𝙴𝚙𝚒𝚕𝚘𝚐𝚞𝚎 𝟹|𝚃𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚔 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚖𝚎𝚊𝚕

 

Win Chivaaree

Sweltering heat from the daylight became tolerable enough for my liking under the gentle shadows of the deciduous woody vines that showed a bunch of dark purples, almost black growing in clusters. Bright and I were also fascinated not only by the grapes themselves - but because by the very large vineyard that we were in together with the other tourist. Guided by a middle-aged man with tanned skin that shined against the rays of the sun.

Halting, he held one of the clusters carefully as he looked in our direction with a smile. With a strong Italian accent, he explained in English, "You picked the best time to visit Italy during the vendemmia, it is much more than a mere agricultural event because the entire villages dedicate their energies to it. The work is fairly hard and sticky but after the harvest, we all sit down around campfires to chat, tell stories, finish up the previous year's wine and have a jolly time before heading to bed where we enjoy a good night's sleep," he said all the while giving us that proud smile on his face.

"And it's also the best time to have a view of such beauty among the viridescent leaves and the magnificent beams of light, right?" He added before he gave each one of us a basket so we could hand-pick some of the ripe vitigni with his guidance.

Choosing the location for our honeymoon had been quite difficult since everyone in the room had their own choice that they'd wanted us to try. Sky and Mark were on the same page when they suggested that Paris would be the best one for it was the City of Love. Fenris and Zerah suggested for we go and visit Las Vegas since that was where they first traveled together when they were still dating. Drake and Olive insisted on going to Bali for its forested volcanic mountains, iconic rice paddies, beaches, and coral reefs. Man and Type suggested an unusual and hot place in contrast to Oregon, Madagascar, which was home to some of the world's most unique flora and fauna. And Film fussed about how the mesmerizing alpine scenery and deliciously milky chocolate of Switzerland would be the most romantic thing to ever exist.

Taking all their suggestions aside, Bright and I decided to do something that I've always wanted to try and that would be some wine tasting in Tuscany, Italy. Though I have never considered myself as a person that enjoyed the taste of alcohol - wine would fall on a completely different preference of mine, though still an alcoholic beverage. The idea was that wine has lower alcohol content, and I could enjoy it more, and slower, than stronger liquor alcoholic drinks. Though reluctant, Bright conceded to my choice and had also made him believe that wine was all the ways better than beer.

Aside from that alone, Tuscany has it all: the most mesmerizing rolling-hills landscapes, medieval historical towns, Renaissance art, best wineries, good weather, and above all - the exceptional Italian food that would be the highlight of our travel. Well, except for the high-quality wines, that was a given.

But in reality, we preferred that we stay in Oregon and maybe just stay in some hotel or resort so we'd never have to leave the twins alone. However, Rose, Clayton, Aegon, and Maeve were very adamant to shoo us away and monopolize our babies - so we had nothing else to do but agree to them and be out of Oregon two days after the wedding.

Without anything more to think about, we were on a plane for 16 hours at most due to some connecting flights that I didn't actually mind. My husband was quite useful as a pillow. Once we alighted at Florence, we wheeled our luggage into a century-old building that Sky booked for us since she thought that it would be aesthetically pleasing for the photos. Honestly, it was much more majestic and pulchritudinous in real life, and we were even more pleased to realize that though classical - it was comfortable with all the benefits of modern technology. They've adapted well, on that part.

There were a lot of things that I wanted to do in Florence for it was not always that we would have a chance to visit such a wondrous place. I've laid out to Bright the day before that we'd visit some historical places such as Duomo di Firenze which was the centerpiece of the city. The Uffizi was an absolute treasure trove of Renaissance art. Galleria dell' Accademia to sight the home of Michelangelo's most famous work of art, David. Caffè Gilli to sip some un macchiato at the marble counter just like the rest of the Florentines that stop by. Or maybe just breathe in the place as we step into the cobble-stone streets together with some of the locals.

But Bright had a different idea in mind.

As soon as we reached the inside of our gorgeously intricate room, he dragged me to the soft king-sized bed with all of its glory. He started to skillfully entice me with his warm and moist mouth over my own, his large and warm hands that caressed my body making me insane for a moment, the amount of thrill he had given as he peeled off every single clothing that clung to my skin, and him grinding his hips against mine mercilessly making my whole body just react, and my voice giving off some breathy moans. I did try my best to struggle against him and asked for such lust-inducing skills to be put to a halt since we're in a new city - we need to see it. Bright just shrugged off my reasoning to stop and reminded me that it was our honeymoon and the twins might want more added on top of Zellie. And this time was supposed to be our bridal night in the middle of the sun shining so brightly against the windowpane. It wasn't like we've never done these things countless times at home - we did.

But it was very good. So much - I didn't have any regrets.

Though we did have a chance to visit some of the places that I've wanted to see the next day...in the afternoon...since I couldn't get up in the morning because my hips were killing me. And if I'd try and walk, I'd only find myself limping and groaning from sudden zaps of pain.

Anyway...we were able to squeeze ourselves amongst the crowd that had also chosen to walk around the same time as we did. There were a couple of them who were also tourists such as us that wandered by narrow alleys, watched beautifully sculpted fountains that made us in awe, and made light strolls around the piazzas until I had enough. It was fun, but my head started to pulsate in pain from the heat of the sun, and the constant struggle to not bump into anyone in such crowded places. Soon, we packed some of our luggage and visit one of the most famous wineries in Tuscany so we could soon get a taste of their executive of caliber wines.

And that was how we landed in this vineyard, hand-picking some of the grapes, and would do some wine tasting, and probably bring home a bottle or two that we could also enjoy at our rented room in Florence - if time allowed for us to go back just before the sunset. And maybe, just maybe, shower each other endless forms of love in the king-sized bed, that part, I'd leave to Bright's choice.

Thankfully, the sun was still up when we were able to go back to the century-old building, and into the massive room that we have been once I opened the door of entry. Sloppily, I placed the bottle of wine that we purchased from earlier, then flicked my shoes on the side before allowing myself to sprawl on the soft mattress. The amount of pain that I've felt on my calves was almost killing me, and that was the only time that I actually hated the person who planned for us to go to that winery. Walk around on the uneven and hard soil against our shoes, under the scorching heat of the sun, and the amount of sweat that clung unto my skin was making me feel grimaced.

Oh, that was me!

Following behind me was a smiling Bright who then flicked his own shoes right beside mine before sitting on the edge of the bed where I was. I cast a glance at my husband who still looked so fresh while I was drained to the bone.

"Tired?" Bright asked all the while unbuttoning my button-down shirt. I nodded making him smile which indicated that he wanted to snicker at the amount of misery that I was in - but held back because he knew too well the amount of nagging he'd get once he started teasing me about it. And there was this smug message all over his face saying that I should have been more active with my training, then I wouldn't look like someone who had been robbed off of freshness and energy.

Sitting criss-cross applesauce on the bed, I scooted closer to Bright and found myself snuggled on the crook of his neck as I inhaled his scent. My husband then made small chaste pecks on the side of my head all the while tracing the outline of my spine with his slender fingertips.

"Was it a bad idea that we made that visit?" He asked in a much more worried tone. I tore myself away and shook my head before giving him a gentle peck on the lips eliciting a warm smile for my heart.

"I loved every moment of it, love. Don't worry. I'm just tired from being under the sun for a long time, and perhaps from too much wine-tasting earlier knowing too well that I'm not that fond of alcohol. But overall, I loved it. And thank you for being such a babe and making sure that I was comfortable during the whole visit," I said and he nodded.

"You're welcome, bum-bum. Do you want me to call room service and order some dinner for us since you're already tired? And just cancel the reservation that we have at the restaurant?" He asked all the while rubbing the pad of his thumb underneath my eye, and I hummed in pure satisfaction.

"Don't worry about it, babe. I don't want to ruin our lovely plans for the evening, besides, the restaurant is only in the same building so I think I could survive the dinner with you," I joked around and Bright playfully rolled his eyes before trapping me into a wonderful kiss again.

"Okay, we still have plenty of time to rest anyway since the reservation would be at 7. You can sleep, love, and I'll take the shower first and then change into a suit. I'll prepare yours, as well. Is that okay?" He asked and I nodded happily.

As soon as Bright stood up, I curled into a fetal position and found myself being rocked to sleep by the soft and warm duvet.

•••••

"Baby," Bright gently whispered while tracing the bridge of my nose with his forefinger making me scrunch it. Finally fluttering my eyes open, my eyes landed on my husband who was now on his dress pants and black dress shirt, hair pulled back showing off his forehead, and revealing his handsome face for everyone to see.

"It's almost seven. Do you still want us to go out to eat dinner? I don't want to force you since I know how tired you are. We could still cancel it," he cooed and I shook my head.

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah," I replied and gave him a sheepish smile. "Why don't you head there first, and I'll follow right after dressing up? Then you'd have more time to drink a bit before our dinner," I insisted.

Even if he was reluctant to leave me alone, Bright agreed because I'd kick him out if he won't. Once he made his way out of the room, fumbling his fingers on the button of his jacket, and closing the door behind him - I got up and headed to the shower. It was quick merriment of warm water splashing on my skin and removing the day's hard work on my body, and the sweat that lingered. Believing that I was clean enough to my liking, I stepped out of the shower and slipped into the suit that he had prepared beforehand. This was the one that I wore during our wedding because he said how I looked so beautiful in it - of course, I'd love for it to stay that way so I managed to throw the same inside our luggage. Done with making myself presentable enough for my date, I smiled and got excited.

Feeling relieved that I was not that tired anymore, I took one of the room keys, slipped it inside my front pocket, and headed out of the door into the elevator that would then bring me to the first floor of the building. It opened in the lobby, and I knowingly made my way into the entrance of the restaurant where Bright was probably waiting. Once inside, together with the other couples that were also waiting for their names to be called in. I was just standing there and roamed my eyes around until I saw Bright by the bar with a glass of whiskey, I suppose.

"That's my companion," I said to the hostess who then guided me the way to the bar, and thanked her when I was only a few meters away from my husband.

Turning around, my brows furrowed in the middle when a woman sat right next to Bright on one of the stools whilst looking at my man with her flirty eyes. She was gorgeous with her long black hair that was curled at the ends, and a dress that accentuated her curves, and her piercing gaze telling me that she was ready to strike to a married man. Anxiousness was starting to tick me, and I was rooted on the spot not knowing what to do or how to react. Not until I saw her push a drink towards Bright - and my husband looked at the woman with a questioning look. Being the best boy that I was, I watched the show unfold with curiosity and burning jealousy that I could feel Midnight clawing me from the inside. Being possessive seeing her mate right next to a woman unaware of my husband's golden band on his ring finger.

"American?" The woman asked Bright who then nodded. "Good! It's nice to actually have someone from the same country as I am!" She excitedly said and scooted a bit closer to Bright, who was now confused with the sudden approach.

"I'm Scarlett, 25, single. You?"

"Uhm...Bright? 27? Definitely married."

"Married? At such a young age? You must be kidding," she said questioningly. "You don't have to be so rude with shooing me away, and you're here alone...so, it's nice to meet you, Bright, 27, definitely single."

She jabbed her hands in front of her for a handshake, and Bright stared at her hand first before he grabbed it, quickly let go, and moved a bit further away from the female. Knowing that Bright was trying to disassociate himself from her, she got bolder and this time stood up to her full-height - and landed her hand on my husband's arm making me raise an eyebrow. Breathing all the air that I could inhale, and expelling the same in one go, I made my way to where they were with a smile plastered all over my lovely face.

"Babe," I exclaimed making both of them whirl in my direction, and the woman tucked her hands back to her side with a confused expression while Bright stood up with a worried one. "Darling, did you wait long for me?" I asked, palmed the back of his neck, smiled teasingly, pressed my lips to his which was supposed to stay inside the bedroom. Releasing him from my lips, I wrapped my hand around his waist, spread my left hand on his chest showcasing the wedding ring against his black tuxedo. Acting, I turned around to the woman and looked at her with a shocked expression - almost apologetic that I interrupted her precious time with my husband.

"Who is she?" I directed my question to Bright who then looked at the female.

"Uhm...sorry, what was your name again, Ma'am?" Bright asked and the woman turned red. I don't know if it was from anger or from embarrassment, either way, she didn't look good.

"Scarlett, and you are?" She asked me, and I looked at her dead in the eyes with a sarcastic smile on my face that never touched my eyes. Something that only would resurface when I'm about to let my inner wolf take over my existence - but I suppressed it

"I'm Win and this is my husband, Bright," I replied and she trailed her sight on Bright, to me, and then back to me with a confused expression at first before finally smiling awkwardly.

"Oh," she said awkwardly and backed away a bit. "It's crazy that we'd all be gathered here, right?"

"Is it?"

"Yeah. Well, it's nice to meet an uncommon pairing here."

Now, that's rude.

"Uncommon, huh? Then it must be a common occurrence with you trying to flirt your way into my husband's pants, and pushing such rudeness about calling us uncommon, it was good as saying that we're weird of some sort. I didn't know that we're still living in a century where minds like yours exist to coexist," I spat making her laugh half-heartedly.

"No, that's not what I meant when I said uncommon. And your husband didn't say that he's married - to a man."

"Does it matter though? Whether he's married to a man? Does that make him or us less of a human being and be ridiculously questioned like this by a woman who was clearly attracting a married man for amusement?" I raised an eyebrow before I smiled.

"Are you alone?" I asked once more.

"Uhm...No, I'm with a friend," she answered and looked anywhere but my face. "He must be waiting for me. I have to go, and it's nice to meet both of you."

"It wasn't on my side though. But good riddance."

"O-o-okay," she trailed before finally leaving Bright and me on the bar, with my eyes boring holes at her back before looking at my dear husband - who was, by the way, dazed and me clearly still on the verge of ripping her throat open for saying such mockery about us.

"Win..." Bright said breathy, and I pursed my lip into a tight line.

"I...uhm..."

Realizing what I just did, which was not supposed to happen because that was clearly embarrassing - especially giving the woman a sarcastic approach. But who would I blame for that she was clearly flirting with my husband? And to even have the audacity to actually question his marital status to me? Calling us peculiar because we're both males? What should have been the best approach in those kinds of situations if what I did was rude? Was I being unreasonable?

Bright wrapped his hand around my waist firmly, warm breath tickling against the skin on the back of my ears making them red, and pressing his chest on my back making my knees weak.

"What did I just do?" I asked in the softest voice that I could manage.

"What did you do exactly?" He repeated to tease.

"I...uhm..." I tried to reason out, but was short of reasons for a moment and decided to just shut my mouth tight probably depicting the discomfort that I was feeling with my expression.

"Were you jealous?" he whispered making me whirl around with jutted lips, and him beaming a cheeky smile at me, almost teasing. I buried my face in the crook of his neck from the sudden discomfiture that was coursing inside of me.

"I was. Shouldn't I?" I asked and he looked at me dotingly.

"Am I not worthy of your trust after many years of devoting my life to such a beautiful and possessive Luna, in the form of you?"

"Sorry, I didn't actually mean to say those words. I know that I was rude...but, I didn't like the way she spouted nonsense," I apologized making him chuckle lightly. "I tried not to get jealous, too, but I didn't like her touching you because you're mine. So, that happened and I'm sorry. And I do trust you."

It's true though, no matter how much jealousy that I felt - doesn't give me the liberty to act that way in front of someone that I don't even know at all. That wasn't cool in all forms, and I already promised that I wouldn't give in to such a green-eyed monster because we're married and there's no way that Bright would be seduced easily. However, that doesn't also give other people to just deliberately touch what's mine and completely ignore it - especially being informed with the fact of him being married. I don't know, and I don't really understand how to keep my possessiveness to a minimal - not when it comes to Bright.

"Must be the wine?" He asked, and I can imagine him saying that with a proud smile on his face. Knowing that I'd rather not flaunt our relationship in public, because I'm still anxious that other people would see us that way - I tried to hide my face as much as I could. But we were in a different country and no one would care so I reluctantly pushed him slightly away from me.

"But that's fine with me, she was indeed rude. And also, I am completely yours. The whole world must know that, and I won't stop you from showing that to the entire universe either."

Feeling sudden happiness, and probably tainting my cheeks to a crisp red, I lowered my head and tugged a small smile on my lips - as my heart went pitter-patter from Bright's words. Once more, his hand landed on my hip, held my chin up until our eyes met, pecked a soft kiss with his tender lips, before leaning forward and fan his warm breath against my ear.

"I think, room service would be much better right now."

Surprised, I asked. "Why?"

"Because at this very moment, what I want to actually eat entirely is just you - raw," he said lustfully making me shocked momentarily.

Bright glided his hand down to my back and halted on the limit of my spine making me bite my bottom lip. I imagined his large hands cupping my sexy ass. Putting slight pressure, our lower regions were pressed closer that I could feel the warmth being emitted by his body seeping through our suit. With dilated eyes, Bright made imaginary circles on the small on my back fanning my own desires. Slowly but firmly, I nodded, palmed the back of his neck, and breathed against his ears making him groan faintly. Seductively, I put into words what I wanted at the moment to send his loins the fire that he sent into mine.

"I want to be eaten raw," I said and his grip tightened.

"Hmm...in that case, thank you for the meal."