NIA’S POV


    When I opened my eyes, it was morning already. I didn’t know when I slept off. I must have been tired. Dragging myzy self from the bed, I got ready for the day and headed to the clinic after checking the greenhouse to be sure the nts were doing fine.


    My assistants seem to be a bit cheerful this morning, and I let it rub off on my gloomy self. Making my way to the office, I opened it with my head down as I shut it back. My heart practically leaped out of my mouth when I raised my head to find Gael seated in my chair.


    “Good morning, Miss Nia.” He mused, twirling in the chair. I nced around the room hurriedly. “You don’t need to worry, and I didn’t sneak in. I came in from the main entrance. Your assistants can attest to it.”


    I see why they all seem different. Those traitors, none of them thought to give me a heads-up. My cheeks flushed as I rememberedst night. Why the hell is he here? Probably to punish me for talking to him rudely.


    I gulped hard, standing stiffly. “W-why are you here?”


    “To apologize,” Gael said, standing up.


    I waved my hands quickly. “Oh, no, there is no need for that, Alpha. Let’s forget what happenedst night and move on happily. I think I sipped winest night, so I got ahead of myself.” I rattled on quickly, feeling embarrassed.


    He stood still, staring at the painting closely with both hands in his pocket. “I couldn’t sleep a winkst night as I kept reminiscing on everything we discussed. I realized I have been privileged in many ways. Yet, I make the mostints. Leeching on others was something I considered fun from a very young age. It intrigued me every time. When my mother died, I saw how miserable my father became. He became distant from me and turned into a shadow of himself. My mum’s death too hurt me badly, but I needed my father.” He paused, his shoulders tilted a bit.


    “Did you me yourself?”


    “Maybe I did at some point. The me turned to detest, and then it settled as anger within me. I thought my dad was weak because he had loved just one woman. I promised myself to never fall in love and be with one person who can end up leaving you.”


    “Is that why you subjected yourself to tens of concubines?”


    “It felt like the perfect deal. So rather than ask the women out, knowing your gender would y hard to get, I used my money and influence to bring the most beautiful ones to me by feeding on their greediness. It felt good.”


    “Did that make you happy?”


    “I thought I was. But I was only fooling myself. After the sex, there was nothing else to say or do. I end up getting irritated all the time. I can’t withstand thedies’ presence for too long. Now, I feel so sorry after our discussionst night. If you are that hurt, that means each one of thedies must suffer deep within them.” He held my gaze.


    “I’m truly sorry. Probably if I knew you were going through that much hell. I wouldn’t have acted like an asshole. Forgive me.”


    I was about to respond, but his phone message notification beeped. He swallowed, putting the phone back in his pocket.


    “I have a council meeting now. I will talk to youter tonight. Bye.”


    I watched him scurry off, and it warmed my heart. I need to get my head out of the clouds before I lose it.


    ********************


    GAEL’S POV


    “What happened?” I questioned Ezra as he rushed into the meeting hall.


    “It’s my uncle. He copsed,” Ezra replied, looking worried.


    “What? How did that happen? Where is he now?”


    “He is at the house, and the doctor is attending to him. He argued with Gemma this morning, and she shoved him to the ground.”


    My mouth was agape as I stared in disbelief. “Why the fuck will Gemma do something like that?”


    “I’m just as taken aback as you are. Gemma is getting out of hand.” He said.


    “Will he be fine?”


    “Yes, the doctor assured me he would be awake soon. He needs to take his dose as soon as he wakes up.”


    My racing heart aligned in no time. “That’s good to hear. Do you think I should visit Beta Ezekiel?”


    Ezra shook his head in disapproval. “You will be the next one on the bed, and your fall will be tight. He hates you right now.”


    “True,” I admitted with a heavy heart. I don’t know how long I must be between this father and daughter brawl. It’s getting stale.


    “We need a representative for the meeting Beta Ezekiel was to attend this morning. Who do you think should go.” Omega Harold interjected.


    I smacked my forehead, “shit! I have almost forgotten all about that. Since the Beta’s second-inmand is here, you should represent us, Ezra.”? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    He blinked rapidly, “B…but uncle has always handled such meetings.”


    Omega Harold chuckled alongside the others, “And now it’s your turn. It is what you have been preparing for all your life. Don’t rob yourself of the joy thates with it.”


    I ced aforting palm on his shoulder, “We trust you will do a fine job, Ezra. Go for it.”


    He smiled brightly, “I should tell Nia about this.”


    My face fell immediately. “What’s the need for that? You should go on now to get there on time.” I suddenly feel a tight tug in my chest. Why did he have to mention that all of a sudden?


    Ezra nodded quickly. “Oh, that is correct. I will inform her on my return. I will take my leave now.”


    “Sure. Do take care.” I waved at him. “So, shall we begin?” I said to the rest of the council.


    The meeting ended an hourter. I sat back in the hall for a few more minutes after everyone left. I must admit that confessing my actual feelings to somebody else, aside from my subconscious, feels liberating. I am genuinely grateful that Nia listened and didn’t try to cut me short. I am going back to see her tonight. Likewise, I would have loved to go now, but that would raise suspicion, and rumors travel faster than lightning in the pack house. I don’t think I am ready to share my rtionship with Nia.


    It’s only been a few days, and I am almost obsessed. There is something about Nia that I can’t pinpoint. I realized recently that her half-wolf scent smells fantastic. It’s mesmerizing. It’s no wonder Ezra keeps sticking to her side. If he continues that, we might have a slight problem.


    Aside from that, I am enjoying every bit of this moment. Laughing lightly, I stood up to head back to my study. I can’t even remember thest time Iughed on my own. Nia is no doubt a breath of fresh air.


    I should bring something nice to her tonight for when we meet. Probably buy her some choctes. I heard Ezra’sst conversation about the nice chocte he got her. I will have to get something better than that. Somethingdies like her would love. I have no one to ask. I will have to apply the little knowledge I have. I have never bought a female present before. There was never a need to impress them. They are the ones always out to impress me. However, this is different. I want to impress Nia. The urge to see her smile because of something I gave her excites me.


    Opening the door to my study, I wouldn’t say I was exactly shocked to find Gemma inside, curled up on a couch. “What are you doing here?” I questioned sternly.


    She jumped off the couch hurriedly and ran towards me with her usual crocodile tears. “Baby, I am tired of staying in that house. My father is out to hurt me.”


    I pushed her gently away from me. “Do you think if you leave your house, I will wee you here? Who gave you such an illusion?”


    Gemma blinked in apparent shock. “what are you talking about? What’s wrong with me living here?”


    “Every fucking thing, Gemma! Everything! How dare you hurt your father to make yourself clear?”


    “I can’t believe Ezra lied against me. My father was the one who got aggressive first!”


    “Shut the hell up! You are lying! Do you know something your father is mostly popr for in this pack? He is known never to be prone to anger, even when it’s so obvious that it might be getting to him. Beta Ezekiel maintains his calm stance. How could you do that to a man who is only after your happiness? You have made me into a viin, and when I ask you to leave, you be suicidal. Why do you have to make a fool of your parents? Do you think you will impress me by doing that? If my parents were alive, do you think I would disrespect them because of you?”


    “Bu-but…”


    “No excuses, Gemma. You have nothing tangible to say. Whateveres out of your mouth right now is a lie.”


    “Baby.” She moaned, teary-eyed.


    “I am only going to say this once, Gemma. So you had better listen and read my lips right. You will return to that home to nurse your father back to his feet, and you will apologize for being irresponsible. Until then, do not step foot into this ce. I promise you now that if you do, I will have the guards toss you out.”


    “How would you know I have made peace with them?” She sobbed.


    “That would be for me to decide. For now, go back home and face the music of your actions. This ce isn’t a refugee camp. So go. I will allow you twenty seconds to retrace your steps, or I will call the guards on you.” I said, maintaining a serious look.


    For her good, she got the message and hurried out. Rxing into the chair, I decided to forget Gemma and her worries and browse for the best gift for ady of interest.


    I stared nkly at the wrapped box. What the fuck am I doing? It just dawned on me when the package I ordered for Nia arrived that I might be losing my mind. This morning, I blurted out some hidden thoughts I had never shared with Ezra. And he is supposed to be my best friend and confidant. What the hell did the half-breed do to me? I have never been vulnerable in front of anyone before. Did I just get bewitched cause I enjoy herpany? All the same, I have enjoyed many others’pany over the years, and I have never let my guard down for them.


    It’s almost like I can’t control my thoughts whenever I am around her, and she says something or acts emotionally towards a discussion. I end up going back on my intention. The first time was Sarah, and now I have told her almost everything about me. It has got to be a joke! It isn’t me. I don’t get emotional. There is something wrong somewhere. First, I had Gemma sent home, even though she acted stupid. I shouldn’t cut ties like that. Having these people under my control is how I enjoy life. What the hell happened to me in just a few days?


    Kissing my teeth, I pushed the gift aside. I would be damned to hand that over to Nia. I will not be a ve to any woman’s emotions. I am not going to let myself get swayed by it. Furthermore, I am not my father. I am Gael, the Alpha of the prestigious Sunset Pack, and I pride myself on not letting myself get swayed by flimsy emotions. Likewise, I don’t attach myself to people, especially not the other gender. They would only weaken one’s resolve and make a fool of one. Ezra can take the lead; it’s good and none of my business. But for me, it would be the other way around. I enve people’s emotions and their physicality.


    Standing up, I checked the time, and it was just almost time for dinner. Nia should still be at the clinic, and if she isn’t there, one of the guards will get her for me. I need to set the boundaries. Even if she clears out my boredom, I am still not on the same level as her. We aren’t equals. Just as I expected, she was still working. I found her checking on her nts. The minute she sensed someone’s presence behind her, she turned and smiled.


    Why is a part of me melting at that smile? What’s so special about her smile? She is a half-breed, and she is also trying to see through me. It is what the enemies would do when they intend to get to you. They make someone your weakness. Even if anyone knows or is my weakness, it can’t be a half-wolf.


    “You are a bit early today, Alpha.” She said in her usual teasing tone.


    I maintained a straight face, swallowing hard. “I am not here to see you seal any kind of rtionship you might think we are having.”


    Nia’s brows came together, showing apparent confusion on her face. “I am sorry, what?”


    I coughed in sudden difort. “I need you to know that whatever I told you this morning and other times doesn’t hold water. There is no truth there, and that was just me trying to flow with the conversation. Don’t even think that you and I are now friends and we can befortable around each other. Like I said before, I talked to you because I was bored. And I required a clown to improve my night feel. Thankfully, you were there. Forget everything I told you; that was me ying along. Seeing how much of an emotional fool you are. Don’t try to act friendly towards me. We aren’t friends. I hope you get that straight.” I gritted.


    She stared a bit too calmly, and for some reason, it made me annoyed. Why isn’t she reacting with tears in her eyes or fidgeting at my sudden outburst? Nia exhaled, “I never, for once, thought that we were equals or that the both of us would be friends. It was obvious the entire talk was just a rave of the moment. I know someone like me isn’t in your clique. I apologize if I acted too friendly. Forgive me, Alpha. I will leave now, and I need to get this nt to dry.” Nia said, bowing slightly before walking away.


    I blinked rapidly, confused. What the hell just happened right now? Shouldn’t she be hysterical because I just told her off? Everyone will appreciate someone like me being in their circle. How Is it so easy for her to walk away from me and ept that we aren’t close enough to break bread together? I wanted to go after her and make her exin all that she said. But she was evident in her response, just like I was.


    I made my way back to the main house. My ego feels bruised. What was I expecting, though? Maybe I wanted her to cry at my feet and beg to be my clown in the least. My association with her must have rubbed off on her personality. Someone like Nia would never have been able to look me in the eyes and tell me what I wasn’t sure I wanted to hear. Inhaling deeply, I shake the thought off my head.


    By the time I getid with my concubines. All the thoughts will vanish. I opened the door to the study, and my eyesnded on the gift box. Now that it’s there by itself, I might as well give it to someone more worthy of my presence. At least Gemma is a full wolf and the daughter of my Beta. Not some monster who is indecisive about who she is. I will visit the Beta tomorrow and hand the gift over to Gemma. That should make her feel special and cover up for my behavior towards her. I am so not apologizing.


    Instead, I dialed Ezra; he should be back from where he went to. I just hope he won’t turn me down for the half-breed like he has done a couple of times. I won’t hesitate to wring his neck. He picked on the second ring.


    “Hey, what’s up with you.” He mumbled on the other end.


    I shrugged, leaning into the chair. “Nothing much. Want to catch up for some drinks?”


    “I wouldn’t mind. I am just returning from the meeting, and I have to say this pack acts very weirdly around there. Food and some lemon-made juice are what the members dwell on. If I stay too long, I might pass out from overfeeding.” Ezra whined.


    Iughed, “it’s obvious they enjoyed yourpany.”


    “It’s the daughter who seems hellbent on making me a fat pig.”


    “Ohhhh. Why are you always getting the attention?” I teased.


    “Youmand the attention, and I attract it. Two different things.” He boasted.


    “Shut the fuck up!”


    Hisughter sounded like bells in my ear. “No problem. Where should we meet?”


    “Our regr spot. I will be with you soon.”


    “Sure.” He said, ending the call.


    Now, this night should feel better. I won’t have to think of any dark, curly, long hair or that face with its pointed nose.