Jaxon's POV

'Did I bring the wrong gifts?" I asked nervously, this was never the reaction I expected. The gifts had been selected with care to make her smile, to touch her soul, but instead, it was amusing her. It was a chuckle, yes, I saw her chuckle, but then, it went beyond that. The full-blown laughter had been forming gradually, and by the time she couldn't control it, her whole body was vibrating to the tune of amusement. 'Oh, Jaxon, Alpha Jaxon, no, never," she managed to explain while gasping for air. 'you haven't given me any reason not to accept your gifts; they are perfect." But she never stopped; she continued laughing, like she was a kind of comedian, as if I'd just performed jokes on a stage, an award-winning funniest joke. I just stood there, in my frozen state, completely blank and confused. 'What's amusing you then?" I asked, already frustrated. 'Since you said the gifts were perfect, what about my manner of approach, the way I talk, did I package the gifts the wrong way? Or could it be my dressing?" Finally, she slowed down with her laughter, but on opening her mouth to talk again, she burst out laughing so hard again. Wiping off the tears already coming out of her eyes with the back of her palm. I watched and waited quietly for her to calm down. 'I'm sorry about my behavior, please. It's just... it's just that romantic gestures are not meant for you. You seem too serious about this but in a more enticing way. I think you will be better off as the Alpha and leading in battles." I blinked in shock with my eyes wide open. 'She said I am too serious, serious about what exactly?" This time, Liora sighed as she tried to figure out the best approach to making me understand her. 'I have told you, the gifts have nothing to do with all the display, Jaxon. They're beautiful, and the best I have received in a long while. Fine. It's just...I did see everything from another perspective. I am curious, though, how did all these ideas come by? Did anything trigger your action? Another may see it cute that, I mean, you are giving me ancient weapons and, to worsen it, talking about something as delicate as soul-binding charms. It screams just so... you." I frowned at her statement. 'What do you mean by so... me?" She smiled, and with a more serious face, she started. 'You're doing your best, and may even be trying harder than expected, but everything is so like you. You came here, trying to make me buy into your idea of you being here to appreciate our friendship, while actually, it's one of your tactics. And for the laughter, it's nothing, don't overthink things." I stared at her in disbelief. How does that explanation justify her roll coaster of laughter? 'Is it a good thing that you don't have a problem with the gifts?" Liora dramatically shook her head. 'No, Jaxon, we possibly can't be doing this, please. I have told you, the gifts are perfect and thoughtful. And I wasn't expecting a trunk load of gifts, why won't I appreciate someone's efforts at making me happy? But seriously, you don't need to stress yourself with all of this, thanks, but no thanks. All of this. I don't appreciate you killing yourself for me, Alpha." 'Well, what else wasn't this Alpha supposed to do?" I muttered sadly. 'I thought, perhaps, if I get you gifts, you did appreciate them. And it's a proven fact that women love gifts, why is yours different? And besides, it's my only way of showing you that I truly care. I grew tired of having to express myself with words every day." She moved closer, placing her magical hand on my arm; I froze at the touch. 'I believe you, Jaxon, everything. But as much as the gifts are important now, I may not be needing them all now." I searched her face in earnest for answers, feeling my heart threatening to escape my chest. She wasn't ditching me outright, but something was still unclear. That laughter didn't just happen; something might have caused it, and for the longest time, it's going to haunt me. 'Well, I'm glad the gifts at least mean something to you," I said, with a stiff voice. 'I would love to take my leave now." She made no effort to stop me, and as I took my leave, her laughter still lingered in my head and entire being. What haven't I gotten right? Something was wrong somewhere, but I seem not to figure it out. Maybe on my next visit, I would be able to discover what went wrong, but right now, I would be leaving her quarters with lots of questions and burdens, with no answers to them. I left with Kelsey, but he seemed to be unusually quieter than normal. Liora's POV When Jaxon appeared suddenly at my door with trunk loads of gifts, I couldn't help but smile at the gesture. Kelsey was right after all, Jaxon was ready to use gifts and send me away from my house with gifts. I found it interesting that he made out time to go through all the stress to get me gifts. It would be more fun with Kelsey in the picture. He hinted to me what was coming, at the same time, giving the whole scene a great vibe. Jaxon's visit was no more a surprise, Kelsey had ruined it for him, and that was the reason for the laughter. I wasn't happy that I laughed all through, making a fool of Jaxon. I tried to hold myself, but everything was too perfect to be true. It came out just the way Kelsey had described it. Just a single secret visit and everything went out of hand. Jaxon had stood there, with the gifts and hope of getting the warmest of reception, but all didn't go well. I had tried; at least I had put in so much effort, but my best wasn't enough. I was touched by his gifts, they warmed my heart, and I appreciate them. The first gift, even with the circumstances they had come to, was a beautiful sight to behold. The shield, beautifully engraved with ancient werewolf symbols, dutifully representing protection. I so much admire the craftsmanship behind the gifts. It came out heavy, though sturdy, but the most valuable gift a warrior could receive. Jaxon's eyes lightened up on seeing me admire the gifts, and I could deduce it gave him hope, he could have calculated his stand in my life, but I spoiled it. The next gift was a dagger—an ancient blade, a unique tool always found in the possession of warriors for centuries. The blade of the dagger gleamed, and as I inspected it, it felt good in my hands, like it was part of me. It looked sharp and deadly, no friend to anyone but the owner. And on my gift box, there was the leather-bound warrior book, filled with different battle strategies, and a documentary from centuries of werewolves. I opened it, and I could feel the strategies coming to life at that instant. Most of them were what made me who I am now; they touched me more than the other gifts, but then Kelsey happened. I burst out laughing without control. I tried to hold myself, yes, I did my best, but I couldn't cheat nature. Oh, poor Jaxon, your efforts have been destroyed by your right man. He was terrible at keeping secrets but very good at planning mischief. I know for so long, Jaxon cares for me, and I am beginning to leave my worries behind and face the future. I can't deny my heart what it truly longs for just because of my past. I have decided to live in the present, to live at a time. I indeed had it planned out to frustrate Jaxon before accepting him back, but Kelsey came with his plan, and I'm sorry to say that I would be going with the flow. It was kind of added fun to our reunion. Seraphina is no more in the picture, and won't be coming back anytime soon, though she might be laying low and hatching out plans. I have to find a way to show Jaxon that I appreciate his efforts without giving out Kelsey. If Jaxon gets to find out, he will be kissing his job goodbye. The laughter was medicinal; it was what I needed for the longest time, and I felt good after having a great dose of it. All thanks to Jaxon and his mischief of a right-hand man, Kelsey. I couldn't stop giggling all through his presentation and explanation of what the gifts represent. A part of me wanted to end it all and tell him the truth, but a mischievous part never wanted it to stop. I allowed the giggle to grow into a burst of full-blown laughter, and it went on and on until I had no control over it. Did I regret making Jaxon feel out of place, yes. But did I enjoy the fun, yes, more than I had imagined. What if I can have a dose of this any time I want? Maybe it could be my punishment to Jaxon, and it could help me warm up to him easily. Jaxon's facial expression was priceless, the best I had seen in a long time. He looked lost, very confused, and vulnerable. Poor Alpha! A child at heart, but a leader by size. 'What's so funny? Why are you amused?" he had asked in confusion. He looked like he could give anything in exchange for knowing the root of my reaction. Not quite long after Jaxon left, Mira arrived, my gossip partner. We sat down with some black tea, and of course, I like mine without sugar, but not so with Mira. I wonder how she managed to be a warrior. She would pass so well for a princess in a palace, guarded by warriors, but would make a bad lover even at that. I recounted the full story, starting from how Kelsey had come visiting, with the sole aim of ruining the surprise, toJaxon's trunk load of gifts, and how I messed everything up with my uncontrollable laughter. Mira was on the ground by the time I was done with the story. 'Wait, don't tell me that he was serious by saying both of you would plant trees together? She asked, but in tears as she couldn't control her laughter. "Was that even romantic at all? I know I suck at romantic gestures, but in common, I am better than your Alpha lover. I shrugged, not ready to argue with her. 'You can see for yourself that Alpha Jaxon does that. I think he got his help from one of those books in the library, but he should have known better that not all would work with everyone. He thought, perhaps, the best way to get the heart of a warrior was to get her more tools, forgetting that all her life does not revolve around war alone." Mira chuckled, still suppressing her laughter. 'Well, at least he's making efforts, that's all that matters." 'That's true, you are right. He added a lot of energy," I admitted. "But I still feel this could be connected to Rhys; he could be putting in this effort to show me that he's a better man than Rhys, more of competing with him. 'So, how are you going to resolve this now?" Mira asked, gulping the last drop of her tea. 'I mean, you have given Jaxon the impression that you don't value his gifts, how do you make that right now?" 'I don't even have any idea," I admitted truthfully. 'But as much as I would love to stop, a part of me would love it to continue. I love the drama, Mira, I do. Mira smirked with satisfaction; she had seen a reason to pick on me. 'With this, I think I have the right to say that my friend is crazy. I mean, you and Kelsey are a handful. Or is it what I am thinking? Maybe he wants to join the love triangle but doesn't know how to insert himself. Yes, that explains the whole drama! And to think he has always complimented your looks right before you were mated to Jaxon! Mira exclaimed dramatically with mouth wide open. I know Mira, she loves solving mysteries, and this one is worth her time.