Chapter 53: Chapter 53

Hazel,

The next morning when I awoke I found myself on the king-size bed of Xander's room. Last night I fell asleep, lying on the grassy bed in the middle of the forest while listening to his stories. I understood why that revenge was his priority. Cyrus snatched everything from Xander and wiped out every trace of happiness from him. I could also feel the intense pain of Xander and I couldn't help but take the oath to myself of supporting and protecting him with all my strength. Xander was lying next to me, looking at my serious face, asked curiously, "What have happened? Have you seen a nightmare?"

Only when I heard his voice, I noticed that Xander was half seated on the bed and was staring at me. I replied with a teasing smile, "Not at all. I was just trying to remember how I reached here last night. I cannot recall about my sleepwalking habits still now."

Xander's lips curled up little and leaning forward he replied, "Don't forget my love, you have the strongest mate of the whole underworld who can carry you easily in every position." I giggled out loud and pushing him away gently, I asked, "When we are going to Adak?" "The moment you will be ready, my love," Xander replied nonchalantly.

I replied cheerfully, "Alright, I will be ready within an hour. Then we can depart." Xander replied teasingly, "As you command, Mademoiselle." Giggling loudly, I headed to the bathroom.

After long two hours, we reached the airport and departed for Adak. It was a quite long journey and Adak was a separate Island so it took a whole day to reach there. I already informed Granny that I was going to come to meet her with someone with me so when I reached Grandma's house, Grandma was in the kitchen. Hearing the bell, she ran out to open the door with a bright smile on her face. Xander and I were accompanied by four bodyguards in Adak and as we came here in Xander's private jet, there was nothing to worry about. Xander already ordered them to wait outside. Grandma greeted in her affectionate voice, "Oh! Honey. I was waiting for you. Come inside." Then she looked at Xander and flashing a smile, greeted, "Please come inside, son." We both entered inside. I was seeing Grandma after almost a month so I couldn't help but hug her tightly. I mumbled, hugging her tightly, "Oh Old lady, I have missed you so much."

Grandma replied, patting my head, "I have missed you too, honey." We separated after a long hug. Grandma said, "You have traveled a long way so just take some rest. I will serve the lunch soon and we can talk while having lunch." Xander was silently standing behind me with his warm charming smile. He nodded his head in agreement and we two headed to my room when Grandma headed to the kitchen.

My room was in the exact tally same state, I left it last time. It was neat and clean. I told Xander, "Xander, I will love to take shower? Do you want to?" "Are you inviting me to take shower with you? Then, of course, I want it, my love. Let's go," Xander replied while taking close steps towards me. I gently pushed him away and rolling my eyes, replied, "I mean to say that you can take shower after me. Behave, Xander. We are in my Grandma's house." "What a shame!" Xander replied with a fake disappointed look. Giggling, I headed to the washroom. When I came out, I found Xander, lying lazily on my bed. Without looking at me, he murmured, "Done?" "Yup," I replied briefly. When we came out of the room Grandma was already waiting for us, at the dining table.

There were all my favorite dishes, made by Grandma. Taking the seats, I said excitedly, "Thanks, grandma. But you shouldn't arrange so many dishes for us."

"Don't think me that old, sweetheart," replied Grandma. "Though I know who this handsome guy is, yet why don't you introduce us, formally," winking at me, Grandma continued. Clearing his throat, Xander replied for the first time, "Hello, I am Xander Knight. Grandma, I am here for asking your permission. Trust me, I will protect Hazel with my last breath. Will you give me the permission of marrying her and making her mine forever?" I didn't even imagine that he would take the initiative. Though his words were quite direct and it sounded like he was in a business meeting. But, Granny replied with her bright smile, "Oh dear! You are such a gentleman. How can I say no to you? My Hazel is indeed lucky that she has got someone like you." "Not at all Grandma. I am thankful to her that she has chosen me. Though now I can see why she is so unique. She must have followed you," replied Xander in a very genuine tone. Grandma replied shyly, "You are exaggerating, Xander." I giggled out and nodded my head in agreement.

Rest of the evening, Xander and Granny chatted as old acquaintance sees. Xander said, "Grandma, Why don't you come with us to our castle? You don't have to stay alone here. From now you can stay with us."

"Thank you, Honey. I appreciate your concern, but I think I am in love with Adak," replied Grandma with her usual smile. I interrupted, "He is right. You have to go with us. I don't want you to stay here alone anymore." I was nagging and was trying to change her decision when suddenly, Xander's phone rang loudly. Picking up the phone, Xander replied in his grave magnetic tone, "Hello? What's the matter, Damien?" They talked for a while. Grandma and I heard only Xander's reply but it was not difficult at all to guess their conversation. I could understand that Damien was asking Xander for returning for some important thing. Hanging up the phone, Xander said looking at us apologetically, "I am sorry, I have to leave tonight." Grandma replied with a disappointed tone, "Ohh it is alright. I wish u two can stay."

Xander replied immediately, "Grandma, I think Hazel can stay here and accompany you for someday." Immediately, Grandma's face lit up. I was sure Xander read Grandma's mind. So with a slight smile, I replied, "Thank you, Xander." Xander was preparing to leave and Grandma was talking with him when suddenly a thought appeared in my mind. I was sure that Damien was talking something about castle and territory. So I asked Xander via mind link, "Is everything alright? Has something happened in the castle?"

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(Lines of the day)

Sometimes the smallest step

In the right direction,

Ends up being the biggest

Step of your life.