Kelsey's POV

She halted her work; her attention focused on me now. "How exactly do the gifts look? Do you have any idea what they are?" 'Oh, l haven't even started !" I said, rubbing my hands dramatically. 'So, he has been frequenting the library recently, and the result of those visits was the conclusion to gift you a shield, a well-crafted shield. It was something that would help in your safety in battle. Then, there was the almighty dagger, the very weapon of defense against the enemies. And what is love without making protection plans? I saw Liora's eyes widen, maybe excitement or shock, but before I could place a figure at what it was, she composed herself again. 'He's making plans to give me a shield?" I nodded eager to finish my tales. 'Yes, and the interesting part is that he got you a necklace too! It has some ancient werewolf charm, something that helps in protection against evil, and of course, it would bind your souls if you accept him." I paused to see her reaction before continuing, but there was none. 'But I have one request from you though. Liora, if he could go out of his way just to get all these, why don't we have fun with them? It would be a win-win situation." She glanced at me skeptically, trying to read my mind. 'Fun, what could be fun in someone receiving gifts, Kelsey? And to think they are not even yours!" 'Okay, let me analyze everything out for you," I said, moving closer to her, and in a whisper. It appeared like I was about to share a top secret with her which would become a scandal. 'In no time, you're going to be receiving all the amazing gifts you could ever ask for, or don't you have plans of accepting them? And taking a closer look at the situation, you would discover that some of those gifts aren't what you need. And heaping them on one corner to just gather dust would be a waste of resources. I'm thinking, and I have come to the conclusion...why don't you just accept these gifts, even the ones you don't need, just to make the giver happy, and also select a few that you would be needed, and of course, the main deal, share the extras with someone who truly needs them, and would appreciate them." And putting on the best puppy-dog eyes that I've got, I pointed at myself dramatically. 'Me, yes, I am someone," I said, barely audible. 'I mean, I've always desired to have a fancy dagger in my possession, and also shields. Well, not like I don't have any, but having extras won't be a bad idea." Liora smiled, shook her head, and chuckled, maybe at my foolishness. I was happy to see a small smile tugging at her lips, something rare to achieve when talking with a warrior. 'Kelsey, how impossible can you be? You came all the way just to convince me to take gifts from Jaxon and, in return, hand them over to you?" 'Emphasis on some of the gifts, not all! Just a few that you won't need!" I protested as I held out my left hand. ' You know, now that I think of it, I'd hate for all those thoughtful and hard-to-come-by presents to be wasted. In addition, you won't only have the opportunity to get all you want from Jaxon, as you will be telling me about them, and as his right-hand man, I would gladly suggest them to him; you would also be helping a soul. Alpha Jaxon won't hesitate to consider my suggestions. This way, you can make Jaxon gift you all you ever needed, and my efforts will also pay off, as I would appreciate some of the valuables. If left for me to rate, I would say; this is a fair win-win for everyone!" She laughed out heartily in amusement, and finally putting down her sword, she focused more on what I've got to say. 'And what do these special gifts look like? These gifts of mass destruction could you please describe them? I grinned, but this time, amused at my skills. I pulled out a long list from my side pocket. Yes, I'd made a long list. I came prepared for business. 'Well, let me do you the honors of listing them since you asked! Let's see how this small list could serve for the time bee. I'm thinking of a bright-colored custom leather jacket, not forgetting it must have the pack insignia, it would be very stylish, and could be described as very ‘warrior-chic, or what do you think?' And maybe, it's not compulsory, you know, something like a battle axe. Not necessarily for wars, but for show. Truthfully, I don't actually have any idea on how to use one if handed over to me, but it would do just great occupying a big space on my wall." Liora widened her eyes in shock. Rolling her eyes dramatically like me, she gestured for me to continue. 'You're the exact definition of unbelievable, Kelsey." 'Unbelievably the best help you could receive around here, yes," I corrected, frowning a little. I was more of an entertainer than a businessperson. I came here to strike business deals with her, but from the look of things, I might not succeed in getting the contract. 'But seriously, Liora, you are a strong force. You've succeeded in getting Jaxon wrapped mercilessly around your finger right now. I must tell you for free, this is your moment, girl! Grab as many gifts as possible, everything you could think of, and I would be here to help out with the not-so-important ones. Still laughing uncontrollably. 'How would you love your punishment, smacking or beating? With the sword or with the hand?" I spurned around ready for a smack. 'I don't mind taking both! It would be fun and exciting, so far as my gifts would be safe." Giving me a knowing look, she stood to leave for the day. 'I'll give it a thought. But know this, there are no promises." 'Yeah! That's fair enough for me!" I exclaimed, jumping up in victory. 'And hey, this little business will remain here with us. And if by chance Jaxon got to know I was here with you, simply tell him that I was looking out for you, I was here to protect you and ensure you are safe.' You know, doing the duties of a responsible Beta." She smirked in mockery. 'Sure deal, Kelsey. Whatever a responsible Beta says." With that, I headed back to the Alpha's quarters passing through the woods. I couldn't help but praise myself for how I was able to pull that wisely. I felt great and pretty pleased with my tactics and my composure. Not only would I be crowned as the most intelligent matchmaker in the upcoming festival of love, but I would also be going home with lots of gifts. Who said it was a great disadvantage to be a Beta again? Jaxon's POV I had gotten everything, and right now, I stood outside Liora's cabin, breathing uncontrollably. This was the moment. The moment I'd work so hard to have. The gifts, as I had read, were supposed to be meaningful and impacting, warrior-like, and most importantly, things she could easily relate to and truly appreciate. I knew I had worked so hard and spent countless days digging out useful information from the pack's ancient texts in the library. I had done everything just to figure out what meaningful gifts would best suit a great and fierce warrior like her. Gifts were everywhere; I carried just a few in my arms and the rest in a leather bag. I had saved the most important one for the final day, the idea of camping and planting trees together all over the pack. That would only happen if today and other days have gone well. But right now, I want to fill my mind with positivity only. When Liora finally opened the door, the first place that her eyes landed was on the gifts in my hands, and also the leather bag that Kelsey was carrying. To my relief, she smiled warmly at me, a welcoming development compared to the last time that I was here. I felt a little lighter, and my spirit was lifted through the gesture. "I've brought with me gifts, loads of them, to acknowledge your friendship in my life," I said with a smile as I moved inside to drop them off. 'Oh, really?" she asked, her smile increasing still. Her eyes twinkled, and for the first time in a long while, I felt alive, I felt fulfilled for getting her attention. Maybe, just maybe, this could lead to my moment, yes, my turning point. I handed the gifts to her, ensuring to give them to her one by one to observe her reaction to each gift. I watched patiently, closely observing her reactions. From the shields to the daggers used by many warriors from times past, and finally, a leather-bound war manual that contains different battle strategies for all werewolf races. She smiled uncontrollably, giving me the impression that she loved the gifts. Her smiles were priceless, something I have longed to see every day, her hair beautifully flown down and kissing her neck. She examined the gifts dutifully, but on a closer look, I noticed something: she wasn't just smiling; something was off about her continuous smile. It was more than usual. I thought her smiles were out of happiness, but something seemed off; it was unlike her, and I couldn't figure it out. Was she smiling or laughing? Or a mockery smile? What could be amusing to her? 'Liora?" I called with caution, ensuring to keep my voice low. 'Is there anyone that you don't like?" She took the dagger, held it up, and narrowed her eyes in admiration to the craftsmanship, but not long, she giggled; from giggle, she burst out laughing out loud. At first, she was biting her lips, trying to control it, but she couldn't manage it well. 'Did I bring the wrong gifts?" I asked nervously, this was never the reaction I expected.