We were going farther and farther away from the park until we finally got into human territory. I had turned on the radio, and we were listening to one of the pop songs that was playing, singing loudly to it.
Hampshire really looks beautiful at night. The street lights have added their own kind of beauty to the view. The buildings and the people roaming freely were also a sight to enjoy.
We stopped in front of a cave-like building, and he got down and rushed to my side, opening the door for me. "You shouldn't have done that. I can get my own door."
"I know, baby. But today you are to be treated like a princess, so just allow me." He pecked me on my cheeks and held my hands to help me down.
We went into the cave, and the exterior was out of this world! It wasn't that big. I don't think there were 10 tables there. Richard later told me they had other caves scattered at the back. They didn’t want to make it too big so that they could provide exclusivity. The cave was dimly lit, with candles at each table.
The cave had ancient markings and drawings on the walls, written in Italian, and those were lighted, providing light across the cave. The waiters were all dressed in native Italian clothes, and one came towards him. "Welcome to L’ultima Cena. How may I help you?"
"I made reservations under Richard Wilson." The waiter typed something on the pad he was holding and nodded before directing us to a table. The table was located at the end, providing us with enough privacy.
The waiter left and returned with a bottle of wine. Richard opened the bottle of Cannon au di Sardana, one of Italy's most popular wines, and poured some into our glass.
I took the glass in my hand and held it up to my nose, sniffing it. It smelled of berries and plums. I twirled the cup in my hands before taking a sip, and the taste didn't disappoint. I sighed as the liquid passed through my throat, loving the burn. The wine tasted like ripe berries, plums, and cranberries. It also had a lingering aftertaste.
Richard chose the menu, and we delved into small talk while we waited for our food. "So, what was your dad like? I have never heard about it. I got quite a scare when I was in my room and I looked up. I was met with people peeping down on me."
He smiled in an apologetic way: "Sorry about that. I was a fool then."
"No problem. Those are bygones. So, tell me, what was he like?"
"My father was one of the greatest men who ever lived. I still remember him carrying me on his shoulders when he went to the beach. He never joked with his family or pack. People often say I look like him, and I think I am beginning to see it. He would always take me to every program he attended, telling me to watch how other Alphas behaved. He taught me to treat the pack as my family, and things would go smoothly. He was the best dad and Alpha I could ever have."
"He sounds like a great person."
"He was." Richard took a sip from his glass before he continued. "His death came as a shock to us all. He died in a plane crash as he was coming back home. His death devastated everyone. It especially hit my mother hard, and she hasn't recovered from it till now. After that, I had to be the Alpha, and I am still trying to fit into his shoes."
"You are doing a great job. You are a true leader, and your pack adores you."
"Enough about me. What about you? How was life in your pack?" He diverted the question, as he noticed the mood was getting gloomy.
"Life in the pack was fun! I wasn't the heir or anything, so the Alpha burden wasn't on me. But when I started maturing, my dad became extra protective." I rolled my eyes as I thought of all the times, he wouldn’t allow me to leave the pack. "I was growing too rapidly for him, and he didn't want anyone to steal me from him, so he tried to restrain me. It was a hassle before he allowed me to go to school in a different state."
Richard chuckled as he looked at me. "I wouldn't blame him; he had his reasons. His daughter is the most beautiful flower I have ever plucked. He was right in safeguarding it."
I burst out into laughter at his reference. "A flower? Seriously? Richard. Could you get any cheesier?" In that instance, the waiter came back holding a tray in his hands before he arranged the items on the table.
We were served tortellini skewers for starters. We were still gobbling that up when the main meal arrived. It was mushroom risotto, a meal of mushrooms and risotto rice,
We finished it up with a serving of tiramisu cake, a traditional Italian dessert with a refreshing coffee flavor. I ate to my neck, not wanting to waste any of that delicious meal.
After the food, we were just content with sipping the wine and engaging in small talk. We stayed there for a short time before taking our leave. Richard had wanted us to go see another place.
"Thanks for bringing me here. I really enjoyed the meal." I thanked him as we got into the car.
"It is not a problem. I also enjoyed the meal and, of course, your company." He fell silent, only the noise of the radio filling the air as we drove to the next location. I hope it wasn't a restaurant again, because I don't have room for any more food.
This time, he brought us to the beach. He had removed his shoes, and he helped me remove mine and keep them in the car. He piggybacked me to where we lay the mat, because apparently "he didn’t want me to dirty my legs." The irony was that my feet still touched the floor.
As my bare feet touched the sand, I felt a shudder run through me. It felt good to reconnect with nature. He spread the mat close to the water and helped me down. He followed suit, lying down on the mat and drawing me close to his chest.
We lay down like that, watching the night sky. The sky was filled with stars and the moon, and it was beautiful to watch. Richard used the opportunity to show off his astronomy knowledge. Some couples were also seen around the beach, admiring the night sky like us.
"This was the beach my dad usually took me to when I was younger. We would come during the day to swim, and sometimes at night to watch the skies." A voice spoke up, after a while, choked up with emotions. "I miss him so much. He just left us like that, leaving everything to me."
I wrapped my arms around him, trying to comfort him the only way I could. Words weren't needed now. He just needed an opportunity to let out those suppressed feelings. "And it was my fault. I killed him. He was supposed to take the flight in the morning. But I persuaded him to come early, and he changed his mind, taking the one that led to his death. It was all my fault."
It wasn't Richard talking again; this was a man who was in pain, still not over the death of his father. "I miss him." Richard whispered. His shoulder was shaking, and I heard light sniffles coming from him. I could also perceive the scent of salt in the air. He was crying, but I didn't point it out. I only pressed him closer to me, letting him know I was with him.
After a while, his shaking ceased and he pulled me in, kissing my forehead. "Thank you."
We watched the night sky for a while before we decided to call it a day. We drove back to the pack in silence, but a comfortable kind. There was no need to fill the air with words.
The familiar fence surrounding the pack came into view, and a smile grazed my face. For once, I was happy. This pack was beginning to feel like mine. They are my family now. "Thank you for today, Richard. I enjoyed every part of it."
"I'm glad you did."
We packed the car and came out, laughing as we entered the common area. "Welcome back." The youth that gathered in the common area greeted us.
"What are y'all doing awake? I thought it was a school night." Richard queried them.
"We know Alpha. We will go after this round of games." One of the young lads replied.
"Alright."
"Luna, you look beautiful." A voice called out. I found myself blushing at the compliment.
"Back off. She is mine!" Richard called out above them.
"Richard!" I knelt beneath his arms. "What was that for?"
"I was just letting them know who you belong to."
I dug my elbow into his sides and said, "As if they already don’t know." He didn't reply. Instead, he grabbed my ass and gave me a long punishment kiss.
"Where are you coming from?"