I cooked till about six in the morning.

The first four hours with Darrel sitting in front of me, doing pack work, making small conversation with me. Until he couldn't keep his eyes opened.

With much reluctance, I told him to go to bed and that I wouldn't be up much longer.

Which meant... I stayed up another two hours to finish cooking.

I had cooked a little bit of everything from my Greek heritage.

I figured I could serve this as little hand foods before and after dinner. Just to have the pack have a taste of my life, the little that I knew about at least. I made tarama, dolma, moussaka, souvlaki, and baklava. By the time all the dishes were perfectly aligned along the island counter, I was slightly exhausted. I hadn't completely registered that it was six in the morning until I heard the first bird chirp, indicating that it was.

I wasn't sure when all the preparations for tonight were going to begin, it felt like it would be moments before this house was abuzz with workers to get everything ready. In a way, I wasn't prepared for all the mayhem and madness, but my exhaustion outweighed all fear that wanted to consume my body.

I had stressed about this night for far too long, I needed at least two hours of sleep before I could be brought into the chaos.

Placing the last cleaned utensil in the drying rack, I tiredly walk to the stairs that to the back of the house. Slowly ascending the stairs, I massage my neck that felt tight and sore from the constant stillness of my head when cooking. With the exhaustion I was feeling now, I felt as if my head was too heavy to be supported by my neck, just wanting to rest on something at this point.

Running my hand through my unruly hair that was, no doubt, a mess, I take it out of the remaining bun that was on top of my head. It instantly fell down along my shoulders and back. I sigh as I run my fingers through the front, itching my scalp softly. I definitely would need to wash it before tonight, knowing for certain that I hadn't given it it's proper attention and care.

I walk inside my bedroom, seeing that Garret was still asleep. His breathing was slow and deep and his aura read that he was in peace. I felt my insides warm at the sight of him being at peace, letting me know he felt safe.

With everything that arose these past few weeks, I wasn't sure how he was handling everything. His aura read that he was calm yet slightly fearful, which was expected. There was no doubt in my mind that the fact that I'd die drove him crazy. It drove me crazy. I knew that wasn't a nice burden to put on anyone and I hated that I had done it to him. But, at this point, I didn't have a choice in the matter- only what happens afterward.

I sigh as I run my feet along the carpet, pulling my socks off instantly. Climbing into the oversized bed, I snuggle against his back, feeling his warmth radiating off him instantly. Knowing my hand probably would be cold compared to his heat, I softly wrapped my arms around his waist and rest my hands along his stomach.

I felt him flinch in his sleep, at the sudden contact. Almost instantly though, his hand found mine and he gave it a squeeze. I thought that he was going to leave it at that, and I was okay with that, but he soon turned over so that we were facing each other.

Blinking my tired eyes, I look up at his face that now was just slightly over mine by a few inches. His breathing wasn't as slow and deep as before, letting me know that he was waking up. He slowly opened his eyes and slightly squinted at the light that peaked through the sheer curtains. He instantly looks down at me, his arms circling my waist and pulling me closer, our legs easily wounding together.

"I didn't mean to wake you," I say softly and tiredly.

He sighs, preparing himself to respond. "It's okay," he says huskily, his voice sending delightful shivers down my spine. His eyes meet mine and they go back and forth between my left and right. He brings his thumb to my left eye, running the pad of his finger under my eye softly. "You've been up," he states. He inhales deeply. "Cooking."

Not even denying it, I nod. "Yeah... Your dad found me in the chamber and had me cook to clear my mind."

"How long have you been up? What time is it?"

"Six o'clock in the morning."

His eyes widen. "Emmy," he says, dragging my name out as he groans. I knew he was frustrated but the way he said my name sent the shivers back down my spine and my insides churn. "We start at seven today."

"I know," I whine, snuggling closer to him, placing my head on his chest. I practically was hiding within him and his warmth. "I just need two hours." He doesn't say anything. I instantly move my head outside of his chest, meeting his eyes that were already looking down at me. I knew he wanted to be mad, but I could see the inner battle within himself. "Please," I beg. "Just two hours."

He sighs. "No," he says easily. I groan, shutting my eyes and placing my head back on his chest. "You're going to get a full nights rest for tonight and I'll make sure everything's good for tonight."

"But-"

"Your final fitting and everything isn't until five o'clock anyways, it's fine. You, sleep."

His tone was final and I knew better than to fight with him. "Can... can you..."

"What is it?" he questions, meeting my eye as I begin to stifle a yawn.

"Can you hold me till I fall asleep?" I question, looking up at him through my tired eyes.

He smiles. "I'll hold you as long as you want."

With that, I was pressed against his chest, his arms wrapped around me protectively and affectionately. I sighed, happy with the feeling of being in his arms and feeling the safety and security encamped me. Feeling his lips on my head, I soon felt myself begin to drift off to sleep. Slowly at first, and then instantly.