The Matchmaker (by Sophie Smith) novel Chapter 50

CHAPTER 50

It didn’t feel like a long time before led arrived to swap

shins with Nikolas and Saphira,

jed stepped insule, his sharp are immediately landing on Zafira before flicking to Nikolas. “Any news?” he asked, his wire steady but lined with quiet

Nikolas stood, instinctively straightening, and Saphira followed suit, poshing off her chair as though shaking off the weight of sitting mill for too long.

“The doctor said she’s recovering quicker than expected.” Nikolas explained, his voice holding a touch more ease than earlier. “Hopefully, it won’t be lo

Jed exhaled, nodding. “I hope so. He reached out, placing a firm hand on Nikolas shoulder–a silent show of support. “Il call you if anything changes”

Nikolas nodded back, the unspoken understanding between them clear

Then, fed tamed to Saphira, his expression softening slightly. “How are you doing? I know it’s been fall on since coming to the pack”

“It’s okay,” she admitted honestly. “Nikolas has been great, and.. I feel at home.”

She hadn’t expected those words to come so easily, but they did–and saying them felt right.

led smiled warmly, approval flickering i

g in his gaze. “That’s good to hear.”

“Once everyone’s back to health,” he murmured, amusement threading through his voice. “we’ll throw another party with the whole pack”

Saphira let out a breath of amusement, shaking her head slightly as her lipa twitched into a small sexile. A party. The thought seemed duzant, albeit izzrcal after everything they had been through–but there was something measuring about it. A reminder that life would move forward. That healing would coma,

“Sounds like a plan,” she replied, voice carrying a bit more lightness than before.

Nikolas turned toward her fully then, the faintest hint of a smirk tugging at his lips as his golden eyes locked onto hers. “Alright, shall we go?”

Saphica hesitated for just a brat, as if lingering in the moment, then nodded. “Yes”

She turned back to led, offering him a small nod of farewell. “See you later.”

Ind gave them both a knowing look, his stance steady, unwavering. “See you both at dinner

Saphira and Nikolas stepped out of the hospital, the crisp air brushing against her skin, grounding her in the moment. The tension of waiting had eased, leaving a quiet hall between them–one that felt lighter, hopeful.

Nikolas glanced at her, stretching his shoulders slightly as he spoke. “Fancy some lunch?”

Saphira considered it for only a second before an idea sparked. “Yes, but can we do a picnic?” She gestured toward the sky, the sun spilling warmth over the day. “It’s a lovely day,” she added quickly, her voice carrying a quiet excitement she hadn’t expected.

Nikolas‘ expression shifted–something thoughtful flickering across his face before he nodded. “Not a bad idea. Let’s get some food, then find a spot.”

Saphira’s and widened, a small spark of anticipatio settling in her chest.

She hadn’t ever had a proper picnic with company before–had never taken the time to enjoy something so simple.

As they made their way to the kitchens, they took a few containers, packing up the standard bullet food prepared for the pack daily. The prooves watery, Tamilar, but when Nikolas pulled out a picnic basket, both of them staged at it Bar a beat for long.

Saphira inked. “We own one

Nikolas scoffed, inspecting the item with mild disbelief. “Apparently.”

CHAPTER 50

Shelled out laugh, shaking her head at the finished parking up the food

“Now we need a Hanket, Nikolas said, securing the lid of the basket before glancing at her “We can get out of the

Saphira free slightly, turning toward him. “Came room?

How had she not heard of this pane room before?

What was in it? Was it med often? The questions were endless, immediate

Nikolas” eyes widened slightly, realization crossing his face. “Uh. I’m so sorry, I haven’t shown you the best parts of the house.” He exhaled, röking thei back of his neck. “We’ve been so caught up with everything I promise we’ll do it

Saphira namowed her eyes playfully, shaking her head. “Hey, it’s fine.” Then, lips curving into a grin, she added, “But I do want to see this pr

She stepped forward, her excitement berly contained, “Which way?”

Nikolas laughed, the sound warm pl easy, echoing faintly down the corridor. “This way,” he said, gesturing for Saphira to follow.

She moved beside him, her gaze flickering briefly down the hall, scanning the rows of doors she had barely paid attention to before the had mumed they were meeting rooms or extra bedrooms–nothing special. But clearly, she had been wrong

Nikolas stopped at the first door, pushing it open effortlessly.

The moment they stepped inside, Saphira’s breath hitched slightly.

The mom was

On the far side, a massive TV dominated the wall, surrounded by plush, oversized chairs arranged for optimal viewing. To the right, a sleek bar stood. stocked and ready, adding a quiet luxury to the darkly decorated space.

“This is the movie room, Nikolas said casually, watching her reaction with amnement.

Saphira tumed slowly, taking it all in–the deep hunk of the walls, the carefully curated space designed for comfort.

“We’ll arrange a night to watch some films soon,” Nikolas added, leaning against the back of one of the chairs.

Saphira tore her gaze away, grinning. “This is amazing I can’t wait.

ty was already po

pulling her toward the next darowery.

But curiosity was

She turned to Nikolas, eyes bright with anticipation. “Now the game room?”

Nikolas hued a quiet laugh, rolling his eyes playfully, “Come an

He led them to the next door in the corridor, opening it smoothly.

The contrast hit instantly

The decor was the complete opposite–bright, energytic, filled with splashes of colour.

-player arcade machines lining

Saphira stepped inside, her eyes darting across the room–taking in the pool table, the table tennis setup, the mulin the walls, each standing tall and gleaming. Another massive TV sat at the far end; unsoles neatly arranged beneath it on the unit below

She was amazed

Niklas folded his arms, sminking as he watched her soak it all in. “We can spend a day in here with the pack at the weekend.”

Saphira turned to him, expression all of excitement.

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CHAPTER 50

“The pack meets a few times a week,” he continued, “but it’s most fun

Saphira didn’t hesitate. “Yes?” she said, her enthusiasm spilling out fully.

Nikolas chuckled, shaking his head slightly before moving toward a closet she hadn’t even anticed when the first entered.

He rummaged for only a few moments before pulling out a neatly folded blanket. “Here we

Saphira was still marvelling at the room, almost reluctant to leave it behind, but Nikolas‘ woke brought her bark,

Ready for a picnic?”

Saphira tore her eyes away from the convales, inhaling deeply before nodding

“Yeah, I might not leave otherwise,” she said, rushing toward the door before she lost herself completely in the game room.

Nikolas laughed behind her, following easily, the sound lingering in the space as they stepped out.

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