yet another argument with her. He had already been away from the bridal table for a good while. Soon, someone would come to the woods, searching for the both of them. However, the idea of catching a glimpse of the majestic river appealed to him. He would also have the chance to prove to her that he was not a coward, even though he found her game childish, to say the least.
“You got it,” Ray gave an emphatic nod. “I’ll see you tomorrow night.”