《Alpha Of Darkness And The Half-Breed Healer》


 Chapter 1 Life of Nia

    NIA¡¯S POV


    Life didn¡¯t exactly feel the same after the death of my mother; her death forced my father and me to run for our dear lives away from the Crescent pack into the woods. There is bad blood between humans and the werewolves. However, that didn¡¯t matter in my parents¡¯ case; it was love at first sight for both of them.My mum had found her mate in my father, who is a human. She didn¡¯t care about turning her back on her kind. My dad was a wandering explorer who settled wherever the nights met him. Being the daughter of the head of the omega n in the Crescent pack, they had to let my mother and her love interest be.When they gave birth to me, it was a bit hard for everyone to ept a half-breed like myself, but they couldn¡¯t voice out their displeasure because of how vicious my mother could get. She is the pack¡¯s healer, and her presence is the bane of the pack¡¯s existence.


    Things went on smoothly until she got stuck with an unexinable disease; a healer treated my mother with everything considered appropriate for use. Eventually, she gave up the ghost despite being a healer. Rumors began to spread that the goddess cursed her due to her association with my father. Some members of the pack got enraged and came after my father and me. My grandparents tried their best to protect us, but they had to let us go when their lives were also on the verge of danger.My father and I had since then found sce in the middle of the woods after working hard to build us a livable cabin for seven days. I have never met someone as hardworking and resilient as my father. I see him walk around with slumped shoulderscause the death of my mother weighs intensely on him, and some nights, I hear his quiet sobs.I made a promise to my dead mother to ensure that he finds happiness eventually. I hope to grow up to improve his life; he is stuck because of his need to look after me. Sometimes, it¡¯s my fault that my family got gued with so much trouble. Probably, if I hadn¡¯t been born, both of them would have had no choice but to go apart and live as expected by the order of their opposing society.


    My eyes lightened up at the sight of my father, and I ran towards him, helping him with the hunting sack in his hand. ¡°Nia,¡± he called out in his usual husky tone. ¡°How is my angel doing today?¡± I giggled, hugging him by the waist. ¡°I¡¯m fine, dad. What took you so long?¡± Laughing lightly, he showed me his bounty. He had hidden the deer with one hand behind his back. ¡°Here you go, my princess.¡± I jumped in excitement, grinning from ear to ear. ¡°We are going to have a feast tonight.¡± He ruffled my hair. ¡°Yes, baby. We would have a feast. Come with me; let¡¯s get to work.¡±


    I followed him to the back of the cabin, where we skinned the animnd prepared daily meals. Having wandered for a long time, my dad knows how to survive wherever he finds himself. We got down to business as usual, mostly involving him doing everything while I watched in awe.I sighed, staring at his muscled arms. ¡°When are we going to leave this ce, Dad?¡± I asked. He kept mute, still focusing on the woods he arranged to make a fire. ¡°Dad!¡± I whined, stomping my foot. He exhaled, ¡°Stop being dramatic, Nia. I need to get this done on time to enable us to retire into the safety of the cabin before nightfall.¡±


    ¡°This is exactly why I am tired!¡± Imented. ¡°Until when would we keep running? They don¡¯t want us at the Crescent pack, but wecan try out another packwhere no one would know about us.¡±This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Aside from hiding away from the angry members of my mother¡¯s pack, we still have to deal with rogue wolves around the woods. They move around, searching for prey to pounce on. And from what I have heard, they feast on humans. Since we took sce in the woods, my father and I permanently retired too early into the cabin. There is no liberty to sit outside when the moon shines brightly. I don¡¯t know how long this has to continue.


    ¡°I wish it was that easy, baby. You are eleven, and you still haven¡¯t shifted. I don¡¯t know what I would do if we settle into another pack, and you get subjected to bullying from your peers because you are different,¡± he said.


    ¡°Mum clearly said I would shift when my body is ready. What does this have to do with me being a half-breed?¡± I bellowed angrily.


    He kissed his teeth, ¡°It has everything to do with you being a half-breed. And I know it¡¯s my fault, baby. I need to protect you at all costs, pending the time you can stand up for yourself. Full werewolves shift from age eight, and you have never shown any sign regarding harboringa wolf.¡±


    Tears pricked at the back of my eyes. I remembered how my few friends became more distant when they all turned, and I was still my usual self. I heard people talking about me being aplete version of my father and how I would never be able to change into a wolf or own one. Their words made me feel like an outcast; probably, that is what I am.


    Wiping the tears that trailed my face angrily, I stood up and entered the cabin, shutting the door tightly behind me. ¡°We would talk about this during dinner, baby. I promise!¡± Dad called out. ¡°I¡¯m sorry if I said something wrong. I love you!¡±I tried not to smile at his assuring words. Butchanging my mind, I grumbled and moved to open the door and apologize for my rude behavior. The moment I opened the door, his eyes stared at me fearfully. ¡°Go back inside,¡± he whispered.


    I didn¡¯t understand what he meant until I saw the shiny, dark, golden eyes that peered through the darkness of the night. In a sh, I saw a full fur jump at my father with its ws, and with my heart in my mouth, I stood dead on the spot.I practically peed on myself as I watched my father struggle with the fierce-looking brown wolf. My dad had learned some fighting skills from my mom when she was still alive and well. He could wield just about any weapon heid his hands on. He had snatched the long knife he was making use of from the ground to defend himself.My hands shook hard as I held onto the doorknob, watching him try hard to protect himself, but the wolf obviously had enough time and wouldn¡¯t back down easily. I felt dizzy when the wolf wed at my father¡¯s arm, tearing off his flesh. I gulped hard at the horrendous sight, hoping to gather enough courage to help him.But I know staying locked up here is the best assistance I can offer him now. As if he knew this horrifying day woulde, he has always pleaded with me to stay indoors just in case such a situation urs. That way, he would have enough courage to fight, knowing I was safe.


    A short sigh of relief escaped my lips when Dad shed the wolf with his knife on the face. I am sure the wound will go deep. However, that single act made the wolf more vicious, and with one loud howl, he jumped at my dad, wing at his neck directly. Within a few seconds, I saw my father on the ground with blood gushing out of the deep gash on his neck. Sneering, the wolf strolled majestically toward me.For a moment, I thought it had seen me. Instead, itheld the dead deer with its canines and walked away.


    I couldn¡¯t move my legs as the tears fell uncontrobly. I waited, hoping my dad would stand up and say he had only pretended to be dead to distract the wolf, but he never came to me. Summoning courage, I walked with wobbling legs towards my lifeless father. My hands shook hard as I tried to touch his pale face. The moonlight shone brightly on him, and I could see his features.


    ¡°Wake up, Dad.¡± I held him by the shirt, shaking him hard. ¡°Wake up! You promised to look after me till I get to shift. You can¡¯t leave me all alone, please. Wake up.¡± I wailed.


    It took a long minute for it to dawn on me that my father was dead and wouldn¡¯t being back home to me ever again. Yelling painfully, I leaned on him, crying profusely. I can¡¯t believe I lost two parents in a year. Maybe my friends were right about me having an unfortunate star. Why do the people who love me and would do anything to protect me have to leave me hanging without keeping their promise? There will never be an answer to my questions, and I am not getting any of my parents back. The tears burst like heavy rain, and I didn¡¯t try to hold myself back as my dad¡¯s blood-soaked my clothes.


    ***********************


    My eyes fluttered open, and I tried to remember where I was and what happened. When my eyes met my dad¡¯s already blue face, it reminded me of the unfortunate incident the night before. I can¡¯t believe I fell asleep in such chaos. It was morning already. I tried to cry, but the tears weren¡¯ting. My eyes were tired.Standing up, I entered the cabin, grabbed a bag, and stuffed a few clothes into it, not forgetting to hold the only thing that reminds me of my family: a picture locket with a picture of my parents and myself from when I was six months old. Looking around the cabin, I know it¡¯s useless to stay back. I can onlyst a night before I meet the same fate as my father. I can only hope I can navigate the nearest vige before nightfall.


    Giving my father onest look, I silently promised to try my best to survive. He had risked everything for me. With tears, I followed the path that led directly out of the woods. My dad had intentionally created the route in case we eventually needed to run one day. I believe he had foreseen this tragedy happening. Another about of tears trailed down my face as I walked the path with the fear of getting into the wrong hands.


    When the sun was about to set, I caught sight of the vige. As I walked into it, happy to be among people, I saw everyone running aroundasthe weather had changed, and it seemed like it might rain. There was a house with arge oak tree in front of its gate. I ran to the ce to shield myself from the rain. The rain didn¡¯t care that I was an orphan and had just recently lost my remaining parent.It poured heavily on me, and despite hiding under the tree¡¯s umbre, it wasn¡¯t enough to protect me from the pelting drops. Signing into resolve, I leaned against the tree bark, trying hard not to cry bitterly. The rain stopped just like it had started; aside from the wet ground and leaf, there was no actual sign of its presence.


    My head tilted as I got sleepy, andout of nowhere, a bright light shined on my face. A woman who appears to be around the same age as my dead mother or probably some years older stood, arms akimbo, next to the person with the torchlight.


    ¡°I was wondering if it was a person or a wild animal. Who are you?¡± She inquired.


    ¡°Please don¡¯t hurt me.I am just a little girl,¡± I called out to avoid getting shot on the spot.


    They moved closer to me as the light got lowered. The person holding the torch was a man. ¡°What is a girl of your age doing here unguarded?¡± The man asked.


    I sniffed, ¡°I wasing with my father, but he got into an ident and died on the way,¡± I lied partially, knowing it would be too much of a hassle exining myself.


    ¡°Where is your mother?¡± Thedy asked.


    ¡°She is dead, too,¡± I responded.


    ¡°Which means you are an orphan, and you have no one to be with,¡± the man stated, looking towards thedy.


    I could guess that they were couples from the way they interacted with each other. After what seemed like forever and a long look at me, thedy reached for my hand, e, let¡¯s get you some warm food and a nket. You would freeze out here,¡± she said, leading me into their house with the man following behind.

 Chapter 2 Wolf-less Girl

    NIA¡¯S POV


    TEN YEARS LATER


    I thought meeting Levi and Stephanie Hayes was an answer to my prayers. But instead, it¡¯s the exact interpretation of going from the frying pan to the fire. The night Levi and Stephanie took me in, I received good treatment. However, their true colorscouldn¡¯t resist showing off after they adopted me.Adoption felt like a great idea to me then, and unknowingly, I had sold myself to ubeled ve traders. They made my life miserable; every dayes with a different dimension of maltreatment. They have three children, all older than I am. They go by Caleb, Kingston, and Mindy, respectively.


    Caleb and Mindy seem to harbora different kind of hate towards me, but Kingston, on the other hand, is the sweetest sibling anyone can ever wish for. My misery started after living with them for about six months, and Mindy asked me to run with her in our wolf form. I still haven¡¯t shifted, and I didn¡¯t think it would be a problem until that moment.The whole house went agog as theymented about taking in a wolf-lessand considered unfortunate person like me. I realizedhatred has a different level to it. My heart races any time I hear them call my name. I wasn¡¯t allowed to associate with any of the neighborscause it was their way of keeping my secret from the othersand saying it would taint their identity as full-blooded wolves.


    I always wonder how they would react to the truth about me being a half-breed. It¡¯s a deficiency when a werewolf born doesn¡¯t own a wolf, or such a wolf istent. I held a grudge against myself and my dead biological parents, especially for bringing me future woes. My dad was right about me shifting toote because of my inherent genes.Just when I had lost hope about ever bing a full werewolf, I became a newly turned wolf on the night of my neenth birthday. It was the best moment of my life.I didn¡¯t want to change form and kept roaming around the woods in my wolf form. For the first time, the family did look excited on my behalf. The joy onlysted that nightasI was back to my awful reality by morning.I am no different from an in-house maid.I have to be at their beck and call. No one cares if I am on the verge of breaking down as long as they get what they want. Sometimes, I feel like there is a hidden intention towards me. I wonder if my life could pay for whatever it is.


    A heavy sigh escaped my lips as I scrubbed the tes with every strength. I wash a mountain of used tes every day, and I wonder if other unseen beings make use of them. I am twenty-one now, and the desperation to escape my current state of living is at its peak. The only thing that can save me from the ws of the Hayes family is meeting my mate soon.Every one of the children except Kingston and I is mateless, even though Caleb and Mindy sleep with other people aside from their mates.I realizethey intend to end up with a rich person for a mate, as instructed by their parents. Kingston seems to be disinterested in letting them live their dreams through him. He prefers love over material things.


    My case is entirely different; I haven¡¯t fallen for anyone. No rejection or eptance so far. Considering how much time it had taken me to shift, I worry that I might end up not having a mate till I clock thirty.


    ¡°Boom!¡± Someone eximed behind me, and I almost fell into the sink in fear.


    I nced back to find Kingston looking pleased with himself. ¡°Really? You almost scared me to death.¡±


    Heughed, ruffling my hair. ¡°You are always scared about everything. It was just a small scare. What are you thinking about?¡±


    I sighed in despair, turning back to my work. ¡°Nothing.¡± Silence reigned between us for a while before he cleared his throat.


    ¡°I know it¡¯s been a long time for you, Nia. I want you to know that I would be in support of whatever you decide on. I love my parents, but they haven¡¯t been the nicest despite agreeing to be your parents on paper. Forgive them on my behalf.¡±


    I sniffed, ¡°It¡¯s nothing, Kingston. I have gotten used to it now.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not true; you can fool everyone else but not me. I know you are desperately seeking a mate as your escape. But I wish you would take my help and get a job far from here. You don¡¯t need anyone to improve your life, and only you can give yourself the freedom you deserve.¡±


    I paused, letting the soap foam dry on my hand. I won¡¯t deny just how much help Kingston has done for me. He taught me how to read, and I even got to take the high school leaving certificate exam because of him, which I passed pretty impressively. We did all of this without the knowledge of the others. He dreams far and beyond for me, but I have learned to ept the sad truth about my life and not wish for too much.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to fill my head with baseless dreams. I am grateful for everything you have done, Kingston. But what I need right now is a mate. That¡¯s the safest escape from here.¡±


    With a loud sigh, he pulled me a tight hug. Releasing me, he stared deep into my grey eyes. ¡°So, the Alpha is holding arge banquet on behalf of his sister at the pack-house, and other packs are invited too.¡±


    My face lit up, ¡°is this what I am thinking?¡±


    He nodded, ¡°Yes, you should be able to meet your mate there. I have got you the most suitable dress. It¡¯s happening tonight. You wouldn¡¯t get to know them since they hardly involve you in any relevant discussion. All that matters now is convincing our parents to let you go.¡±


    ¡°Where the hell does she intend to go?¡± An unpleasant voice growled behind us.


    Kingston and I turned around to look at the intruder. Mindy stood by the kitchen entrance, staring at me with utmost disgust. I gulped ufortably, pulling at my shirt to cover my exposed neck. Sometimes, I feel like there is something on my body that makes me unworthy of being looked at.


    ¡°Kingston, what¡¯s all that rubbish I hear you saying to her?¡± Mindy¡¯s salty voice hollered.


    Folding his arms together, Kingston matched her expression. He is always at loggerheads with his siblings because of me.¡°What did your ear catch?¡± Kingston retorted.


    ¡°Why would you get her hopeful about attending the banquet?¡± Mindy gritted.


    ¡°Nia has every right to be at the banquet just like everyone else. She needs to find her mate.¡±


    Mindyughed hysterically, ¡°You give this peasant too much hope. It¡¯s your fault that she dreams beyond these walls. I am telling Mum and Dad about this right now,¡± she said, storming off.


    And there goes all of my excitement; Mindy would ruin this for me. It¡¯s her favorite pastime. Kingston stared pitifully at me before running after her. For some reason, I find myself running after them. Nia, this is my only opportunity out of this house. If I miss this chance, I might as well justmit suicide.


    ¡°Get back here, Mindy!¡± Kingston called out to her. But it was toote, and she was already standing in front of Levi and Stephanie, seated on the house¡¯s porch.


    ¡°What¡¯s the noise all about?¡± Stephanie inquired, ring hard at me. I lowered my gaze.


    ¡°Can you imagine, Mum?¡± Mindy began. ¡°Kingston is urging Nia to prepare for tonight¡¯s banquet. She isn¡¯t going, right?¡±


    There was a brief pause and silentmunication between both parents. Levi cleared his throat, ¡°Actually, Nia would be going to the banquet. She can¡¯t live with us forever. Every one of our children needs to find a mate.¡±


    ¡°Dad!¡± Mindy whined.


    I stared at Kingston in disbelief, andhe looked taken aback, too. This sudden change in attitude is a different dimension of Levi and Stephanie, whom I have never met before. Does something smell fishy, or are they having a change of heart?


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to worry about the dress. I got Nia one already,¡± Kingston said, smiling. ¡°Thanks so much, Mum and Dad.¡± I found myself bowing and thanking them profusely, and this was the following best news after knowing I could shift.


    Stephanie chuckled, ¡°That¡¯s enough; you should go and get ready. We are all going to leave together.¡±


    Grabbing my hand, Kingston pulled me in with him after making a face at Mindy. She would get back at me for that. But I care less right now. I can only believe any one of them when I find myself at the banquet.


    Kingston wasn¡¯t joking when he said he got me a beautiful dress. It¡¯s a long silver dress with a V-shaped neckline and a slit that hugs my body shape quite well. I was surprised when Stephanie brought me a pair of heels and a ne to wear with it. There is no way I wouldn¡¯t be bringing home a mate tonight.My heart soared as I felt grateful for their support when I needed it the most. Despite looking all dolled up and pretty in her red ball dress, Mindy appeared unhappy, and her eyes kept boring holes into my back. I didn¡¯t give her the satisfaction of being ufortable. I sat stiffly in the car that had us, the children, with Kingston driving.Levi and Stephanie had taken another car, which was right in front of us.


    I have never enjoyed seeing the packhouse, let alone a room big enough to contain hundreds of people. Every young person in attendance looked their best, and I could tell it wasn¡¯t just me who was desperate for a mate. Colorfully decorated, the food was mouthwatering, and anyone could have whatever they wanted.Since I didn¡¯t have anyone to talk to the moment we arrived, unlike the others whose friends had gotten a hold of them. I made my way to the food table. I could feel Mindy¡¯s eyes on me, but I didn¡¯t let that bother me. My first stop was the dessert table. My belly growled in excitement at the sight. Reaching out for a te, a sudden sweet smell filled my nostrils. I ignored it and ced a cake on my te.


    The smell came stronger again, and I could feel my wolf awaken; goosebumps rose at their peak, and I became restless. My eyes searched the room hurriedly, dropping the teasI rubbed at my arm. The hair on my neck rose.


    My wolf panted, ¡°Mate!¡± A gasp escaped my lips when I registered my wolf¡¯s call. My mate is here. I am going to be essible soon. My mate is calling out for me. Following the smell, I walked past many people standing in the way. I was anxious to meet the one person who would help me live freely, and maybe I would eventually have a dream.It felt like my heart skipped a beat at the sight of him. I guess he was looking for me, too, and locking eyes with the tall, handsome, ginger-haired man with a prominent dimple. I know for a fact that I don¡¯t want anyone else. He moved with a proud gait, and his attire looked expensive. I know that from Kingston, which keeps me abreast of the world beyond grocery shopping and the home I know.


    ¡°Mate?¡± He asked; his voice sounded like music to my ears.


    ¡±nodded expectantly, staring up at him like he was an angel. ¡°Yes. I¡¯m Nia Hayes, your mate.¡±


    He was about to say something when, in an instant, ady about the same age as me pulled him to herself, kissing him passionately. My heart stopped immediately. I swallowed hard, trying to make sense of the situation.I could sense some people bing aware of us, stretching their necks to know what was happening. After ending the kiss that seemed forever, Mr. Ginger-haired cleared his throat.


    ¡°There is no need to introduce ourselvessince we wouldn¡¯t meet again. My father was right abouting here and meeting my mate. This here¡­¡± He held thedy who stared up at him lovingly by the waist. ¡°She is the love of my life and the only one I want to spend my lifetime with. I¡¯m d we got to meet now¡¯causeit wouldn¡¯t be fair if you had had to wait all your life for me.¡± He exined.


    I stood dumbfounded, finding my voice. I blinked severally. ¡°Are you rejecting me?¡±


    Thedy giggled childishly, ¡°Are you that slow? These words are the longest he has said to strangers, and that is because he is quite thoughtful of other people¡¯s feelings. Anyways, what he is trying to tell you in a sentence isthat he wants nothing to do with you. Have a good life. Let¡¯s go, baby.¡± She said, holding his hands as they left.


    Dread and fright gripped me as I hugged myself, looking around the room. My eyes met with those of Levi and Stephanieas it appeared their eyes never left me. It made me want to cringe in a deep room and never show my face again. There has never been a time I felt this humiliated. On second thought, I looked towards my adoptive parents again. They still had their eyes on me, even though it appeared discreet this time.Could it be that they are the ones behind ginger-haired rejection? But there is no possible way they would know my mate before me. I guess they are just a bit worried. The tears stung at the back of my eyes like aser. There goes my only chance for freedom. I gulped, wobbling in my heels. I almost fell t on my face. The excitement I felt while trying to meet my mate didn¡¯t make me realize I had hit my toe, which seemed swollen.


    Finding a chair next to the food table to sit on, I threw my head to the back to keep the tears from falling. Maybe I am cursed, and freedom isn¡¯t in my fate. Stillmenting bitterly, I felt a firm hand grip my arm, pulling me along the crowd. It took me a minute to get myself together, and I looked at the intended kidnapper, who turned out to be Kingston.


    ¡°Where are we going, Kingston?¡± I asked, trying to wiggle free from his hold.


    ¡°Just stay natural ande with me. Stop acting like you aren¡¯t familiar with me.¡± His voice sounded cold. Kingston has never spoken rudely to me ever before.


    I nodded gently, following him.He kept looking behind him like he was running from someone. He didn¡¯t stop until we stepped out of the auditorium and near the exit.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on? You are scaring me.¡± I said, finally getting my hand back to myself. He exhaled, ncing behind again. I noticed his eyes were red, like he was trying not to cry. ¡°Are you okay?¡± I asked again.


    Kingston held my hands softly, ¡°forgive me, Nia. I should have known something fishy happened when they acted so nice towards you.¡±


    ¡°What are you talking about? Who are they?¡±


    ¡°Our parents. I just eavesdropped on their conversation now; they hoped your mate would reject you. They had made a pact with the Alpha to sell you off to him.¡±


    ¡°What Alpha?¡±


    ¡°The same Alpha of our pack. Sunset Pack.¡±


    I gasped. Everyone knows how ruthless the Alpha is. He is Darkness. Rumorhas it that he has slept with all of the maidens assigned to serve him, and he buys off youngdies that catch his interest from their families, which means he automatically owns them and does whatever he wishes to them.


    My lips shook as fear rose in the depths of my throat. ¡°Did they know that I would get rejected? Why would they want to sell me off? Do they hate me that much?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know the details, but Dad has some financial issues, and the Alpha has had his eyes on you for a while now. How that happened, I have no idea, and it worked out in their favor that you got rejected by your mate. Or, probably, they had something to do with it. Your actual mate is the Beta of the ck Saint pack, and thatwould have been a blessing to you after all the years of your suffering. I¡¯m so sorry, sister.¡±


    The tears fell as I leaned against the water fountain next to me. I am lost and confused.I have no idea what to do next. Kingston knelt in front of me, searching his pocket. He brought out some cash and handed me a phone.


    ¡°I know I might not be able to do much now. But I know if you return home with us, you will end the rest of your life being a sex toy for the Alpha. I want you to run as far as your legs would carry youand nevere back. That phone has my contact saved on it, and please let me know if you are safe.¡±


    I shook my headin disagreement. ¡°But where would I go?¡±


    ¡°Anywhere. Go anywhere as long as it¡¯s not here. If you hide here at the pack, my family will find and torture you. I can¡¯t stand that, Nia. Please go. That cash would help you rent out a room for the night. I promise to find you. Run, Nia, please. They woulde out to find you now. Please leave, and I know you are strong enough to survive. If not for anything, run far away from me andour family. Please, sis.¡±This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    Seeing no way out, I hurriedly wiped my tears, hugging Kingston tightly for thest time. I took off the heels as the tears returned and ran as fast as my legs could carry me with no destination. Just like I had done ten years ago to save my life, I am running again, hoping I won¡¯t wound up dead this time around.

 Chapter 3 Alpha Gael

    GAEL¡¯S POV


    I inhaled the air of the musty room, which might sound weird, but I like the smell thates from the gathering of so many people in one ce. It lets me feast my bright eyes on the most beautiful of all and make her mine. It¡¯s no longer news that the male poption of the pack hates me. It¡¯s not like I care. I am the Alpha of the Sunset Pack, and I would get whoever and whatever I want. That is the perk of being the leader.


    My eyes roamed the room as I searched for my interest for the night. She is supposed toe to me today. I don¡¯t need to worry much about her refusing me because many of my concubines willingly give themselves off to me. However, I am generous enough to pay a reasonable amount for them. I try to make my subjects happy. Being a delight to the eyes, people with good eyesight love to feast on me. For some reason, I find myself unnecessarily patient with this new girl.


    I have been seeking her face for a long while, but she fades off like Cindere, and the only difference is she doesn¡¯t precisely wear or own a ss slipper. During one of my random mall tours, I saw her innocently leaving the ce. Since then, I have asked my men to monitor her closely.Without too much ado, her parents were ready to sell her off to me without hesitation. I get her tonight, and they get paid. It¡¯s always a very juicy transaction, and I can¡¯t wait to roam my long fingers on her milk skin tonight and have her wiggle under my weight, which could either be in pain or pleasure. I don¡¯t give a fuck, as long as I am enjoying every bit of it.


    ¡°Are you at it again?¡± A displeased tone bickered behind me.


    Pouting tiredly, I turned to stare at her. ¡°What is it, Gemma?¡±


    Gemma folded her arms angrily, ¡°why do you always have to do this to me? Don¡¯t you have tons of women at your beck and call? Why are you still desperate for more?¡±


    I furrowed my brows, staring nkly at her. ¡°Are you questioning my authority right now?¡±


    She gulped slowly, ¡°I didn¡¯t mean it like that. I think the party is beginning to get to me.¡±


    ¡°Then go find something to do or, better still, get some sleep. Could you not make me lose it? I am enjoying the night too much as it is.¡± I warned.


    She sauntered away hurriedly, leaving me to my thoughts. As much as I desire Gemma, she still has to know her ce. I don¡¯t fancy people who try to act too important in my life. It irks the shit out of me. I groaned when I couldn¡¯t see my intention anymore. She had been talking to one ginger-haired guy the other time, and I had sent one of my girls to him to whisper to his ears not to try anything stupid. Turns out he is her mate.


    A devilish grin appeared on my face, and the young man looked like he would throw up when he turned away from her. Somebody must have broken his heart, poor guy. They would have difficulty getting over each other, but I am sure they would be fine. It can¡¯t be that bad. I want tough out loud so severely. It feels good to have that much control.


    Motioning towards the head of guards, he ran a few steps to me. ¡°Yes, Alpha.¡±


    ¡°Where is the girl? She is supposed to be given out to me tonight. I don¡¯t know what¡¯s going on and why I can¡¯t see her. Ensure to find her.¡± I ordered. ¡°While doing that, bring those bloody parents to me.¡±


    She and her family had better not y funny with me. I have had cases of some families agreeing to sell off their daughters and eventually backing out because they feel sorry for themselves. I don¡¯t take unfulfilled promises lightly, so I always keep my end of the bargain by paying them handsomely.


    ¡°If it isn¡¯t the man of the hour.¡± The Beta¡¯s second-inmand and my best friend, Ezra, taunted.


    I snickered, downing the rest of my champagne. ¡°What do you want from me?¡±


    ¡°I thought you were taking a new interest tonight. Why are you looking like someone who got dumped along the way?¡±


    I re at him, ¡°For a subject, you have a big mouth. I am still your Alpha, you know.¡± If not for Ezra being more of a brother to me than a friend, I would have loved to wring his neck. Frustrating me is his favorite ytime.


    Heughed heartily, ¡°Talk to me. What¡¯s going on?¡±


    I didn¡¯t get to respond before my guards dragged in the parents of the intended girl. My face morphed into a tight frown.


    ¡°Where is she?¡± I growled.


    The wife appeared to have a bolder look, unlike the husband, who seemed to quiver a little-such an imbecile. ¡°I have asked my daughter to get her, dear Alpha. You don¡¯t need to worry.¡±


    A cold snort escaped my lips, ¡°you think I am worried? If I smell a bit of foul y around here, I promise to teach you and your entire family a lesson you will never be able to forget in a lifetime. Keep them by the side.¡± I instructed.


    Ezra was no doubt stifling augh, and he is the only one who disregards me when I am trying to y a tyrant. ¡°What if you end up not liking her?¡± He whispered in my ear.


    ¡°Shut up!¡± I retorted. The intention is not to like her. I need a new y toy. Sometimes, most of thedies end up working as my maids when they eventually don¡¯t catch my interest. I can¡¯t have my money go to waste, so they have to work without getting paid. ¡°I want this one in particr.¡± I grinned.This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°No one catches your interest better than Gemma. You should forget about all of this and settle with her.¡±


    ¡°Not here, Ezra. I am having a party, and I only want to enjoy every bit of it. Get the fuck out of my ear!¡± He raised his hands in surrender. ¡°Alright, I am on my way. Have fun.¡±


    My patience began to run thin after Ezra left; the party didn¡¯t seem so appealing anymore. The lots were super drunk and acting horny. I think I am ready to get out of here. My thoughts halted when loud murmurs bounced through every corner of the room, and people seemed to be moving out of the way to give room to whoever was making a fuss. A smirk formed on my lips when the guards dragged her to me with her hair. My night feelsplete.


    *********************

 Chapter 4 A commodity

    NIA¡¯S POV


    At this point, I have to agree with fate; I¡¯m not among the lucky folks the goddess chooses to grant whatever wish they desire. When I thought I could run and never return with Kingston¡¯s help, despite my broken heart and cluelessness, I didn¡¯t mind picking up my pace. It¡¯s frustrating that I¡¯ll be returning home to the Hayes home.


    However, I didn¡¯t get the chance to run too far before Mindy caught up with me. I hate that I¡¯m a half-breed. The disadvantage of being half wolf and half human is that you can never speed up enough or better than a full wolf. I have no idea how Mindy found out about me leavingwhen Kingston had shielded me from curious eyes. I thought I had gone far enough to rest, but Mindy jumped out of nowhere and scratched my face.


    Despite my struggle to free myself and fight back, her bones crushed me, and when it felt like she might kill me, I gave in-surrendering myself to a miserable life and epting that I would never be free. I feel regretful now that I cringed away from getting killed by the rogue wolf that tore my father apart. If I knew the life I would have many yearster would be nothing to write about, I would have died earlier.


    My body made a thumping sound when Mindy tossed me to the hard ground at the foot of the said Alpha and my devil-incarnate-called parents. I turned to look appropriately and realized everyone had returned to having fun. Nobody bothered to look back to find out if I was okay. There are too many cruel people around here. My eyes met with Kingston, and I could see sheer pain in it. I know you tried, brother, butlife is never what we nned.


    ¡°Took you long enough,¡± I heard the chilly voice of the said Alpha mocking me. The Alpha called out to someone, and they brought a suitcase to him. I didn¡¯t need a seer to tell me it was full of money. Stephanie¡¯s expression was too clear, whileLevi practically drooled at the sight. A guard handed the suitcase filled with money to them, and like an unrealistic view, they made a delightful sound, hugging each other while Stephanie held the bag tightly to her chest.This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    Kingston lingered in his stead, watching me keenlyas I could see the wheels turning in his head. I shook my head at him as a single tear rolled down my face. It¡¯s a warning for him not to do anything stupid. I have had enough attention drawn to me as it stands. Before I could get a chance to tell him that I appreciated his effort, I got lifted off the floor like a pile of trashand draggedtoward a door by two guards.I didn¡¯t bother to look back, knowing I had finally reached the end of the road. A guard took me through a long hallway and tossed me into a room. I must admit the room looks more excellent than I have ever had.


    ¡°Get yourself cleaned up. There is a dress on the bed; ensure to change into it in the next ten minutes and wait for the Alpha toe,¡± one of the guards who looked the most unfriendly ordered.


    When they left the room, I rushed to the door, hoping they would be foolish enough to open it. The doorknob didn¡¯t budge, and I was the stupid one. Why would I be let off so quickly after the alpha paid such a significant bounty on my head? Sitting on the cold floor, I curled up against myself, reminiscing on the thoughts that would be roaming through the mind of my adoptive family-no doubt they would be able to sleep well at night, unconcerned about me.


    Shutting my eyes tightly, I felt a sting at the back of my eyes. I have been trying to cry, but all to no avail. I feel dehydrated, and my eyes can¡¯t take any waterworks. My life has finallye to an end. I hear rumors that the Alpha discards the concubines whenever he feels dissatisfied. I wonder what would be of me when he finds me unappealing. My mate was quick to reject me, let alone an Alpha that is so full of himself.


    Nobody wants me, and that is a fact. I don¡¯t even have a full wolf to help me ovee this torturing moment, and no friends or family to reach out to for help. I am all by myself. Despite the pitiful state my entire body was in, tears refused to show themselves. I haven¡¯t been able to reach my wolf, and it¡¯s almost like she is taking her time toe to me, just like I had a hard time shifting. Now that I got rejected by my mate, I doubt if she would ever show herself.


    Giving in to fate, I stood up begrudgingly, took the dress, and headed to the bathroom. Turning on the shower faucet, I shivered when the water hit my skin like melted ice. I stood under it, hoping the water would wash away the misery surrounding my poor life. It seemed like I was spending too much time there with the water wasting away. I don¡¯t like being wasteful.


    The dress is the most provocative one I have ever touched, but staring at myself in the mirror and how it hugged my body made me feel beautiful. An odd chuckle rolled out of my lips; maybe this isn¡¯t a bad idea. But then, I know this is all a facade. When realityes crashing, I hope I can still withstand the storm. On second thought, I would prefer it if I get swept away by it. I am too exhausted to continue with this life.


    Settling on the foot of the bed, I stared nkly at the door with my heart racing so hard it felt like it might leap out of its cage. My anxiety was getting the best of me, and goosebumps rose on my arm. It feels like prostitution. A few hours ago, I only wanted to meet with my mate. And here I am, sexily dressed in a strange room, waiting for my buyer toe for me. Nothing short of amodity.


    The doorknob moved, and I froze in my stance. The aura he emits is enough to melt ice.

 Chapter 5 The half-breed

    GAEL¡¯S POV


    For a while now, I haven¡¯t felt this kind of excitement about meeting a new concubine. Entering the room and seeing her in the dress that I had Gemma pick out personally has me very intrigued. I knew she would have a fit when she eventually saw the dress on anotherdy, but I would worry about thatter-probably take her on another wild shopping spree like she loves. My eyes lingered on her as I shut the door behind me. She is shy, her eyes darting back and forth to avoid mine.


    ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Nia,¡± she mumbled in a low tune.


    As I got closer, an odd smell emitted from her wolf; it didn¡¯t feel whole. Standing at the foot of the bed, it became stronger. ¡°What¡¯s that smell?¡± I asked.


    She finally looked up at me, and those were indubitably the most beautiful emerald eyes I have ever seen. Damn! Now I remember the exact reason I insisted on having her. Her kind of looks are rare to find. It¡¯s a good thing I jumped on the moving wagon on time.


    ¡°Sir?¡±


    ¡°There is an odd smell around here. Is iting from you?¡± I leaned in to smell her, and my breath hitched most disgustingly. I furrowed my brows in annoyance. ¡°What are you?¡±


    Nia had a perplexed look on her innocent face. ¡°What do you mean, sir?¡±


    My wolf growled in disapproval. ¡°Are you human?¡±


    She shook her head hurriedly, ¡°No, Alpha. I am a halfbreed.¡±


    Her revtion made the rm in my head go off. ¡°What the hell? You are what again?¡± I bellowed, backing away from her.


    Her throat bobbed up and down, and the difort was evident. ¡°I am half human and half wolf.¡± Her response sounded like mockery.


    My hands shook hard as I tried to keep myself from resorting to strangling her. ¡°I can¡¯t believe this. Did I bring home my death?!Do you know how much I paid for you?!Fifty thousand dors! I paid that ducking amount for a cheap thing like yourself!¡± He gritted.¡°What the hell! To think I even went as far as sending off your damn mate. I should have left you two miserable to be together.¡±


    ¡°You did what?¡± She yelled.


    I hissed in irritation, ¡°what?¡±


    ¡°You made my mate reject me? All for what? What did I do to you?¡± Her voice was at its peak now.


    ¡°Shut up! You disgusting creature! I am so going to kill those two who sold you off to me. It¡¯s no wonder they gave you out with so much enthusiasm.¡±


    ¡°They aren¡¯t my parents! My biological parents are dead!¡±


    ¡°Of course, they have to be dead. It¡¯s what they deserve for birthing a monster like you. I can¡¯t even stand you right now. Your smell is repulsive. I am so going to skin those stupid twoalive for fooling me.¡±


    She knelt, ¡°Please, you can take your money back from them; just let me go. I need to find my mate. I deserve to live better.¡±


    ¡°Never!¡± I bellowed in anger. ¡°I¡¯m never going to let you out among my people and have you jinx them. If you don¡¯t know it, I will be generous enough to share it with you. You are a cursed being, and nobody should be near you. I have to do a ritual bath after this. I can¡¯t believe you ruined my night. You will pay for this. You and the rest of your family. I will make you regret ever messing with me.¡±


    I stormed out of the room, feeling every bit of the emotion raging through my insides. The guards stood rigid when I mmed the door shut. ¡°Bolt the door and ensure she doesn¡¯t step out. If she escapes, I will have you and your generation¡¯s heads hanging by the square!¡±


    As I exited the building, my wolf kept taunting me about my high hopes for tonight. I should have known it would be a catastrophic end with that awful dream I had in the early hours of the morning. She is nothing short of bad luck. I need to cleanse myself to keep the horrible charm away.


    I despise humans in every possible way. We are too opposite and shouldn¡¯t be associating. Our worlds are apart, even though some packs have learned to amodate them. I refuse to deviate from my father¡¯s belief, and he considers humans as low beings who would bring nothing but sorrow to us. My grandmother had met an early death because of a human, and he swore never to have anything to do with those species again. I am thriving on my father¡¯s legacy. He isn¡¯t just the one humans have hurt; many of my pack members have suffered one loss or the other from humans.


    We were bred never to ept them. When my mate turned out to be human, I had to ignore all the pheromones that desired her and chase her far away. It¡¯s been over five years, and I don¡¯t remember her appearance. It¡¯s best that way. Hastening my steps towards the woods, Ezra seems to be making his way out of the packhouse at the same time.Because I had left the party excitedly, I didn¡¯t get to address the people who came to the banquet. Ezra knows how to handle things like that on my behalf. So I didn¡¯t need to worry.


    ¡°Why do you look so displeased?¡± He asked as he stood in my way.


    My nose red as the image of the half-breedcrossed my vision. ¡°You won¡¯t believe that girl is a halfbreed.¡±


    Ezra gasped, cing a hand on his chest. ¡°How is that possible?¡±


    ¡°I have no idea, and those damn people have a lot of questions to ask tomorrow. Send your men to get me, Levi, and Stephanie Hayes. I am so going to lynch them.¡±


    ¡°Whatever you want. Where are you headed now?¡±


    I snickered, ¡°I need to let my anger sizzle away. Would you like to join me for a run?¡±


    He nodded, ¡°Yes, I want to. I must burn off the stress your party put me through today.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go then.¡±


    We shifted immediately, jumping in excitement as we ran into the woods. After this, I am going to ask Gemma into my room.The bubbles I have saved up to get premium enjoyment with the new girl can¡¯t go to waste now. Someone has to put me in a relief mode.


    *****************


    NIA¡¯S POV


    Even though no one returned to the room that night, I couldn¡¯t close my eyes. I felt out of ce. For a moment, I was d that the Alpha didn¡¯t touch me and refused to get close to me. But my heart blew up into pieces at the pure hatred in his eyes when he heard of me being a halfbreed. I have never gotten such a cold reaction from anyone before. They bullied me, but it didn¡¯t go on for too long.


    The morning had me twitching my eyes as it burned hard like it had some vendetta against me. I groggily dragged myself off the bed and sat at the foot of it, staring into nothingness. If I were back at home, I would have gotten myself busy with chores, hummed nice tunes to my ears, and tried my best to avoid Mindy and her mother. The two of them are the most devilish.


    It might sound unreasonable now, but I would prefer returning to Hayes¡¯s home than staying here. At least, I am well aware of what they all can do to me. But an unfamiliar and unfriendly ce like this worries me so much. I don¡¯t know if this will be myst day of living. With the Alpha¡¯s threat the previous night, Levi and Stephanie will have it tough. This time, I hope he won¡¯t take his anger out on them and do whatever he wants with me instead.


    However, things don¡¯t work that way around here. Alpha Gael is known to never go back on his words. He doesn¡¯t joke with anything thates out of his mouth. All I can do now is cross my fingers and wait for the verdict. My heart races at any sound from behind the door. I¡¯m trying not to hope to be alive anymorecausedeath is the perfect way out for me. I have had enough of this miserable life. The tears I thought had seizedst night came gushing like an open dam.


    I wanted a better life, an escape. I had grown up thinking that all I needed was a mate. The moment I met him, I would have nothing to worry about. But I was wrong. I don¡¯t need someone to save me. I needed to protect myself. I should have gotten some cash from the house and made a run for it. They wouldn¡¯t bother too much about finding me if the money stolen wasn¡¯t too much. The mistake I made was waiting this long.


    I jerked in shock when the door opened, and two guards came in, grabbed me on both sides of the arm like before, and dragged me out of the room. It¡¯s useless trying to struggle with them. I want to save my energy even if I would eventually fight for freedom. I haven¡¯t eaten for hours, and my belly is in a silent war.


    The door to a vast room that looked like a hallopened, and Alpha Gael sat on a royal-like chair, staring intensely at me like an eagle. On my sideid my adoptive parents, punchedto the ground. It made me wonder how long they have been enduring the hit.


    ¡°Now that she is here, what must you say?¡± The Alpha¡¯s voice echoed in the whole area.


    Stephanie cut me an icy stare as she adjusted herself, kneeling. ¡°I can assure you, my Lord, we thought you knew of her abominable state. That was why you were keen on her.¡±


    There was a silent pause, and we could all hear the Alpha mumbling profanities under his breath.This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°You still didn¡¯t tell me, and that is enough to tell how treacherous you all are. I paid such arge bounty on a mere pussy, and you handed me the worst of all. You don¡¯t deserve to live.¡±


    Levi knelt straight with his palms sped together, ¡°Please, Alpha. You can take Nia and the money back; just let us go.¡± Stephanie seemed to disagree with Levi on the Alpha taking back his money. She nudged him on the side, causing the poor man to wince painfully.


    Alpha Gael had a vividly amused look on his face. I feel like a shadow in their midst, as no one seems to notice me. ¡°I see you have a different opinion, Stephanie. What do you think we should do?¡±


    She red at me again. ¡°If you will allow me, my Lord. I want to give a summary of how we came to this.¡± Stephanie said, wiping at her bloody lips. Alpha Gael gave her the go-ahead with a nod. ¡°I know this isn¡¯t much of an excuse, but my husband and I have been nothing short of a guardian angel to this girl. She was getting beaten by heavy rain underneath a tree in front of our house, and we helped her, fed, and clothed her. When we found out she was a half-breed, it had us heartbroken, and she didn¡¯t shift early like every normal kid. For a long time, we thought of a way to get her to move on with her lifeuntil you sought her hand. I think it¡¯s best to take your money¡¯s worth from her by making her work for you unpaid until she has worked for all of the money.¡±


    My mouth went agape at her suggestion, and this woman does hate me with so much passion. How can she say something like that? I observed everyone¡¯s expressions, and they appeared entertained by my crazy family and me.


    ¡°So, you think taking her in as a maid would be enough to cover for my money and time?¡± Alpha Gael pressed on.


    Levi responded this time, ¡°Definitely, Alpha. We did quite well in teaching her domestic work, and she does them well. All you must concern yourself with is working until she can¡¯t move her feet.¡±


    The tears formed again, and I felt a painful stab in my chest. What exactly is the essence of my existence? These folks are the worst set of people I have evere across. Or maybe I am just unlucky when ites to meeting good people.


    The Alpha looked like he was weighing the options. His face morphed into a tight frown. ¡°That¡¯s it. You will work as my maid from now on. My maid.¡± He repeated with a spiteful re in his eyes.


    ¡°Please, just take your money back and let me leave, please,¡± I begged shamelessly. I wouldn¡¯t say I like the thought of being a maid for the rest of my life.


    ¡°You don¡¯t get to decide for yourself under my roof. Take the filth out of my sight!¡± He ordered. ¡°Now let me warn you, I never want to see your face. I was hoping you could do your best never to show yourself in front of me. You disgust me, and I might want to skin you alive if you do as much as breeze past me.¡± His threat resounded in my ears, and they sent shivers down my spine.


    My adoptive parents had satisfied grins on their faces, and just like that, everyone walked out on me, leaving me to be dragged out by the guards, feeling my world crumble.

 Chapter 6 Trouble calling

    NIA¡¯S POV


    It felt like a dream when somebody dumped a whole bucket of water on me. My body went into paralysis mode as the cold bit deep into my skin.


    ¡°Get up, youzy fag!¡± My demon-possessed roommate yelled at me. My eyes were still closed, but I could hear giggles behind her. It¡¯s no doubt the maids from the other room.


    It has been my routine for the past two weeks since I started working as a maid. I have no idea how the rumors spread to the entire pack house, but everyone now knows that I am a half-breed. Everyone thinks it¡¯s intriguing to poke fun at me. It¡¯s also sad that I can¡¯t retaliate. There isn¡¯t much work around here since they have enough hands.


    However, the other maids make it a point of duty to make my life as miserable as it can get. I get assigned so many tasks that I miss my daily meal. They also won¡¯t let me have a good sleep. One would think I am in debt to them for the hatred to be this much. Sniffing, I sat up, gently shivering hard.


    ¡°Why are you doing this?¡± I asked amidst shing teeth.


    Erma, so they call her. She has a snail-like face and lets out a stiff snort. ¡°This is what you get for being a different kind of monster. Someone like you doesn¡¯t deserve to be amongst us. I wonder what Alpha Gael thought when he allowed you to stay here.¡±


    ¡°Can I at least get to work now?¡± I said, pushing myself up.


    Nothing came from her, but each person practically shoved me on the way. Thesedies are the perfect example of mean girls. They take pure delight in messing around with people. I wanted to feel sorry for myself at first for thinking I was the only one getting the cold treatment. However, other meek maids are going through the same issue. It gave me the courage to get along every day while hoping that they would stay away from me with time.


    It¡¯s a known fact now that my entire life would end here. I either get busy living or get busy dying. The former is what I want to hold onto the most. The goddess doesn¡¯t do things without a reason. Even though, if I am being sincere, I don¡¯t see why she should take my parents away from me. At the same time, what do I know?


    I made my way to the maid¡¯s changing room and got myself another dry dress while throwing the wet one in the washing machine. I had almost thought the maids here would work in an archaic mode. However, everyone here has it easier than I did at the Hayes home. If I can get the bullies off my back, I will try to find something to do to n my future.


    Judging by the yearly payment of each maid, it would take me precisely three and a half years to pay the Alpha back. I am willing to put in more work and get something to do for myself. As soon as my time is up, I will move far away from here to where I belong among the humans. It might be hard to survive there, but I trust myself to be adaptive and cope with time.


    I am to clean thest-floor hallway. Since Alpha Gael was evident in his instruction for me not to show my face to him, I found a spot where he wouldn¡¯t pass by. At one point, I almost thought I had a sore on my face. When I checked, my face remained just as smooth as always. Kingston would always remind me of how beautiful I am, and it¡¯s the only reason Mindy hates me. I want to think the maids feel threatened by my looks; a giggle escaped my lips as I mopped the floor.


    ¡°Do you still have the strength to smile?¡± One maid with the most intimidating body frame came at me. She is different from the people I share my room space with. I learned she has been here since childhood but has refused to grow up and act the most mature. She is part of the head maids and upies a different floor from the general maids. However, she keepsing at me like we have some unfinished business from the past.


    I bowed my head as a form of respect, not because I was so scared of her. People like them are just as insecure as I am. But they are cowards who delight in making other people¡¯s lives miserable. ¡°Not at all, ma¡¯am.¡±


    ¡°You dumb head. You must think yourself to be special.¡± She spat bitterly, pushing my head.


    Her touch was so strong it had me staggering against the wall. Out of nowhere, shended two hard ps on my back. I gasped in pain, hiding my face in the wall.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on here?¡± A masculine voice bickered.


    I peeked from my palm to see who it was. The figure looks very handsome and well-fed, and with the attire, the person is undoubtedly an essential personnel in the packhouse. I didn¡¯t move much from my spot as the bully gave out her response while stuttering, and I heard her footsteps getting fainter.


    ¡°Get back to work!¡± He ordered, walking away.


    I didn¡¯t move until I was sure no one else was standing there with me. Letting out a long breath I didn¡¯t realize I was holding, I hastened up with my chores and ran to the garden that serves as my ce of sce. The beautiful flowers and fruit trees in the space calm whatever storm I might be experiencing inside of me. It¡¯s almost like the people around here are blind to it. Sometimes, I spend the rest of my evening hidden from my bullies. I was enjoying the fruits the garden offers that are so juicy.


    Taking a deep breath, I leaned against the orange tree, thinking of my family. They are the only people I have grown to know for over a decade. As bitter as they were, I loved each of them deeply. I wonder if they miss me sometimes. Especially Kingston, knowing how attached he was to me.


    Someone cleared his throat over me, causing me to look up. It was a guard, and it scared me that he probably intended to oust me from her space.


    ¡°I almost missed you. Your brother wants to speak to you.¡± He said, stretching out his phone to me. I stared in confusion at him. He huffed. ¡°Your brother, Kingston. I am his friend. You don¡¯t need to know my name; I have no intention of associating myself with you. But he is too much of a good friend to refuse his request. He would call you back in a second. I will be waiting by the apple tree there; let me know when it¡¯s over.¡±


    Taking his phone, I gulped hard, waiting for the call. It rang loudly, making me jolt in shock. Tears rolled down my face when I answered, and Kingston¡¯s voice came alive.


    ¡°Hey, pumpkin.¡± He cooed in his warm voice.


    It wrapped around me with so much love andfort. ¡°Kingston.¡±


    ¡°Do you want to be surprised?¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°Go give the phone to Darien. He will take you somewhere.¡±


    Without questioning him, I went to meet the guard. ¡°He said you should bring me somewhere.¡±


    Darien rolled his eyes like he was being frustrated. ¡°What have I done to myself?¡± He groaned, leading the way. Like a meek mouse, I followed suit.


    Darien kept leading me deeper into the woods, and I was beginning to get bothered. I hope it isn¡¯t the bullies ying a fast one on me and pretending to be my favorite brother. It¡¯s something they can do. At the same time, I fervently hope that it¡¯s my brother. I will give anything to see him right now.


    After what felt like a forever walk, Darien abruptly stopped in the woods. And he whistled loudly.


    Like a movie scene, Kingston ran towards me, lifting me off the ground. It took me a long minute to get a hang of what was happening. His familiar cologne hit my nose, and tears rushed to my eyes. I wrapped my arms around him tightly, crying profusely.


    ¡°Hey, stop crying, pumpkin. Please.¡± Heforted me, caressing my back.


    Darien cleared his throat, eyeballing us. ¡°I believe you know your way back. I need to leave now.¡± He said.


    Kingston released me and exchanged a hug with Darien. ¡°Thanks so much, man. I owe you a lot.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t ever give me this sort of task ever again. I mean it.¡± He warned, leaving.


    I stared at his backside, wondering why he was so stiff. Kingston¡¯s chuckle got my attention again.


    ¡°He isn¡¯t usually like this. I can assure you he is good at heart.¡±


    I sighed, ¡°Well, I can¡¯tin. At least your friend brought me to you. I have missed you so much, Kingston.¡± I sniffed back my tears, leaning into him.


    ¡°Hey, stop crying, mama.¡± He consoled me.


    We stood for a few minutes, immersing ourselves in theforting silence. ¡°Come, let¡¯s sit.¡± He said, guiding me towards arge stone.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± I said to him, ¡°I didn¡¯t think we would get to see each other ever again.¡±This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry that I didn¡¯t show up on time. Our parents have been keen on keeping a close eye on us for the past few days. I would have been able to contact you if you had a phone. Before we get on with it, here you go. Be sure to keep it close to you always.¡± He said, handing me a phone.


    ¡°Thank you, Kingston. I appreciate this.¡±


    Kingston smiled, caressing my hair. ¡°Tell me, how has it been? You look like someone who hasn¡¯t slept well in forever.¡±


    I shook my head, putting up a fake smile. I don¡¯t want him to get worried about me. ¡°I am getting enough sleep. I guess it¡¯s been a while since youst saw me.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t try to lie to me, Nia. I know you too well, and I can tell when you lie to me.¡±


    Tearsced my eyes heavily as the emotions mounted. I inhaled deeply. ¡°It¡¯s been tough, Kingston. I get bullied every day, and I am almost growing used to it. I wish my life were different from this. Maybe I should have run off earlier when I had the chance and not stand on a hopeless wish of meeting my mate. My life has nothing to write home about.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t say that. You are a blessing to me, Nia. And I am so sorry you had to endure so much to survive. I know my parents and siblings haven¡¯t been the best of people to you. But I promise to cover up for every bit of that. I will take you out of here by all means.¡±


    ¡°How do you n to do that?¡±


    ¡°Getting the money to pay him back.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry yourself, Kingston. In three years and a few months, I would be out of here. It¡¯s just a matter of time.¡±


    ¡°No, you can¡¯t waste your life in this corner and keep cleaning up people¡¯s dirt. I will do all it takes to take you out of here. I n on moving soon, but I don¡¯t intend to do so alone. You areing with me. I thought we would make it out of the Sunset pack before this year runs out. But I don¡¯t have enough; I just got promoted at work.¡±


    My heart fluttered at his sincere thoughts towards me. ¡°How do I thank you for loving me this much?¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to thank me. I have watched you grow, Nia. I have seen how much you had to endure, but still, you never let it take your smile away. It¡¯s so beautiful to see. I don¡¯t want to ever be absent in your life. Whenever you need me, I am only a phone call away. I wish you were able to run that night. I would have found you.¡±


    ¡°Probably this is what fate wants.¡±


    ¡°Sometimes you have to decide your destiny and change it as much as you want. This time, right now is our chance to change your story. I won¡¯t let go of you ever; keep that in mind.¡±


    My face was expressive enough as my words hung in my throat. I wrapped my arms around Kingston¡¯s waist, hugging him tightly. ¡°Thank you so much for being amazing.¡±


    Heughed, ¡°You have thanked me about a hundred times now. Thank you, too. I¡¯m sorry I didn¡¯t bring in any snacks for you. Darien insisted that Ie empty-handed to avoid getting any unwanted attention.¡±


    ¡°But other maids receive visitors; am I not allowed one?¡± I asked the question like he would know.


    ¡°Don¡¯t mind, Darien; he is just being too careful. I am sure there are visiting hours. You don¡¯t need to bother yourself as regards that. I will find out the times ande then. It would be best if you didn¡¯t get into trouble. But be sure to keep the phone near you every time.¡±


    ¡°I will do that.¡± I was assured.


    ¡°I need to go now. We have spent more than thirty minutes here.¡± I nodded in agreement, ¡°one of the head maids might be searching for me now. I should go back, too. I love you so much, Kingston. Thanks foring through.¡±


    A sh of a strange emotion crossed his face, and I didn¡¯t get to decipher it because he was quick to mask it with a bright smile. ¡°Anytime, pumpkin. I will see you some other time.¡± He said, kissing my forehead. Like a sh, he ran further into the woods, and his silhouette was nowhere to be found.


    I felt empty all at once butforted simultaneously, knowing he woulde back as promised. I guess I was just being paranoid for nothing. I do have Kingston, whose love is enough for me. I have been able to hold on this long because of him. His presence has given me more courage to pull through, which is what I would do. Like an excited child, I jogged through the woods back to the packhouse. I will be sure to have a good night¡¯s sleep by the end of the day.

 Chapter 7 The Concubines

    GAEL¡¯S POV


    My forehead ached as I leaned into the couch, humming in satisfaction at the soft hands massaging my shoulder. I had quite a long day running the pack¡¯s activities, which could be exhausting. I entered my private chamber, where a few of my concubines swayed their waists to entertain me and make me feel better. The reason why I love having them around is because they provide a distraction.


    The front door yanked open violently, but I kept my eyes closed, not bothering to open them. ¡°Get out, you sluts!¡± Gemma yelled at them in her most controlling tone.


    The concubines grumbled and dragged themselves out slowly. I didn¡¯t think I knew half of their names. They just did whatever I ordered them to. Opening one of my eyes to see where Gemma was, I saw her strolling seductively towards me, straddling my thighs.


    ¡°Hey, baby,¡± I muttered when she kissed my lips.


    ¡°Honey,¡± she slurred, resting her head against my chest while caressing my arm. She was possessive.


    Gemma and I havee a long way. Her father is my Beta, a close friend of myte father. He remained the Beta while training Ezra, his nephew, to take his ce. I had taken up the position of Alpha a bit too early due to my father¡¯s unfortunate death, and I needed as much guidance as I could get. Gemma and I grew closer because of her constant presence at the packhouse. Also, she is a beauty to behold, and I just couldn¡¯t let it pass by me.


    She has been a very true lover and confidant, probably hoping she might be Luna one day. But I have other ns in mind. I enjoy the freedom thates with having several women to myself. And I n to enjoy it till the end of my life. I don¡¯t want to end up like my father, whose heart only belonged to one woman, and her death made him miserable his entire life. No offense to my lovely mother; I am only being realistic.


    Also, Gemma would make a good lover, not Luna. She is too self-centered and also very obsessed with her beauty. The pack members deserve a reasonable Luna. Rather than provide them with just anyone for the sake of being married, I would instead remain single and keep increasing my list of concubines. Even though it sounds selfish, I like having Gemma next to me. She is the onedy that I am most attracted to.


    Gemma wobbled against me seductively, obviously trying to get intimate. However, I was not in the best mood to get in the mood. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? You want me to suck on you?¡± she whispered, her eyes dancing with mischief.


    Lifting her off me onto the empty side of the couch, I tilted my neck. ¡°I wanted to be entertained, Gemma. You just came and ruined the fun. I didn¡¯t want any of them to disrespect you. It¡¯s why I let you have your way.¡±


    Her expression went sour, ¡°are you saying you prefer your concubines¡¯ presence to mine?¡±


    I exhaled, suddenly feeling exhausted. ¡°That isn¡¯t what I meant. I need a break. You are stilling to my bed tonight. What¡¯s the hurry for?¡±


    She snorted, pouting her lips. ¡°I want to go shopping, and I was thinking you would give me your card.¡±


    ¡°Seriously, baby? What¡¯s wrong with yours or your dad¡¯s?¡± I inquired.


    ¡°Dad says he won¡¯t pay money into my ount for the next month. He says I spend recklessly.¡±


    Ezekiel does have a point; Gemma shouldn¡¯t have a free money pass. She doesn¡¯t know when to stop. ¡°If your father made that decision, what makes you think I can go against it?¡±


    ¡°Because you are the Alpha and my man.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not going to be in your father¡¯s bad books. He already hates me, low-key as it stands.¡± I said, turning my head away from her. If it weren¡¯t for his duties as the Beta, Ezekiel would have punched me in the face. He isn¡¯t supportive of the rtionship between his daughter and me. But Gemma knows how to get her way and wouldn¡¯t stay away from me when asked to.


    Making her signature puppy face, she blinked at me, pulling at my hand. ¡°Please, baby. I promise to be as discreet as possible. Dad wouldn¡¯t even know that I eventually went shopping.¡±


    A smile tugged at my lips when she yed with my cheek. ¡°Fine! I would give it to you. But if your father gives me the cold shoulder, I am not going to let you have it until he agrees you are deserving of it.¡±


    ¡°Aye, aye, captain. Can I have it now?¡± She stretched out her hand.


    Rolling my eyes, I chuckled. ¡°You do know where it is in the room. Go take it from there.¡±


    Giggling in excitement, she kissed me. ¡°I love you.¡±


    My mouth remained sealed at her confession. I will not say something I don¡¯t exactly mean. She didn¡¯t mind either. I love that we have an understanding. Finding my way back up, I stomped towards my closet to change into a morefortable outfit to walk around the packhouse.


    As I walked the path to the gardens, I saw Ezra giving orders to some guards. I waited in my stead for him. When he noticed me, he came running.


    ¡°Why does it feel like the packhouse is boringtely?¡± I said with a huff.


    Ezraughed, ¡°I am not surprised to hear you say that. You are always quick to lose interest in something.¡±


    I shrugged, ¡°Not exactly.¡±


    ¡°Have you heard about the new girl? Turns out the other maids are bullying her.¡±


    I let out a snicker, ¡°she does deserve it.¡±


    ¡°Can you quit being unreasonable, Gael? It¡¯s odd enough that everyone considers you a douchebag. But I know that you aren¡¯t that kind of person. You could have chosen to leave her alone and take your money back. How is it her fault that she is a half-breed? You can never get to decide who the heart chooses to love.¡±


    ¡°So what would you have me do?¡±


    ¡°Probably let her return to her family or grant her freedom.¡±


    ¡°I paid fifty grand for her.¡±


    ¡°Like you haven¡¯t wasted more money than that over frivolous things. Thatdy is a whole being, man. It would be best if you stopped with this madness of yours. It¡¯s not like you are traumatized or anything like that. If I were not such a fan of Gemma, and she was probably my direct sister, I would never let you near her even though I care for you so much. You are aplete asshole, Gael.¡±


    I blinked in disbelief, ¡°do you realize I am still the Alpha?¡±


    ¡°Sue me then. You need to get your act together, man. There is no fun in this nonsense you are engaging in. Just stop it and get your life together.¡± He red like he had me in mind from the very beginning.This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    Folding my hand behind my back, I smiled calmly. ¡°I like for a fact that you aren¡¯t trying too hard. I would do whatever I want, and as for the new girl, she can go to hell for all I care. Sunset Pack is my world, and I would run it whichever way I like.¡±

 Chapter 8 A Man in the Field

    NIA¡¯S POV     ¡°How is it that she is allowed in our midst?¡± One of my roommates, Penelope, questioned.     She and the other one, Emily, had been at it all evening when we returned to the room after a long day¡¯s work. They no doubt felt bored and saw me as a means of entertainment. They were insulting me and calling me names for being a half-breed. I thought my birth pack was the only one with an extreme hatred for half-breeds. I didn¡¯t realize I walked into a dead end all by myself.     I don¡¯t know how to respond to them, not because I am scared to give them a deserving response. It¡¯s more because I am exhausted from doing chores beyond me. I use half of my day doing chores that would burn me out with the hope that the Alpha is taking note of how much work I am putting in. The rest of the time, I contemte how to escape and stay far away from here-zero friends and many foes. I don¡¯t know how long I might be able to hold up.     It¡¯s more frustrating that I have to watch the bullies do their worst with me; fighting back would only lead to more punches from them. I don¡¯t want to end up with too many cracked ribs. I sniffed, staring up at them like they had some odd heads on their shoulders.     ¡°Did you just sneer at us?¡± Emily growled.     I sighed in exhaustion, ¡°No, I didn¡¯t.¡±     I felt a sharp sting on my cheek. Penelope had pped me with that hard palm of hers. ¡°You bitch! How dare you talk rudely to us?¡± All of a sudden, somebody carried me off the ground, and I got hit from both sides. I couldn¡¯t open my eyes to take in the scene.     They didn¡¯t let me go until my breath appeared to be fading. Satisfied at the harm they Inflicted, the both of them went back to their discussion like they didn¡¯t just embark on an intent to murder. I lifted my broken body into the bed, sighing in relief at thefort it offered me. The tears that seemed to have seized while I was pommelling let themselves loose as soon as my cheeks rested on my folded arms.     I should go for a run in the woods, and I realized a bitter that I can heal from hurt bones if I shift. I had fallen hard one time in the Hayes household, and in my extreme pain, I didn¡¯t know when my wolf let itself to the surface. Even though it was an extremely painful shift, It went through, and my body returned to its normal state. I was dragging my body with the remaining strength I had inside of me. I made my way out of the room. The witch¡¯s eyes followed me, but I didn¡¯t care. If theye after me this time, I can¡¯t be sure what to do.     Their blows feel like hell; each hit makes me ache feverishly. The moon shined brightly, making me feel like it was somepensation from the goddess. Bracing myself, I shifted into my wolf form, howling after taking off my clothes and keeping them safely behind a tree. I love that I got a wolf and nottent. It¡¯s lovely to run freely without fearing hitting one¡¯s leg and falling t on one¡¯s face. Racing with Kingston is the most enjoyable moment for me. Even though he is faster and stronger being a full wolf, it¡¯s still fun.     Taking a moment to rest after exhausting myself, I saw a pair of golden brown eyes staring at me intently in between shrubs. I shifted fearfully, and my wolf whimpered. Without stopping to affirm if the wolf was harmful or not, I made a run for it. I could hear the wolf running heavily behind me. Summoning my entire strength, I made it out of the woods. Shifting back to my human form, I changed into my clothes hurriedly.     When I looked back, there was no one in sight, and aside from the men on g, nothing seemed out of ce. I whispered a quick prayer of gratitude to the goddess and returned to my room. The witches had fallen asleep on my return. Throwing myself into the bed, I slept like a baby.     My eyes fluttered at the feel of light on my face, and I groaned tiredly. Before I could get the hang of my situation, a cold ssh of water got dumped on me, and I could have sworn that my blood froze inside of me. I jumped off the bed, gulping hard and searching around hurriedly for the assant. The two witches cackle so loudly it makes my ears ache. I thought it was morning, looking around and staring at the wall clock. It¡¯s only midnight. These two coven beings have chosen to torment me in the sacred hour of the night.     My shaky hands wrapped around my body, and without a word, I made my way toward the nket. Like someone cursed would experience a series of misfortunes. These bitches, I think I am in my right to cuss at them, dipped my nket in the second bucket of water they had prepared for my doom. I fought back the tears stinging my eyes. They stood straight without saying a word, daring me to say something.     Sniffing, I passed them and made my way out of the room. I can¡¯t return to the bed without a nket. I would no doubt die of pneumonia. But sleeping in the garden sounds better than sleeping in a room filled with this bloodsucking being called roommates. I feel unsafe around here; many people aren¡¯t friendly towards me. And I am still haunted by those eyes following me in the woods. I paused in my tracks at that thought. What if someone is out there waiting for me to leave alone?     The tears came in full force again, and I didn¡¯t hold back this time. I made my way to the stairs that led to the underground part of the packhouse, shaking violently. A burning aroma filled the atmosphere, clouding my nostrils. I finally found where it came from: someone who appears to be ady smoking blunt at the top of the stairs, which is quite a dark spot. She seems to have been there for a long while, with arge nket shielding her. I tried not to stare too much to avoid getting beat up. At the same time, I felt hesitant and wanted to ask if we could share the nket.     ¡°You want some?¡± She stretched the blunt towards me, her voice sounding so stiff it could pass for that of a grown man. My stare must have sent the wrong message.     I shook my head in refusal, hurriedly walking down the stairs to find a suitable ce to sit. I shivered vigorously yet again. I miss my parents so much. It¡¯s so hard to survive without people who cherish one. I am beginning to doubt if the myth of dead families watching over the ones alive is true. I would have loved to call Kingston, but it¡¯ste, and my phone is under my bed.     Closing my eyes, I inhaled slowly. Just then, I felt something warm drape over me-a nket. I turned my head to see who it was. I smelled smoke, and when I looked up the stairs, no one was there. Thedy, who turns out to be a blue-eyed blondie with an almost crooked smile, bent over me. I could make out her features in the not-so-dim light due to the closeness. It was hard to figure out her face the other time.This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°T¡­. thank you,¡± I said, shivering. My eyes are once over. Her nket was what she offered me. She must have noticed my crumbling state.     ¡°It¡¯s alright. Do take care.¡± She replied, walking away before I could curate the right words to say to her. My parents are probably watching over me, indeed, since the nketdy blessed me. Resting my head against the railings, I sighed happily, letting the sleep evade me.     Something doesn¡¯t feel right around here; as I walked the field with the basket of food in hand, I feared that I might get hurt. Today is one of those days the other servants deem it fit to mess with me. I quickly ran off to the garden, where I felt more protected. Until one of them found me again, she told me to take food to the male servants working on the field, many feet away from the main house.     It didn¡¯t take long for me to see the men. I headed towards them with a weak smile. There were only about five of them toiling thend. They didn¡¯t seem to pay me much attention even after I delivered the message as instructed. All of them except one with the golden pair of eyes stared at me too intensely, making me very ufortable. Putting down the basket, I ran off hurriedly. But I paused along the line, admiring the long line of hibiscus flowers next to me. It made the path beautiful.     Just then, I heard footsteps behind me, almost like whoever it was, trying to be discreet. I turned around, and the golden-eyed man stood there with a sickening look. I had seen those eyes before, and I gasped at the fulfillment that it was the one staring intently at me in the woods. I swallowed, stumbling backward.     ¡°Hey there, beautiful.¡± He said in a baritone voice that made my insides churn.     ¡°Hi,¡± I whispered meekly, cursing my legs for not moving.


    ¡°Are you scared? You shouldn¡¯t be. I¡¯m here to care for you, and my eyes have been on you for a long time.¡± He licked his dry lips. ¡°I want to chew you up.¡± He pulled me to himself roughly before I could get a hang of what was happening.


    ¡°Let go of me.¡± I struggled when his hold tightened, and I could feel his nails digging into my skin.     ¡°Stay put!¡±     ¡°No! Let me go!¡±     He pped me hard across the face, pushing me to the sandy ground. My life shed in front of me when he pounced on me, attempting to tear out my clothes. My wolf struggled to the surface, but he was more potent, and I would have no choice but to surrender myself to him. I looked to the heavens as he struggled to pull my dress up. There is no way out of this, and no one would rescue me. So I thought until I felt a significant wind blow him off me.     The blue eyes are blonde that had given me a nket a few days ago jumped on the weird man and began punching him hard in the face without giving him breathing space. I had forgotten all about my pain as I stared at her with pride.     Standing up with gait, she pulled at the hem of her shirt.     ¡°Now listen, you asshole! If ever do as much as cross her path again. I would make you pay hard. Also, you won¡¯t be getting off this freely. I will make sure you get locked up.¡± She spat on him and gestured for me to get up and follow her.     I pulled down my dress, feeling exposed while hurrying after her. She made a U-turn to what appeared to be another building that I didn¡¯t exactly notice before. It looks like an abandoned clinic with a reception and different medical charts on the wall, but therge state of the building would easily pass up for a hospital.     ¡°Sit here while I get you something to change into. That cloth is doomed; it would keep reminding you of that horrifying moment.¡± She said, pointing to a chair for me to sit on.     I wrapped my arms around myself while waiting for her to return. The space smelt strange, and burnt smoke sticks filled the table. When she returned, she handed over a pair of trousers and a loose shirt. I went into the room she directed me to go to. I changed in a hurry, like someone was on my tail. She was seated crossed leg on the chair when I returned, puffing smoke.     I dusted off the smoke, ¡°do you enjoy getting high?¡±     She chuckled dryly, ¡°Aren¡¯t I obvious?¡±     I nodded, taking a seat. ¡°Thank you for saving me. I don¡¯t know what I would have done if you hadn¡¯te to my rescue.¡±     ¡°You need to stay strong for yourself. Or else people will take advantage of you every time. You might not be so lucky next time.¡±     Her words were harsh, but it¡¯s no doubt the truth. I can¡¯t keep ying the victim every time and letting people get away with whatever they do to me. It¡¯s easier said than done, though. I fear getting hurt more if I try standing up to them.     ¡°Thank you all the same. I remember you from that night. I didn¡¯t catch a cold, all thanks to you. I wanted to find you and return the nket. Do you stay here most of the time? I want to bring it back to you.¡±     ¡°I think you would need it better than I would.¡±


    ¡°You can trash the cloth on your way out. There is no need to look behind you, and no one wille after you.¡± She said, taking another drag of her bluntness.     ¡°Alright. I will do that. Can I know your name, please?¡±     ¡°Perry.¡±     ¡°You have a nice name. I¡¯m Nia.¡±     ¡°Okay, see you around.¡± She said, walking out on me.     I had expected her to wait for me to leave first, but by the time I reached outside, she was nowhere to be found. I hastened my steps and returned to the main house. One of my nemesis, Penelope, growled at me as I neared the kitchen.     ¡°Where have you been, youzy slug?¡± She yelled. ¡°It¡¯s been over an hour since you went to deliver the meal. Were you getting fucked by the men?¡±     I swallowed, intending to give her a cold response, but I changed my mind when other maids stepped out with their eyes fixated on me. Even though Perry says, I am a coward if I keep letting things slide and have to fight for myself. Right now, it looks like a lost battle. I would rather keep my head.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I had a slight issue to attend to.¡± I replied in the most reserved tone I could muster.     ¡°Did you have a change of clothes?¡± One of the maids asked from behind.     Penelope gasped; she didn¡¯t notice the change in my attire. It slipped my mind, too. ¡°you slut! I thought you said you didn¡¯t do anything. What happened on that field? Are you trying to snatch our men now?¡±     The irritating look on my face was inevitable as I stared back at her. Why would I want anything to do with people as filthy as that? ¡°I don¡¯t know what you are talking about. Like I said, something came up, and I had to change.¡± The shadow of a raised hand made its way towards me, and I bent a bit to shield myself.     ¡°What¡¯s going on there?¡± A firm voice bellowed from behind.     They squeaked in fear as they bowed hurriedly and returned to their jobs. With my head still bowed, I tried to see who it was. But he only turned his back to me as he walked down the hallway. For the second time in a day, someonees to my rescue. I think it¡¯s time I start trusting the goddess more.

 Chapter 9 The Meeting

    GAEL¡¯S POV


    He exchanged a look with Ezra after mind-linkinghim, and he refused to pay me any mind. I want to leave the confines of this hall so bad. One of the most dreadful reasons I do not enjoy being Alpha is sitting in arge hall filled with elderly pack council members and discussing matters concerning the pack. It would have been fair if we got to discuss and reason simultaneously. But these old imps seem to enjoy bickering at each other. At any chance, provided they argue and throw jabs at each other. It did resort to a kind of entertainment sometimes. But it bes burdensome when the discussion base is aplicated matter like this.


    ¡°Can we all ensure silence in the hall!¡± Ezekiel¡¯s rambunctious voice circled the space. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you all act your age? What solution woulde from arguing with each other?¡±


    That is the reason why Ezekiel would always be excellent at his job. The elders looked ashamed as they all bowed their heads, murmuring an apology to me. I didn¡¯t feel the need to raise my voice at them. It felt like too much of a hassle. Also, they are men I watched while growing up, adding to the pack¡¯s sess with my father. Even though they might be misbehaving, they all mean well for the ce we call home.


    ¡°If any of you have something to say, you raise your hand and will discuss it like the mature men that we are.¡± He continued.


    ¡°With your uncouth attitude. You are disrespecting the Alpha.¡±


    ¡°Is that you?¡± Ezra mocked, finally responding to my mind while staring at me in amusement.


    ¡°It¡¯s nice to know I am amusing to you. Asshole!¡± I replied, keeping my face neutral.


    Beta Ezekiel bowed to me, ¡°on behalf of the pack council. I ask forgiveness, dear Alpha. They would be moreposed in exining themselves now.¡±


    I sat up, clearing my throat, ¡°Thank you, Beta. Who wants to go first?¡±


    They all raised their hands, but Ezekiel decided who would go first-one of the oldest omegas in the pack. Omega Harold stood up gingerly. Despite knowing he is old, he looks nothing like his age. I intend to ask sometime soon if he has vampire blood in him. I don¡¯t mind taking some of that shit if I get to have as many women as I desire without tiring.


    ¡°I apologize once again, Alpha Gael. I think I speak for everyone when I say that we are all just worried about the pack¡¯s future. An unknown disease has been spreading for the past three months, and the only reason it didn¡¯t get to us quickly enough is that it started among the pack members living at the far end of the pack. As it is now, the disease appears in every household.¡±


    ¡°Contagious,¡± I stated.


    Omega Harold nodded, ¡°It probably is since it¡¯s spreading around the pack. What is surprising is that one family member can carry the disease among five others, and they wouldn¡¯t catch it, which makes it more confusing.And as ofyesterday, we have recorded over twenty deaths,¡± Ezra added.


    An unintended whistle escaped my lips. ¡°Twenty is outrageous.¡±


    ¡°It would go further if not attended to!¡± Another person chipped in.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t we doomed that we don¡¯t have an actual healer? We only have doctors who can administer injections but can¡¯t counter the goddess¡¯s wrath.¡± The one sitting next to Harold said. The arguments erupted again, and they started going at each other.


    ¡°Enough!¡± I bellowed. ¡°Any more disrespect, and I will have earned sternly. They know better than to make the mistake of disregarding me. The next silence would have a thrown-pin noise fill up the entire room. ¡°Ezra,¡± I called out.


    He stood from the chair and jogged towards me, ¡°yes, Alpha.¡±


    Motioning to him, I whispered in his ears, and he left the hall. ¡°These meetings will be adjourned. I will let you all know when a solutiones up. Beta Ezekiel, I need you to stay back.¡±


    There were mumbles among the men, and they certainly didn¡¯t want to leave without hearing something positive. But I don¡¯t have an answer yet either. Since we all can¡¯t sit here all day, it¡¯s better to get dispersed now.


    Ezekiel waited for everyone to leave before clearing his throat. Sometimes, I feel the same way he does, and I don¡¯t exactly enjoy being in the same space as him. But then the pack issues are way different from ours. As the dedicated officials of the pack, we have to remain professional.


    ¡°Why did you ask the elders to leave?¡± He asked, staring at me nkly.


    I mirrored his expression, ¡°I need adequate reports and space to think. They all intend toin, not give solutions.¡±


    ¡°What do you have in mind?¡±


    ¡°Ezra will be back soon. Be patient.¡± I urged, picking up my phone and scrolling through it. I had asked Ezra to get me the head doctors in the pack. I need an adequate exnation of why the pack¡¯s health status is diminishing. He kept mute, keeping his eyes glued to his phone screen.


    The door opened again, letting in Ezra and five of the oldest standing doctors in the pack. They bowed in greeting, each looking guilty like somebody caught red-handed doing something silly.


    Clearing my throat, I stood up with my arms folded to the back. ¡°One question is all I have for the five of you. How is it that there has been a massive outbreak of a disease in the pack that has imed tens of lives, and none of you have sought to find a solution to it or tried to seek a way out.¡± My voice was bing edgy. I don¡¯t want to think I have ipetent people working with me.


    They exchanged a nce and stared back at Ezekiel. He sighed tiredly before rising to his feet. ¡°I am sorry, Alpha. I take the me for this. At the time of the outbreak, ten people were dered dead. I ran closed-door meetings with the doctor to do whatever it takes to find a solution.¡±


    ¡°How am I just hearing about this?¡± I questioned.


    ¡°You were busy at the time sealing the trade deal. We could handle it, but it appears things keep getting out of hand.¡±


    Cursing under my breath, I caressed the back of my neck.


    ¡°Cansomeone please tell me why this is unsolvable?¡±


    One of the doctors with a highly white beard spoke up. ¡°We have tried to find the cause of the disease and realized it¡¯s out of our control. None of the injections or drugs seems to be working, and it only worsens it.¡±


    ¡°How do you know it¡¯s the disease?¡±This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°They suddenly lose their breath and turn red; if not treated with urgency, they die.¡± He exined.


    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t there be something we can do? Probably some herbs that would work out just fine.¡± I suggested.


    Everyone in the room exchanged a knowing look before turning their eyes back to me. Ezra was the one who chose to say something now.


    ¡°We would need a healer!¡±


    A distasteful scoff escaped my lips, ¡°You have got to be kidding me. If a healer is what you all need, how about you drop your resignation letters and go fuck yourselves! Bloody fools!¡± I hissed, storming out of the hall.


    Those idiots know it would trigger me, and yet they said it. Why would we need a healer when, despite our hate for humans,  we sent out some brilliant wolves to the human world to learn to be great scientists and engineers to keep our knowledge broad? The Sunset pack is practically the best thriving pack in the north. With prompt technology and development, as any human world would be, why would those fools my father invested so much in telling me to bring in a superstitious believer to save my pack from crumbling?


    That¡¯s the most absurd thing I have heard in a long time, and note tries we li are modern wolves for fucks sake. I spat angrily, pacing the hallway. I am not going to let Ezra get off this so easily. He knows better than to involve himself in such dumb thinking.


    ¡°Do you intend to dig a hole into that poor floor?¡± His stupid voice mumbled behind me.


    I turned to him, gritting my teeth while stretching my fist to his face. ¡°You should be d that I am working on my anger. I would have punched you right in the guts for messing with me. If everyone in that room chose to be stupid, did you have to join in?¡±


    Ezra looked unfazed as he folded his arm. ¡°It¡¯s been over a decade, Gael. Get over it. You are no longer a teenager; you are an adult and not just that but an Alpha who needs to make decisions on behalf of his pack members. We swore never to let our desires influence our decision-making as servants of these packs. Twenty people were gone. Do you want the pack members to go on a riot before you decide to make a change?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you get it, Ezra? The rule is so fucked up that someone has to be the ordained healer. We don¡¯t have one. And no one would volunteer either. It¡¯s a cursed routine.¡±


    ¡°Then we would seek for a healer outside the pack. It¡¯s as simple as that.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want no fucking healer. Those bloody doctors should find a way out.¡± I started walking away, but Ezra¡¯s persistent self kept following me.


    ¡°You would do no such thing. The pack will go wild. You need to do something!¡±


    I turned to him abruptly, causing him to stumble to the back. ¡°I have done something already. Provide those nuns who call themselves doctors with everything they need. At this point, I don¡¯t care if you would require the help of the humans. But I will not bring in a healer, not when there is no way to find them.¡±


    ¡°Delusion is your middle name, man. I told you repeatedly that we can request a healer from other packs. All we need is your go-ahead, and they wille trooping in. If the news of this disease gets out, people whoe in here to trade and invest will run off. Is that what you want? Our economy is thriving right now, and this is a major distraction that we need to get rid of.¡±


    Kissing my teeth, I returned to him again, holding my waist. How am I to allow a healer in here? Myte mother was the pack¡¯s healer then, and everyone believed that a healer has to birth another who would be the next healer. Healers in werewolf history are rare breeds, and they get bestowed with the ability to cure the strangest diseases. And this set of people are females. To pass on their gift, they have to give birth to a female child.


    My mother got pregnant the second time a littlete, and I was already in my teenage years. She was happy, and her sweet self became sweeter. I loved every moment spent with my amazing mother. The most depressing thing about being a healer is their inability to look after themselves when they fall ill. Mum carried the belly for over a year, and it was bing more of a burden to her. When her water eventually broke, she ended up birthing a dead female child. Nothing could console her, not even my presence. My mother had failed the pack by not providing them with another healer.


    My heart ached the most when some cowards made snide remarks about her; she must have heard the whispers. I wanted to punish anyone found talking trash about her.


    However, no one served as a scapegoat, as they were just rumors. A week after her birth, my mother¡¯s cold body was lying on her bed. No one knows what went wrong, whether she ate something she shouldn¡¯t have or died naturally. They found nothing strange in her autopsy; her body seemed to have gone opaque, and nothing was visible.


    The entire household was in chaos, and I swore on her grave to never believe in the abilities of the goddess who couldn¡¯t save her diligent servant. And there was my father, who became an extreme shadow of himself. Aside from focusing on the pack duties diligently, he was a mess behind closed doors. He loved my mother and would have done anything to protect her. But she left us with a big hole in our hearts. She opened a clinic in the packhouse, working hand in hand with doctors to look after anyone sick. It¡¯s all abandoned now.


    I felt Ezra¡¯sforting hand on my shoulder. ¡°How long do you think you would hold this grudge? You can¡¯t keep ming yourself for her death. We need help.¡±


    ¡°The healers of the humans are doctors and nothing beyond that. Why should our case be different?¡±


    ¡°Because we are werewolves, Gael. Wake the fuck up. Humans aren¡¯t supernatural beings; we are. They don¡¯t shift; we do. Stop going back to this discussion.¡± He sounded angry.


    I snorted, holding his gaze. ¡°I¡¯m not going back on my words, Ezra. We are not getting a fucking healer!¡±


    ¡°Can you stop making this about yourself, for fucks sake! It isn¡¯t about you, Gael. Why don¡¯t you get it and get the fuck off your high horse? We have thousands of people in the pack who look up to your rule. Why do you intend to sacrifice them because of your personal decision?¡±


    ¡°Then the doctors should also think about that number of people and get work done. It¡¯s their job. Thankfully, it¡¯s just twenty people.¡±


    ¡°Did you just state the number of dead people? It¡¯s not a battlefield. We need the help of a healer. Just because none of the packhouse members have contracted the disease doesn¡¯t mean you are safe. You are not an exception from copsing.¡±


    I know he said the words for me to have a rethink. But my dead mother would have to show up in the flesh for me to agree to a healer working in this pack.


    ¡°My order remains; the doctors should find a solution.¡±


    ¡°What if we order a lockdown then? A stay-at-home till we find a solution.¡± He suggested in defeat.


    ¡°And cause panic? How quickly do you think those slow doctors would work? I can¡¯t have the trade brought to a halt because of some disease that might be for a short time when you have something else to discuss with me, Ezra. You can reach out to me then. Excuse me!¡±


    Without turning back, I headed out of the packhouse with my eyesden with tears. I wouldn¡¯t say I like this feeling.

 Chapter 10 Her friend, Perry

    NIA¡¯S POV     I looked around the path again to be sure no creepy individual wasing behind me. I don¡¯t know what I was thinking before making my way here. One thing was sure, though. I want to meet Perry again. Her presence would probably give me the strength to keep pushing through the hurdle of living here.     My eyes darted back to the fresh cut on my upper arm. One of the kitchen maids tested her throwing ability today while cutting out the vegetables. I got shed by the knife where I was innocently washing up the dishes. I couldn¡¯t do anything as I bled; nobody came to my rescue. Instead, they keptughing at me, calling me weak.     For days now, I have been trying to reach Kingston, but to no avail. I¡¯m starting to think he abandoned me. But then, I reminded myself of all the good things he has done for me. He even risked getting disowned by his parents to find me. Probably, he is too busy or lost his phone. Also, whenever I try to ask Darien if he heard from my brother, he shuns me like we have never met. I guess he dreads being seen with me so much.     I am hoping Perry wouldn¡¯t mind being my friend; at least she helped me from the very first day we met. I like to believe that I am pretty popr in the packhouse. Full wolves can fish me out with their ability to pick my scent. But that didn¡¯t matter to her when she offered a helping hand. If Penelope had seen someone trying to take advantage of me, she undoubtedly would have supported him.     Standing in front of the abandoned building, it sure looks like a ce with many memories. I thought for a moment why it was left devoid of any life. It looked like a ce that once had a bubbling life to it. But on second thought, it¡¯s the right ce for someone like Perry to stay in and smoke her blunt in peace. A small smile appeared on my face as I entered the reception.     I froze at the person standing in the middle of the reception with his head hanging loosely. Hearing my footsteps, he turned around, and my heart jumped to the pit of my belly, realizing who it was. His face morphed into a vicious one.     ¡°What are you doing here? Are you following me? What did I tell you about showing your ugly face to me?¡± Alpha Gael bellowed. The air he emitted from his nose seemed to be blowing me away from the spot.     My legs remained glued to the ground, despite how much I cursed at my inner soul to grow wings and fly or, maybe best idea, disappear. But nothing happened, and I was subjected to staring at the ground weakly with a shaky breath.     ¡°I¡­ I am-so-sorry, Alpha. I-didn¡¯t-¡±     ¡°Shut the hell up!¡± He screamed as I stuttered to give him what I thought might be an appropriate response. ¡°The rest of my day is in shambles.¡± Stomping his foot like a drama queen, he pushed past me and left.     The shove was so hard that my body hit the wall. The Alpha sure has some hidden anger issues. Sometimes, I like to think being a half-breed isn¡¯t the problem. These people are just cowards taking their frustration out on me because it may make them feel better. I guess I am helpful after all.     My wolf grunted, ¡°Stop fooling yourself. They hate you.¡±


    ¡°Well, thanks for reminding me,¡± I said out loud, rolling my eyes.     ¡°You look beautiful when you roll your eyes.¡± Someone said behind me, and I jolted. cing my hand on my racing heart, I gulped in difficulty and rxed almost immediately at the sight of Perry. ¡°You are here. I thought you weren¡¯t around.¡±     She hummed, walking towards the chair to sit. ¡°Yeah, I had gone on a stroll. Only to return and realize I have many unwanted guests in the house, and for a moment, I thought you both were about to fight for the space. What does the Alpha have against you?¡± She had an amused look that almost made me believe she knew and was teasing me.     I sat on another chair, rxing my tattered nerves. Giving Perry a suspicious look, I pouted. ¡°Are you saying you are unaware of the story between the Alpha and I? Before I left the hall where he sealed my fate, everyone already knew the story.¡±     Perry shrugged, killing off her smoke on the table next to her. ¡°I don¡¯t go around wasting my time to hear gossip. And if you aren¡¯t interested in telling me, it¡¯s all good. It would be of no use to me anyways.¡±     I waved my hands quickly, ¡°No, that isn¡¯t what I meant. I am a half-breed, bought off by my adoptive parents in a bid to be one of the Alpha¡¯s concubines. But it turned out he has a buried hate against people like me. Everyone in these pack houses has half-breeds allergy.¡± My voice fell. ¡°And my family, I guess.¡±     She smacked her lips, ¡°It¡¯s not your fault you are a product of true love. These people are just pathetic losers who don¡¯t know how to be happy.¡±     A snort escaped my nose, ¡°including the Alpha?¡±     ¡°Not excluding him.¡±     Iughed softly, ¡°Do you sleep here?¡±     ¡°No, I go home every day.  Here is just my safe space. I get to work and be away from the toxic people that surround me.¡±     ¡°What do you do?¡±     ¡°I paint. I am an artist.¡±     That pricked my curiosity, ¡°really? I would love to see your works.¡±     ¡°Alright,e with me.¡± She said, standing up.     Perry walked to the far end of the building, and I followed suit. She opened a door, and it seemed like I had stepped into a world of nature in its raw form. Each board had either the painting of a breathtaking forest or the sea in different forms. The room has a veranda separated from the room by a ss. The veranda oversees theke, and a mini garden that I am sure must have been Perry¡¯s handwork.     I gasped in amazement, ¡°These are beautiful and breathtaking.¡±     She chuckled, showing a bright smile proudly. ¡°I thought so, too.¡±     ¡°I am so jealous of you. I have never been able to decide what I might enjoy doing. I¡¯m either preupied with chores or worrying about paying the Alpha off and finally gaining freedom.¡±     ¡°All that you wish for wille to you.¡±     ¡°Thanks for the encouragement. Why here, though? Aside from the fact that no one else uses this ce, you get to be alone, but I feel there is more to your stay here.¡±     ¡°You are quite the inquisitive one, aren¡¯t you?¡±     I shrugged, smiling shyly. ¡°It¡¯s just my way of wanting to get close to you.     She stared at her wristwatch for a brief second. ¡°I think this is my cue to leave. Let¡¯s meet some others, and maybe I will be free to talk to you then.¡±     ¡°But, you only just got here.¡± My voice faded when she ran off again. It is the second time it has happened. She didn¡¯t even ask me to leave the room before going.     Looking around onest time, I sighed heavily and shut the door behind me on my way out. Coming here wasn¡¯t such a bad idea.This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 11 Silly Gemma

    AUTHOR¡¯S POV     Gemma jabbed at her foodzily; she didn¡¯t seem to have much interest in the food. Ezekiel watched her closely with his under-eye. She is trying to get her way out of the house by throwing a tantrum. But he knows better than to let her get her way this time. Suddenly, Gemma threw down her cutlery, wiping at her mouth with a napkin.     ¡°I¡¯m heading out!¡± She announced, pushing the chair back.


    ¡°You haven¡¯t even eaten half of your meal.¡± Her mother, Danie,mented.     Ezekiel cleared his throat, taking a sip of his water. ¡°And where do you think you are going, youngdy?¡±     Gemma scoffed, ¡°Where else, dad? I am either shopping, hanging with the girls, or spending time with Gael.¡± She stressed the name so much everyone winced on her behalf.     ¡°How did I birth such a shameless child like you?¡± Her father spat in distaste.     ¡°Ezekiel!¡± Danie called out softly.     ¡°Easy, uncle.¡± Ezra, who had been extremely quiet, chipped in.     He shook his head stubbornly, ¡°No, none of you should interfere in this. It¡¯s a weekend, and this unreasonable being thinks it¡¯s okay for her to leave a family lunch and go in search of someone who doesn¡¯t give two fucks about you.¡± He cursed.     Stomping her feet in annoyance, Gemma red at her father.     ¡°That¡¯s enough, Dad. I won¡¯t have you talk about Gael, and I like that. We care for each other, and I am the only one he cherishes the most. Whenever I am around, he wants no other but me.¡±     ¡°I didn¡¯t realize you had this level of low self-esteem. I used to be proud that I birthed a beautiful girl who would grow to be a sound and a powerful she-wolf, but only for you to grow old enough and begin throwing yourself at a man who buysdies like a shepherd rearing sheep. Are you blind, or have you lost your senses?¡±     ¡°Don¡¯t take out your anger on me, Dad. It¡¯s not my fault that you are only after position and not after actual love.¡±     Heughed sarcastically. ¡°oh, you think what you have is love? You are enjoying convenient attention. He finds you ssy enough to hang around. He would never make you his Luna, neither will he change for you.¡±     Gemma¡¯s lips shook hard as tearsced her eyes. ¡°You should be ashamed of yourself, Dad. Hating on a kid that you watched grow. I think you are just a pathetic old wolf who is in pain to be serving someone old enough to be his son.¡±     ¡°Gemma, don¡¯t talk to your father like that.¡± Ezra cautioned.     She turned an angry eye at him. ¡°I don¡¯t remember speaking to you, errand boy. Don¡¯t even try to act like you have some say here. Now to you, Dad. I will end up with Gael and rule this pack. You will be alive to witness it.¡± Kissing her teeth, she mmed the table hard before walking out on all of them.


    Danie stood up too, ¡°I¡¯m so sorry; I would talk to her now.¡±     With one look at Ezekiel, Ezra decided to put his anger aside and pacify his uncle. Gemma is the exact opposite of her parents. She is spoilt and unreasonable. At the same time, the parents are to me for making her feel toofortable and having her grow with the perception that Gemma is better than everyone else. Despite growing up with the same silver spoon, she still calls Ezra an errand boy.     ¡°Are you okay, uncle?¡± He asked.     Ezekiel exhaled slowly, staring down at his shaky hands. ¡°I shouldn¡¯t have kept mute when I noticed the spark between them. I should have stopped it when I could. It¡¯s my fault that she is living in a delusion. As her father, I must protect her; I could have told Gael off and warned me to stay away from my daughter. Instead, I kept quiet, hoping they would hate each other. If she ends up bitter, it¡¯s my fault.¡±     Ezra wishes he could ry the cold, simple truth to his uncle. But that might cause too much despair. Biting down on his tongue, he smiled weakly. ¡°I am sorry you have to deal with this. Let¡¯s hope she returns to her senses and realizes loving Gael wastes time. He already decided what he wanted with himself. You don¡¯t have to me yourself; Gemma is an adult and knows what she is doing. And in the end, it¡¯s here. A few months and she will be back to normal.¡± He shouldn¡¯t have said thest line, but he said it anyway.     The older man nodded his head slowly. ¡°I guess that does happen. Where is your sister? It¡¯s been a while since I saw her.¡°     Ezra sighed In resolve; one would think they all didn¡¯t live under the same roof. His sister, Perry, always gets asked after, with her location unknown. ¡°I have no idea, uncle. I will have to call her.¡±     Ezekiel grunted, ¡°Why are the girls in families bastards? Is there some kind of curse on them?¡± He asked to leave the table while still mumbling to himself.     Laughing to himself, Ezra kept eating his food, enjoying the serenity. If it were up to him, family dinners would be a no, no. His parents before the unfortunate ident that imed their lives, loved family dinners with the extended family, and he loved it too. However, since their death, all traditions seem absurd. At least, he tries his best to adjust, unlike his sister, who avoids any chance to see any of them. Their father, Elias, was Ezekiel¡¯s elder brother. Since his death, Ezekiel took it upon himself to make his brother¡¯s childrenfortable. But there was only little he could do to take away their grief through finishing his food; the front door opened, and that got him curious. Leaving the dining area, Ezra walked towards the foot of the stairs. He already knew who it was.     ¡°Mind telling where you areing from, Perry?¡± He asked, giving her a disapproving look.     Perry looked him dead in the face with her thin eyes. She was too high to match his energy. ¡°Whatever I do doesn¡¯t concern you.¡±     He scoffed in disbelief, ¡°In case you missed the memo, youngdy. Whatever you are involved In is my bloody business. I practically have no idea what bes of you or where you go. Your eyes and skin are so pale it¡¯s obvious you haven¡¯t been eating well. What are you doing to yourself, chubby?¡± His voice softened when he called her by her childhood pet name.     She rolled her eyes, looking disinterested. ¡°don¡¯t try to patronize me. Just get out of my way.¡±     Watching her leave, Ezra punched the air in frustration. It¡¯s high time he goes to the crazy household before he loses his mind like the rest of them living in it.N?velDrama.Org ? content.

 Chapter 12 Death calls

    GAEL¡¯S POV     The report in my hand seems to burn into my palm. There have been more deaths over thest two weeks. Now, I am beginning to look like a demonic Alpha wishing for the death of his pack members. I had stood my ground against hiring healers since our pack was devoid of one. The doctors, as suspected, couldn¡¯te up with anything to help out. And Ezra seems to be keeping malice with me because of my response the other day. Everyone else cares about the pack more than I do. The door to the study opened, letting in Ezra.     Huffing, I put the tablet on the table. ¡°Took you long enough.¡± I snorted.     ¡°I can still go back if that is the attitude you intend to put up.     After all, I am not the Beta.¡± He responded, staring nkly.     ¡°That¡¯s okay. You don¡¯t need to act out of ce. I am sorry for acting the way I did the other day. It appears we have a serious case on our hands to deal with. I don¡¯t want to call out to your uncle, and he wouldn¡¯t spare me the judgmentallook.¡±     ¡°So, what have you decided?¡±     ¡°I think we should get the healers on board. I am notfortable with the rise in death. I hope they are worthy of all of this stress. If not, the pack would need to be closed down, and then Imit suicide for being a failed Alpha.¡±     ¡°Are you trying to be funny?¡±     ¡°Just giving you a heads up. Get the call through and tell me what we have to work with.¡±     ¡°This is a good decision, Gael. There is no need to start regretting it. I will get on with the calls.¡± He said, standing up.


    As he approached the door, it opened abruptly with Gemma behind it.     The both of them exchanged a spiteful nce before passing by each other. I don¡¯t think I would have this much contempt for my cousins if we lived together. The distance between us is because they chose to live far from me, refusing to associate with me because of the life I have decided to live. Which is understandable; my parents might have disowned me, too. But the case of Ezra and Gemma would forever surprise me. They practically wine and dine together under the same roof.     ¡°Hey, baby.¡± She cooed in my ear, leaning in for a kiss.     I shifted away from her, ¡°you should sit down.¡±     ¡°What¡¯s the attitude for?¡±     ¡°I think I need to make some things clear to you. I don¡¯t care if you are rted to Ezra or not. He is my friend and my soon-to-be Beta. It would help if you orded him some respect. I don¡¯t like how you turn up your nose whenever youe in contact with him. I hope that won¡¯t repeat itself.¡±     She sat on the table¡¯s edge, pouting and mumbling incoherent words. ¡°Do you know what Ezra does to me at home? He doesn¡¯t even like you that much.¡±     ¡°That¡¯s a lie. I have known Ezra longer before I met you.     Remember, his dad was the first to be Beta. Stop making thingsplicated for yourself. What do you want?¡±     She gasped lightly, ¡°Is that supposed to be a question?     Don¡¯t you miss me? Or your concubines are so lovely that you don¡¯t think I am worthy of your attention anymore?¡±     I rubbed at my forehead, feeling frustration seep into the pores of my skin. ¡°Can you quit that nonsense talk? I have other things that I am supposed to pay attention to. I don¡¯t dwell on pussy all day. And I think you would need to reduce youring to the packhouse.¡±     ¡°Why?¡±     ¡°Gemma? For a moment, I thought acting dumb for you makes you cute. Don¡¯t tell me you are dumb. That wouldn¡¯t look good on your resume. I¡¯m sure the entire pack knows the disease is flying through the air. And here you are, acting oblivious to it. It is me protecting you from catching whatever it might be.¡±     She shrugged, grinning. ¡°I didn¡¯t realize you cared this much about me. I guess it¡¯s settled then. There is no need for me to return home. I will stay here in the packhouse with you until there is a permanent solution to the pack¡¯s problems.¡±     ¡°Never!¡± I stayed with conviction. ¡°That is never going to happen. The only people allowed here are the staff and the concubines I bought with my money. Aside from that, there won¡¯t be anyone else living here freely.¡±     ¡°But I am your girlfriend, Gael.¡±     ¡°Which implies we aren¡¯t married. You have a house you live in. You should stick to the ce.¡±     She smiled to my surprise and caressed my cheeks. ¡°Is this about my dad? You know he wouldn¡¯t say anything. I have my life to live. It¡¯s none of his business.¡±     ¡°And I respect Beta Ezekiel. Any father would do the same in his shoes. You know how this will end, Gemma, and as much as I like you, I am still trying to be considerate of your tomorrow. Yet you keep doing this to yourself. I will miss you if you choose to end it now. But I can assure you it won¡¯t hold for long. Please go home to your family. They love you more than I do.¡±     I wasn¡¯t expecting the next thing she did to me. She pped me in the face so hard, it felt like my jaw shifted. ¡°Fuck you!     Do I look like those cheap bitches to you? I¡¯m Gemma Desouza. Don¡¯t you ever disrespect me? I don¡¯t care if you are the Alpha; don¡¯t make a fool of me just because I love you. You made the first move, not me. What were you expecting?¡± Her eyes watered now, making me wonder if I got the p or she did.     ¡°Gemma¡­..¡±     ¡°Fuck you, Gael!¡± She screamed, walking out on me.     I guess I deserve that, and I don¡¯t know why I came off so bluntly.However, I just thought it was okay to keep reminding Gemma. But then, a part of me feels ripped from the thought of it.     Fuck! I think I feel guilty now for doing that. I would have no choice but to find a way to please her. Or wait till shees around; she always does. I guess the thought of losing me to all of my concubines fears her more than me not getting married to her.     All of that still wouldn¡¯t change anything. I would probably be the only Alpha with tens of concubines, one lover with plenty of children, and no Luna. It sure sounds like an excellent vision. I should work on it.This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 13 Her Roommates

    NIA POV     Like a cat drenched in water, I stood in the doorway pleading with my doomed roommates to please let me in after a long day working in the kitchen. The both of them drew a line between the door and the room. They dared me to step forward while they sat on each side of the room with a whip. I thought they were joking about whipping my leg if I tried to move. The first step, a painful sound escaped my lips when both whipsnded on my feet simultaneously. I nced back at the hallway, hoping for help.     But I knew no one woulde, and I hoped for a miracle. Somebody must have informed the other maids what would be of me this evening, and as usual, none of them would try to stop such wrath from being unleashed on me. I hate that I am getting used to their foul treatment. It would have been better if someone tried toe to my rescue. At least, that might have given me some courage. It seems far-fetched now.     Wiping at the tears in my eyes in resolve, I turned my back and left the room. Their evil cackle filled the hallway. I searched my pocket for my phone and walked down the hallway towards the stairs. I was making my way to the garden. It¡¯s not sote yet. The rule is that every maid can retire to their room once their daily job ends. It¡¯s just like any usual job one would take on outside. And for those who attend to the needs of the Alpha. They work on shifts. Everybody is on the list except me, of course. It¡¯s not like I would have wanted it either. I have no intention to woo the damned Alpha. They can all go to hell respectfully.     Dialing Kingston once again, the machine said it was unreachable. I sighed in frustration as I settled into the grass andy there. The sky looks so beautiful tonight. My phone rang calling back my attention. It¡¯s an unknown number. Picking up, I sniffed, mumbling a soft hello.     ¡°Nia, is that you?¡± Kingston¡¯s voice came alive on the other end.     I sat up, gasping tearfully. ¡°Kingston is that you? How have you been?¡±     ¡°I have been fine. I am so worried about you. I¡¯m sorry you didn¡¯t hear from me for so long.¡±     ¡°What happened? I was so worried that I almost thought you didn¡¯t want to associate yourself with me anymore.¡±     ¡°Don¡¯t ever think that, Nia. You know that would never happen. I¡¯m sorry once again. Mum found out I wasmunicating with you, and she threw my phone out in theke and grounded me without a phone.¡±     ¡°She can still do that?¡±     ¡°Not because I was easilypliant. But my parents locked the doors with some mean-looking guards watching over the house and me just in case I try to reach out again.¡±     ¡°Wow! I guess they are that rich if they can hire the services of vicious-looking guards.¡±     Kingston chuckled, ¡°Your dry sense of humor is still evident.¡±This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Ignoring hispliment, I asked. ¡°How then did you get to call me now if you are grounded.¡±     ¡°I got my freedom today, and after getting a new phone, I thought to call you first. My parents thought, with the other phone resting in theke, I won¡¯t be able to call you. However, I already crammed your contact in my head. I can read it if I¡¯m asleep.¡±     ¡°Wow, thank you for making me feel special,¡± I said sincerely.     ¡°Talk to me, Nia. How has it been there? Are they still picking on you? How can I help?¡±     ¡°Hearing from you is enough help for me, Kingston. I don¡¯t think I would ever take advantage of your sincere concern for me. I am sorry that I always cause you to worry.¡±     ¡°You have nothing to be bothered about, and I will always be here for you. And as regards the money. I¡¯m going to pay for it. Just trust me.¡±     ¡°Thank you.¡± I mused sniffing back the tears rolling down my face.     ¡°Are you crying?¡±     ¡°Not at all,¡± I replied in a choked voice.     ¡°You are lying. Where are you?¡±     ¡°In the garden,¡± I admitted.     ¡°Why? Isn¡¯t it cold out?¡±     His question made me realize I didn¡¯t have a jacket on. That made the cold bite hard at me. ¡°Yeah, it is. But I am wearing a jacket. I like the feeling of the garden.¡±     ¡°Yeah, you have always loved the idea of a garden. I would make sure you own your flower shop someday.¡±     I can¡¯t believe he still remembers my childhood desire to be a horticulturist. I thought it would be a fun thing to do.     More because I love beautiful nts. It makes me feel very much at peace. If my dream eventuallyes true, I promise the goddess to be a good person. It¡¯s childish, but then it¡¯s all I can offer.     ¡°Thank you, Kingston.¡±     ¡°Why?¡±     ¡°For always making me feel like a person. That gives me hope that things will work out eventually.¡±     ¡°Just hold on tight. We will be free soon.¡±     ¡°I believe you,¡± I replied, chuckling.     ¡°I need to hang up now. I will reach you soon. Don¡¯t try to call me to avoid my family finding out. I will get themunication resolved soon. I love you.¡±     ¡°I love you too. Bye.¡± As soon as I hung up the call, a shiver ran down my spine.


    I should get back in now if I don¡¯t want to get frozen out here. At the same time, there is no assurance those crazy two would have gone to bed. I have had enough drama today; I only want to sleep and have a good dream or a considerable nightmare.     ¡°Out all alone tonight?¡± Perry¡¯s familiar voice said behind me.     A smallugh escaped my lips. ¡°What are you? A ghost? Why are you always sneaking up on me like that?¡±     She settled next to me, folding her legs. ¡°Err, you make it sound like our meeting has been that frequent.¡±     ¡°Well, I dide look for you thest time. But then, it¡¯s creepier knowing that you enjoy the dark so much.¡± She snorted yfully, dusting the tip of her jeans. She appears in high spirits tonight, except her skin looks so pale and skinny that it screams malnourishment.     ¡°Why are you here again? It¡¯s cold and gettingte?¡±     ¡°I could say the same for you.¡±     ¡°I asked first.¡± She insisted.     ¡°Well, I wanted to run in the woods before returning to painting.¡±     ¡°Hmmn, it¡¯s been a while since I tried running.¡±     ¡°How does it feel being a half-breed and shifting?¡±     I blinked slowly, ¡°is there supposed to be a different way to shift? I channel my wolf and run. The only use is that I am not as strong and fast as a full wolf.¡±     ¡°Are you sure you aren¡¯t, or have you just channeled the inner condemnation that you can never measure up to a full wolf?¡±     I nced at her in awe. I wonder how she can break things into such pieces. ¡°Maybe, maybe not.¡±     ¡°How about we affirm it by running with me in the woods.¡±     ¡°No, that won¡¯t do.¡±     ¡°Trust me, it will be fun.¡±     The glitter in her eyes was too strong to resist. Moreover, sitting here would only burden my already-filled mind. I nodded in agreement. ¡°Let¡¯s do this then.¡± And before I could say, Jack Robinson, Perry was already running to the woods, screaming into thete evening like a happy child.     The run was the best I have had in a long while. I always thought running with Kingston was the best fun I would ever experience. Until now, I have had a moment with Perry; she is so full of life. The only thing problematic about her is the way she keeps panting. I understand that we areing from a long run, but I still don¡¯t think it¡¯s good enough to breathe so fast like that. We returned to the abandoned building. And Perry got us water from her studio.     ¡°That was so good.¡± She said after downing the entire content in the bottled water.     I nodded in agreement, covering my bottle back after taking enough sip. ¡°It was so refreshing. I can¡¯t remember enjoying a run in the woods that much.¡±     ¡°I should get back to work now. Would you like to join me?¡± She asked.     I would have begged her to have me stay in the first ce. I leaped in excitement. ¡°Yes, I would love to.¡±     ¡°You are wee then.¡± Perry grinned. She had already set her tools in front of her working stool. She has been at it for a while.     I squinted my eyes at what she seemed to be working on. ¡°It¡¯s a snowy environment in Austria. I thought it looked good enough to paint. See.¡± She showed me the image on her phone.     ¡°Oh, this is so beautiful.¡± I mused. ¡°So what¡¯s these things you have your colours on called?¡± I pointed at the t, not much of a circle of wood in her hand with different colors.     ¡°It¡¯s called a palette.¡±     ¡°Palette. That¡¯s a nice name. Do you think I can paint too?¡±     ¡°Anyone can paint. It only needs dedication. It¡¯s also very therapeutic. Teaches you mindfulness.¡±     ¡°I think I might like to learn it.¡±     ¡°I will teach you, but it¡¯s for you to have fun. Please don¡¯t get too serious about it. I think it would be a second delight to do what you want.¡±     ¡°Maybe.¡±     Perryughed, returning her attention to her painting. ¡°you seem unsure of your responses most times.¡±     ¡°Because my future looks bleak from where I am standing. I guess it¡¯s fair enough not to be too hopeful and just live each moment as ites.¡±     ¡°Hmmn, I like that philosophy of yours.¡±     We kept mute for a while before a question popped into my head while I looked around at her finished work. ¡°I don¡¯t know anything about you, Perry. I want to believe we would make good friends; that¡¯s if you want to be friends with someone like me.¡±     ¡°What do you even mean by someone like you?¡± She turned to look at me.     I shrugged, ¡°I¡¯m an unwanted being, after all.¡±     ¡°Nia, if you know me well. You would know I don¡¯t have friends, and I hate everyone in this pack. You are different, though; you have a clean heart and that is all I desire.¡±     A smile yed on my lips, ¡°thank you. I think you are a good person, too.¡±     ¡°Nah! Don¡¯t get fooled by me. I am a little demon who causes trouble for the entire family.¡±     ¡°Is that why you love this ce?¡±     ¡°Not really. This ce holds a lot of memories for me. My mum and the dead Luna used to work here together, and my mum would always bring me here when I was little. Despite their busy schedules, they didn¡¯t mind me making odd drawings in my sketchbook and putting them on the wall. I loved it here so much. My best moments happened right here.¡±     ¡°It was a clinic, right?¡±     ¡°Yeah, more of an orthodox clinic. Luna was the healer, and my mum who was her best friend served as an assistant. They loved each other so much. Even after my mum¡¯s death, Luna woulde to pick me up herself at my home and walk me down here. She felt it was the only way to maintain close contact with what my mum loved doing. When Luna died, nothing was worth holding, and everything felt empty. I¡¯m just d the building still exists ¡¯cause it¡¯s where Ie to find sce.¡±     I was curious about how the two women died, but I thought otherwise. That would be so insensitive of me. ¡°How about the other members of the family? Don¡¯t theye to check up on you? Does anyone know you work here in the packhouse?¡±     ¡°I would have expected my dumb brother to figure it out. But he is also all about himself. He works here in the packhouse. But I don¡¯t mean much to any of them and that¡¯s why I also don¡¯t give a damn about them.¡±     ¡°Who is your brother?¡±     ¡°The second-inmand of the Beta and the Beta is my uncle. Myte father¡¯s younger brother.¡± She winced, reaching for another water bottle in the small fridge beside her. She gulped it down so fast like she was dehydrated.     ¡°Easy,¡± I muttered.     ¡°Thanks.¡± She panted.     ¡°I am sure your brother worries about you. He might just be confused about how to handle your situation. You both lost your parents, and he is hurting too.¡±     ¡°You should be my brother¡¯s sister. So considerate.¡±     Iughed lightly, trailing my hands along the smooth board of the wood painting. ¡°I don¡¯t think I recognize the Beta. I try my best to stay away from the officials, to avoid getting any of them angry.¡±     ¡°Why would you think that?¡±     ¡°The Alpha gave me a clear warning to never cross his path. I think everyone, too, would have that thought.¡±     ¡°Not at all. My brother might be an asshole, but I can assure you he shows everyone hees across respect. It¡¯s one of our father¡¯s legacy.¡±     ¡°I would like to meet him then.¡± I chuckled. ¡°Is there a market for these paintings?¡±     ¡°Yup. I intend to send my works out to a gallery in Los Angeles and New York. It¡¯s where the market is. I intend to round up on thisst piece and get it transported. As soon as I make my big sales, I will leave here and nevere back. I have always wanted a taste of another part of the world.¡±     ¡°Aren¡¯t those ces in America where most of the humans reside? My fatheres from New York.¡±     Her already pale face went extra pale in surprise. ¡°Your real father?¡±     ¡°Yes.¡±     ¡°Oh, my goodness. I never stopped to think of how your parents met. And from your talks, I thought you never met them.¡±     ¡°I lived with my father until his death when I was eleven. He was an explorer and had met my mum in the woods during one of his adventures. They fell in love, and the rest is history.¡±     ¡°That¡¯s so intriguing to hear.¡± She said it with less enthusiasm than when she started. Holding her waist, she rubbed the side of her head.     ¡°Are you okay, Perry?¡±     ¡°I don¡¯t know, I feel faint.¡±     ¡°Probably you need some air. Should I help you up?¡±     ¡°Yes, please.¡±     Moving close to her, I attempted to help her up and she went limp, copsing to the hard floor. ¡°Perry!¡± I screamed in horror.

 Chapter 14 Loving Sibling

    NIA¡¯S POV     I have never been so confused in my entire life, and the more I shook Perry hard, the more shes of the night my father lost his life kept returning. Mustering every strength, I lifted her off the ground, running towards the exit. A fine-looking man rushed in, almost colliding with myself and Perry. Even in my disheveled state, I can tell how much of a fine person he is.     ¡°What happened to her?¡± He asked, his face scrunched up in concern.     ¡°I don¡¯t know. Perry just passed out.¡± The man didn¡¯t wait for me to finish my sentence before he took her from me and left. For security¡¯s sake, I followed him. He seemed familiar with the packhouse as he opened the door to a room and ced her on the bed. It took me a long minute after she rambled on the phone for a doctor, and I realized they were siblings. The resemnce is so striking that only blind folk wouldn¡¯t notice.? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    I stayed quietly by the door while Perry got treated. The assistant Beta looked worried. I felt pity for him.     ¡°She is dehydrated and malnourished. You would need to pay close attention to her diet.¡± The doctor said before leaving.     ¡°I can¡¯t believe this. I should have known Perry would do this to herself. What in the world were you thinking.¡± The assistant Beta bellowed at a weak-looking Perry. They administered some water that seemed to restore her to life. Her pale face brought tears to my eyes.     She turned her face away from her brother. ¡°What do you care about? It¡¯s not like you ever have my time. It¡¯s all about your duty to the Alpha. You don¡¯t need to bother about me. I have a friend now.¡± Perry said weakly, taking a long sip of the water a maid had brought her.     Her brother hissed in irritation, ¡°And who are you?¡± He finally acknowledged my presence. His brows connected like he was thinking. ¡°Are you the half-breed?¡±     I nodded slowly in response, ¡°Yes, sir.¡±     ¡°Is she the supposed friend?¡± He asked in a mocking tone. ¡°perfect!¡±     Perry struggled to pull herself up. ¡°Don¡¯t talk to her like that, Ezra! I expect better of you.¡±     He has an excellent name thatpliments his looks, even though his description doesn¡¯t exactly match his current attitude toward me. But I don¡¯t mind. I like handsome he-wolves.     Ezra pulled at his hair in evident frustration. ¡°That isn¡¯t the case. She being your friend means you both are in much danger. You are more of an outcast. She because of her natural birth and you because you have ousted everyone out of your life.¡±     ¡°So, you think acting stupid like Gemma is the best way to have people around? As you can see, Nia here is a good one, and she stood by me even when I could have been dead.¡± Perry hissed.     ¡°If you came home regrly, it could have been avoided!¡± He yelled.     ¡°I would prefer sleeping on the cold floor here in the packhouse than staying in the walls of that doomed house!¡± She raised her voice too.     Just when I thought the sibling¡¯s drama would end. Ezra went on one knee, staring at his sister with fear. ¡°You make it very hard for me to stand by you, Perry. Ever since my mother died, you keep pushing me away. Even if you do that to everybody, you shouldn¡¯t do that to me. I miss you. How could you have gotten so careless with your health? I feel so bad that I have been stuffing my face with food while my baby sister goes hungry. Stop pushing me away, please.¡±     ¡°Leave, Ezra. I don¡¯t want to talk to you right now. Just go!¡± She ordered, looking away.     Without a word, Ezra dragged himself out with his head hung low. I wonder what sort of ruckus might be going on in his mind. Most importantly, I wonder why I am in the middle of all this. Exhaling slowly, I sat on the edge of the bed, patting Perry¡¯s feet.     ¡°Are you okay? What would you like to eat?¡± I asked.     She sniffed back the tears in her eyes. ¡°I¡¯m sure my brother has asked half the maids to serve me different mouthwatering meals. He is so annoying.¡±     ¡°I think he just loves you so much.¡±     ¡°I can¡¯t wait to leave him and this doomed pack. Being far away would save everyone the stress of worrying about me.¡±     My heart sank a bit at her resolution. Perry leaving means I would have no one around here to talk to. My reply hung in the air when the door opened, and three maids walked in with food trays in hand, just as Perry had predicted. The maids arranged the food in front of her, and in the process, I got side eyes from the familiar maids. They seem always to find every chance to get at me.     ¡°Are your eyes malfunctioning?¡± Perry barked at them in her weak state. They quickly shrunk back into their shell, leaving the room.     ¡°Thank you,¡± I whispered     She scoffed, ¡°Stop apologizing. How long do you think you will be able tost if you keep hiding away from these bullies? You don¡¯t owe them anything, and they need to respect you. It¡¯s not your fault that you are a half-breed, and nobody should me your parents either.¡±     ¡°It¡¯s okay. Don¡¯t exhaust your energy, please. You need to eat.¡± I advised, serving her a te to eat.     As I watched her eat quietly, I wished for her life, not out of spite, though. There is someone like her brother in my life in the person of Kingston. However, the show of affection is quite limited. I have to wait ages to hear from him. The goddess wasn¡¯t so considerate when she blessed my conception. With Perry determined to leave the pack, I might as well keep my distance. Getting used to her would only leave a burning hole inside me when she is nowhere close.     ¡°What are you thinking about?¡± She asked, groaning in pain.     I stood up quickly, ¡°are you okay? Do you need me to get you something?¡±     ¡°I should be the one asking you that. I¡¯m sorry if I spoke too harshly. Sometimes, I don¡¯t think before talking.¡±     ¡°It¡¯s alright. Your eyes look tired, and you should sleep now. I will be here when you wake up.¡± Perry was a bit hesitant, but she eventually rxed herself and slept off.     I sat still for about twenty minutes and suddenly felt restless. I want to take a long run in the woods and try not to burden myself with the image of the loving siblings I got subjected to today. Inhaling deeply, I leaned into the bed frame as I moved to the other side of the bed to pat Perry¡¯s hair gently. Closing my eyes, I let the silence envelop me. It didn¡¯t take long for sleep to evade my body.

 Chapter 15 Reselling the half-breed

    GAEL¡¯S POV     I moaned softly, throwing my head to the back at the delightful feeling of Sarah¡¯s warm mouth over my dick. Of all the women I have gotten down with, she gives the best head. Whenever Gemma chooses to act up, I get reminded of how better Sarah is in everything. She grinds and sucks like it¡¯s the only thing she was born to do. Grunting hard, I nutted into her mouth. It¡¯s her fault for being so good at it.     Pushing her away from me while she got herself cleaned up, I pulled up my trousers and threw myself into the bed. The door opened abruptly, and I almost cursed Sarah¡¯s generation for making such a ride exit.     ¡°What the¡­..¡± My words hang in the air at the sight of Ezra.     ¡°What happened? You, get out.¡± I bickered at Sarah, causing her to scurry off.     Ezra rubbed his forehead, pacing the room back and forth. ¡°How much is the half-breed?¡±     Sniffing, I stared at him, feeling a bit confused. ¡°What sort of question is that?¡±     ¡°Don¡¯t act like I am asking you to sell me your kidney or one of your concubines¡­¡±     I scoffed; ¡°of course, I am never selling any of my women. I picked all of them carefully.¡±     He gave me a disgusting look, but I didn¡¯t care. ¡°Thankfully, you don¡¯t want anything to do with this one. I want to pay off Nia¡¯s debt.¡±     ¡°Why? You fell in love?¡±     ¡°You are crazy. Will you let me pay or not?¡±     Smacking my lips, I got off the bed to pour myself a ss of wine. Settling into one of the single couches in the room, I crossed my legs. ¡°No.¡±     ¡°Why?¡±     ¡°Because I own her. I am not a ve trader, so I am not selling.¡±     Ezra chuckled dryly, ¡°What other ideal name do you think is befitting for this horrible lifestyle of yours? Anyway, that is none of my business. You don¡¯t exactly own her, and you only need her to pay up her debt. And I want to pay for it.¡±     I chewed on my tongue, not liking this conversation¡¯s direction. ¡°Why do you want that filth? Your reason won¡¯t exactly make any difference. That girl got me fooled, and she would work her ass off in whatever way she could until I was satisfied.¡±     ¡°Do you know how you sound?¡±     ¡°Like an Alpha,¡± I stated proudly.     ¡°No, like a brat.¡±     ¡°Ezra¡­.¡± I drawled in a warning tone.     ¡°Please, Gael. I need her to help keep my sister alive. The half-breed-Sorry, Nia is her name. She appears to be the only one Perry would allow close to her.¡±     I hate for a fact that Ezra knows the half-breed¡¯s name, and I can¡¯t remember it. ¡°Perry has always been an oddball. But that still doesn¡¯t change the fact that I own that half-breed.¡±     ¡°Whatever it would cost, I will pay. Perry, as you know, has been a shadowtely. You hardly see her around, and she has kept to herself since that year. I found her passed out and pale on the floor of the old clinic because she hasn¡¯t been feeding well.¡±     That got my attention, ¡°what? Where is she?¡± Aside from Mother and probably Gemma, one of the few women I care about is Perry. She was the younger sister I never had. Very active and sweet in every instance. However, she changed after our mothers died. I haven¡¯t been able to connect with her like before because it appeared the both of us went through a terrifying change, except Ezra of course. He always seems to have control over his emotions.     ¡°She is fine. I put her in a room here at the packhouse. She hasn¡¯t been home for a while now.¡±     ¡°Has she been in the packhouse all this while?¡±     ¡°Yes, it turns out she has been painting.¡±     Exhaling, I sucked my teeth. ¡°So what has the half-breed got to do with this?¡±     ¡°Nia.¡±     ¡°Half-breed.¡±     ¡°Why do you always have to be an asshole?¡±     ¡°I don¡¯t care what you think of me. Half-breed is what she is. A dirty, despicable being that shouldn¡¯t be in our midst. From the look of things, I hope she isn¡¯t the reason an unexinable disease is flying around.¡±     Ezra had a shocked look on his face. ¡°Do you ever stop to listen to yourself?¡±     ¡°I do it every time, and I make the most sense.¡±     ¡°Hell no, you don¡¯t. You don¡¯t want this person in your corner or surroundings. Let me buy her off your hand.¡±     ¡°And what is her use for you?¡±     ¡°Do I have to borate on it to you? I just told you now that Perry needs her. With Nia by her side, I am sure her health will get better, and probably she would get on with her life normally. My sister would never back anyone, but Perry did for Nia. Since she won¡¯t let me hang around her every time and I am busy. I want someone I can trust next to her.¡±     ¡°Why would you trust the maid? What if she had Perry hypnotized?¡±     He kissed his teeth loudly and eyeballed me. ¡°she is trustworthy enough. How much did you buy her?¡±     I remained quiet, letting the ball roll in my head. I am covetous, and I don¡¯t deny it. There is no way I am letting the half-breed go so quickly, even though she is of no use to me. And Ezra paying for the money I spent implies she would be free. There is no joy in letting that two-timing bitch roam around freely.     People like her don¡¯t deserve to walk the same ground as the rest of us. I don¡¯t n to make her life so easy.     ¡°No, I am not letting her off!¡± I insisted     ¡°How much are you?¡±     ¡°It¡¯s fifty grand.¡± I mused reluctantly.     ¡°I will give you sixty.¡±     ¡°I only told you the bill for telling sake. I am not letting that girl go like that. She made a fool of me.¡±     ¡°So what do you want? You hate her guts, yet you don¡¯t want her to leave.¡±     ¡°I am the Alpha, and my order is final. At least she has to serve me for a couple of years. It¡¯s wrong and unfair to me.¡±     He stayed mute, funnily turning his eyes. ¡°Noah has three years to serve you if I go by the monthly wage you pay ves. How about I pay thirty grand, and she works for you for an entire year and a few months? That way, you get to let her go.¡±     ¡°Perry can have as many maids as she wants. Why this one?¡±     ¡°Because she isn¡¯t just a maid to Perry, but a friend.¡±     ¡°Thirty is a lot.¡±     ¡°My sister means the world to me. I will empty my ount if I must.¡± His desperation was beginning to annoy me. But he does have a point.     ¡°Fine! To not appear too greedy, and like you said, she isn¡¯t useful to me. I will take that from you.¡±     ¡°So, we have a deal then? I¡¯m taking your word for it. She owes you a year of work.¡±     I rolled my eyes, ¡°yes, noted.¡±     Groaning in relief, he sat on the edge of the bed. ¡°Remind me never to be friends with you in my next life.¡±     ¡°I will do you the honors, my man.¡±     ¡°Should I make a transfer?¡±     ¡°We would need to get to my study. I need that on paper.¡±?


    ¡°Lead the way then.¡±     ¡°After you mademoiselle.¡± I teased.     ¡°Asshole!¡± He muttered, mming the door shut on his way out.N?velDrama.Org ? content.

 Chapter 16 No Mercy

    NIA¡¯S POV     ¡°You disgust me!¡±     ¡°I just hate to see your face so much!¡±     ¡°How did you even end up here!¡±     Thedies kept saying as they kicked me all at once with no mercy. Iy there on the cold floor, crying my eyes out while using my weak hands to protect my head. But that didn¡¯t stop the pain from reaching my core. I¡¯m their frustration bin. I do not need to do anything wrong for them toe at me. It feels like somebody has opened the gates of hell since the beginning of today. I have been hammering left and right.     Out of my desire to act dutiful, I had left Perry¡¯s side despite her warning for me not to. The maids didn¡¯t forget that I was with the assistant Beta¡¯s sister and thought it wasn¡¯t my ce to be. Here, I receiving punishment for thinking too highly of myself. The tears stung my eyes so severely for a minute, it felt like I would go blind.     ¡°You bitch!¡± Another yelled with so much vigor, and she sent asting kick to my belly that had my guts in pieces. ¡°In your next life, you would choose the right ce to be. Bitch!¡±     My wolf was too weak to fight back; how would I ever be able to fight against five wolves? I would smashed to pieces in less than five minutes. They took turns to spit on me before finally letting go. I didn¡¯t move an inch until there was no sound around me. Sitting up with difficulty, I groaned hard at the intense pain in my bones. I looked around the spot they had dragged me to, and I wrapped my shaky arms around my knees, sobbing quietly.     We were at the back of the kitchen, where no one could quickly rescue me. Shouting would have also been a waste of energy. I could feel my face swelling, and I tasted iron on my lips. Touching the lower lip softly, I realized I was bleeding. Burstips and broken bones are just perfect.     I wish I could understand the level of their contempt for me. Just a chuckle from me would trigger their wildest demon. Nothing I do seems right. My existence in itself is all wrong.     These newly inflicted pains would take ages to heal since I am half-wolf. I don¡¯t know how long this will continue. But I doubt I wouldst a year and not end up dead in the corners of this packhouse someday.     I managed to get up, and my legs shook so hard I had to lean against the wall to keep steady. My wolf whimpered in pain at the state I was in.     ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯m fine.¡± I assured myself weakly.     Returning to the kitchen in this state would only draw unwarranted attention, and my bullies might think I am trying to send a silent message to them, which is why I am going to head to the room first and have a change of clothes. Feeling safe in the four corners of the room without my devilish roommates around, I sat on the cold floor and wept intensely. I searched for my phone, thinking I should call Kingston and share my woes with him. But I had a rethink; calling him would only make him worry unnecessarily about me.     Being conscious of the time to return to work, I changed into another work attire and stepped out of the room. A heavily built individual blocked my vision. Raising my head, it turned out to be the assistant Beta.     ¡°G¡­ good day, Beta.¡± I stuttered, unsure of how to address him.     He snickered, ¡°I¡¯m not Beta yet. How are you doing, Nia?¡± His cordial approach sounds foreign to my ears. I didn¡¯t realize I was staring at him, mouth agape until he touched my face. ¡°What happened to you?¡±     Shit! I practically forgot about my bloated face. I shifted away from him quickly. ¡°Oh, don¡¯t mind me. I can be very careless sometimes and end up hurting myself. I wasn¡¯t paying attention to where I was going and ended up mming my face against one of the poles.¡± Ezra looked behind him to figure out where a pole stood in the hallway. ¡°It happened outside,¡± I added, hoping I was convincing enough.     Whether he believed me or not, he probably thought not to pry further. I feel d that he didn¡¯t bug me on the topic. I don¡¯t want to portray myself as such a terrible weakling.


    ¡°I have been looking for you all day.¡± He mentioned.     ¡°Why? Did something happen to Perry?¡±     ¡°Oh, nothing happened to her. It¡¯s just that I did something without your knowledge, even though the right thing to do was keep you informed before taking the step on your behalf.¡±     ¡°Okay.¡± I drawled, still confused as to what he might be driving at.     ¡°I paid part of your debt to Alpha. So you have just a year and some months from now to work in the packhouse to pay him back.¡±     I blinked slowly, trying to ingest everything he just said. ¡°Is there a reason why you paid my debt?¡±     His level of confidence seemed to drop, and he looked anxious. ¡°Yes. I wanted you to keep to Perry¡¯s side for as long as possible. Be her assistant and caregiver. I know by the time your work is over here, you both will have established closeness.¡±     ¡°What makes you think Perry wants to be close to me?¡±     ¡°Because she has never stood up for anyone. And if you know about her hiding spot, you mean something to her. I know it¡¯s wrong of me to burden you with this task. But I am desperate to save my sister from losing herself. I¡¯m happy she let someone into her world. Perry has had me shut out for a long while. The mind portal we had opened to each other since we were young is blocked. It hurts that there is no closeness between us anymore. With you, I am sure she would be happy again, and if not all of her colors, she would at least get a bit of it back. Please, Nia. Be a confidant and supporter to my sister.¡±     I gulped hard. My debt to the alpha is over; I know I am supposed to be happy but I am worried Ezra¡¯s intention would be considered a bother. ¡°Do you mind if I talk to Perry about this first?¡±     He didn¡¯t seem pleased with the idea; however, I guess he realized there was no other choice. ¡°Alright then. Suppose that is what it would take. Let me know what you decide.¡± With a nod of the head, he walked away.     Not waiting for another long minute, I hurried off to meet Perry. She was sitting on her back and scrolling through her phone on the bed.     ¡°Nia, I was expecting you to¡­.¡± The smile on her face waned when she stared at me. ¡°Who did that to you?¡± Perry asked, pointing at my face.     ¡°I tripped,¡± I said confidently, holding her gaze. Doubt lingered in her eyes, but my unblinking stare made her drop her guard.? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    She got off the bed and touched my burst lips. ¡°You should be more careful. You can¡¯t get hurt on the face, and it dents one¡¯s beauty.¡±     I gulped hard, swallowing the tears forming. ¡°Thank you. I would apply some lotion to it.¡±     ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I will get you one. It seemed like you wanted to tell me something the other time. What is it?¡±     I rubbed at the back of my neck, suddenly feeling ufortable. ¡°Your brother proposed something to me. But I wanted to ask what you think before proceeding.¡±     Perry¡¯s eyes darted quickly, ¡°did he say something horrible to you?¡±     I shook my head, smiling. ¡°Not at all; instead, he is worried about you and wants me to keep to your side for a while and help you get back to your feet.¡±     She looked doubtful, ¡°are you sure he said that, or was it your idea?¡±     ¡°He came to my room.¡±     A blush crept up her cheeks, ¡°so, do you want to?¡± Perry queried in a reserved tone.     ¡°If you want me,¡± I said, hoping she wouldn¡¯t try me away.     ¡°I want you to be next to me. I have never felt thisfortable around anyone like I do with you.¡± She grinned from ear to ear.     ¡°Thank you for saying yes.¡±     ¡°Thank you, too. How about we savor all of these nice dishes.¡± She pointed at the tray of delicacies on the table in the middle of the room.     I didn¡¯t need to give an affirmation, and my belly loud rumble did the talking. Perry couldn¡¯t hide herughter, so I had to join in. I should get a good sleep tonight and forget about how awful my day went.

 Chapter 17 No Healer

    GAEL¡¯S POV     My head aches badly. I tried hard to avoid drinking too much and ended up with a hangover. But here I am, wincing at the hammering in my head. Sitting up, I yawned loudly.     On both sides of my king-sized bedy four of my concubine¡¯s butt-naked. A delightful grin spread out on my face as I smacked the two near me with both hands. They moaned in response to their sleep. My life is incredible!     pping each of them harder, I kicked at the one inching close to me. ¡°That¡¯s enough. You all should get out.¡± I ordered. After what felt like forever, the four left, leaving me to myself. I stared nkly at the wall. I don¡¯t know what it is, but I haven¡¯t been in the best of moods for days. It probably has to do with Gemma¡¯s absence. But then, deep within me, I know it¡¯s not. For some unknown reason, I am beginning to regret signing the deal with Ezra to let the half-breed serve the packhouse for just a year.     Left to me, she doesn¡¯t deserve to roam about so freely without experiencing some hard times.     ¡°She is being bullied enough. What more do you want from her?¡± My wolf, Diaz, rebuked.     I snorted in response, dragging myself to the bathroom. The water felt like a pin on my skin. I would have asked the maids to prepare a bath, but my dick might end up hardening in the process. I don¡¯t feel like fucking anyone right now. Resting both palms against the wall, I hissed in contempt. It¡¯s because she is a halfbreed. I have never seen someone so weak as that girl ever before.     Her fellow gender had her punchedto the ground, and she didn¡¯t move a muscle to defend herself or shout out for help. As the Alpha, it¡¯s wrong of me to allow such a horrible act in the confines of the packhouse, however, for someone who shouldn¡¯t have existed in the first ce. I guess she deserves it. I can¡¯t be sure of what I would do if she did as much as cross my path. Her scent is enough to make me puke.


    ¡°Then let her go,¡± Diaz uttered.     ¡°Shut the fuck up! I have warned you to stop meddling whenever I am trying to meditate.¡± I hissed again. It isn¡¯t enjoyable to keep talking to a part of me so loudly. If I had given Diaz the room, he would have me hypnotized every time. I do agree it was wrong to watch. My parents taught me better. At the same time, I believe it¡¯s what fate wants for her.     Stepping out of the bathroom, I almost rammed into the wall at the sight of Gemma. Do bitches must have forgotten to lock the door?     ¡°What are you doing here?¡± I asked, not minding that I had walked out of the bathroom naked.     Her eyes stayed glued to my dick for a brief second before she looked up at me. ¡°since you won¡¯t call ore to me. I decided I better do that.¡±     Making my way to the closet, I turned my back to hide the pleased grin on my face. They alwayse back. I am sure no woman who exists in this world and beyond can resist my charm. It¡¯s a good thing I didn¡¯t try to get to her at first.     ¡°Gael,¡± Gemma called out, stomping her feet. I didn¡¯t respond and kept up with my dressing. Just then, I felt her arms wrap around my chest. She drawled, ¡°Baby, don¡¯t you miss me?     Why do you keep doing this to me, Gael? You know how crazy I am about you. How could you not be in contact with me for a week? Is this all because you have so many women at your beck and call? You do know I am better off than many of them, right? If I walk out again, it will be for good!¡±     I thought her threat was going to have an immediate effect. Instead, she still had herself glued to me. Stuttering, I rxed my muscles, turning to face her.     ¡°You acted very bratty walking out on me like that. Most times, I think you forget I am the Alpha. Do you expect me to run after you?¡±     She caressed my bare chest sending electric waves to my dick. I might have a bruise from going on a long round of sex all through the night. But that isn¡¯t to say I can¡¯t enjoy the juices Gemma would let on. Her insides are delectable.     ¡°Still, I am your favorite, baby. And you never treat me like one. You allow those lowlives to look at me like they canpete.¡±     ¡°That isn¡¯t true, mama. No one can everpete with you. I said too much that day, and I am sorry.¡±     She giggled in response, standing on her tiptoe to kiss me. ¡°If you are sorry, you will let me have your card, and I will spend the rest of the week here.¡±     ¡°Yes to the former, never to thetter. You want your father to poison me.¡± I scoffed, moving away from her.     ¡°Come on, baby. You have more power and influence than my father. He can¡¯t do anything but look.¡±     ¡°I might be irresponsible, but that doesn¡¯t mean I should disrespect my elders.¡±     ¡°Aww.¡± She cooed at me again. ¡°This is why I keep loving you. Your manners are still intact.¡±     ¡°Gemma¡­.¡±     ¡°Shhh. It¡¯s okay. I am staying, and I will need your card.¡±     ¡°Alright, whatever you want.¡± I felt exhausted from the long talk. I have an important meeting this morning, and I am runningte.     Showing Gemma out of the closet, I finished getting dressed and exited the room with Gemma hot on my tail. Trying to mark her territory as always, she held me by the arm. Unbothered by my state of urgency. It¡¯s always about herself, even if one is on the brink of death. We were about to round the stairs that led to the meeting hall. Gemma let out an incredibly shrill scream that had my eardrums in tatters.     ¡°What is it?¡± I questioned, not noticing the person that caused the uproar.     Gemma pointed in front of us, and there stood the half-breed-looking pitiful with the bowl of harvested fruits from the garden in her hands. ¡°What is this filth doing around here?¡±     Squaring my shoulders, I kissed my teeth, ring at the half-breed. ¡°How often did I warn you to steer clear of my path?¡±     She bowed her head quickly, stuttering. ¡°Pardon me, Alpha. I didn¡¯t think you woulde by this ce.¡±     ¡°You idiot!¡± Gemma screamed. ¡°Who do you think will decide whether my baby passes or not? It would help if you didn¡¯t exist amongst us. Your presence is making me irritated.¡± Without warning, Gemma threw out her leg and kicked at the girl forcefully, causing her to roll down the stairs.     Diaz winced at the loud thud her body made when shended at the foot of the stairs, with the fruits bouncing off freely.     Keeping my eyes up, myself and Gemma walked past her before parting ways. The half-breed got what wasing to her. I don¡¯t believe that it¡¯s my fault Gemma has a temper, and I didn¡¯t do anything wrong. I repeated until I entered the meeting hall, only for my jaw to drop in utmost shock.     A sick-looking fellow who appeared to be on the brink of death sat at the end of the table, staring at me like he had ns to take me with him. I red at every one of them intensely. They all stood up, bowing lightly.     ¡°What the fuck is this?¡±     ¡°You arete,¡± Ezra whispered in my ears while Ezekiel gave me a quick run down with his inner eyes. I know he did because I can feel it burn into my skin.     ¡°That still doesn¡¯t answer my question.¡± I rebuffed him.


    Ezekiel shared a look with Ezra before clearing his throat.     ¡°Alpha Gael, one of our members, has caught the disease.¡±


    ¡°So, does this ce look like some damn clinic?¡±     ¡°This is us crying out for your help, Alpha.¡± Omega Harold interjected. ¡°One of us is down, which means it will spread out soon.¡±     ¡°You all are the unreasonable ones who choose to bring the disease inside my walls. No one here in the packhouse has any raging disease. If you need a healer so bad, get the fuck out of the pack and go heal yourself!¡±     ¡°Alpha Gael!¡± Beta Ezekiel called out in a strict tone. ¡°You are the Alpha, but you will respect the elders who have helped saddle the boat of this pack to the sess it is today. Don¡¯t be that person who loses his manners due to anger. It was wrong of us to allow him in; we apologize. He didn¡¯t look this pale either. But what we need now is a solution to the raging problem. People are dying out there. They need our help.¡±     Letting out a long breath, I sighed tiredly. ¡°Pardon me for getting out of control. But I need you to leave, please.¡± I said to the sick man.     He nodded slowly, standing up. ¡°I am sorry, Alpha.¡± His words sounded more like a whisper. With the way he looks, I doubt if he would survive the day.     Heading to my chair, I let out a loud grunt. ¡°What do we do now?¡±     Ezra said, ¡°We would need to seek help outside the pack. We don¡¯t have a healer.¡±     ¡°So?¡±     ¡°I would make the calls and get a healer for us.¡± Beta Ezekiel offered.     ¡°How long would that take?¡± I inquired.     ¡°Say two days, just in case. I don¡¯t want our options to be limited. It is more of an intending pandemic.¡± He replied.     ¡°Alright. You do that. But the next time you pull this kind of trick on me. I promise not to take it lightly.¡± I warned.     ¡°We are sorry, Alpha.¡± They chorused.     In my distorted state, I notice the newdy among the council members. She is beautiful; her oblong faceplimented a sharp jawline and pointed nose. Hmm, my exact type. A smile spread out on my lips. ¡°No one told me we had a new member.¡± I mused.     ¡°She isn¡¯t exactly a new member, Alpha,¡± Ezra informed. ¡°She is the daughter of the head of the Keppa¡¯s n. Her father is indisposed, and he asked her to represent him.¡±     ¡°Why don¡¯t you let her introduce herself.¡± I cut him a stern re.     Thedy stood up, and I marveledat her perfect figure. Damn! Not even Gemma stands a chance. Where have you been all my life? I almost said that out loud before biting down on my hunger.     ¡°Pardon me, Alpha. I am Ciara Torres, the Daughter of Collin Torres. I am only representing my father for today. You don¡¯t have to worry about seeing me again.¡± She smiled so beautifully. Suppose the goddess makes this many beauties. I wonder how she looks.     I smiled back at her, ¡°But I want to see you again.¡± I drawled. Ezra pinched me hard on the side while Ezekiel let out a loud cough. I rolled my eyes; everyone was practically whispering to one another. They don¡¯t know how to mind their business. pping the table, I grinned tightly at them. ¡°since there is nothing more for us to say. Let¡¯s leave the discussion for another day.¡± I urged.     My eyes stayed glued to Ciara, and I was just about to ask her to stay back, but Ezra came into my view.     ¡°What?¡± I questioned, stretching my neck to have a closer look.     ¡°She is my girl. Get your eyes off her!¡± His nose red, and this was the first time I had seen Ezra in this light.


    I suddenly felt deted. ¡°How is that even possible?¡±     ¡°I warn you, Gael. If you respect what we share. Back the fuck off, my woman!¡± He warned, storming off.     ¡°Okay, tiger!¡± I mumbled. When I thought I had the hall to myself, Ezekiel came into view. There was no emotion to read on his face. He sure knows how to mask it all.     ¡°Can I have a word with you, Alpha Gael?¡±     Like I have a choice. Putting up a dry smile, I hummed. ¡°sure.¡±     Settling himself into a chair, he folded his hands on the table.     ¡°First, I want to address how you speak to the council. The reason I haven¡¯t retired yet is to help you act right as the Alpha. It would help if you were a leader who controls his feelings and never acts on them immediately. Being a leader means you never act irrationally. That can cost you a lot. Please, don¡¯t make the people lose faith in you.¡±     ¡°Okay, I will be sure to keep that in mind. What¡¯s the second thing?¡±     I thought he knew how to mask his emotions. But I was wrong. He had a malicious one in ce as he stared coldly at me. ¡°It¡¯s about my daughter. When will you keep her under your wings, Gael?¡± And just like that, I lost my respect.     ¡°I¡­.¡±     ¡°With all due respect, let me finish.¡± He cut in. ¡°don¡¯t you think it¡¯s unfair that you are ying with her future just for fun? Here you are, flirting so openly with no shame. I wish you would be frank with Gemma and let her go. Please. I want her to have a good life and end up with a good man. But everyone in the pack already knows she spends most of her time with you. If she would ever start a family, it would be outside this pack, which shouldn¡¯t be the case. I am tired of seeing my daughter run loose. Please, let her be.¡±     ¡°It¡¯s not my fault that she keepsing back.¡± I defended weakly, even though I would have still found a way to bring her back. I am not exactly tired of having her around just yet.     ¡°Then you also do a good deed and keep pushing her away.     Enough embarrassment would bring back her lost senses.¡±     I don¡¯t think Ezekiel knows his daughter well enough. There is nothing sensible left in that youngdy anymore. If anything, she is only good at making me scream shamelessly in bed. Gemma has one hell of a good riding skill. I smiled at the memory, forgetting I hadpany. Clearing my throat quickly, I tried to look serious.     ¡°I do like Gemma, Beta,¡± I admitted.     He scoffed, ¡°Do you like her enough to be your Luna?     The thought of the number of concubines you possess is outrageous.¡±     ¡°Having a Luna is farfetched for someone like me.¡±     ¡°That¡¯s what I thought,¡± Ezekiel said, leaving.     I would have loved to call him back, but I have nothing to say. On that note, I am entirely fagged, and I need a soap bath.? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.

 Chapter 18 The Caregiver

    AUTHOR¡¯S POV     Nia winced in pain at Perry¡¯s attempt to help mop her bruised body. Perry couldn¡¯t believe the head of the pack meant to protect his members allowed bullying.     ¡°I still can¡¯t believe this happened.¡± She fumed. ¡°What exactly did the Alpha and his wretched girlfriend say you did?¡±     With tears streaming down her eyes, Nia looked down at her swollen ankle. ¡°I guess my presence just irks them so much. I should have paid more attention and not passed through the stairs.¡±     Perry hissed in contempt, ¡°You should have flown instead. Are you listening to yourself? You intend to me yourself for their foolishness.¡±     ¡°Please, Perry. You can¡¯t talk about the Alpha like that. I might get locked up. He was clear about his warning for me not to cross his path.¡±     ¡°For crying out loud. That was a walkway. Who dare im it?¡±


    ¡°The Alpha.¡± Nia tried to make a joke of it, but Perry¡¯s cold re made her keep quiet.     ¡°Gemma is such a bitch. She feels too good about herself and thinks everyone else is below her. She is a perfect fit for Gael. I am not surprised that they ended up together.¡±     ¡°I am fine, I promise.¡±     ¡°Don¡¯t lie to my face.¡± She warned me to search the drawer next to her for a painkiller. ¡°You will take these drugs and rest here. Don¡¯t even think of stepping out of this room. You make such a silly move considering it the end of our friendship.¡±     Nia blinked innocently after swallowing the pill. ¡°I don¡¯t want to lose your friendship, Perry. But I need to work, or my debt won¡¯t disappear.¡±     Perry¡¯s features softened as she reached for Nia¡¯s hand. ¡°I am sorry for yelling at you. Can you trust me on this and lie down? You should feel better before the day runs out, and then you can head back to work.¡±     ¡°Alright. Thank you very much.¡± Nia said, yawning. Shey on the bed, weakly covering herself up with the duvet.     Inhaling deeply, Perry caressed Nia¡¯s forehead. Every time she sets her eyes on Nia, she feels nothing short of pity. Nia doesn¡¯t deserve such disdainful treatment. It was out of her control that she came into existence. The thought of how shallow everyone around is makes Perry boil hard. Giving her onest look, she dressed and exited the room. I¡¯m locking it up, just in case Nia wakes up earlier than expected or any nosy person chooses to go in. Unknown to Nia, Perry had added a sleeping pill to the drug that she used. That way, she gets to rest beyond just healing from the pain. Although it¡¯s a known fact that werewolves heal quickly, Perry wasn¡¯t sure if it was the same for a half-wolf like Nia.     Checking the time, Perry nodded to herself in satisfaction, and it was almost time for lunch. Gemma, in her mightiness, would be around the packhouse leeching on Gael for affection. With a trade, she walked towards the Alpha¡¯s chambers. Ezra bumped into her on the way.     ¡°Hey, champ. Why do you look so pissed?¡± He inquired with a smile on his face.     ¡°Where is that bitch?¡± Perry growled.     ¡°Who?¡± Her brother stared in confusion as his smile waned.     ¡°Gemma, of course. Is there any other higher bitch than her?¡±     ¡°Can you let me in on what happened?¡±     ¡°You don¡¯t need to know that. Are you aware of where that bitch is?¡±     ¡°I¡­ I am not sure. But I think she might be at the mall shopping.¡±     ¡°That is just perfect. Where is your car key?¡± She requested?     Ezra swallowed hard. ¡°I am sorry, but I can¡¯t give that to you without knowing where you are going.¡±     Exhaling tiredly, Perry red at him. ¡°You know what? It¡¯s useless asking you for help. I will find my way there myself.¡± In a sh, she turned around and ran down the stairs, to Ezra¡¯s shock.     She practically ran out of the packhouse and gged down a taxi. It didn¡¯t take long for them to get to the mall. There is only one popr spot where Gemma and her minions love to shop. It¡¯s a luxurious cloth store. It disgusts Perry that most of the things her cousin gets to spend money on are so ugly that she wouldn¡¯t give her dog to wear. As expected, Gemma was seated on one of the couches, pointing at clothes to be kept and taken away.     With intensified anger, Perry rushed at her when nobody suspected and grabbed her by the hair. ¡°You bitch!¡± She growled. Letting her wolf stay put on the surface to avoid wing at her.     Gemma screamed at the sudden pull, ¡°Have you gone mad, you bitch?¡± She yelled, throwing out her hands to get a hold of Perry.     Sheughed dryly, ¡°Oh, you haven¡¯t seen me in action.¡± She assured, pushing her roughly to the ground, causing Gemma to hit the floor hard. The store attendant and mall security rushed towards them, but they held back when they saw who the attacker was.     Perry is known to be one of the Sunset pack¡¯s wildest wolves. Only an actual family member can subdue her when she gets angered. Her strength is associated with being from the long lineage of the pack Beta. Except that Gemma is the only weak member of the family. Who is all mouth without action?     Pouncing on her mercilessly, Perry still grabbed her cousin by the hair. ¡°I am going to say this to you just once. If you ever bully anyone again. I will have you eat sand with that stupid mouth of yours.¡± She growled in her ears.     Gemma struggled to break free, all the while fighting hard to protect her face from scratching the hard floor. Her wolf couldn¡¯t withstand much of Perry¡¯s, which makes it more frustrating for her to go into defense mode. Just then, Perry gets lifted off her by Ezra, who had tailed her to the mall. For some reason, he could tell his sister wasing to cause trouble.     ¡°Leave me alone!¡± She struggled in her brother¡¯s hold.     ¡°Stay put!¡± Ezra warned, anger rising in his tone. ¡°how can you both be so shameless and drag the family in the mud like this?¡±     ¡°Why don¡¯t you ask your crazy sister?¡± Gemma bickered, caressing her scalp.     ¡°I am not done with that idiot yet!¡± Perry screamed.     ¡°Get a fucking hold of yourself!¡± Her brother ordered. ¡°You should leave Gemma.¡±     Gemma gasped in disbelief, ¡°Why should I have to leave when she is the one who came to disrupt my shopping.¡± She winced, feeling a sharp pain in her head and bone. Perry did quite a number on her.     ¡°Oh, you still want to get your ass whooped?¡± Perry inquired, throwing her legs to kick her.     ¡°Please, Gemma.¡± Ezra pleaded. ¡°I promise to pay for all the damage.¡±     ¡°You had better!¡± She huffed in response, walking away with her minions trailing behind her.     Giving his sister a disapproving look, he dumped her on the couch Gemma had upied before themotion. ¡°sit right there until I tell you to make a move.¡± He said, making his way to the store attendants to apologize and pay for all the damages.     The drive back to the packhouse was tranquil, to Perry¡¯s surprise. She had expected her brother to go on aplete blowout on her for acting irrationally. But he didn¡¯t say a word and just kept driving. When they got to the packhouse, he parked, still not saying anything.     With her hand on the door handle, she looked back at him. ¡°aren¡¯t you going to ask why I did that or rebuke me?¡±     Ezra snorts, ¡°Next time, ensure you target her mouth. That way, she won¡¯t be able to make a retort. I love you, sissy.¡±     Blushing hard, Perry got out of the car. Her brother can be pretty amazing when he chooses to be.N?velDrama.Org ? content.

 Chapter 19 The Mistress, the whore.

    GAEL¡¯S POV     I was about to get a blowjob from Sarah when the door to the study burst open abruptly, letting in Gemma. Without warning, she threw her handbag at poor Sarah while letting out an ear-piercing scream. Her face looked quite rough, like she had been ying in the mud or pushed to the wall roughly. The poor girl she hit out of the blue ran without being told what to do.     Zipping up my trousers, I gave her a disapproving look. ¡°I do not like how you always barge in on me with no ounce of respect,¡± I stated.     Tearsced her eyes as she stood in front of me. ¡°I have only been gone for a few hours, and you are already getting down with one of your sluts?¡±     ¡°I¡¯m not going to discuss my private life with you.¡±     ¡°Won¡¯t you ask me what happened to me?¡± She stomped her feet, sobbing.     This problem is my own doing. I have no one to me. Inhaling sharply, I smacked my lips. ¡°what happened to you?¡±     Gemma burst into tears. ¡°you won¡¯t believe what Perry did to me?¡±     ¡°Perry? I thought she wasn¡¯t feeling too well.¡±     ¡°Hell no! That bitch is outstanding, and I can attest to it. She came up on me all of a sudden at the mall and pulled my hair while also rough-handling me.¡±     ¡°Oh, why didn¡¯t you fight back?¡± She wasn¡¯t expecting such a question from me cause her reaction came in the most dramatized form.     Stumbling to the back, she touched her chest like someone hyperventting. ¡°How do you expect someone in my ss to get dirty with a wretch like Perry?¡±     I raised a finger in rebuttal, ¡°Please refrain from using such harsh words to describe Perry. Thest time I checked, she is your cousin.¡±     ¡°What motherfucking cousin? That idiot doesn¡¯t deserve to be part of my family. Anyway, that isn¡¯t the case now. What I want is for you to get her punished. She didn¡¯t even worry that I am your girlfriend beforeying her filthy hands on me.¡±     ¡°I don¡¯t think I¡­..¡±     Gemma threw her arms out, cutting me short, ¡°You don¡¯t have to think anything, baby. I want her punished and humiliated just like she did to me. Perry doesn¡¯t deserve to live amongst people like us. She is nothing short of an outcast.¡±     ¡°You should respect my sister whenever you talk about her.¡±     Ezra¡¯s cold voice resounded from behind. I had gotten carried away by Gemma¡¯s performance to notice his entrance.Rolling her eyes, Gemma said. ¡°Oh, I see you are beginning to feel one of a kind because I didn¡¯t put you in your ce at the mall. You are nothing, too, just like your pathetic sister.¡±     I coughed lightly, ¡°If I didn¡¯t know better, I would think you all aren¡¯t rted. What¡¯s with this extreme level of hate?¡±     ¡°You won¡¯t understand, baby.¡± Gemma bickered. ¡°These people are the worst of all. Please punish Perry; if you out me, you would do what I want.¡±     ¡°You shouldn¡¯t disrespect Ezra like that. He is going to be the new Beta in a few months.¡± I said.     ¡°That¡¯s none of my business. Perry has to get locked up and punished.¡± She insisted.     ¡°There would be no such thing as a punishment melted on my sister,¡± Ezra interjected.     I threw my hands up in surrender, ¡°this is a family rift. I am not getting involved. Go to the chamber and rest, Gemma. I will join you soon, hmmm.¡± My words seem to do magic. But that didn¡¯t stop her from giving her older cousin an extremely deadly look before storming out.     Ezra scoffed, dumping himself in the chair. ¡°How in the world do you even cope with her?¡±     I sucked my teeth, ¡°as I have always said, I brought it upon myself. What exactly happened? And why is Perry going around to beat people up?¡± It sounded amusing to me, though.     Everyone who grew up with Perry knows her to be very rational, and it¡¯s rare for her to lose her cool. However, when it does happen, she never hesitates to send everyone flying.     ¡°I had met her halfway to your chambers, and she asked after Gemma. The mistake I made was to tell her she would be at the mall. Thankfully, I let on my instincts to follow her. As I had predicted, she was in the middle of a clothes store, straddling Gemma to the ground while pulling her hair violently. How Gemma still has her head standing shocks me.¡±     ¡°Do you know why she went at her like that?¡±     ¡°Sincerely, I have no idea, and I didn¡¯t bother to ask. It¡¯s too much hassle getting involved indy fights. I won¡¯t be surprised if the argument is about a petty reason.¡±     I nodded in agreement, ¡°That is sure. Let¡¯s not discuss the girls anymore, please. I just reviewed the report of the disease reaching at least one person in each home. Let¡¯s announce a no-movement policy until we know what this is and when Beta Ezekiel has reached out to willing healers.¡±     ¡°That¡¯s very valid, Alpha. Thank you foring to terms with it.¡±     I snickered, giving him a side-eye. ¡°You make it sound like I would k and watch the pack go into extinction.¡±     ¡°Never say never!¡± He said with a dead stare.     ¡°Fuck you.¡± Weughed for a few seconds before something else crossed my mind. ¡°That reminds me. Are you d with Ciara, or did you want me to back off regarding the council?¡±     Ezra shut his eyes tightly,menting. ¡°do you not have reasonable things to do with your time?¡±     ¡°Fishing out the truth is also part of it.¡±     ¡°Well, I like her, and we are on a talking stage.¡±     ¡°That means she isn¡¯t your mate.¡±     ¡°I am warning you, Gael. Back off! We want each other, but I am not sure just yet. Her mate died a year ago, and I have not met mine, so we want to be sure of what we share.¡±     ¡°Which implies I still have a chance with her.¡±     He looked frustrated, ¡°quit being an asshole. I am not going to discuss this with you again. In that case, pick on someone else entirely. Don¡¯t make me break your nose.¡±     I snort, ¡°You are so violent.¡±     ¡°Learn from the best.¡± He huffed, scrolling through his phone.


    ¡°While you are at it. I must appease your cousin before she brings the entire packhouse down.¡±     ¡°I do wish you the very best of luck.¡± He mused behind me.


    I want luck.     ***********************     AUTHOR¡¯S POV     Mindy let out some colorful profanities under her breath at the piled-up dishes in the kitchen. Stomping her feet angrily, she went into the living room, where the other family members sat.     ¡°Who do you all expect to clean after you?¡± She bellowed     ¡°Watch your tone, youngdy,¡± Stephanie warned.     ¡°Don¡¯t tell me that, mum. Why would every one of you use tes and not wash in return? I am not anyone¡¯s ve. If you need someone to take care of the house, you get help.¡± Mindy hissed.     Levi snickered, ¡°Will you pay for the help yourself? It appears you have be quite independent. Maybe you can do that much.¡±     ¡°This is why you never should have sold Nia off. At least she was this useful.¡± Caleb added.     Kingston, who had been quiet as the rest of the family exchanged words, huffed out in irritation. It angers him when they talk about Nia like she is some tool. He would have loved to put them all in their ce, but that would only make his parents suspect that he might have beenmunicating with Nia again.     ¡°Why aren¡¯t you saying anything, Kingston?¡± His sister queried.     Caleb cackled, ¡°Of course, he can¡¯t say a word. You all are bashing the love of his life. It must hurt. ¡°Shut the fuck up, Caleb.¡± Kingston hissed, making his way out of the house, ignoring their calls. He walked down the path to their mini garden and sat on the grassy ground.     He has been quite worried about Niately; she hasn¡¯t been saying much to him whenever he calls or responds to his texts as fast enough. He can almost feel the pain that she is possibly going through. Kingston feels it¡¯s his fault she is locked up in the packhouse as a maid. He could have done better at hiding her that day at the party.     cing a hand on his chest, he tapped at it lightly, feeling his heart thump quickly. Even though he has met his mate, to avoid forgetting Nia¡¯s face, he rejects her and hides the truth from his parents. He always had a soft spot for his since she came to the house. However, he realized his feelings when she grew into a more beautiful woman. He couldn¡¯t resist staring at her for long. How her face brightens whenever he appears makes him feel like the most critical person in the world.     It didn¡¯t take long for him to realize his feelings for her. It¡¯s beyond what anyone would have for their sibling. He loves Mindy to death, of course, despite the awful attitude she possesses. In the case of Nia, his emotions are different, and it feels like he can¡¯t live without her. With Nia being away, Kingston felt motivated to keep working hard as a web programmer, enough money to pay the Alpha back and take her far away from the Sunset pack to where the humans live. They can both settle down and live a good life. His love for Nia is stronger than the one he has for his family, and that is just about enough to keep him away from them.     Bringing out his phone from his pocket, Kingston dialed Nia¡¯s contact. The other line came on, but there was no response.     His heart raced fearfully at the thought of something going wrong with her. Scrolling through his contacts again, he dialed his friend Darien.     ¡°Hey, man.¡± Darien greeted cheerfully from the other end.     ¡°How are you, Darien? Sorry to bother you, but I want to ask if you know how Nia is doing.¡±     ¡°The half-breed?¡±     Kingston had a crossed look but rxed his muscles when he remembered Darien would overlook his annoyance. ¡°Can you not call her that, please? I hope you aren¡¯t one of those bullying her at the packhouse. She is just the same as the rest of us. I don¡¯t know why so much discrimination exists amongst you all in this pack.¡±     Darien snorted into the receiver, ¡°Calm your nerves. I can¡¯t tell how she is doing. But I am guessing she is fine. There you are bothered about a girl when a pandemic is happening in the pack.¡±     ¡°Don¡¯t exaggerate it. It¡¯s not rampant yet. Even though my parents have made it mandatory for everyone to stay until a healeres to town.¡± Kingston paused, taking a deep breath. ¡°I can¡¯t reach her now, Darien, anding out to the packhouse isn¡¯t safe either. Please, if you have any information on her, don¡¯t hesitate to let me know.¡±     ¡°Sure, man. Do take care.¡± He mused, hanging up.     ¡°I thought our parents warned you to stay clear of that girl,¡± Caleb said, startling Kingston.     Crawling back up hurriedly, Kingston kissed his teeth. ¡°What the fuck, man? Can you try making some noise when you walk up to someone?¡±     ¡°Then I wouldn¡¯t get eavesdropped if I do that.¡± He defended sitting in his brother¡¯s ce.     Kingston sat back, cursing under his breath. ¡°You didn¡¯t hear anything, and you won¡¯t say a word.¡±     Caleb turned his head to look at his brother with an amused expression. ¡°I have never known you to be rebellious. I guess Nia isn¡¯t so bad after all if she brings this new side to you. I have always hoped you would join me in being naughty someday. I am d we are on the same page now. I hope you realize how much our family detests her.¡±     ¡°I am not in that circle with you all. One quick question: what did Nia ever do to you, personally.¡±     Caleb pretended to think for a second. ¡°Nothing really, since our parents and Mindy don¡¯t like her. I only joined the wagon. It¡¯s appropriate to side with the majority.¡±     With an abashed look on his face, Kingston held his head like someone in severe pain. ¡°I can¡¯t believe I share the same blood with any of you. I feel disgusted. How shameless and clueless can you be? I have learned you only despise someone who does wrong to you. But why hate someone for just existing?¡±     ¡°Her being is more of an outcast. Don¡¯t act like you know best, Kingston. And I will advise you to save yourself the pain and death, whatever feelings you have for her. Or else things would only be worse.¡±     ¡°Who told you I have feelings for her?¡± He looked defensive.N?velDrama.Org ? content.


    Caleb cackled, looking behind him; he lowered his voice. ¡°I know you rejected your mate. And I am not blind to those looks in your eyes whenever you see, Nia. Our parents can be pretty oblivious most of the time. But I am not. Still, since it¡¯s not affecting me, it¡¯s not my ce to tell. All the same for your good. Read it! Dead that feeling it would lead to nowhere.¡± He mused in a warning tone, returning inside.     Mumbling some encouraging words to himself, Kingston inhaled and exhaled. For the sake of Nia, he has to be careful from now on. If there is anything he knows about his parents, it¡¯s their readiness to eliminate anyone they consider a threat to their family name. As it seems right now, Nia is a number one enemy. And no one would hurt her ever again, not on his watch.

 Chapter 20 New Yorker

    NIA¡¯S POV     I watched Perry in delight as she hummed to herself while painting. She woke up happy today, and I can¡¯t help but revel in it. I am bright and look perfect on her. It¡¯s been two weeks since Assistant Beta asked me to stick to her side for a while. I am d I got to agree to it. Hanging around Perry has been fun, and I also get saved from getting whooped up my ass by the bullies. I wish they would be thoughtful enough to let me be.     A few days ago, I got pushed down the stairs by the Alpha¡¯s girlfriend. My body felt like it had broken to pieces, but whatever pill Perry had given to me then.This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    It worked like magic, and I appreciate the thoughtfulness. It took my body a while to heal. If I had my way, I would like to stay glued to her side for as long as possible.     ¡°What are you thinking about?¡± Perry asked, grinning from ear to ear.     I chuckled, ¡°Nothing. Why do you seem a bit excited today?¡±     ¡°Well, you won¡¯t believe this news I have for you.¡±     ¡°What¡¯s that?¡±     ¡°Remember I talked about going to New York City to get my art into the market?¡±     ¡°Yes.¡±     ¡°Well, they granted my request, and I am to go for a three-month art residency next week. The greatest news is my artwork is attracting potential buyers already. And if it goes well.  I don¡¯t think I will being back here after residency. My life finally begins, Nia.¡± She yelled in excitement. I wanted to be happy for her, but my facial muscles tightened and wouldn¡¯t soften to rejoice with her. ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Nia?¡±     I swallowed, feeling ashamed for being so selfish. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Perry. I have always known your desire to leave and pursue your passion. I dreaded the day toe. But I didn¡¯t think it would be this soon when I get to know you well.¡±     Her face fell as she licked her dry lips. ¡°I am sorry, Nia. I had applied long before we met. It just got approved.¡±     ¡°Pardon me for sounding selfish. We have a different path to follow, after all.¡±     ¡°Don¡¯t be like that, Nia. I am d you cherish our moments together just like I do, and you don¡¯t want me to leave. However, this means a lot to me. One thing I know for sure is that you can always join me after you get done here.¡±     My heart sank deeper at the reminder of my very here. ¡°When will that happen? I doubt if the chance would evere.¡±     ¡°Can you quit being so negative?¡± Perry cautioned, dropping the brush in her hand to hold mine. ¡°Listen, my brother already sorted part of your debt. And I promise to pay the rest soon after my work gains recognition and I have enough money. You only have about a full year to work in the packhouse. By then, I would be well settled, and we can live far away from this ce that thinks we are odd and don¡¯t belong.¡±     ¡°Do you think I could live in New York?¡± I tried to seek as muchforting validation as I could.


    ¡°I assure you that you would. Also, who knows, you might find your father¡¯s family there.¡±     A bright smile tugged at my lips. ¡°That sounds promising.¡±     ¡°I know, Nia.¡± She mused, tucking a loose hair strand behind my ear. ¡°I promise you, Nia. I¡¯m never going to let you go. I wille back for you and free you of this dark world you are in. We are going to live happily ever after in life. Trust me. You have to hang in there until we get to our destination.¡±     A lone tear rolled down my face, and she wiped it off.     ¡°Thank you, Perry. You are heaven, after all. The goddess was listening to my cry that night, no doubt.¡±     Perryughed lightly, ¡°Yeah, right. I guess she did.¡±     ¡°When are you due to leave?¡±     ¡°By the beginning of next week.¡±     ¡°I¡¯m going to miss you so much.¡± I drawled.     ¡°I haven¡¯t even left yet, and it¡¯s still about five days from now. Let¡¯s enjoy our moments together and make bounty memories to keep us in each other¡¯s mind until we meet again.¡±     My eyes watered at her speech, but I held back. It isn¡¯t the time to cry. ¡°Have you told your brother yet?¡±     She sighed, ying with her painting brush. ¡°My brother would have a fit. I don¡¯t think I am ready to tell him just yet.¡±     ¡°You should let him know soon. He would feel more betrayed if he got to know when you are about to leave. Brothers can be very loving and protective of their siblings. I already feel bad for keeping the truth from Kingston. I can tell he is worried about me. But I don¡¯t want him to be bothered when ites to me.     His love is what gives me strength here.¡±     ¡°Well, I never did realize it until recently. Now that I will be leaving soon. I should tell you the truth.¡±     ¡°Truth about what?¡±     ¡°That day, you got pushed off the stairs. I went ahead to beat up Gemma when you slept.¡±     I gasped in shock, staring at her in disbelief. ¡°Please tell me you are joking.¡±     ¡°Do I look like it?¡± She said with a nk expression.     ¡°Oh, my goodness. Gemma woulde for me. I am a dead meat.¡±     ¡°Can you stop being so dramatic? It¡¯s been days since it happened, and no one has questioned you. I didn¡¯t exactly say why I had her dealt with. Everyone knows there is bad blood between us, so it didn¡¯t seem like a new thing.¡±     My racing heart calmed down eventually. ¡°Really? Why would I do such a thing?¡±     Perry shrugged nonchntly, ¡°She deserved all she got for doing such a horrifying thing to you. Don¡¯t pity her at all. She is not worth it.¡±     I reached for her hand, smiling gratefully. ¡°This is one of the reasons I will miss you so much, Perry. You are always standing up for me. I don¡¯t know how I would have survived without you.¡±     ¡°You can thank me by surviving the rest of the time you have to spend here ande join me in New York for a new life.¡±     ¡°I will keep that in mind.¡±     ¡°Thank you for being amazing, Nia.¡±     ¡°You are just as amazing, too.¡± I cooed, lunging for a hug. Weughed heartily, enjoying the serenity that surrounded us. I am going to miss my friend very much.

 Chapter 21 In need of a healer

    GAEL¡¯S POV     Anxiety gripped the tail of my heart like it would tear it apart. The council meeting has never been this porous, and this particr direction would have me in stitches. I tried to focus, but their murmurings weren¡¯t helping.     ¡°Enough! Please!¡± I roared. Everything went silent all at once. ¡°I need to have a private discussion with the Beta¡¯s. Please, let¡¯s adjourn the meeting till tomorrow.¡±     There was grumbling amongst them; however, none dared to counter me. Which was relieving; I would instead not exchange words with any of them, knowing fully well that the unrest is partially my fault. I leaned forward when the room was devoid of their noise.     ¡°Can you please exin what you talked about a few minutes ago?¡± I said to Beta Ezekiel.     He cleared his throat, looking solemn. ¡°I¡¯m sorry I have to say this, Alpha. But our pack has been ousted from the other northern wolf packs.¡±     ¡°How dare any of them push me out? Our pack is the most resourceful. Have they lost their minds?¡± I retorted.     Ezra huffed, ¡°You know it¡¯s beyond that now, Gael. What¡¯s the use of our economic resources when our people are unhealthy? It¡¯s useless.¡±     ¡°No healer wants toe to the pack. Their Alpha won¡¯t release them. ording to their reports, the disease seems to be incurable. So, to avoid bringing doom to themselves, they have no ns to help us.¡± Ezekiel concluded.     Rubbing my tired face, even though it¡¯s barely noon yet. ¡°Get me the doctors, Ezra.¡±     ¡°Right away, Alpha.¡± He replied, hurrying out.     ¡°What do you say we do, Beta? I know I had been against us enabling a healer. Now that I agree, no one is concerned abouting to our rescue. I am perplexed as it stands. I won¡¯t forgive myself if anything happens to my pack members. My father would never forgive me.¡±     ¡°If we had searched earlier, we might have known how intense our situation is. Right now, we would have to hope our doctors would find a solution.     It¡¯s a werewolf-infested ailment. If not, I would have sent our man to the human world to seek a solution. Humans are practically able to conquer death as it stands.¡±     I hate how much confidence he has in the humans, but I didn¡¯t try to ruin his high hopes for them. ¡°We are werewolves and rooted in the cultural nature of our creation. It¡¯s why there can never be a case of solving everything by mere science on our part. Since we do not have a healer, I think the best thing to do is find a temporary one until we can convince any healer toe to our rescue.¡±     ¡°That¡¯s a good n, Alpha Gael.¡± He said.     The door burst open, letting in the doctors. They all don¡¯t seem excited to see me. Fortunately, the feeling is mutual.     ¡°Good afternoon, Alpha.¡± The three of them chorused.     I shut my eyes tightly, trying to find the right words to put out. ¡°I don¡¯t fancy your greeting at the moment.     But I will do my best to indulge you. Do you know what has been happening around the packtely?¡±     The oldest among the doctors raised a hand. ¡°Pardon me, Alpha. But it seems out of our control at this point. We have tried our very best to find a solution to the situation on the ground. Still, nothing got done.¡±     Ruffling my hair, I exhaled deeply. ¡°All alright, this is what we would do. Do you have some way to suppress whatever it is?¡±     ¡°Yes, Alpha. In our little way, we can.¡± Another responded.     ¡°Okay. Beta Ezekiel has the pack closed from any intending guests. Only people willing to leave the pack should be allowed out. And they won¡¯t be returning until we find a healer.     The doctors get the sick to the infirmary and do whatever they can to stabilize them. I would work towards getting a healer. I will make sure everyone is safe again.¡± I stated. ¡°You all can leave.¡±     ¡°Including me?¡± Ezra asked. I know what he is trying to do, but I want to be on my right now.


    ¡°Yes, please,¡± I mumbled.     The study suddenly feels like it¡¯s closing up on me. I am almost having a panic attack. I can¡¯t believe this sort of mess is happening under my wing. There was never a pandemic under my father¡¯s rule. Why, then, is mine different? Where exactly did we go wrong? I almost feel like the goddess intentionally wants to punish me for refusing the need for an actual healer at first, cursing under my breath, and rebuking myself for thinking in that line. I made my way out of the study.     I don¡¯t know how it happened, but I was in front of the building, serving as my mother¡¯s healing clinic. The memories began to flood in. I was always so excited to see her work. She always had that beautiful smile that would melt a frozen heart. My mother was the epitome of beauty and grace. No man in his right senses would be able to refuse her charm. It¡¯s no wonder my father fell in love with her. I would have done the same in his shoes.     Hot tears stung the back of my eyes. I bite down hard on my lower lips to avoid howling in pain. I had avoided this building like a gue. It reminds me of so much like a nemesis. I don¡¯t want any part of it simultaneously, and I can¡¯t let it go because it means a lot to me. It¡¯s like a toxic rtionship where you want to escape but can¡¯t escape because the feelings are too strong to let go. I am helpless at the moment. If this pandemic struck further, that would be the end of the sunset pack, and it would go down in history that the goddess cursed my pack, which makes it so frustrating.     Why does our entire life have to be in the hands of a single person? I would love to have a case with the goddess for ying such expensive games with our lives. It is why the human world is different.     Science seems to have the right solution to whatever ailment they have there. And here we are, seeking help from a heavenly-bestowed werewolf called a healer. I turned my back in anger. I can¡¯t keep agonizing over the past. I have a life to live and a pack to govern.     I stayed glued to a spot when my eyes met with the half-breeding out of the building all smiles.     ¡°What the hell are you doing here?¡±     She lowered her gaze quickly, with her entire body shaking in fear. It feels satisfying to know that I terrify her that much. ¡°I¡­. I¡­.¡±     ¡°She is with me?¡± A voice called out from within, and it turned out to be Perry.     I snickered, dipping my hands in my pocket. ¡°Perry, my love. What¡¯s going on?¡±     She smiled stiffly, ¡°I paint in one of the empty rooms, and Nia here keeps mepany. As per usual.¡±     It took me a moment to remember my deal with Ezra as regards Perry¡¯s involvement with the half-breed.     ¡°Oh, whatever. Just keep the filth out of my way.¡± I sneered.     Perry grinned mischievously, ¡°But you are the one who crossed her path now?¡±     ¡°You brat!¡± I stuttered. ¡°Be good, Perry. I will see you some other time.¡± I blew her a kiss, something I know she hates so very much. I could feel her eyes burning holes into my back. I will always love that for her.     Perry is always angry. Some things never change.This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 22 Her Passion

    AUTHOR¡¯S POV


    Settling himself into the chair reserved for him at the dining table. Ezekiel let out a tired cough. The situation of the pack¡¯s health care has him working twice as hard, but the presence of Ezra makes it at least easy for him to run around without feeling too exhausted. But it still doesn¡¯t change that he might be getting too old for the job.


    A small smile tugged at his lips, ¡°Wow, this is a surprise seeing you at the table with us, Perry.¡± It¡¯s been a long time since hest saw his niece. It¡¯s almost like they are strangers. She hardlyes home or acknowledges anyone. It worries the older man, being unable to make his brother¡¯s children happy makes him feel unfulfilled.


    Perry smiled genuinely at him, ¡°I am sorry I haven¡¯t beening around.¡±


    ¡°I hope you areing to apologize to me?¡± Gemma said, eyeing her viciously.


    ¡°And why would I apologize to you?¡± Asked Perry.


    Ezra inhaled while holding his sister¡¯s hand under the table with a slight shake of the head for her to ignore her cousin¡¯ste-night tantrums.


    ¡°Can we not do this at the table, please,¡± Ezekiel begged. ¡°It¡¯s obvious Ezra and I are the only ones who have had it tough today. If whatever you intend to say isn¡¯t relevant, let¡¯s eat in peace.¡±


    Gemma looked around the table, feeling betrayed.


    ¡°Dad! Why would you say such a thing? You always baby these folks and make me the bad egg. I wonder how long you intend to stay indebted to them like it¡¯s your fault their parents chose to die early. This sly bitch here assaulted and embarrassed me. Yet you expect me to let it go?¡±


    ¡°Gemma!¡± Ezekiel called out sternly. ¡°If you can¡¯t have a regr fight with your sibling and get over it, that is your cup of tea. You will not speak to me in such a rude manner. I have no interest in whatever you both are fighting over. Now, if you know your presence here would have the rest of us starved, then you are free to leave the table and eat on your own.¡±


    With tearscing her eyes, Gemma turned to her mother. ¡°Mum?¡±


    Danie held Ezekiel¡¯s gaze. ¡°can you just pacify her and let us all eat in peace?¡±


    Ezekiel hissed, ¡°You are the reason shecks manners. You keep indulging her. As for me, I have had enough of such disrespect, and I want her off this table.¡±


    Pushing her chair back angrily, Gemma hissed in contempt and stormed off. With a silent message to her husband, Danie followed her daughter.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for the inconvenience. Please, let¡¯s eat.¡±


    Ezekiel said, smiling at his nephew and niece.


    Ezra, who had been quiet throughout the scene, cleared his throat. ¡°I think you should have spoken nicely to Gemma, uncle. I don¡¯t want her mother to think we are causing a rift between you both.¡±


    Ezekiel hissed, ¡°If after all these years Danie thinks that, then it¡¯s not my fault she is a shallow thinker.


    And unreasonable at that to ever think about you two in such a spiteful manner. It¡¯s not hidden from anyone that we spoiled Gemma, and it¡¯s easy to think everyone is beneath her. I¡¯m not going to allow it anymore. I have epted my fault and moved on from trying to soothe her every time. You both own this house just as much as she does. She will be fine.¡± He snorts.


    They ate without a word to each other before Perry tapped on her ss to get their attention. ¡°I am sorry for interrupting your dinner. But I have something to say.¡±


    ¡°Go ahead, my dear.¡± Ezekiel urged.


    ¡°What¡¯s this about?¡± Ezra inquired.


    ¡°I got an email from an art residency tform in New York for three months; also, an art gallery wants my works on disy. So I will be moving from the pack next week.¡± She said,


    Ezra¡¯s cutlery fell from his hands as he stared at his younger sister in shock. He has always known her to be independent. But he never thought a day woulde when she would desire to venture off into the human world all by herself.


    ¡°What are you even saying? Why would you leave the pack to live among humans? Do you know me there?¡± He chastised her.


    ¡°Well, I would never be able to tell what happens there if I don¡¯t visit. There is no life for me here in the Sunset pack. I want to set foot on a different shore and taste life there. Many of our pack members live there happily, so what¡¯s wrong with me going?¡± She retorted.


    Ezra looked back at his uncle for help. ¡°Please don¡¯t be quiet. Help talk her out of this nonsense she is getting herself into.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t call my passion and career nonsense, Ezra.¡±


    Perry raised her voice. ¡°if you are fine with being a Beta for the rest of your life. It¡¯s all good. But I want a different world for myself.¡±


    ¡°Uncle.¡± Her brother moaned helplessly.


    Ezekiel let out a long breath. The food had already gone sour in his mouth. It¡¯s bad enough that his daughter makes a mess of the family¡¯s name-and now his niece¡¯s intention to leave and probably never return. Perry is known to be a free bird. Her announcement shouldn¡¯te as a surprise, but it did. No one expected it to be so soon.


    ¡°Is there anything we can do to keep you here?¡± He asked, feeling weak.


    Perry shook her head, ¡°not at all. It is what I have always wanted and worked hard for. It means the world to me.¡±


    ¡°So what happens to me then?¡± Ezra bellowed, teary-eyed, ¡°What do I mean to you? Do you want to get up and leave without prior warning? Just great.¡± He hissed, leaving the table angrily.


    Perry stared at Ezekiel. He raised his hands in surrender. ¡°He is the one you owe an exnation. Go after him.¡±


    Doing as told, she went in the direction Ezra followed. He was standing outside with his hands on his waist while he kicked hard at the grass. Perry stood behind him, contemting whether to approach him. ¡°You think Mom¡¯s death didn¡¯t hurt me?¡± He started keeping his back turned. ¡°I was lost. I wanted to hide far away.Knowing we didn¡¯t have them to look after us anymore broke me apart. But I had to keep sane for you, and I longed for you so bad. Your ever-smiling self just dimmed, and no matter what I did, it felt like your hatred for me just ran deep. I med myself, but there was no way to get to you. You always pushed me away. I wanted to be the first person you showed your finished art pieces to. But they never came. I always sneaked into the clinic whenever you weren¡¯t there to catch a glimpse of it. Just like Mum always said, your art would heal people¡¯s hearts. It did heal me every time I saw them.¡±


    Turning to her abruptly, Ezra didn¡¯t bother to hide his tears. ¡°I love you so much, Perry. But you made me feel out of ce, like I was always doing something wrong. It¡¯s almost like you forget that we both lost our parents. I want to be there for you, Dewdrop. I miss you. Why would you announce you are leaving me forever so casually like that? Do you not love your brother anymore?¡±


    Perry¡¯s eyes watered at the sight of brother¡¯s pain. She had always thought he was never affected by their parent¡¯s death. Which had brought about the resentment she felt towards him. Not knowing he was only trying to be strong for her. Her lips shook as the tears hit differently.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Ezra. I thought you didn¡¯t care. I just wanted to live far away from here, where the memory hurts. I¡¯m sorry. I have missed you so much.¡±N?velDrama.Org ? content.


    Ezra reached for her, embracing his sister tightly.


    ¡°Then don¡¯t leave me. I promise to make your art pieces get down there. You don¡¯t have to go.¡±


    She looked at him, ¡°I have dreamt of it countless times. I want to be a part of that ce, Ezra, please.¡±


    The tears rolled down his face uncontrobly, and it felt like someone took off a piece of his heart. ¡°Please, Perry, you don¡¯t have to go. I promise to do better. I will only worry too much if you are far away.¡±


    ¡°I promise I will be fine, Ezra. Thank you for keeping Nia by my side. She has been a breath of fresh air. I don¡¯t know what fate holds for me. But I am never going to let you go ever again, Ezra.¡±


    Wiping his tears, Ezra grinned. ¡°I paid a huge amount for Nia.¡±


    ¡°I do know that. Please look after Nia while I am gone. I hope when she bes free, she wille to meet me there.¡±


    ¡°Can Ie visit?¡±


    ¡°Sure. I would alsoe in from time to time.¡±


    ¡°You promise?¡±


    ¡°I promise.¡± She assured, wrapping her arms around him tightly. ¡°I love you, Ezra.¡±


    ¡°I love you too, dewdrop.¡±

 Chapter 23 The Paintings

    NIA¡¯S POV     Like some unexinable forces were at work, the few days I thought I had left to spend with Perry flew by so fast, and the day for her departure came. To avoid getting overly emotional, I had refused to see her off despite the assistant Beta promising to get me a pass outside the packhouse. I decided it would be best if ourst moment together were a joyful one. I don¡¯t know what I would do if I saw her leave.     I was standing in the space where her paintings used to be. I inhaled deeply. The new phone she got me to helpmunicate made me excited. Even though I told her Kingston got me one, Perry insisted I have hers. A painting of the both of us running in the woods was the only painting she left behind. I didn¡¯t even know when she was working on it. Perry said it¡¯s a reminder of how much color and delight my presence brought to her life in such a short time. I am going to miss her so much.     The days of hiding away from my bullies are over. I know they would try to harm me even though I am trying to prepare my mind for it. It is still so scary. I wish a miracle would happen, and I should teleport away from here. The Alpha hates me, and so do the pack members. It¡¯s nothing short of a war zone around here. And it¡¯s only a matter of time before my hideout gets hijacked.     Sitting on the stool, I took the phone out of my pocket and dialed Kingston¡¯s contact. For the past three days, I have not returned his messages. It must have made him very worried. But I kept my phone in the room, and since then I have been jostling to spend time with Perry and doing my duties around the packhouse. I have avoided my room like a gue. Especially since the roommates keep watching me like a hawk, it¡¯s so scary looking at them.     ¡°Kingston,¡± I called his name in a whisper when he answered the call.     The excitement in his tone made my racing heart calm. ¡°Nia. I have been so worried about you. Is everything okay?¡±     ¡°It¡¯s fine, Kingston. I have a feeling you must have been worried about not hearing from me for days. I just had a lot to do.¡±     ¡°Are you sure? I know you don¡¯t tell me exactly how it is there. It¡¯s all because I am practically helpless to put you out of your misery.¡±     ¡°Don¡¯t be like that, Kingston. Your constant check-up is enough for me, and I couldn¡¯t be more grateful. Thank you for always.¡±     There was a slight pause on the other end. ¡°I promise you, Nia. I will get you out of there, and we will go far away to a ce where freedom exists. I¡¯m so sorry you have to go through all these things on your own.¡°     A weak smile stayed glued to my lips. ¡°Thank you, Kingston.¡±     ¡°I love you, Nia. Don¡¯t you ever forget that?¡±     ¡°I love you too, brother. Thank you. I will hang up now and talk to youter.¡± I smiled, hanging up.     The tears were building up again. Someday, I will know what freedom truly feels like. I have had enough of running for my life and living in fear.     Standing up, I headed out of the building. I have had enough of a break, and it¡¯s time to return to my reality. I have to remain resilient, as Perry advised. Deep in thought, I unintentionally bumped into a rigid body.     ¡°I am s¡­. so s¡­ sorry, please.¡± I stuttered in fear. I hope it¡¯s not the Alpha. He wouldn¡¯t hesitate to drag me into the cell.     ¡°Hey, Nia. It¡¯s me. Look up.¡± Assistant Beta¡¯s soft voice assured me.     The look of relief was evident on my face. ¡°Thank you. Sorry for bumping into you.¡±     He smiled sweetly, ¡°It¡¯s fine. I was looking for you. Since Perry left yesterday, I haven¡¯t seen you. How are you doing?¡±     Iughed shyly, ¡°did Perry make it mandatory for you to check up on me?¡±     ¡°I am d you know your friend well enough. It asked me to. I wanted to see how you are faring, too. I know the packhouse isn¡¯t all that friendly towards you. But I hope whenever you need help, you won¡¯t hesitate to contact me.¡±     ¡°I appreciate your kindness, Lord Ezra. I will keep that in mind. I should take my leave now.¡±     ¡°Oh, where are you headed?¡±     ¡°The main house.¡±     ¡°Let¡¯s walk together then.¡± He urged me to my surprise.     Turning it down would be unreasonable on my path. We aren¡¯t doing anything wrong, just walking.     ¡°So, how has it been so far in the packhouse? Do you need to change your room?¡± He asked, moving in the same stride as I did.     I shrugged, ¡°I¡¯m not going to say it¡¯s beenforting. But I ept my reality; knowing I would be staying here for a while already has me in shambles.¡±     Ezra exhaled slowly. ¡°I will pay the entire debt. But the Alpha insisted you serve him for a year at least. I wish I could do something to help.¡± He halted in his steps as we reached the front of the main house.     With a smile, I cedforting hands on my shoulder. ¡°I am assuring you now that. I will be sure to one-up my face as I watch the floor where my room is situated. I got cornered by the two witches and a new friend of theirs. They had a vicious look in their eyes that spelled doom for me.     ¡°Took you long enough!¡± Penelope snickered at me.? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    Emily grinned devilishly, ¡°Let¡¯s wee you, right? Come with us.¡±     My wolf sneered and whimpered at the same time. Tuning it out of thought, I reclined and followed them quietly like the hopeless fool I am. I hope the goddess is ready to take one more guest by the end of today.     The minute I stepped foot into the room, a hard kick hit my back and had me hugging the wall tightly like some long-lost lover. It is where it ends. I fell to the ground when my legs wobbled.     ¡°I always knew you had something suspicious to you,¡± Emily said, kicking my outstretched leg. I winced in pain. ¡°First, you hung around with Lord Ezra¡¯s sister, and now you are taking walks with him? I must admit you are audacious.¡±     Penelope pped me hard across the face, and I swear I saw stars dancing around my head. ¡°I am sure she is probably spreading her legs out for the assistant Beta¡¯s pleasure. You will never get to leave this state you are in. You are born into very, and you will die one.¡±     My ears ached from the profanities they kept singing to me. My body seemed to have gone numb despite the hard pummeling. The only thing I know for sure is in shreds right now is my heart. I want to die now. I want everything to end, and I don¡¯t have to wake up to this cruel world again. With my hands over my head, Iy on the cold floor, unmoving.     ¡°Is she dead?¡± Emily asked with fear,cing her words. I almostughed at how meek she sounded. So, they do know how to be scared.     ¡°She can¡¯t be.¡± The third girl that came in with them said-bending over me to check. I am well aware of everything with my eyes closed. My body has, however, frozen up.     ¡°That¡¯s enough. The halfbreed has probably passed out. Let¡¯s leave the room and wait until the idiot wakes upter. If she is found dead, our heads would be hanging in the pack¡¯s square.¡± Penelope added.     I heard their footsteps hustling to leave the room. After a few seconds, silence enveloped me. Taking my time to sit up, I finally did after much struggle.     My bones must have broken to pieces because I feel incredibly light. Holding my knees against my chest, I sobbed quietly. I feel empty on the inside. How long will I be able to bear this pain? It¡¯s a day out of over three hundred days I have left. I would be long gone by then.     If not dead, disabled then. It¡¯s obvious the girls only have the mind to hit and not kill. Those crazy bitches. They should stick to their evil guts if they enjoy melting out punishment to a weak person. My butt was beginning to hurt from sitting in the spot for too long and dragging myself up and trying my feet to hold down steady. I stepped out of the room and went down to my ce of sce, the golden. It was gettingte so that no one would notice the battered state on my face and body. Rxing, it felt so weing. If I had my way, I would rather camp out here in the garden than be in the four corners of that room with thosedies. Now that there¡¯s no Perry to protect me, the assistant Beta D would give room for too much attention than desired. I have to learn self-defense. However, there is no one to teach me. One way or the other, I would have to find a way out of this pit hole I am in.     Thete-night breeze hit my wounded face, and relief washed over me. I sat in silence; my eyes caught sight of someone on the ground. Because it¡¯ste, I didn¡¯t notice the figure on time. The figure wore the guard uniform, and he seemed to be struggling totch his head. I knelt, looking around helplessly.     I think this is the disease everyone has been whispering about in the packhouse. I have no idea if it¡¯s contagious; at the same time, I can¡¯t see myself leaving the guard. I have to get help, but I doubt anyone would respond.     ¡°Sir, can you hear me?¡± I asked, doubting if his state would even allow him to talk.     ¡°Go get some herbal leaves and mix them with a high shape and beetroot.¡± An unknown voice whispered to me. I nced around to be sure I wasn¡¯t hallucinating.     ¡°Say what now?¡± I didn¡¯t do it. Then the voicees again. It took an entire minute to realize my wolf wasmunicating with me.     ¡°Oh, yes, I would do that now,¡± I replied, running around the garden to find the required leaves. Luckily, the garden¡¯s abundance of the weirdest fruit leaveses to mind. I plucked the ones as directed by my wolf and ran back to the man. His eyes were beginning to roll back into their sockets.     I was searching around for something to get the leaves merged. I felt lost again. Going back to the main house implies fewer minutes for him to leave. My eyesnded on a clean stone seated like it had been waiting for me its entire life. Searching for a smaller stone, I ground the leaves together, not minding that all of the ingredients and tools for processing aren¡¯t exactly healthy. I am not even sure if it would work. But I still wanted to try either way.     Satisfied at the state of the grinding, I scooped the little concoction and fed the man. With my heart thumping hard like it would fall, I jumped out of its cage. I waited patiently. I don¡¯t know what I was waiting for, but I waited. It is the most chaotic ten minutes of my life. He went quiet all of a sudden. Then he coughed, spitting out some of the mixture in his mouth. He sat up, blinking as he took his environment in.     ¡°I¡¯m alive?¡± He questioned, looking at me. ¡°You saved me?¡±     I nodded slowly, not sure if it was right to admit that I didn¡¯t get to wash the leaves I fed him. ¡°I didn¡¯t do much, and I just fed you a few leaves.¡±     ¡°Felix!¡± Two guards ran towards us. Kneeling next to the man. ¡°Felix, we have been worried about you. We tried to reach the Beta and doctors, but no one was avable.¡± One of them said He had tears in his eyes.     The guard I saved, who is Felix, held my gaze. ¡°I¡¯m fine now. She saved me.¡±     Only when Felix mentioned me did the two men take notice of me. ¡°Aren¡¯t you the half-breed?¡± The second one seems to be the same age as me.


    Felix sniffed, ¡°A half-breed or not, she is a healer. She brought me back to life.¡±     Not liking the direction their conversation is going. I picked myself off the ground and ran back to my room hurriedly. The Alpha would probably kill me if it got out that I had acquired a false title. I think I have had enough for a day. Curling up into the bed, I turned the wall and cried myself to sleep.

 Chapter 24 Nia, the healer

    GAEL¡¯S POV


    ¡°Baby.¡± Gemma moaned in my ears. Despite my busy state ring in her face, she is still trying to get me to pay her attention.


    Part for the reasons she would never be a candidate even if the dayes that I am willing to settle. The pack is reaching its breaking point, and here she is, doing everything she can to get me in the mood. I woke up too early because she spent the night with me. She chose to follow me down here to the study.


    I hissed, feeling irritated by her persistence. ¡°Can you stop this right now, Gemma? I am trying to concentrate here. I have told you several times to return home. Go make peace with your family, and let me have some peace.¡±


    A loud gasp escaped her lips. ¡°Gael? I thought. I was the one who always brought you sanity amidst the chaos. What¡¯s this you are saying now?¡±


    Groaning inwardly, I felt like pulling my eyelid off.


    ¡°Gemma, please leave. I need some time alone. Go to the room and stay there until I am ready to talk to you or you go shopping like you always do. Stop frustrating me.¡±


    Stomping her foot, she hissed. ¡°Fine! Suit yourself. I am nevering back here!¡± She said, almost pulling the door with her as she left.


    Enjoying the silence around the room, I rested my head on the table. I haven¡¯t had a proper sleep in the past few days. My body feels so restless that I visit the woods in the middle of the night, running until my wolf refuses to go further. I doubt if I have ever been this clueless before. I have begged the goddess and my dead parent¡¯s spirit to do something. However, they all seem to be having a lot of fun as regards my current state.


    The door opened again, and for a moment, I thought it was Gemma. Raising my head, I was surprised to see Ezra walk in with his uncle and three other guards. Their expressions seemed rxed.


    ¡°Is everything okay?¡± I asked, watching them cautiously. Ezra pulled out a chair for Beta Ezekiel to sit in. The older man stared at me with relief and excitement in his eyes. Now, they got me all riled up to know what they have to share. ¡°I¡¯m expecting someone to say something, please.¡±


    ¡°We found our healer,¡± Ezekiel announced.


    I shifted to the edge of the chair in excitement.


    ¡°Really? Did one of the healers finally call back?¡±


    ¡°Not that. We have a healer right here in the Sunset pack. Finally, there is a solution to our problem!¡± He replied.


    I nced up at Ezra. ¡°Is he certain of what he is saying?¡±


    Ezra reached for one of the guards. ¡°Yes, Alpha. Meet Felix. He had caught the disease and was fortunate to encounter the healer. Now he is better than ever.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Alpha. She gave me something to chew, and I got better immediately. My two friends here can testify to it.¡± Felix corroborated the story.


    Ezekiel coughed lightly, ¡°his friends had been trying to reach me and the infirmary yesterday and couldn¡¯t get through to us. The goddess has finally shone her light upon us. We no longer have to worry about raging illnesses.¡±


    My lips stretched out in a smile. I can¡¯t remember thest time I got to do that. ¡°Can I meet this person? Where is she? You should have brought her along.¡±


    ¡°About that¡­¡± Ezra drawls, exchanging a look with his uncle. Before I knew what was happening, it was just me and him in the study.


    ¡°Why did everyone leave?¡±


    He sighed, settling into the chair, ¡°Your reaction is unpredictable, and I don¡¯t want a random pack member to witness it.¡±


    My shoulder stiffened, ¡°I am not going to like what you are about to say, right?¡±


    ¡°At all.¡±


    ¡°Then spill it already.¡±


    ¡°The healer is Nia.¡±


    ¡°Who is Nia?¡±


    Ezra eyeballed me, ¡°the half-breed.¡±


    It took a brief second for me to process the response. I burst into a fit ofughter, still in disbelief. ¡°What has a half-breed got to do with being a full-blown healer?¡±


    ¡°I knew you would act like this, and that¡¯s why we brought you witnesses. It is no longer about what you think someone can or cannot do. We need her expertise desperately. And don¡¯t forget that since she is a healer, shees from a line of chosen lineage to carry the cross of protecting the pack members. It¡¯s her heavenly duty, and it¡¯s not your ce to stop it from happening.¡±


    I clenched my fist tightly, ring hard at him. ¡°Are you trying to say that I don¡¯t have a say on who gets to be our healer?¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t own us, Alpha Gael. You are only a leader. We can¡¯t just fold our hands and watch everyone die like chickens. You would have to put your personal feelings aside and be diplomatic.¡±


    I can¡¯t believe this! I should have a tabled meeting with the moon goddess for always throwing shit in my face. It sounds absurd that a mere half-breed would be the mighty healer of this pack. My mother was Luna, and it¡¯s understandable if someone like her is Luna.


    ¡°Stop thinking so hard. Don¡¯t you feel like you are stressing yourself?¡± Ezra halted my thoughts.


    ¡°Is this some kind of joke the goddess is pulling on me?¡± I asked.


    ¡°It¡¯s not about you, like I said before. You don¡¯t have to worry about Niaing your way. Now that she is the healer, I hope you know she has her freedom, and you must treat her right?¡±


    I scoffed in distaste, ¡°Oh, please. Wait a second, does this mean we would revamp the old clinic?¡±


    ¡°Definitely. That would be forter, though. We need to take care of the ones at the infirmary first. I will keep you informed.¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± I replied with less enthusiasm.


    Ezra stretched forward and pped my shoulder. ¡°Be happy for the pack. Don¡¯t be such a baby.¡± He said, running off.N?velDrama.Org ? content.


    Shaking my head, I groaned inwardly. I need a drink. That is the only way I could get a proper hang of this mess.

 Chapter 25 The Mental Note

    NIA¡¯S POV     A soft pat on my leg woke me up, and I thought I was dreaming at first. No one in the confines of this room would wake me up in such a considerate manner. However, to my shock, Penelope stood at the foot of the bed to wake me. I sat up hurriedly, and fear lingered in my heart. It¡¯s too early for me to have stepped on their toes unless I did in my sleepy state.     ¡°What did I do?¡± I asked in a coarse tone. My voice can sound a tad bit different in the mornings.


    Penelope waved dismissively. ¡°oh, you did nothing wrong, please.¡±     My heart thumped at her sudden kindness. I rubbed at my face again to be sure I was not hallucinating. ¡°are you okay?¡±     ¡°I¡¯m very fine.¡± She grinned in response. ¡°the assistant Beta is here to see you.¡±     That got me more alert, and I practically jumped out of bed. Why would the Betae to see me so early in the morning? I haven¡¯t yet recovered from my punishment yesterday for walking with him. His presence would only add more to my troubled life.     ¡°Okay,¡± I uttered my way to the door.     ¡°Hey,¡± Emily whispered. ¡°Please don¡¯t tell anyone about what we did to you?¡±     Thesedies are acting strange like I would tell anyone in the first ce. I have no interest in being a target for bullies. I happen to find myself in the wrong ces. Nodding absentmindedly, I stepped out of the room. Ezra was pacing the hallway, and he stopped when he heard the door close.     ¡°Good morning, sir.¡± I greeted, bowing my head lightly.     ¡°Please look up at me.¡± He sounded excited. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell anyone about your ability?¡±     I stared in confusion, ¡°what ability?¡±     ¡°Your healing ability. Felix told us about how you saved him from the cold clutches of deathst night. It¡¯s been so long since we have been seeking a healer¡¯s presence. It¡¯s so relieving to find you finally. I know this is a lot to take in, but we need your healing prowess at the infirmary.¡±


    Myshes fluttered as I attempted to take it all in. ¡°I don¡¯t know if I did the right thingst night. I don¡¯t think I am a healer.¡±     ¡°It takes time for a healer to know about their ability. Was your mother a healer?¡±     ¡°Yes, before her death. But I am a half-breed; how is it possible that I got my mother¡¯s gift?¡±     ¡°The gift is passed down to the healer¡¯s daughter. Being half-wolf doesn¡¯t mean you wouldck the ordained gift. Whatever you used yesterday, tell me, and we will get it for you to use.¡±     ¡°I don¡¯t know¡­..¡±     ¡°Of course you do.¡± My wolf cautioned out of nowhere. ¡°See the ailing wolves, and I will guide you through it.¡± She said.     If indeed, this is a gift from my mother. I hope this gives me my freedom and I also get to be epted around here. ¡°I am still in shock as regards all of this. How is it that I am just getting to know this after so long?¡±     Ezra hummed, ¡°Well, from what I heard, the ability of the healers bes known when they face a case of someone being on the brink of death. You are always aware of what to do. I promise to answer every one of your questions, Nia. But we don¡¯t have much time, and I need you at the infirmary quickly.¡±     I stuttered, ¡°I¡­ I will get dressed then.¡±     ¡°Alright. I will be waiting. Thanks Nia.¡± He mused, smiling at me.     By the time we got to the infirmary, I still wasn¡¯t sure I knew what I was getting myself into. However, like someone under a spell, the minute Iid my eyes on all the sick patients, I became aware of whatever was wrong with them and could tell what they needed to use to get healed or not for someone who had never read a medical book in her entire life. I sure know a lot. My wolf is the most impressive of all, and I didn¡¯t realize we were this intelligent. Running the entire infirmary as I own it.     Due to therge number of patients, I didn¡¯t get to put my foot down untilte evening. I had only stopped to check the time when there was no one else to attend to. Ezra was of great help, and he made everything run smoothly, too. He served as my assistant. I was settling into a long bench that seemed to be situated directly under the moonlight. I took in a long breath, staring at the beautiful night sky.


    The news of me being the new healer had circted the entire pack, and many pack members came around to look at me. Now I understand why Emily and Penelope acted strange this morning.     ¡°Here,¡± Ezra said, handing me a bottle of soda.     I gulped down the content hungrily. I have been thirsty for ages. ¡°How is it that there are this many affected pack members, and no one knows about it?¡±     He sat next to me, leaning on the bench. ¡°We had to keep it low to keep the pack members from getting too scared. Some wouldn¡¯t hesitate to leave the pack, resulting in more trouble along the line. We had to urge the family members of the patients to trust that we would get them a healer. I am d we finally did.¡±     ¡°I didn¡¯t even realize a healer was much of a thing when there are able doctors. My mother died when I was quite young, and I just thought she had the gift and just had to provide help regardless. I thought you would be wrong when we concluded thatst night was a coincidence. Only for me to give orders at the sight of the patients. It¡¯s a miracle. How were you able to help so easily despite themotion?¡±     He chuckled, ¡°My mother was an assistant to the then Luna, you see. And I watched her follow Luna closely and ensure her work goes smoothly. It was always a joy to watch. Thank you so much again, Nia. I can finally have a good night¡¯s rest. I can¡¯t remember thest time I had a proper sleep.¡±This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Inhaling deeply, I stared nkly into space. ¡°Is this my new reality?¡±     ¡°Yes, Nia. You are no longer a maid to the Alpha. You are now a respected healer of the Sunset pack, and I couldn¡¯t be more proud that I got to experience it forehand with you.¡±     ¡°Would you like to hear the perks involved or tillter?¡±     ¡°If you aren¡¯t too busy. I want to hear it now to give Perry a full gist of everything that happened.¡± That made himugh, and it brought a grin to my face too. pping his thigh, he turned his head to look at me. ¡°so, from now on, you will live in the reserved quarters for the healer with your maids, and the clinic where you and Perry spend most of your time will be refurbished to amodate your practice. You would need more grounds to nt the necessary herbal leaves. You get to enjoy everything a Beta and Alpha would enjoy. Wee to your rich era.¡±     I gasped in shock, ¡°is this real, or are you just pulling my legs?¡±     ¡°I don¡¯t need to keep reassuring you. You will get to experience all of it starting tomorrow. Tonight, you will sleep in Perry¡¯s former room until they finish cleaning your quarters. I hope you don¡¯t mind?¡±     ¡°Not at all. Does the Alpha mind that I am the new healer?¡±     There was a bit of hesitation to his response, ¡°Actually, I think it¡¯s best you stay clear of his path. He isn¡¯t exactly thrilled by your new status. I am sorry.¡±     It hurts to be hated for no reason at all; at the same time, I get it. You can¡¯t force anyone to like you. Life works in contrast.     ¡°You don¡¯t have anything to be sorry for, sir. Thank you still.¡±     ¡°Call me Ezra, please.¡±     I smiled shyly, tucking a loose hair strand behind my ear. ¡°Ezra.¡±     ¡°Are you ready to return to the packhouse now? We can also grab dinner on our way.¡±     ¡°I would like that. I need to check on the patients quickly.¡±     ¡°Take your time.¡±     As I made my way back into the ward, I made a mental note to myself that all of this would either be a long kind of dream or my new reality when tomorrowes.

 Chapter 26 The Messiah

    GAEL¡¯S POV


    Outrageous! That¡¯s the only word I could conjure for the immature attitudes of the council members. They aren¡¯t thoughtful enough to tone down their excitement. Everyone knows how I feel about humans, not to talk of half-breeds, and here they are celebrating that they have a half-breed as their healer. I ousted myself from all the activities, includingunching the new healing clinic and weing the healer.


    Not only does her presence cause a disruption in my belly. The healer¡¯s arrival brings back painful memories. I don¡¯t want to punish myself by reveling in the past again. Still, we are nothing without our pasts, and it¡¯s what makes us. For a moment, I wished the Beta and Ezra were mistaken about her, and she wouldn¡¯t be able to get the affected wolves back to their feet. To my greatest disappointment, she came back here victorious.


    The entire pack seems to worship her. She did serve as a messiah in her time of need. That still doesn¡¯t change that she isn¡¯t exactly part of us. Ever since the pandemic discussion died down, the only thing we get to discuss is boring political and economic issues, even though they are paramount to our growth and my sessful tenure as the Alpha. I¡¯m not too keen on being responsible for now.


    ¡°If there is nothing else to say. With your permission, Alpha. I want to bring this meeting to a close.¡± Beta Ezekiel requested.


    I hummed in response, ¡°Sure.¡± After everyone left, Ezra kept watching me keenly from where he sat. ¡°When you are done burning holes into my forehead. I hope you will take a run in the woods with me.¡± I said, getting up to leave.


    He pped his knee in delight. ¡°I thought you would never ask.¡±


    ¡°Crazy.¡± I hissed yfully.


    One thing I love about our friendship is how much we don¡¯t have to deal with pressure to exin ourselves. Sometimes, due to whatever situation we are in, I would expect Ezra to bombard me with questions. Instead, he would wait until I was ready to speak up, and he was always forever prepped to listen. I couldn¡¯t be more grateful. The run in the woods relieves me of the tension in my heart muscles. And it has nothing to do with the half-breed. I wouldn¡¯t even waste two minutes of my thought on her. The news that weighs heavily on my chest is that of confusion. I¡¯m not sure if I should be happy or not precisely sad, though, maybe sober.


    ¡°Want to talk about it now?¡± Ezra asked after finished running and rxing under our favorite oak tree.


    I exhaled slowly, ¡°Sarah is pregnant.¡±


    ¡°One of your concubines?¡±


    ¡°I would expect you to know her name in particr. She is second best to Gemma. I enjoy giving her around.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t realize I was supposed to take notes on your bedroom activities. It would help if you had told me sooner. I will get a journal soon, trust me.¡±


    ¡°Crazy bastard!¡± I mumbled under my breath.


    ¡°Jokes aside. It is good news. Why do you look gloomy?¡±


    ¡°Because I don¡¯t think I am ready to be a father yet. Also, the child ising from a mere concubine. What do you think the pack members would say?¡±


    ¡°Since when did you ever concern yourself with whatever anyone says about you? Also, it¡¯s not like you have a mate anymore. Marry her. It¡¯s obvious you care about this one.¡±


    ¡°And Gemma?¡±


    Ezra groaned like someone in pain. ¡°You wound me every time, Gael. I want to believe this isn¡¯t some weird bipr shit or identity crisis. Remind me how many women you have under your wings again. There are tens of them, and you fuck them at intervals. You and I know you don¡¯t n to spend the rest of your life in Gemma¡¯s hands. And it¡¯s obvious you do like this, Sarah, make it official, and you will still have Gemma and the rest run after you.¡±


    ¡°Why do you always take things so seriously? I was saying I don¡¯t want people to give my child names that he wasn¡¯t born under the grace of the goddess.¡±


    Most pack members have a sour attitude towards an Alpha child not born by the intended Luna. History has it that they be highly hostile towards such a child, and if he is male, he gets deprived of his ce as the next Alpha. As unreasonable as most people might think me to be, I don¡¯t want that to happen to my child. Still, I can¡¯t ask Sarah to abort the child. She looks too frail for something like that.


    ¡°You are so clueless. If you knew this would happen, why keep this many women?¡±


    ¡°Because it¡¯s my life, and I live it whichever way I please.¡±


    ¡°Why, then, are you seeking advice when your life is cool?¡±


    I pouted seductively, reaching for his arm. ¡°Because I need you.¡±


    Kissing his teeth, he yanked my hand off. ¡°I¡¯m very much interested in shewolves, thank you. Get your bloody acts together.¡±


    ¡°You know what? Everything would sort itself in due time.¡±


    ¡°I doubt that. Do you n on telling Gemma?¡±


    ¡°She is not my wife.¡±


    ¡°But she is your girlfriend. You owe her an exnation for knocking your side chick up.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a shame. Gemma knows I fuck every one of concubines before now, and she chose to stay. It¡¯s her fault she wouldn¡¯t forget about me and move on.¡±


    ¡°Listen to your hypocritical self. Will you let Gemma go? Or it¡¯s just a game to you. Before you point using fingers, my friend, please check yourself. You are no saint, either. Anyone you sink your teeth into, it¡¯s hard for you to let them go even when you are sure tired of tasting that flesh.¡±


    I smacked my lips hard, shaking my head. ¡°I made a reality huge mistake being your friend. How do I know you won¡¯t have my ass open in public when you be Beta?¡±


    Ezra sneered, ¡°If you are that worried about it. Make your decision quickly and pick someone else to be your Beta. While I travel down to live with my sister in New York.¡±


    I gasped dramatically, ¡°So you are just going to throw decades of friendship away?¡±


    ¡°Well, I don¡¯t n on throwing forever with my blood away too.¡±


    I chuckled, ¡°You miss her that much?¡±


    ¡°Very much. I rest assured Perry would be fine. I trust my girl.¡±


    ¡°Hmmn, good for you. Can we go get some whiskey in the bloodstream?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Right behind you.¡± He boomed with mischief in his eyes.


    We are indeed getting high today. Thankfully, it¡¯s the weekend.N?velDrama.Org ? content.

 Chapter 27 Doing her job

    AUTHOR¡¯S POV     She was rushing into the house while fanning herself quickly to catch her breath. Stephanie mumbled some incoherent words under her breath. The shock was written all over her face. Kingston ran towards his mother.     ¡°Is everything okay, mum?¡± He asked, heading back to get her water.     She gulp down the entire content of the ss. Stephanie let a ridiculous burp. ¡°Oh my goodness!¡± She let out, throwing her head to the back.     Mindy stepped out of her room, making a face at her brother. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with her?¡±     Kingston shrugged, ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±     Stephanie raised her head, ¡°where is Caleb and your father?¡±     ¡°They are out,¡± Mindy replied. ¡°What¡¯s up with you.¡±     ¡°You both would be blown away by what I am about to say.¡± She said.     ¡°I do have a ce to be a mother. Can you say whatever it is already?¡± Kingston persuaded.     Gasping dramatically, she rubbed at her forehead. ¡°the pack¡¯s new healer is Nia.¡±     Looking at her brother, Mindy scoffed as she crossed her legs on the couch. Is this some joke? That girl can¡¯t be more useful than a cleaning tool. Who made her the healer?¡±     ¡°How would you know when none of the packs new concerns you? Nia Hayes is the new healer, and you know what that means.¡± Stephanie stated.     Kingston¡¯s heart thumped at the thought of Nia finally gaining her freedom. Now, he doesn¡¯t have to worry about what she might be going through. ¡°That¡¯s an excellent news. I¡¯m d her life took a different turn.¡± He said, mentally promising himself to call her.     ¡°Can¡¯t you all see this is a new turn for us, too?¡± Their mother asked.     ¡°How?¡± Questioned Mindy.     Stephanie grinned mischievously, ¡°Nia is a daughter of this household, and we looked after her up until now. So, we have every right to her money and all she bes. You do know how rich the healer of the pack bes. Nia would help us live the dream life we have always wanted!¡± She squealed.     Scoffing in disbelief, Kingston stood up. ¡°I want to believe you are making a long joke, Mum. You have no fucking right to Nia. Not after you sold her off to the crazy Alpha for fifty thousand dors. Shouldn¡¯t you be ashamed for doing that to a person you called your child? After doing something as cruel as that, you still intend to affiliate yourself with her. That¡¯s low of you.¡±     ¡°Don¡¯t you dare talk to me like that!¡± Stephanie warned. ¡°didn¡¯t you enjoy the spoils of her sales? Now that she has be wealthy, she would love to have her family back.¡±     ¡°She is that gullible,¡± Mindy added. ¡°Also, we did her a favor, handing her over to the Alpha.¡±     ¡°Will you shut that thing you call a mouth?¡± Kingston red at his sister. ¡°Easy for you to say. Why didn¡¯t you give yourself off to the Alpha if it¡¯s truly a favor? I am hoping Dad doesn¡¯t consent to this crazy idea of yours. Let Nia be, and she has served you long enough to provide a roof over her head and feeding. I don¡¯t know what else you intend to take from her. Let the girl be!¡±     Stephanie got up, squaring her shoulder with a stern look. ¡°Listen here, young man. Your father and I are the sole proprietors of this house, and you live under us. You will do all we ask of you as long as you live here. I don¡¯t even think there would be some escape for you. You will be the one to instigate the family reunion since you care for your dear sister so much. You shouldn¡¯t mind connecting her back to her family.¡± She said with finality in her tone.     Setting his jaw stubbornly, he held his mother¡¯s gaze firmly. ¡°you would have to drag me by the tail to do that. Since you are so shameless, air your dirtyundry yourself. I am not going to be a part of this.¡± Kingston hissed, walking towards the front door.     ¡°If you walk out that door right now, Kingston, do note back.¡± Stephanie threatened, hoping he would turn back.     Turning the doorknob, Kingston let himself out, not minding his mother¡¯s loudeback. The neighbors had their ears and eyes glued to the window, wondering what was happening in the Hayes household. Feeling frustrated as he ran down the long road, he paused and screamed. Kingston often wishes he never came from such an insensitive group of people.


    The only reason he has tolerated them this far is because of the one they share as families. Their nonchnt attitude towards other people¡¯s feelings worries him so much. He can¡¯t just sit back and watch them try to jeopardize Darcy again. At the same time, people would call him out for embarrassing his family for someone who isn¡¯t part of their bloodline. The Sunset pack members are very keen on their family bonds.     He went to the park and settled into one of the benches, breathing heavily. Closing his eyes, he inhaled and exhaled slowly, trying to forget everything he heard from his mother. She is probably just running her mouth and would be able to do anything in the end. Nia should know better than to allow any of them to waltz into her life so quickly, not after what they did to her.This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    Kingston still feels guilty for spending part of the money given to the family for Nia¡¯s life. His father had gotten him a newptop and had admitted it was part of the money. For days, the guilt made him invincible, and he couldn¡¯t bring himself to call Nia. Until now, he feels like he still owes her a lot, and he is willing to be very sessful to give her a good life. But it appears the goddess has a different n. Who would have thought the ordinary Nia would be a healer? It¡¯s still shocking news, and it would take a while to get it in all at once. Just as he attempted to stand up, his phone message notification beeped. Checking who it is, a smile spread out on his face. Nia asked to see him.     Dusting off the dirt on his trousers, he hoped things would sort themselves out with time.

 Chapter 28 No abortions

    NIA¡¯S POV     I sighed in delight, settling into myforting office chair. I had asked the office to be in the same room where Perry does most of her paintings. That way, I get to reflect on our shared memories and have a soothing view that calms me after a long day. The diseases spread through the pack, and more people stream in daily. Just as Ezra had said, it didn¡¯t take long for the abandoned building to regain a new life, and I must admit there is some odd connection to it that makes me feel very calm. And it¡¯s not because of Perry.     I am guessing the former healer¡¯s spirit is pleased with me, considering the mass spread of the strange disease. I¡¯m working on a potion that we would inject into their bodies that way, they be immune to the disease. But I will need the go-ahead on the Alpha, which is nearly impossible, for the past two weeks since I became the official healer of this pack. He hasn¡¯t tried to meet up with me despite saving his pack from cmity. His hatred for me no doubt runs deep. Because of the Alpha¡¯s unwarranted hate, I have to wait for Ezra, who is on an official assignment, to return before giving the people what they need exactly. I would have loved to go to the Beta directly, but I feel unsafe among them. I have refused to let my sudden fame get to me. It¡¯s the only way to keep myself from getting hurt. No one will rescue me this time, so I intend to remain patient and wait till Ezra returns. We have be close in the short span of knowing each other.     My phone rang loudly, jolting me out of my deep thought. A bright smile spread on my face as the caller ID came up. ¡°Hey there, friend.¡±     Perryughed into the receiver, ¡°How are you, stranger? I thought you would never call, so I had to do the honors.¡±     I smacked my forehead, biting down on my lips in regret. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry for my negligence, Perry.¡±     ¡°It¡¯s fine. I heard you haven¡¯t had the easiest week either. Must be hard having to deal with those annoying pack members.¡± She hissed.     Iughed softly, ¡°they aren¡¯t all that bad.¡±     ¡°Oh, please, they are all the same.¡± I can imagine her rolling her eyes. ¡°I¡¯m just so d you are no longer an easy ess for those uncouth bullies. I hope you are doing fine?¡±     ¡°I am. Your brother is a messiah.¡±     ¡°Don¡¯t praise him too much. He would be full of himself.¡±     ¡°Perry.¡± Iughed, throwing my head to the back. Just then, I heard some noise from the hallway. It sounded like some fight. ¡°Let me call you back, Perry,¡± I said, hanging up.     I stepped into the hallway and backed up against the wall painfully. My heart thumped hard, and my breath suddenly hitched. It feels like I am about to have a panic attack. It¡¯s the Alpha¡¯s girlfriend, Gemma. I can¡¯t get over her cruel push the first time we met. It twisted my guts a bit too much.     ¡°She is the healer?¡± She yelled out to thedies behind her. All the while, my eyes was glued to the poordy between her thighs whose hair she pulled at painfully. I winced on her behalf. She has sweat beads on her forehead, and her limbs seem pretty weak.     The assistants hired to help me peeped from inside their wards, and some of the recuperating patients were stretching their necks to know what was happening. I held up a small smile to assure them everything was fine.     ¡°Why don¡¯t youe into the office with me, ma¡¯am,¡± I said to Gemma while trying to avoid her eyes. Kissing her teeth, Gemma pushed her victim to the ground for the twodies with her to drag her into the office. I wonder what she did to deserve such foul treatment. ¡°What do you need me to do for you?¡± I asked as politely as possible.     Gemma scoffed, sitting as she crossed her legs. ¡°The goddess has a lot of jokes in her pocket. What¡¯s a lowlife like you doing as a healer?¡±     ¡°Gemma, don¡¯t do that.¡± One of her friends warned, mouthing some words to her.     Rolling her eyes, she snorted. ¡°I see. So we can¡¯t disrespect you because the goddess ordains you? Total bullshit. Anyway, I don¡¯t want to waste my spittle. Give that girl something to flush out that bastard inside of her before I choose to feed her some more wolfsbane.¡± She said, pointing at thedy on her knees. She seems to have given in to whatever fate has in store for her. I noticed her head dangled a bit too low, too.     I gulped hard, eyes darting around the room quickly like I had heard wrong. ¡°What did you say, ma¡¯am?¡±     She pped the table angrily, and I am sure her palm would feel a wild impact. ¡°have you gone deaf? I just told you now that I want you to give her something to drink to abort that child, or I¡¯ll kill her myself!¡±     ¡°I¡­ I am a healer. I don¡¯t do abortions. You can take her to the hospital toplete the procedure properly.¡± I advised, stuttering like a fool.     ¡°Well, I already fed the bitch about a small dose of wolfsbane, and she still isn¡¯t responding, and no blood ising forth. It must be hard aborting a cub. Unlike a human child. But you are a healer, and you should know what to give her to get it out.¡± Gemma yelled.     A loud sound reached the depths of my ears when I tried to decipher Gemma¡¯s words. Oh my goodness! She fed thedy with poison. No wonder she looked almost lifeless. I rushed towards her hurriedly. Her eyes were closing up, and because we were all engrossed in Gemma¡¯s talks, no one noticed she was bleeding.     ¡°She is bleeding,¡± I said in a husky tone.     ¡°Already?¡± Gemma sounded scared by the question she asked.     ¡°Please, he¡­¡± My words hanged in the air when I realized it was just me and the dyingdy. Gemma and her friends have left. I didn¡¯t even know I had let out a scream when she suddenly went limp. ¡°Help!!!¡± I yelled for the entire world to hear.     The next hour passed with chaos; the assistants came to help me get her into a room while I got some herbs from the garden I just started tending to. Wolfsbane is one of the most potent poisons that kills a werewolf faster than a silver would. Thedy whom one of the assistants recognized as Sarah, one of the Alpha¡¯s concubines, seemed to have a firm will to live cause it took every herb I could get together to stabilize her. I didn¡¯t know what to do, and my mind was everywhere.     How could Gemma do something as cruel as this? She is bold to admit to such a grievous sin with no remorse. If the Alpha isn¡¯t so biased, I would have loved to report her. But it won¡¯te as a surprise if I get med. I have experienced cases like that. Many times when I lived with my former family. Mindy will always do the most outrageous things, and everyone mes me for it except Kingston. He has always been a supporter from the very beginning.     Inhaling as I leaned on the chair I sat on watching Sarah, my eyes fluttered slowly. I am exhausted from the heart racing and panting I had to do these past minutes. Thanks to my assistants, my legs would have given way to the ground because of fear. I stared closely at thedy, who was probably just a few years older than I was. But the face looks like it has been through a lot. She has sad lines on her forehead and wrinkles on both sides of her eyes. Sometimes, I wonder if I look like the pains I carry in my heart. Even though I live like I have no worries, it¡¯s hard not to bother.     Getting up on my weak legs, I caressed her hair slowly. I wonder how she would feel when she wakes up and realizes that her child took the pain in her stead and died. It will take a day or two for her to wake up. I hope by then, the Alpha will search for her. To think I would have be one of the women Gemma could easily trample upon all in the name of being the Alpha¡¯s girlfriend, even though my status might hurt sometimes. I must admit being a half-breed isn¡¯t such a bad thing.


    I am sure the news will hurt the Alpha. It¡¯s his child, after all. It¡¯s probably the first fruit. I don¡¯t feel pity towards him except for the poordy whose life had to be on the line because of another¡¯s selfish decision. I wouldn¡¯t say I like the Alpha, and there is no reason for me to like him. He is nothing to write home about and doesn¡¯t deserve respect from anyone. People like him shouldn¡¯t be rulers. All they do is feast on their followers¡¯ weaknesses. I hope the goddess does something to him; that way, everyone can be free of his assault.     To my surprise, Kingston was waiting outside the office when I stepped out. Seeing him brought peace to my mind, and I didn¡¯t hesitate to run towards him and hug him tightly. Like always, he embraced me with warmth, and all of my worries melted. Since I became a healer, there was no longer the need for him to sneak in to see me. If anything, I am grateful for this chance I get to be able to see my brother whenever I want.     Kissing my forehead, he patted my back gently. ¡°I heard you had an emergency. How is the patient doing?¡±


    I nodded against his chest. ¡°It¡¯s barely two weeks since I took you the healer position. The pandemic is still there to battle with, and now I have to deal with that, too.¡±     ¡°I heard the person is the Alpha¡¯s concubine, and his girlfriend brought her in. What¡¯s happened to her?¡±     Releasing myself from his hold, I scoffed. ¡°I can¡¯t believe this. How fast do words travel around here?¡±


    I don¡¯t think it would be a good idea to tell Kingston about what happened. I had only administered herbs to Sarah and didn¡¯t make it known that she carried a baby. They all just thought it was the poison at work.     ¡°News travels more fast than technology would in the packhouse. You will have to get used to it. Have you had something to eat?¡±     I shook my head, ¡°Not yet.¡±     ¡°I brought some sandwiches; it¡¯s in the car. Let¡¯s go eat it out in the open. This ce is stuffy and smells like a herbalist coven.¡± He teased, pulling at my cheek.     ¡°It sure is a herb ce,¡± I added, walking beside him. I stopped by the entrance to wash my hands. The sandwich tasted nice. I didn¡¯t realize I was that hungry until I had a bite.     Kingston cleared his throat after taking a sip of water. ¡°What have you been up to? You are doing a great job at healing the affected wolves. The pack is back to normal since you began working as a healer.¡±     I smiled weakly, ¡°I never knew I had the ability until now. I never thought I might have gotten my mother¡¯s gift. I have been working on some herbal vines. Every wolf will get a shot, and I believe it will keep off any odd disease whatsoever.¡±     ¡°That¡¯s very thoughtful. Why haven¡¯t you started administering it to people?¡±     ¡°I still need the Alpha¡¯s approval to give it a final touch and administer it.¡±     ¡°That shouldn¡¯t be hard to get.¡±     Iughed, ¡°That person hates me. I can¡¯t go to him myself. I must wait for the assistant Beta to return from his trip.¡± Kingston looked unhappy at my response. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±     He sighed, ¡°I am thankful you don¡¯t have to enve yourself to him anymore. At the same time, it bothers me that you will be stuck here as the healer for life. I was working hard towards getting us out of this pack. Far away from here to a ce where we can be happy.¡±     ¡°You sound like Perry,¡± I said, grinning at him.     Pulling at my nose, he chuckled. ¡°How do you always get to smile in the toughest situations?¡±? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    I shrugged, ¡°I¡¯m only learning to live. After all, I can¡¯t live my entire life in a gloomy state. I will have to create my rainbow myself.¡±     ¡°You are so adorable.¡± He mused, pulling at my cheeks. ¡°Come here.¡±     Taking a deep breath, I rested my head on his shoulder, chewing the rest of my sandwich. I feel very contented.

 Chapter 29 Loss of a Child

    AUTHOR¡¯S POV


    Gemma paced the room back and forth, biting on her lips while clenching her fist simultaneously. Her insides churned as the thoughts raged through her head. All through the night, she kept turning and couldn¡¯t get an hour of sleep. She mes herself for being such a coward and running off. Instead of waiting to resolve whatever might be happening. If Gael finds out she has a hand in the death of his first child; Gemma can¡¯t be too sure of what his reaction would be. Snatching her phone and bag, she drove out of the house, heading towards the packhouse.


    She only hopes Sarah is still alive. If dead, Gael will get to the root of it, which means he will find out about her involvement in her death. She practically jumped out of the car and went into the clinic. Nia was stepping out of a ward when she bumped into Gemma.


    ¡°Perfect! Just the person I need.¡± Gemma growled in an unfriendly tone.


    Nia stumbled to the back a bit, trying to keep a stance. ¡°how may I help you, miss?¡±


    She scoffed, ¡°Really? I see you have a voice now. Typical of someone like you who thinks she is something now. Where is the girl?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think you should be asking after her.¡±


    ¡°Why not?¡±


    ¡°You abandoned her to die, miss¡­.¡±


    Gemma raised her hand in an attempt to p her, causing Nia to cower in fear. She kissed her teeth and lowered her voice dangerously. ¡°If you know what¡¯s best for you. You will take me to her. Don¡¯t forget no one cares a hoot about you. I can make you disappear if I have to and need to. I remind you that the Alpha will love never to set his eyes on your dumb self ever again. Now, in a simple sentence, I am going to ask you. Where is she?¡± She gritted.


    Nia swallowed hard, cursing herself for being so weak and helpless. With a shaky hand, she pointed at the room where Sarah is in. ¡°There.¡±


    Pushing her forward, she said, ¡°lead the way!¡±


    Sarah was sitting up while staring nkly at the wall. She didn¡¯t flinch at their entrance, and it was almost like she wasn¡¯t there. Gemma pped in her face. She blinked and turned her head slowly. ¡°Why are you here?¡±


    Gemma cackled like an evil witch. ¡°Is being alive making you feel outstanding? I don¡¯t know who to praise, the healer for being able to bring your stupid self back to life, or you who has refused to die. If you survived, I am pretty sure that thing you were carrying is long gone.¡± She cut Nia a stern re, who affirmed it with a nod. ¡°I thought as much.¡±


    ¡°She still needs to rest, please,¡± Nia mumbled meekly.


    ¡°Shut the fuck up!¡± Gemma roared, turning back to Sarah. ¡°I only have a few things to say to you, girl. If you want to live, don¡¯t you ever in your miserable life mention it to anyone that I gave you poison to abort that bastard pup, or else that will be thest day you breathe. And not just that, but I will ensure to lynch every member of that rotten family of yours. If you think I can¡¯t, try me.¡± Even though her heart raced in fear of someone reporting her, Gemma still had to fake dominance to save face.


    Sarah¡¯s breath hitched as tears filled her eyes. Judging by Gemma¡¯s vicious re, she would be a fool to call her words bluff. ¡°P¡­. please don¡¯t hurt my family. I-I promise not to say anything.¡± She stuttered.


    ¡°Good! And you dumb healer, better warn your assistants to keep their mouths shut! If anything gets out of these four walls, consider yourself dead. I will dly do the honors!¡± Gemma hissed spitefully, storming out of the room.N?velDrama.Org ? content.


    Nia exchanged a look with Sarah, and her eyes watered on the poordy¡¯s behalf. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry that I couldn¡¯t protect you.¡±


    Sarah wiped her tears quickly, ¡°Oh no, you already did a lot saving my life. I probably would have died if not for you.¡±


    ¡°May I sit with you for some minutes?¡± Nia requested.


    ¡°Sure.¡± She replied.


    They stayed quiet for a long while before Nia finally broke the silence. ¡°How did you be the Alpha¡¯s concubine?¡±


    Inhaling deeply, Sarah stared down at her pale hands. ¡°I didn¡¯t think my life would turn out like this. All I wanted was to be an amazing chef and save my family from poverty. My mother works as a maid in Gemma¡¯s house. That fateful day, she wasn¡¯t feeling too well and had asked me to work in her ce. Of course, I couldn¡¯t refuse. If only we knew our lives would end up in mes afterward, I never would have volunteered and let my brother go instead. I went to the house, and the Beta needed something delivered to the Alpha. Gemma insisted she couldn¡¯t deliver it because she was no maid. The older man begged that I take it on his behalf and go with Gemma. That day, I came in contact with the Alpha, and the next thing that happened was he reached out to my parents to have me as his. The money blinded my father, and didn¡¯t hesitate to give me out to him.¡±


    Pity settled in Nia¡¯s eyes, and she realized her situation was better. At least she didn¡¯t get sold off by her biological parents. ¡°I guess Gemma mes you for seducing the Alpha.¡±


    A weak smile stretched her lips. ¡°You guessed right. Since I stepped foot in here, she has made it a living hell for me. The Alpha can be nice when he chooses to. But more than anything else, I want to go far away.¡±


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you bothered about the loss of your child?¡±


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t sure if I wanted it or not. My emotions are blurred right now. I have be a shadow of myself since I joined the packhouse. I have no life aside from satisfying the pleasures of the Alpha. I must say you are lucky. Not only did you get away from bing his ything, you also became a respected healer. Good for you.¡± She mused,ying back down and turning her back to Nia.


    Taking it as her cue to leave, smacking her lips softly, she walked out. The more she gets to know the Alpha, the more disgust she feels towards him. His unbothered attitude towards others and treating them like some toy. Nia had to admit she was indeed lucky to have not been desired by him. He would have made it hard for her to get her life together. Checking on her patients onest time, Nia headed to the woods, hoping to wear her anger out.

 Chapter 30 A royal child

    GAEL¡¯S POV     ¡°This had better be a fucking joke!¡± I yelled, feeling my veins pop. ¡°How did this happen?¡±     Sarah stayed quiet on her knees, staring nkly at the ground like she intended to burn holes into it. ¡°I am sorry, Alpha. I had a miscarriage.¡±     I hissed loudly, ¡°are you even listening to yourself? How could you miscarry a royal child? Is this some joke?¡± I eximed.     Pulling at my hair, I growled in anger. Even though I had been conflicted as regards the pregnancy, that didn¡¯t mean I wanted to get rid of my child. I was beginning to fantasize about the idea of having a mini-me running around. Be it from a concubine or Luna, and I don¡¯t intend to love any child of mine better than the other.     ¡°I only left you aside for two weeks, Sarah. And youe back to me with an empty belly? What am I supposed to do with the news? I can have you strangled to death right now.¡± I rambled, feeling my eyes sting.     ¡°But it¡¯s not my fault!¡± She retorted, looking up at me with tears hanging heavily in her eyes. ¡°I fell sick, and then I lost it.¡±     ¡°The pups from the Alpha lineage are always strong. If anything happens to it, it¡¯s all because you are weak and useless. I don¡¯t know what I was thinking to be delighted over your pregnancy. When you felt sick, why didn¡¯t you go to the doctor?¡±     ¡°I almost lost my life, Alpha Gael! If not for the healer, I won¡¯t be here talking to you. Why does everything have to be about you? I¡¯m a person, too. One with feelings. Not your puppet.¡± Sarah let out with a shaky breath.     I blinked in surprise at her. That¡¯s the first time she would talk back at me. ¡°did you just raise your voice at me?¡± I queried, intimidating her with my stance.     The tears rolled down her face uncontrobly now. ¡°yes, what would you do except have me locked up, beaten to death, or tossed out? I¡¯m tired, Gael. I hate being here with you. I have had enough of being treated like trash. I never begged to be with you!¡±     ¡°You should have known better before your hungry family took my money. I bought you, Sarah. You are mine to do whatever I please, and if that includes bing a fucking baby factory, then that is all you will be!¡± I gritted ¡°Get the fuck out, and don¡¯t show that face of yours to me if you don¡¯t want to find yourself six feet down.¡± I threatened.     She didn¡¯t wait for me to finish my threat before scampering away. My wolf seems to disagree with me, but I shut it out. How dare that damn healer let my pup die? That stupid half-breed must think she is something now that she has be a healer. If not for the sake of my pack members, why would I allow someone as trashy as her to take up an essential space in my council? That would have been over my dead body.     Standing up, I stormed out of the chambers. If she can¡¯t do her job right, what¡¯s the use of her wasting my resources all in the name of being a healer? Isn¡¯t a healer supposed to heal even the most broken? I am not going to sit back and act oblivious. She has to attest to her crime of killing the Alpha¡¯s heir. I made my way towards the clinic. To my utmost shock, she was seated outside with some guy who was staring at her like she was some shining diamond. I feel like punching his guts out.     The second they noticed me, theirughter waned, and they got up to bow. ¡°Good afternoon, Alpha Gael.¡± They chorused, which only got more on my nerves.     ¡°Hey, you. Leave here right this minute.¡± I snapped at the man. He was reluctant, but with one cold re, he was off. Returning my icy gaze to the damn half-breed, she looked scared, and that soothed my boiling insides by one percent. ¡°I thought you said you are a healer.¡±     She snapped her head up quickly, ¡°Yes, Alpha. I¡¯m a healer.¡±     My eyes twitched as I took dangerous steps closer to her. ¡°if you truly are, how could you not save my child? How dare you handle it so loosely. If anything, you are suppose to die in my child¡¯s ce. You stupid half-breed. My bastard child is worth a thousand of you!¡±     Her breath hitched as she stared at me with zed eyes. ¡°With all due respect, Alpha Gael, don¡¯t refer to me as worthless.¡±     I scoffed in irritation, ¡°Oh, you have found your voice now. Don¡¯t forget I own everything here and can bring you back down! It¡¯s your fault that Sarah is no longer with child.¡±     ¡°You me me?¡± She red her nose, obviously throwing caution to the wind. ¡°Why don¡¯t you check yourself well and be certain you aren¡¯t the reason behind her pain? Please, Alpha. I don¡¯t want to cross your path as you have instructed before. Let¡¯s refrain from being this close ever again. I¡¯m sorry for your loss. But the goddess decides who lives or dies. Please excuse me.¡± With that, she walked away from me, not sparing me a nce.     What the fuck is wrong with all these tacky women walking out on me? I grabbed a fistful of my hair, cursing loudly under my breath. My eyes twitched, and goosebumps went on the rise on my arms. I feel like punching someone¡¯s guts out badly. Ezra walked towards me just in time with a smile that I wished to wipe off his face badly.     ¡°What¡¯s up, man!¡± He grinned.     ¡°Don¡¯t you dare say a word to me! It is all your fault! I bet she would never have been able to hold a candle next to my bonfire. That bitch!¡± I bellowed     Ezra looked around like someone about tomit a crime. Lowering his tone, he moved close to me. ¡°Control yourself, Alpha. Why are you boiling so much?¡± I wanted to believe his concern bad, but the twitch in his eyes was so apparent that he was mocking me.     ¡°Fuck you!¡± I spat. Leaving him behind. Fuck every damn person in this pack     *******************************     NIA¡¯S POV     I pped the table hard, feeling my heart clench together. I have never met someone as callous and insensitive as the doomed Alpha of Sunset pack. I thought my adoptive parents carried the crown, but he is in every way the most splendid asshole of our time. I am never going to understand how uncouth he is as a leader. His parents sure did a terrible job at raising him-a supposed leader with no manners. I don¡¯t think I have ever been this angry in my entire two decades of living. Not only did he call me terrifying names, he used me of murder! Murder! How dare he?     Even if I am a half-breed, I still have as much right as anyplete wolf in the world. Why should I be ousted for being born? The world is probably not this cold, only shallow-minded people like him who treat people like ythings. He doesn¡¯t even know my name. I¡¯m sure he does and desires to demean me. I hate that I have to cringe away at every attack on me. My life is sure different now, as Perry always says. I don¡¯t have to condone their disrespect and insult. I¡¯m just as deserving of it as any other person.


    He even chased my poor brother, Kingston, away. I really should call him. But I must admit it feels good talking back at him. The most exciting part is, he couldn¡¯t do anything to me. I had walked away unconcerned about what became of meter on. But here I am, still breathing and not locked up. I¡¯m genuinely not just a maid or mere half-breed anymore. Not even Alpha Gael can bring harm to me. That made me feel relief a bit, but I am still not convinced. I will have to wait until the end of the day to see what he does.     A light knock came from behind the door, and my heart raced incredibly. The guards are probably here to get me. Swallowing hard, I asked the person toe in. When the person turned out to be Ezra, my mind was at total peace.     ¡°Boy, am I delighted to see you? Definitely!¡± I huffed, spreading my arms out for a hug. It does seem unlikely. However I have been able to maintain a close rtionship with Ezra in the past few weeks. Perry is probably just being a child, refusing to acknowledge her brother¡¯s affectionate personality. We have shared our family histories, and I realized the only difference between us is the mixture of our parents. We both have had our share of life.     He ruffled my hair. ¡°How is our healer doing?¡±     I smacked my lips, settling into the chair. ¡°I have been good. And it¡¯s been a bit hectic around here. Are you just returning?¡±     ¡°Yup! The reason I despise the current position I am in is how many things I get subjected to do on behalf of the pack, and I definitely can¡¯t refuse.¡±     ¡°Sorry about that. How was the trip?¡±     ¡°Not bad. Anyway, what happened between you and Gael? I saw him raving mad on my way in.¡±


    I sighed, rubbing at my forehead, ¡°If I tell you, you promise not to tell Gael or confront the person involved, please.¡±     Ezra had a look on his face that meant he wasn¡¯t making any promises. ¡°Let me hear it first.¡±


    I tapped the table, smacking my lips. ¡°I don¡¯t think I should tell you.¡±     ¡°Don¡¯t make me snuff it out of you.¡± He threatened.     I snort, ¡°violent much. Anyway, Gemma brought the Alpha¡¯s concubine to me to get rid of the baby she was carrying.¡±     His eyes rounded in shock, ¡°that should be Sarah.¡±     ¡°Why am I not surprised that you know? It turns out she already fed the poordy poison. I was intimidated by her and close to losing Sarah. She left me with her, and I had to do all that I could to save her. But the pup didn¡¯t make it.¡±     ¡°I guess Gemma threatened you both into keeping your mouth shut.¡±     ¡°That¡¯s correct. The Alpha thinks now that I wasn¡¯tpetent enough and killed his child.¡± I don¡¯t know why. But remembering his words had me feeling very hurt.


    Ezra inhaled sharply, ¡°You shouldn¡¯t mind whatever Gael says. He knows nothing.¡±     ¡°Do you promise not to tell him anything or confront Gemma?¡± I said with my eyes pleading.? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    ¡°I would have loved to for the sake of peace. But then, it might sound cold, but Gael sure deserves it, and Gemma on the other hand, won¡¯t stop at my interference. The only person I feel sorry for here is Sarah.¡±     ¡°I heard she is the child of one of your maids back at the house.¡±     ¡°Yup! Sweet girl at heart. Her life dived when she came here. Sometimes, I wish I could do something. But it¡¯s really out of my control. Gael might appear savage, but he has never forced anyone down here. They get sold out by their family, and he on the other hand, has money to pay.¡±


    ¡°Is he meant to seek the family or the individual¡¯s consent? It¡¯s not like the family is the one he ends up screwing.¡±     He snickered, ¡°No one has ever refused Gael. Don¡¯t let them all fool you. They had at one point epted to be his concubine, hoping he might fall in love with them in the long run. Only if they know how coldhearted he is.¡±     I rolled my eyes, ¡°I never wanted anything to do with him from the beginning. I was on the verge of eloping that night at the party. My devilish sister had dragged me back to him.¡±     Heughed, ¡°I heard the story. It¡¯s no surprise you both don¡¯t flow well. Perry also doesn¡¯t fancy him much. I think you both are the only females immune to his charm.¡±     ¡°I just hate how much he and his girlfriend get to me.¡±     ¡°Why?¡±     ¡°Are you making fun of me? They are powerful and have more ss than I do. They can toss me around whichever way they want.¡±     Stretching his neck close to me, Ezra sped his hands together. ¡°I will say this only once to you because I realize you need the advice. You are no longer a ve under the Alpha¡¯s wing, Nia. Yes, you work as the healer here in the pack house. That is because it¡¯s a ted rule. The Alpha must ensure the pack¡¯s healercks nothing. The moon goddess ordained you, which implies you are in the same ss as the Beta, Gamma, and head of ns. It¡¯s safe to say second best to the Alpha. Our lives lie in your hands now. Though it does not mean you should be aggressive or full of yourself. I am only saying this to enable you to hold your head high and never let anyone take advantage of you or make you feel less of yourself. Someone like Gemma and Gael wille again and try to intimidate you. Please do not allow them. Or else you will never be able to free yourself.¡±     His words hit me differently, causing my eyes to water. I have been trampled on all my life. It feels good to hear for the first time that I am free and can live on my own without fearing what others might say.     ¡°Thank you, Ezra.¡±     ¡°You are always wee.¡± He smiled, patting my hand in reassurance. ¡°I should go report to the Alpha now. I just had to pop in to say hello.¡±     ¡°Thanks so much foring. I will see youter. If you don¡¯t minding by the houseter, I will love thepany.¡±     ¡°Will you cook?¡± He asked, grinning sheepishly.     ¡°If you want me to.¡± I winked.     ¡°Are you flirting with me?¡± He teased.     I burst into a fit of chuckle. ¡°Whatever! See youter.¡± Tapping my chest gently, I reached for my phone and dialed Kingston.

 Chapter 31 Freedom for Sarah

    GAEL¡¯S POV     She has been on my mind all night, and I hate that I can¡¯t get rid of that bitch. She using me of not paying attention to the supposed women I fuck, makes me mad. To make matters worse,st night, I had taken a walk and found myself in front of the house the healer lives in. I hate that I can¡¯t control the direction my legs go many times. I didn¡¯t know Ezra had been going behind my back to form friendships with an outcast like her. They were having a good time on the porch of the house,ughing at some stupid joke, I am sure. He was supposed to spend time with me and console me for the death of my pup, instead, he gave an excuse saying he had an important meeting to attend. That¡¯s his intended destination.     My head ached from the sleepless night. But it¡¯s not just about the stupid healer; may the goddess forgive me for hating on her messenger. Still, that doesn¡¯t mean I fancy her taste in people. Who picks an inadequate folk to represent them? Only the moon goddess, of course. I was worried about Sarah, too. For some reason, which is very unlike me, I found myself scrolling through my phonest night, searching through the for things to do for ady who just had a miscarriage. I saw the excruciating pain in her eyes, and no matter how much I tried to get rid of it. Those eyes kept haunting my thoughts.     Sitting up, I held my head in both hands, consoling myself from losing a bit of my mind. The door creaked open, and I didn¡¯t need to check who it was. Gemma is the only one who walks into my private space with no respect. Sometimes, I wonder if she has any other priority in that life of hers except me. It¡¯s barely morning, and she is here already.     ¡°Hey, my love.¡± She cooed, jumping onto the bed and wrapping her arms around my waist while kissing my neck.     I inhaled deeply, wiggling out of her hold. ¡°do you not sleep? Why are you here this early?¡±


    Gemma pouted, stretching her legs. ¡°I missed you and couldn¡¯t sleep all through the night. You should be happy someone has you on their mind.¡±     I scoffed, getting up. ¡°There are many others who worry about me. And would even love for me to pay them a bit of attention. Don¡¯t misuse your chance with me. I won¡¯t repeat myself.¡±     ¡°What¡¯s with the cold attitude this early morning?¡±     ¡°Are you asking me? If you truly worry about me, you would know that I am not in the best of moods now.¡±     ¡°Is this because of Sarah¡¯s miscarriage?¡± She gasped at the end of the sentence.     I turned around, furrowing my brows. ¡°how the fuck did you know she was pregnant?¡±     Swallowing hard, she stammered. ¡°I-I heard from the other concubines.¡±     Kissing my teeth, I made my way to the bathroom. ¡°I see you all are having fun discussing another person¡¯s pain.¡±     ¡°Oh, please. What paines from a miscarriage? It¡¯s not like she lost a full child. And her not being able to carry the child long shows how weak she is. Someone with a perfect gene like mine is who you need to carry your child.¡±     I shook my head in pity. Gemma is a lost cause. How would she know what pain feels like when she has never lost someone dear? The minute my mother realized she was carrying my sister, every day was a cherished moment for her. My father and I were just as expectant as she was. We saw the belly move, and we already had a name for her. Losing the child brought about a hole in each of our hearts. I didn¡¯t know what my parents felt at the time, but I am losing mine now despite my detachment. I know now why my mother lost herself. Even though I am not in love with Sarah, I like her enough to prefer just herpany many times that of Gemma. She is a sweet girl.     I was rounding up my business and washing up in the bathroom. I stepped out of it to find a naked Gemma lying on the bed seductively. I blinked slowly and moved past her to the closet. I hear her roll out some colorful words before storming towards me.     ¡°What¡¯s wrong, baby? Don¡¯t you miss this?¡± She whispered in my ear, standing on a tiptoe.


    I moved away from her, and she almost lost her footing. ¡°We had sex two days ago, if I remember correctly.¡±     ¡°Since when does that mean anything?¡±     ¡°I have other things to worry about beyond fucking you, Gemma. Go get a life or something.¡± I raised my voice, feeling angered all of a sudden. ¡°How can you be so insensitive to my feelings? You affirmed that I lost my first child, and you still couldn¡¯t give a condolence word or sentence. Instead, all you can think about is me screwing you. Don¡¯t you have a life or anything to think about?¡±     Her lips shook like she was about to cry. I ignored her usual act and kept up with what I was doing. ¡°oh, I am the one without a life now? All the times you call onto me without thinking if I had anything else to do with my life, right? Now, you are the most sensitive one. All hail the king of good thoughts. It¡¯s not like you even met the pup or something. What¡¯s with all these attitudes?¡±


    I snort, picking out my clothes. It¡¯s a weekend so that I can be casual. I don¡¯t need to attend any urgent meetings. Since the healer¡¯s arrival, I must admit I have had peace restored to the council meetings. All the same, I still don¡¯t like that filth called healer.     ¡°Say whatever it is you want, Gemma. I have always known you have nothing to offer me. So, excuse me, I need to meet with Sarah.¡±     ¡°What?¡± She let out in a shrilled tone that had my ears bleeding. ¡°why would you meet with her all of a sudden?¡±     I folded my arms, staring calmly at her. ¡°thest time I checked, I do not owe you any exnation, ma¡¯am. Excuse me. And get dressed, please you don¡¯t look so hot arguing naked.¡± I hissed, walking past her.     She screamed after me in her usual way of throwing a fit, mming the door shut behind me. I made my way down the hall, and two of my concubines walked towards me with their heads bowed. They both looked pretty as ever. I would have loved to have them please me, but that raging bull in the room will lynch them alive. As always, I brought this shit upon myself. But there is no stopping now.     ¡°Good morning, Alpha.¡± They both chorused in their delicate voices. I hummed in satisfaction, caressing both of their cheeks.     ¡°Where is Sarah?¡± I asked after taking my time to admire them.     ¡°She is by the library, Alpha.¡± One replied.     ¡°Alright.¡± I mused, smacking their butts before moving ahead.     Sarah curled up in one of the big chairs in the library with a book in hand. From the way she sat, you would think she is engrossed in the book. But her eyes stared nkly at the page, unmoving. Guilt gripped at my heart again, and the words of that crazy healer haunted me. Even though I knew her loss, I still used her of hurting the child. Instead of going to her. I turned back to the door and left with another n in mind.     I drove out of the packhouse, heading to the nearest mall. I had returned to the room for a cap and hoodie as a disguise. Thankfully, Gemma already left, and I got to avoid getting questioned by her. It¡¯s not like she would be able to do anything to me. I just hate confrontation. None of them knows this about me, but it¡¯s heart-wrenching. On reaching the mall, I had no idea what I was supposed to get a grievingdy. The search engine wasn¡¯t helping, not because their suggestions weren¡¯t worthy. I am just clueless as to what Sarah likes.     Resorting to flowers and some choctes, coupled with a few dresses and shoes that I think might look nice on her. I did an excellent job at describing the recipient of the cloth. It feels nice knowing I got that right and feeling fulfilled like some damn Santa us. I returned to the packhouse. Thankfully, she was still there. From my findings, she might need therapy to get over the sudden loss of her baby. With my goodies in hand, I cleared my throat behind her. She gave me a look that showed no excitement or expectation.     I put down the package in hand and I sat opposite Sarah. ¡°How are you doing?¡± The words felt a bit alien. It¡¯s been so long since I actually felt concerned genuinely about someone aside from Ezra and Perry or maybe Gemma once in a blue moon.     Sighing, she stared at me weirdly. ¡°I thought you said you wanted me to keep my distance.¡±     I chuckled awkwardly, scratching my head. ¡°I was only in my emotions. You know we just lost a pup. It had me in tatters.¡±     ¡°I¡¯m sorry I lost your child.¡±     ¡°Don¡¯t say it like that. You make it sound like I don¡¯t care about you.¡±     ¡°Do you? You were just concerned about the dead pup and not the carrier. I understand that I don¡¯t mean anything to you. But I didn¡¯t think you would dly wish me dead. The child is mine, too and I felt it in my belly. I¡¯m hoping to see it someday. But it was snatched away from me by the cold hands of death, and all you could do was me me. I will naturally not say anything. Still, I am taking this chance to say how I feel to your face and me it on my grief. Because I won¡¯t be getting such a golden chance ever again.¡± Her words came out slowly, and it pelted me hard in the face.     I bowed my head, pushing the package towards her. The words on my tongue burned really bad, but I knew I have to say it. My mother would be rolling in her grave if she realized this is how I treat the women around me. My father would be primarily disappointed. However, I have no intention of taking the me for that. The goddess should have treated my family better, and the girls family shouldn¡¯t have been greedy. Some dly gave their daughters away without pay. Hoping they someday be Luna. Crazy folks!     ¡°I am sorry.¡± It finally dropped like a bomb. And the both of us stared at each other in shock. I surprised myself, no doubt. And I me that witch half-breed for all this. Her stupid voice and tiny eyes keep haunting. Even now that I am awake. I repeated it.? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Sarah. As an Alpha, I should know that the feelings of my subjecte first. Also, you are my concubine and woman. I¡¯m not supposed to treat you shabbily. Forgive me. I got you those things from the mall hoping you might find itforting.¡± I expected to see a shadow of a smile. But nothing came. ¡°Is there anything that you think might put you in a good mood, please.¡± Too many apologies and please in a sitting. I am so going to strangle that half-breed.     ¡°Anything?¡± Sarah finally said.     ¡°Anything you want.¡± At least if it is not my life, I should be able to do whatever she wants to get rid of the guilt I am feeling.     She held my gaze, looking all serious. ¡°I want my freedom. I want to return home to my mother and start a new life for myself.¡±     I must admit I wasn¡¯t expecting that request, but still I already gave my word and as an honorable person, I should keep to it. ¡°Alright if that¡¯s what you want.¡± It is the highest shock I have given myself within ten minutes.     ¡°Do you mean that?¡± She sounded excited.     I nodded proudly. I was feeling d that Sarah¡¯s face had finally brightened. ¡°If that will make you happy. I am all for it.¡±     ¡°Thank you so much, Alpha.¡± She wailed, going on her knees.     ¡°It¡¯s okay, Sarah. Forgive me for my disrespect over the years. Go freely, and I will send you off with some money to start something for yourself or get to move. Do take care. I will miss you a tad bit, though.¡± I admitted, and that brought a genuine smile to her face. ¡°Bye. You will get the money before you leave.¡± I assured.     ¡°Thank you.¡± She whispered behind me.     As I walked away, I choose to evade my study and reach out to that witch. She needs to know that I am better off than she thinks. I went to the garden behind the clinic after finding out from the clinic that she was taking the day off but not at the house. A greenhouse was as Instructed by her to nt many herbs for healing. The amusing thing about healers is how they didn¡¯t go to school to study like every other person and end up knowing so much, especially about the most rare diseases. They are no doubt the messenger of the goddess. That still doesn¡¯t mean I fancy her at all. She annoys the shit out of me.     ¡°Hey, half-breed. I see you are having fun being the healer.¡± I scoffed, folding my hands behind me.     She raised her head slowly, staring me in the eyes. ¡°It¡¯s Nia. Not half-breed. Suppose you must address me, Alpha, you will have to do it respectfully. You either call me by my name or the tag healer.¡±     Iughed dryly, ¡°That still doesn¡¯t change the fact that you are a half-breed and shouldn¡¯t exist.¡±     ¡°You will have to present your case to the goddess, not with me.¡± She stated, returning to her work.     I clenched my fist tightly, ¡°I just need you to know I am not the person you have in your head. Whatever you think about me is a wrong picture painted about me.¡±     ¡°How does that concern me?¡± She retorted.     Shit! Somebody hold me back before I bury this youngdy alive. ¡°What?¡±     Sighing, she took off the gloves in her hands. ¡°I already have many things on my te to deal with trying to heal the sick folks in the pack. Thinking about you sounds absurd, please. Thanks foring to see how the healing clinic is doing. It¡¯s well appreciated. Have a good day, Alpha.¡± She smiled tightly and walked away.     I tilted my neck, feeling the bones cackle. I am going to be the death of that half-breed. Just a little more, and my patience will be off the roof. Rude witch!

 Chapter 32 Huge Pay

    NIA¡¯S POV     I curled up against the couch, feeling deted after dialing Perry for a long time, and she didn¡¯t pick up. There was Kingston, too, but he had a job and was busy attempting to reach the deadline. Weekends appear longer now that I have my days treating people. The assistants handle the patients and only call me in during an emergency. There are no life-threatening urrences as ofte. But I am still very keen on that vine, and after discussing it with Ezra, he promised to table it during the week. The Alpha shouldn¡¯t have a problem approving it since I am the healer, and I know what suits the people. But I want to fulfill all due protocols. That Alpha of theirs is terrifying.


    The doorbell rang, and my assigned maid rushed to the door to get it. Even though I have pleaded with Ezra that I do not need help around the house. He said there was no other way around it. All healers are royalty; even though it¡¯s been a while now, I am still not quite used to it. Curious, I peeked at the door to find out who the guests were. My heart practically froze when my adoptive family walked in confidently. Stephanie and Mindy were the ones who decided to drop by.


    Without sparing me a nce, they made themselvesfortable, ordering the maid to get them some refreshments.


    ¡°M-mum?¡± I stammered. ¡°What are you doing here?¡±


    Stephanie scoffed in irritation, throwing me her usual re. I am surprised that I am not quite fazed by it. ¡°I see you are settling into your new life well. You no longer know how to pay your regards to the ones who made you who you are today.¡±


    ¡°If she has a maid, she sure has a good life.¡± Mindy mocked, running her finger through the couch. ¡°my dear sister, I think I will be living here from now on. It looks like my setting.¡±


    Calming my raving nerves, I settled back into the couch. I watched them keenly as the maid served them, and they spread out on the couches like they owned the space. If Perry were here, she probably would p some sense into me to not allow such rubbish to take ce.


    ¡°When did you think it would be the right time for you to call your family over?¡± Stephanie said, giving me a stern look.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t think it was necessary to do that,¡± I responded calmly.


    Mindy pped her hands, hissing spitefully. ¡°Since when did you now have a voice to talk back? You owe us, bitch. After many years, my parentsbored over you. The least you can provide them is to let the world know how much we did for you as a family. We fed, clothed, and amodated you. Now that you are a healer, do you think it¡¯s okay for you to neglect us? That is never going to happen.¡±


    My eyes trailed her features, and the only thing that I felt toward her was pity. She sure looks pitiful; even at this stage of her life, Mindy appears clueless. I decided that exchanging words with her would be a waste of time. Inhaling deeply, I kept my eyes on Stephanie. Even though I know they hurt me wrong in the past. I am hoping now that I am not reliant on them, they will be able to love me without making me appear worthless. That is why I don¡¯t n to act rudely, and I will let whatever they do for now slide. It¡¯s okay to give people second chances.This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, mum. I have just been busy attending to the sick. I thought you already cut me off after the sale.¡± I said.


    Stephanie hissed, ¡°Do you think we are unaware of yourmunication with Kingston? If we already cut you off, then you shouldn¡¯t have been in contact with any of us. It just shows how clingy you are. Well, it¡¯s a good thing since you must do what is required to fend for the family.¡±


    Her words sounded like shattered sses in my ear, pricking it. ¡°What do you mean by fend?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be stupid,¡± Mindy eximed. ¡°I hear they pay healers heavily. What will you do with such an amount all by yourself.¡±


    ¡°In case you are clueless as to what she is saying. It means you will share with the family whenever you get your monthly pay.¡± Stephanie added without waiting for me to respond. She began searching the house with Mindy, and they made their way to my room, too. They returned disappointed.


    ¡°Why do you not have any cash lying around? You have worked for over a month and should have enough money.¡±


    My heart raced as I tried to form the right words to say to them. ¡°I haven¡¯t gotten paid yet. I will keep you informed when I do.¡± I said slowly.


    Making her way towards me, Stephanie pushed my forehead with her finger. ¡°You had better not try to y smart. My eyes are on you from now on. We will be sure to keep in touch.¡±


    Just when I thought they would leave already, Mindy snatched my phone that I had carelessly left on the couch. She forced me to open it. A shocked gasp escaped her lips.


    ¡°Oh my goodness! Ten thousand dors? In just a month? Mum,e see.¡± She called out.


    Stephanie already rushed to her, and the both of them fanned over my hard work.


    Perry had advised I open an ount the very week I got assigned as the healer. Since I had my life watched when I was with my adoptive family. I didn¡¯t own an ount. Ezra helped with the process of my details for my monthly pay. I can¡¯t believe I forgot to delete the alert. I was just excited to see such massive money in my name. Now, there is no other way around it, and I will release it to them forcefully. Just like always.


    Stephanie grabbed me by the cor roughly, ¡°You bitch! So you think we are fools? You wanted to y us and pretend not to have any money with you.¡±


    ¡°I thought it would be impossible for her not to have been paid.¡± Said Mindy. ¡°You will send half of the money to us right now!¡± She ordered.


    ¡°Hell no!¡± Her mother rebuffed. ¡°Eight thousand dors is what you will send for making me go through all the trouble.¡±


    Tearsced my eyes heavenly; from my side view, I could see the maid peeking at me pitifully. With shaky breaths, I took my phone and sent it to the ount provided. It¡¯s of no use trying to fight it. I will either do it with my bones still intact or destroyed. Stephanie delivers very painful blows that I doubt I want to experience again.


    Patting my cheeks painfully, Stephanie held a crooked smile. ¡°Now, that¡¯s my girl. Expect to see me soon. Bye, honey.¡± She taunted, both mother and daughterughing evilly on their way out.


    I promise it¡¯s not them I hate. I sincerely hate myself for being this weak. I¡¯m so pathetic, and it¡¯s a big shame. I have practically paid back these people with my life. How can I just let them walk all over me again? Isn¡¯t that a terrible fate? Even when freedom rests solely on my shoulders, I still can¡¯t give it to myself. The tears rolled down uncontrobly now. I sat on the cold floor, crying my eyes out. I might as well end it all.

 Chapter 33 Consoling Nia

    AUTHOR¡¯S POV


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe she has such a huge amount of money to her name!¡± Caleb gasped when his mother and sister narrated their visit to Nia.


    Stephanie slurped on the juice she was drinking. ¡°You need to have seen her face. Now that I think of it, I should have made her send all the money. She is still as dumb as she was before. I am thankful that none of my children is as pathetic as her.¡±


    ¡°We got her good.¡± Mindy cackled.N?velDrama.Org ? content.


    Kingston walked down the stairs with furrowed brows. He had no intention to listen in on their conversation, but they were a bit loud. Kingston heard them mention Nia and some money collection. That had gotten him curious, and he thought to check.


    ¡°what¡¯s going on?¡±


    ¡°Oh, Mum and Mindy got eight thousand bucks from Nia,¡± Caleb yelled, not taking note of the signal his mother was sending to him to keep quiet. ¡°That girl is nothing short of a money-making machine. At this rate, our family willck nothing.¡±


    Hisshes fluttered as he looked around the room. Kingston cleared his throat, walking towards his mother. ¡°What¡¯s Caleb talking about mum? Why are you taking money from Nia? Does she owe you?¡±


    Stephanie snapped, ¡°Of course, she has lived over a decade under my roof. I deserve a cut of her monthly dues for the rest of her life. That doesn¡¯t even count for all your father, and I had to go through looking after her.¡±


    Kingston hissed loudly, his eyes darting around the room in frustration. ¡°How can you boldly admit to such nonsense?¡±


    ¡°Cut the crap, Kingston! You won¡¯t talk to our mother like that.¡± Caleb warned.


    ¡°You will keep that trash of a mouth shut and maintain your distance.¡± His brother retorted. ¡°You are all so shameless, and I feel disappointed that I am from this family. For someone that you denied, sold, and assaulted emotionally and physically. How dare youy im to her hard work? Do you not have any conscience? Where is the humane side of you?¡±


    ¡°Luckily, we are werewolves.¡± Mindy snort.


    Kingston cut her a stern re that made her keep quiet.


    ¡°Enough!¡± Stephanie bellowed. ¡°You are still very much under my roof, young man. Don¡¯t you raise your voice at me! And there will be no conflict in this house, especially not because of something as worthless as Nia.¡±


    He was sniffing with disappointment written all over his face. Kingston hummed in response. ¡°It¡¯s a waste of time making you see reason. I don¡¯t know what I was thinking.¡± He said, making his way out of the house.


    ¡°Kingston!¡± His mother yelled after him. But he didn¡¯t respond.


    Wiping the lone tear that rolled down his face, Kingston broke into a run. When it felt like his chest would burst open and pour out his intestines, he gged down a taxi to take him to the packhouse.


    Nia was still curled up on the floor when he arrived at the house.


    ¡°Hey.¡± He muttered in a whisper, taking her into his arms. Guilt tore at his every vein. He would never understand his family for possessing evil thoughts like that. Many times, Kingston hopes his parents will be reasonable and act right towards Nia or anyone below them at that. But rather than get better, their actions seem to be more heartbreaking.


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, Nia.¡± He whispered in her ear. ¡°You never should have allowed them in. You can¡¯t keep letting this happen.¡±


    Nia huped, releasing herself from his grip. ¡°It¡¯s fine. There is no need to cry over spilled milk now. Did youe all the way here because of that?¡±


    ¡°Of course, I had toe. My family was gloating about stealing from you, and I just knew you wouldn¡¯t be yourself. Have you been crying?¡±


    She shrugged, ¡°I did it first, but the tears dried up quickly. My wolf wasn¡¯t having it. Well, crying makes me appear very pathetic.¡±


    ¡°You are not pathetic, Nia. It¡¯s sad to say this, but my family are the pathetic ones for preying on you. I promise to get your money back.¡±


    ¡°Please, Kingston. There is no need for you to do that. I don¡¯t have any use for the money right now.¡±


    ¡°But you worked for it.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s still fine. I can always earn it back.¡±


    ¡°You know they wille again.¡±


    At the reminder of her woes not ending soon, Nia inhaled sharply, feeling the air burn her throat. She knows nothing will prepare her for their next visit. Staring down at her fingers, she bites down on her lips. ¡°I don¡¯t know what to do, Kingston. I am so scared of them that I lose my voice in their midst. I can¡¯t tell how long this would continue. It frustrates me.¡±


    Taking her hand in his, Kingston caressed her jaw with his thumb. ¡°Listen, pumpkin. You don¡¯t owe them anything. You can¡¯t keep letting them get at you every time. People love to mess with individuals who can¡¯t stand their ground when cheated. They took you in, yes. But that doesn¡¯t give them any right to treat you this way. Don¡¯t forget they sold you out. I am so livid right now, and I am using part of the proceeds from the money they got; I feel guilty. I don¡¯t deserve to be in your presence either. Forgive our rudeness, please.¡±


    A weak smile spread on her lips, ¡°please don¡¯t beat yourself up. You can¡¯t keep ming yourself for something ordained by fate. If they hadn¡¯t sold me to the Alpha, they definitely would have done something worse, and I probably wouldn¡¯t be here living freely now. I feel like I owe them, so it¡¯s okay that they took the money. Their shove did me a good thing. So it¡¯s all good.¡±


    He chuckled lightly, ¡°How are you always so positive in the worst situations?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s the right way to live, isn¡¯t it?¡± She grinned.


    He ruffled her hair, helping her into the couch. She winced in pain. ¡°How long have you been sitting on the ground?¡±


    Nia shrugged, ¡°can¡¯t say, maybe close to two hours.¡±


    ¡°You are unbelievable.¡±


    ¡°I just couldn¡¯t move even if I wanted to. So I had to let my body be.¡±


    ¡°Alright, would you like some ice cream?¡±


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you supposed to be working?¡±


    ¡°An hour away won¡¯t hurt. Let¡¯s go get this negative mood off.¡± He winked.


    ¡°Let me get changed then,¡± Nia replied, limping towards her room.


    Kingston stared lovingly at her receding. He hopes that, for the goddess¡¯s sake, his family won¡¯t ruin his future chances with Nia. He might never be able to forgive them.

 Chapter 34 The Interrogation

    NIA¡¯S POV


    The weekend went in a haze, and I enjoyed it because Kingston decided to spend quality time with me. Now that I am back to the four walls of the clinic and having a meeting with the Alpha in the next twenty minutes. I feel like I will have to elope to somewhere safe to have peace. If not for the duty of being a healer that I am obliged to. I won¡¯t even think of meeting the Alpha to discuss anything. That man makes me feel very ufortable.


    Feeling my strained neck, I picked up the proposal Ezra had helped me with. He says for formalities, it is needed. I wonder if other healers write to the Alpha to get a healing tonic approved. I shouldn¡¯t need to worry about his approval in the first ce. The herb vine is for the betterment of everyone in the pack, including the snobbish Alpha. I have had a rethink over the weekend after getting an earful from Perry.


    She eventually called after Kingston, and I parted ways. I had unintentionally told her about my adoptive mum and sister¡¯s visit. She was livid and wouldn¡¯t let me hear the end of it. Perry has warned me several times not to cave into bullies anymore. But then, I am trying to be careful to avoid losing all that I just earned.


    ¡°How long do you think you can hold up?¡± My wolf queried.


    Shutting my eyes tightly, I shake my head vigorously to get the thoughts out and head towards the main house. Ezra stood outside the meeting hall in wait for me.


    ¡°Good morning.¡± I smiled at him.


    His handsome face brightened with a smile. ¡°Morning, beautiful.¡±


    I blushed profusely, ¡°Can you not taunt me, please?¡±


    ¡°Why would you even think that is a taunt?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not?¡± I inquired, tucking my hair behind my ear.


    Ezra chuckled, ¡°I take it you don¡¯t receivepliments frequently. It would be best if you rechecked the mirror. You are beautiful.¡±


    My wolf purred at the goosebumps that went on a rise on my arm. I don¡¯t think it¡¯s excellent for me to fall in love with my friend¡¯s brother. What would Perry feel about me? I shouldn¡¯t go past my boundaries and act ordingly.


    Clearing my throat, I smiled tightly. ¡°Thank you. Can we go in now?¡±


    ¡°Sure. We would have to be more patient until the Alpha arrives.¡± Ezra said, ushering me into the meeting hall.


    I was expecting to meet the council members, but it appeared empty. He was quick to notice my countenance.This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Oh, about the council¡¯s absence. When I tabled the case, my uncle, the Beta, didn¡¯t think there was a need to question whatever you do to preserve the health of the pack members. However, the Alpha insisted he vets whatever you intend to put out. They all opted out of the meeting, and he agreed to it.¡±


    That Alpha is a piece of work! Forgive me, goddess, but you made a mistake breeding this one! I am sure he is doing this to keep me in check. He won¡¯t even let me enjoy my natural blessing in peace. What kind of Alpha messes around with the credibility of its members?


    ¡°Nia?¡± Ezra called, jolting me out of my reverie.


    I had almost forgotten that I needed to respond.


    ¡°Oh, sorry. It¡¯s okay, I understand.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry you have to go through all of this. Alpha Gael isn¡¯t convinced about you yet.¡±


    I scoffed, ¡°like there would evere a time when I will convince him. He already has an opinion of me that won¡¯t change for any reason. All I have to do is get used to his shade.¡±


    ¡°Come here.¡± Ezra mused, patting my outstretched hand infort. ¡°Like I said before, don¡¯t let anyone make you question yourself. Not even the bold Alpha.¡±


    I giggled at the expression on his face; if I didn¡¯t know better, I would have thought he had some personal vendetta against the Alpha. But any reasonable person can see the affection Ezra has for him even though brazen. The door opened abruptly, and the crude being blessed us with his presence.


    Despite beingte, he had no show of remorse and even stered a sneer on that face of his. I groaned inwardly, feeling anger rise within me.


    ¡°You kept us waiting.¡± Ezra stayed when Alpha Gael finally finished his walk of shame and settled down.


    He scoffed in response, shooting invisible burning arrows at me with his eyes. Alpha Gael¡¯s dark thoughts towards me aren¡¯t hidden even in his actions.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know I was to answer to a mere half-breed.¡±


    Ezra looked towards me with a plea in his eyes before turning his attention back to his friend.


    ¡°Respectfully, Alpha Gael, there would be no name-calling. Let¡¯s get this meeting done with.¡±


    ¡°Fine. What do you have to say?¡± He asked, the disgust in his tone is icy.


    I cleared my throat and squared my shoulders. ¡°Thank you for the opportunity to meet with you. I want approval and release needed resources to embark on the vination of the pack members from the disease that recently broke out in the nearest future.¡±


    Gael folded his arms, looking down at me. ¡°So, you are what now? A scientist? Or some human doctor? How can you vinate the people when you haven¡¯t run it through the doctors of the pack.¡±


    Something cold settled on my neck, and I wanted tosh out. Tapping my feet anxiously to keep myself steady, I let out a light cough. ¡°The vinees from the extraction of herbs as instructed by the spirits. I do not carry out healing by my will. Ites to me in the most divine sense; I find myself being able to bring herbs together to heal people. For the health future of the Sunset pack, you need to allow every living soul in the pack to get the vine. The disease is a raging one that might return inter times.¡±


    ¡°If you are giving them vination because of one disease, what if anotheres?¡± He asked, still looking disinterested in what I had to say.


    I exhaled slowly, begging for the spirit of patience to evade my troubled soul. ¡°The vine will hold everyone down beyond the disease we recently dealt with. Our lives would be at stake the more we hold back.¡±


    ¡°Why are you the only healer with a solution and not the others?¡± He questioned further.


    ¡°Gael!!¡± Ezra, who had been very quiet throughout our back-and-forth exchange, called out in a displeased tone. ¡°Can you stop with your persistent interrogation? All she needs is your go-ahead. You won¡¯t be dealing with the resources needed since my uncle is in charge. Let¡¯s save the lives in our pack first before worrying about what the other healers do in their packs. None of them coulde to our rescue when we needed them. Why bother about them now?¡±


    The Alpha looked like he would explode with the way his face reddened, and his neck veins popped out like he was hanging some wild imagination that included my death.


    ¡°Alright, save the pack, messiah.¡± He hissed, standing up.


    ¡°Thank you, Alpha,¡± I said sincerely.


    Like a beast whose ego is in shreds, he turned his red eyes to view me. ¡°Don¡¯t you ever show your face to me again? Such an ugly and filthy thing!¡± He cursed, storming off.


    It was not intentional, but tears rushed to my eyes and escaped the socket as fast as they came. Just then, I got embraced by warm arms and aforting chest.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay.¡± Ezra consoled me, putting my worries to rest.

 Chapter 35 Juicy Pot

    GAEL¡¯S POV     I feel like I have been charmed or something. Thedy straddling me is doing a poor job at it, and I am starting to fall asleep. My poor dick seems to be crying out for help. I have sampled all of the fifteen concubines that I have and many other whores that I don¡¯t think I want to keep sleeping with. But for some reason, they don¡¯t possess that innocence and wildness that Sarah does. I thought there would be many others like Sarah. It just turns out each person is unique in their personality. I me that witch of a half-breed. She got into my head, and I granted Sarah freedom, letting her slip out of my fingers like that.


    ¡°What the fuck!¡± I bellowed when I felt the hard m on my dick. ¡°Are you a novice or something?¡± I questioned, pushing her off me. I shoved too hard, and shended on the ground with a thud. Kissing my teeth, I observed my poor junior to be sure it was fine.


    ¡°Get out! I don¡¯t want to see your face. Where the hell did youe from?¡±


    She gulped hard and got dressed quickly, running off. I need to start giving a first-hand test to whoever I bring into my household to serve me. Many of them would only make one dick get bruised. Huffing, Iy naked, watching my dick shrink a bit. Now I realize I am very horny. The girl doing a poor job at it was my problem. Sniffing, I reached for my phone and dialed Gemma. She picked on the first ring. I wonder if she ever does away with the phone.


    ¡°I need you at the packhouse in the next five minutes!¡± I said, hanging up when she began to squeal.


    Inhaling deeply, I closed my eyes, enjoying the silence surrounding me. It is how a king should live. I often wonder what my life would be if my family weren¡¯t a royal line. I probably will still be born into a wealthy household. My existence doesn¡¯t suit a in life.


    The door burst open abruptly, jolting me out of my thoughts. Gemma panted heavily with a broad smile and just a thin cover cloth around her. She came just as I expected.


    ¡°I came through the woods as soon as you hung up.¡± She huffed, putting down the cloth.


    Smiling crookedly, I pointed at my dick, already hardened at the sight of her. ¡°It¡¯s all in wait for you.¡±


    Her eyes stared at my dick hungrily; she jumped on the bed and immediately dipped it into her mouth. A soft moan escaped my lips, closing my eyes to enjoy every bit of it. She made a gurgling sound, announcing just how deep she had swallowed my length. Iughed out all of a sudden.


    She raised her head to look at me. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you notice anything odd? I just had the dick in someone else¡¯s pussy before you arrived.¡± I told her, feeling like the devil.


    Gemma gasped; her face turned red immediately, and she looked like she would puke. Jumping off the bed, she attempted to head to the bathroom to wash her mouth. But I wasn¡¯t done yet. She was getting off the bed at the same speed, but I pulled her back, not giving her enough time to collect herself. I turned her around against me while she gripped the bed frame, mumbling a plea. With one hand on her neck and another on her waist, I thrust into her, not minding the painful gasp she released.


    Throwing my head to the back, I moaned as I thrust repeatedly, increasing the pace. My entire insides roared in delight as I burst into mes inside of her. Her body went limp, and she fell straight into the bed. Sighing heavily, I walked to the bathroom to get cleaned up. When I returned, she was seated with her arms wrapped around her knees. I expected her to say something, but she went to the bathroom instead, and the noise of her throwing up filled the room. The other girl¡¯s pussy juice must be sour if Gemma sounds like she is going through a midlife crisis.


    Her face was red when she finally stepped out after about twenty minutes. I crossed my leg on the couch, sipping the whiskey I poured myself. ¡°Why do you always make a fuss every time?¡±


    ¡°You bastard!¡± She screamed, throwing a pillow at me.


    I remained unfazed, ¡°what¡¯s that for?¡±


    ¡°How could you, Gael? What do I even mean to you? Do you have ns to kill me? Why would you let me suck on someone else¡¯s rotten juice?¡± She had tears in her eyes.


    ¡°You are mistaken. There is nothing rotten about the sexy girl¡¯s juice because you were sucking on the dick with relish. You are a wolf with a nose, and you would have known if it smelt or tasted bad. But I must admit, it was fun admitting the truth to you.¡±


    Gemma gave me a disgusting re. ¡°Sometimes I hate how much I love you and how shabbily you treat me.¡± She let out In a shaky breath.


    Rolling my eyes, I dropped the ss on the stool near the couch. ¡°Come.¡± I invited, spreading my arms. She walked right into it shamelessly. ¡°If I didn¡¯t care about you, I wouldn¡¯t have mentioned it in the first ce. I would have let you think everything was fine. Just be sure I would never kiss you and send you back home. But here we are with you on my legs and me kissing you.¡± I teased, cing a light kiss on her lips. Lingering a bit to be sure there is no smell of pussy left. She did an excellent job washing her mouth; no wonder it took her so long to leave the bathroom.


    My hand grabbed her neck gently and deepened the kiss, and she moaned into my mouth, wrapping her arm around my neck. I put a stop to it when her hands began to roam my body. Gemma can be challenging to please when she gets horny. Not because I can¡¯t handle her, but I don¡¯t see any reason to waste so much energy on one person when I can get to do a threesome or more.


    ¡°Go find something to wear.¡± I urged, smacking her ass. Obeying diligently, she walked to the closet to wear one of my clothes, which I am sure is a source of pride for her among her peers-things I do for love.N?velDrama.Org ? content.


    ¡°You haven¡¯t called me since that day. I was so happy when you did.¡± She said.


    I snickered, picking my ss back up. Gemma¡¯s response to the loss of my child that day annoyed me. But after sending Sarah off and getting down from my emotional state, I realized the miscarriage didn¡¯t pain me, and it was just me probably trying to understand what the fuck was happening. Now that Sarah is gone, I sent her off myself. I promise never to get so emotional around any woman ever again. Not when many others can birth me as many pups as I want.


    ¡°You sounded very childish, and I just had to show you your ce.¡± I mused.


    ¡°Baby.¡± Gemma cooed in a childish tone. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I got you angry. But someone like Sarah isn¡¯t worth sweating over. A mere cleaner¡¯s child. You should know better.¡± Something shed in her eyes, but I was too detached to notice.


    ¡°Will you spend the night?¡± I asked.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t tell them where I was going, and my phone-¡±


    ¡°You can go if you won¡¯t stay.¡± I interrupted.


    She waved hurriedly, kneeling at my feet. ¡°Oh, no, baby. I will stay, of course. I don¡¯t think I can stay without my phone.¡±


    ¡°Send one of the packhouse guards to get it for you. I want to step out for a minute.¡± I said, buttoning up my shirt. ¡°That reminds me, did you get the healer vine?¡±


    Gemma grunted, rolling her eyes. ¡°Leave it to my dad to ensure I get it even if I don¡¯t want to. The family will get it this week. Do you want me to get it?¡±


    ¡°You should get it if your father is asking.¡±


    ¡°But I want your opinion.¡± She pouted.


    I kissed my teeth, ¡°don¡¯t be stupid. Get the vine!¡± I snort, storming out of the room.


    I feel irritated all of a sudden. The intention was to not be in the same room with Gemma for too long. I don¡¯t think I will ever get used to someone in my space that long. But I desire her presence since it¡¯s been over a week since Ist saw her, and I miss her. That still doesn¡¯t mean I want my space evaded. Like a controlled robot, I went to the other end of the pack house, where the healer¡¯s abode was. I keep telling myself it¡¯s just me taking a stroll. But the house is quite far from the main house to im it¡¯s not intentional.


    To enable easy ess, ording to my father, there is another gate where you get to enter into the space of the clinic directly. It¡¯s more of a mini institution that contains the work and living space of the staff, except that the healer is the only one with a luxurious bungalow to live in. Every other assistant isn¡¯t a member of the packhouse. Theymute from the town back and forth. My father ensured the three-bedroom bungalow was as homely as possible. My mother couldn¡¯t live in it since she is a healer. But he built it regardless.


    Years before my mother became a healer, the old healers had a ce in the pack fully furnished and sponsored by the pack council. However, everything changed with my mum being the healer. My dad didn¡¯t think she needed to leave the pack house to work, which brought about the newly erected buildings inside the packhouse. The pack members didn¡¯t mind that there was a change in their ess to the healer. They loved my mother too much.


    I dipped my hand into my pocket, feeling overwhelmed suddenly. I don¡¯t know what has gotten into me. I was the one who said the half-breed should stay far away from me, and here I am, standing in her vicinity. She took my words to heart, and I couldn¡¯t smell her. Not like I want to. For some odd reason, today seems to stretch out a bit too long. There wasn¡¯t much to do, which was why I had retired to my chambers to get fucked. Now I would like to spend some time with my friend. I need thepany.


    Dialing his contact while keeping my eyes on the house with its light turned on. I kicked at the ground.


    ¡°Hey, man,¡± I said into the receiver when he picked up.


    ¡°What¡¯s up? Is everything okay?¡± Ezra asked.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°You never call me, Gael. It is very new. What happened to you?¡±


    I stuttered, ¡°Drink with me.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare? Where you at?¡±


    ¡°Nia¡¯s.¡±


    Something twitched in my head, causing me to pause. ¡°Wh-what?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t make me say it. That name should ring a bell in your head.¡±


    I kissed my teeth. ¡°What are you doing with the half-breed at this time of the day?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m helping her sort the vines at the clinic.¡±


    ¡°But you just said you are at her house.¡±


    There was a pause, and something like a chuckle in the background came on. ¡°I just responded. I am still with Nia either way.¡±


    ¡°Did she justugh at me?¡± I gritted.


    Ezra scoffed from the other end, ¡°Don¡¯t get too excited. Where are you? I will meet you. It¡¯s not like you will be concerned if I get done here or not. So it¡¯s better toe to you when your highness is still ying nice.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m d you know better.¡± I hissed, kicking at the floor hard before hanging up.


    Why am I so angry? I wouldn¡¯t say I like it when I can¡¯t pinpoint the reason for my emotions. I love to know their origin; that way, I can harness whatever emotion it is. Ezra was out in no time, and he had a pleased look on his face.


    ¡°I want to wipe that smug look off your face.¡± I sneered.


    He snickered, ¡°saucy much. What would you like to drink? Should we leave the pack house for a drive?¡±


    ¡°That sounds nice,¡± I replied. ¡°Is your car key with you?¡±


    ¡°Always.¡± He mused, showing off the key.


    I didn¡¯t say anything else until we got to the car. The silence wasfortable, but I had many questions that I intended to ask.


    ¡°Tell me something. What¡¯s this sudden closeness between you and Nia?¡±


    ¡°Oh, oh!¡± Heughed loudly. ¡°Did you just say her name?¡±


    I cursed under my breath, ¡°That wasn¡¯t intentional. Answer the damn question.¡±


    He focused his eyes on the road, his face softened. ¡°I think I might have a soft spot for her. She is sweet, intelligent, and, most of all, very caring. I love how she loves those around her.¡±


    ¡°That sounds veryme. I thought you were into one of the pack council daughters?¡±


    ¡°Well, she fell pregnant. She already had someone in mind and was only leading me on.¡±


    ¡°Which means I would have been responsible for the pregnancy if I hadid with her,¡± I whined, sucking my teeth.


    Ezra snorted, ¡°That will serve you right for always digging in every avable mine.¡±


    ¡°Back to the matter, you will ruin your family name by involving yourself with the half-breed like that.¡±


    ¡°How does that concern you?¡±


    ¡°You are my Beta, after all. Shouldn¡¯t I be concerned? How about my godchildren? What do you think will be of them?¡± I questioned. ?


    ¡°Bold of you to assume I will make you any of my children¡¯s godfathers.¡±


    ¡°Bold of you to think you aren¡¯t impotent.¡± I retorted, feeling pained.


    ¡°You crazy, Alpha. You don¡¯t need to worry about my future family and I. Worry about yourself. I assure you the pack¡¯s council is cooking something on your behalf.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s bad luck for an Alpha to remain unmarried for so long. Having a Luna isn¡¯t just for you to warm your bed. It¡¯s for the pack¡¯s progress, too. There is a need for a woman¡¯s touch. You can¡¯t rule with just your dick.¡±


    ¡°Oh, please. The only problem here is me getting an heir.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s beyond that. You lead a horrifying lifestyle. Now that I think of it, why don¡¯t you make Gemma the Luna? She won¡¯t mind the concubines, of course.¡± Ezra grinned, making a face as he drove.


    I wanted to tickle him so severely, but then I had to remind myself that we would both die if he lost focus. ¡°Gemma would have all of them poisoned to death.¡± I sighed.


    Ezra coughed out all of a sudden.


    ¡°You okay?¡± I inquired.


    ¡°Of course I am. Why would you mention poison so casually?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m only saying that because it¡¯s something Gemma is very much capable of.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡± He let out, pausing for a while. ¡°What if you find out that one of the concubines got pregnant, and Gemma gave her poison to get rid of the baby.¡±


    I sniffed, turning my face to the window. ¡°All due respect to Elder Ezekiel, but he would lose a child, and it¡¯s a shame that is the only one he has. He had better get ready to birth another child or adopt.¡± I replied.


    ¡°Right! Let¡¯s get to that bar.¡± Ezra mused, turning up the radio. Now, that¡¯s better.

 Chapter 36 Circle of Healers

    NIA¡¯S POV


    ¡°You would be shocked, Perry. He should hate the yer, not the game.¡± Iined to Perry as I moved around the office.


    I was cing the ground herbs that I had just recently collected on the shelves. The store room for the healing herbs is the best ce to be in the clinic. It smells heavenly every time. Sometimes, I fear I might make a mistake and give the wrong herbs to people. But then, like someone in the spirit, every herb used I get to write it down and exin its use on the page. A few months into being a healer, I already have a whole book of healing herbs written down. It¡¯s fun, no doubt.


    Perryughed on the other end, standing up for a ss of water. ¡°Why should you concern yourself with him? He already made his choice.¡± She said.


    I paused for a brief second, contemting the question. Perry is right; whatever Gael does shouldn¡¯t concern me. Because of the hate he has for me, he is the only one who has refused to be vinated. I have never met someone with such an evil heart before.


    ¡°Now that you ask me, you are right. It¡¯s the Alpha¡¯s fault if anything happens to him.¡± I snort.


    ¡°Let¡¯s not talk about someone as annoying as him, please. How have you been?¡±


    ¡°I have been good. And now that the vine has curtailed the disease, only minor cases of peopleing around to get themselves healed. I also joined a group with all the healers from different packs. They were surprised to hear that Sunset Pack has a healer.¡±


    ¡°Why is that?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, they didn¡¯t exactly go into details.¡±


    She snorts, ¡°They should at least be able to exin themselves when saying something. So how has it been joining the group?¡±


    ¡°Nice. I have also learned a few things from the ace healers. We can¡¯t exin how we get to know what we know. We are chosen just like the wizards and sorcerers. Whatever you know is secluded to you and your generation toe. No one else can prescribe healing herbs except the ordained healer. I also heard we aren¡¯t exactly blessed with long lives. Most healers die young.¡±


    ¡°Oh, please. That¡¯s a superstition; don¡¯t you dare brood on it. Your mother and the Alpha¡¯s mother just died in their own time. How do you exin the other old healthy healers, then? Just care for your health while you look after the others.¡±


    ¡°I will do that.¡± I smiled.


    ¡°That reminds me. Did you hear from those horrible people again?¡±


    I know she is referring to my adoptive family, but thest thing I want to do right now is talk about them.


    ¡°Can we not discuss them, please.¡±


    She didn¡¯t look too pleased but didn¡¯t return to it. ¡°You will let me know if they are bothering you, right? You can always leave that ce when it feels too much to handle.¡±


    I chuckled, ¡°Just admit that you are a bit lonely there, and you need me to keep youpany. I¡¯m stuck to this pack for life now, and I must take care of their health. I didn¡¯t think I would be this vested in being a healer, but here I am.¡±


    ¡°You never know what life will throw at you. I don¡¯t think you should be that confident. It isn¡¯t me trying to ruin your happiness. I am only being realistic.¡±


    I sighed, holding onto my waist. ¡°I guess things happen, and there is nothing one can do about it. It¡¯s all good. Until then. How is New York?¡±


    ¡°Amazing. I hooked up with a human during the weekend, and I tell you, I had the best of times.¡±


    ¡°You had sex?¡± I gasped, covering my mouth quickly. I know I shouldn¡¯t be surprised, but I feel jealous now.


    Perry¡¯s face reddened, ¡°Not exactly, but we made out, and it felt perfect. I was worried he might learn about my Identity if we get down to it.¡±N?velDrama.Org ? content.


    ¡°So you threw him off?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± She drawled, suddenly looking shy. ¡°I like him. So, I will be patient enough to know if he does have an open mind. I have no intention of staying hidden from whoever ends up being my partner. There are others like me here; every time I go out, I can smell them.¡±


    ¡°Must be very exciting living among so many people like that,¡± I said.


    ¡°I assure you, you will love it here. I should visit after the residency ends. I already got myself an apartment from my art proceeds. I can¡¯t wait for you to be around, and I get to show you everywhere.¡±


    ¡°I would love that,¡± I replied, smiling sheepishly.


    There was a quick move in the background, ¡°I need to go now, Nia. I intend to get some groceries.¡±


    ¡°Sure. Do take care. Talk to youter.¡± I waved, hanging up.


    I was returning to the silence that surrounded the storage room. I suddenly feel lonely. I have always felt lonely, but it feels more intense now that I know I can have a better life outside the one I have known all my life. It must be nice to experience other ces. I can¡¯t say if a healer is allowed just a distant holiday. If I consider the sour attitude of the Alpha, he won¡¯t let me out of here. It¡¯s best if I don¡¯t get my hopes up for nothing. My phone rang loudly, making me jolt. I had forgotten it was in my hand and was almost about to toss it. I was cursing under my breath. I picked up the call.


    ¡°Hello, Kingston.¡±


    ¡°Hey, there, pumpkin. Are you free?¡± He asked, sounding excited.


    ¡°Yes, I don¡¯t have much to do around here. Do you want toe visit?¡±


    ¡°No, I was thinking to take you out. I guess it¡¯s been a long time since you saw the walls of that ce. Let me treat you to a fancy dinner.¡±


    I blushed hard, biting on my lower lip. I have almost forgotten that there is a world outside the pack house. I didn¡¯t get to explore it much because of my strict parents. I got so used to being cramped up that I forgot I was free to move around now. Life surees at one fast.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think I have the right clothes to wear,¡± I said.


    ¡°Wear whatever you findfortable. I wille get you in thirty minutes.¡± Said Kingston.


    ¡°Alright, I will be expecting you.¡± I mused, hanging up.


    My heart raced in excitement. I would have a lot of fun. Giggling to myself, I ran out of the store room. Thanks to Ezra, who insisted I needed a new wardrobe as the healer. I would be with just my maid clothes. I should find something befitting to wear before Kingston gets here.

 Chapter 37 Date with Nia

    AUTHOR¡¯S POV


    Caleb sneaked into Kingston¡¯s room and jumped into the bed, groaning in satisfaction. ¡°Are you going on a date?¡± He asked.


    Kingston ignored him as he sprayed a perfume and rechecked his hair in the mirror. ¡°it¡¯s none of your business.¡±


    ¡°Sometimes I think you forget that family is significant. What if something happens to you? How, then, do we find you and have ess to that money you have been trying so hard to keep from us.¡±


    He gave his brother an irritated side-eye. ¡°Why are you so shameless? Jobless and senseless still. Stay out of my business.¡±


    ¡°I heard when you received that call. You ce Nia over the rest of us. We won¡¯t know anything until you tell her.¡±


    Kingston swallowed hard, ¡°can you not mention her name?¡±


    Caleb scoffed, ¡°There is no need for you to act defensive anymore. I am sure now that Nia already has a forever reputation. Our parents wouldn¡¯t mind that you are interested in her.¡±


    ¡°Get out of my room.¡±


    ¡°Come on, bro. Don¡¯t be so cold. I want you to know I am rooting for you.¡± He grinned with mischief as he headed out of the room.


    Shutting his eyes tightly, Kingston held onto the edge of the vanity, consoling himself to calm down and not get angry. Many times, he feels the urge to punch his brother right in the gut. He had called Nia in a good mood and had no intention of ruining it.


    Grabbing his car key, he moved out of the house. Thankfully, his parents and sister, who might irritate him further, were nowhere to be found.


    Driving down the road to the packhouse, Kingston smiled to himself. He didn¡¯t think luck would shine on him so quickly. After working so hard, he finally gets his dream job, leading to him escaping his family. The only use is the distance that would be between him and Nia. But then, now that he knows she is going to be safe. He would go for a year and return for her sake. He thinks it¡¯s important to let her know about his intentions towards her. He only has five days to get ready and move.


    Kingston parked the car in front of the house; Nia already walked towards him. He stared at her in awe; despite no obvious makeup, she still looked stunning with her hair down and a lovely fitting dress that elongated her already long legs. He could feast his eyes on her all day long.


    Nia pulled at the dress consciously, ¡°is something wrong with what I am wearing? Why are you staring at me like that?¡±


    ¡°Oh, no, please don¡¯t mind me. I have never seen you dressed up before. You look beautiful.¡±N?velDrama.Org ? content.


    ¡°Don¡¯t tease me. I have seen others look prettier for outings. I just had to make do with what I had on the ground. It has never urred to me to leave the pack house since I came here.¡±


    Kingston smiled at her. ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry. Let¡¯s go.¡± He urged, opening the door for her.


    Excitement was written all over Nia as she stared out the window, enjoying the sight. ¡°This is so nice. I can¡¯t remember thest time I felt this way.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m d you do. I am very sure you will love the restaurant we are going. I think it¡¯s one of those ces that you have always loved to visit.¡±


    ¡°Really? Can I get a clue?¡± She giggled.


    ¡°Just wait a little.¡± He cajoled. Ten minutester, they stopped in front of a restaurant. Kingston waited patiently for recognition to dawn on Nia. She gasped at the sight. ¡°You remember now?¡± ?


    She was pping her hands in excitement. Niaughed heartily. ¡°I can¡¯t believe you remember this ce. I have always dreamt ofing here.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m d I could make your dreame true. Let¡¯s go in. I already reserved a table for us.¡± Kingston said, leading her inside.


    When the restaurant opened, Nia was around the ce on an errand with Kingston. She had seen some girls her agee out of the ce smiling brightly. It¡¯s not like there aren¡¯t other restaurants around the pack. It¡¯s just that this particr one has a lively touch of warmth to it¡¯s interior design. You can catch a glimpse from the outside due to the mirror. Anyone going in there sure has good taste in terms of design. It made Nia want to be an interior designer over time. But now that she is a healer, that dream has been washed off.


    ¡°This ce is beautiful,¡± Niamented, looking around in awe. ¡°I will never forget this night. Thank you so much for bringing me here. Probably sometime in the future, I will be able to dabble into designing building spaces. Looks fun.¡±


    ¡°Anything you choose to do. Just know I will always support you.¡± He assured, patting her outstretched hand. A waitress walked up to them, and they made their order.


    Nia sipped her drink, ¡°So, why did you suddenly ask that wee out here?¡±


    Kingston grinned widely, ¡°I have good news to share with you. And I thought it¡¯s worth celebrating.¡±


    ¡°Alright, let me hear it.¡±


    ¡°Well, I got the job.¡±


    ¡°What!¡± She eximed. ¡°That job you have always wanted. Oh, my goodness. I am so happy for you, Kingston.¡± Her face fell almost immediately. ¡°Does this mean you are leaving for New York too?¡±


    ¡°What do you mean too?¡± He asked.


    ¡°Well, Perry has gone, and now you too. I won¡¯t have any of my people around at this rate.¡±


    ¡°About that.¡± He drawled, suddenly feeling anxious. All his life, Kingston has never precisely opened up to anyone about his feelings. He had been pushing his confession forward, waiting for the right time, which meant when he got a job and could stand on his own. Independently far away from his parents. The intention was to take Nia along with him. But that seems impossible now. ¡°There is something else I want to tell you.¡±


    ¡°Okay. I am all ears.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t take it the wrong way, Nia. And I promise I am not a pervert. I have always loved you.¡±


    ¡°I do know that, and I sincerely appreciate you.¡±


    ¡°Not in that sense, Nia. I have loved you as one would feel towards a lover. You weren¡¯t just a younger sister to me. I saw a future with you. Thankfully, we aren¡¯t rted, but it made mefortable with the feeling when I discovered it. I source for this job because I wanted to take you far away from here. I could no longer stand the maltreatment. The desire became more intense when you moved to the packhouse. I want more than what we share now with you. I intend to go to New York for a year ande back to you if you ept me. I promise to love you till the end of time.¡±


    Nia blinked slowly, staring at him like he had grown two heads. ¡°What are you saying?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine, Nia. You have all the time in the world to think about it. I am not expecting you to give me an answer now. I am willing to wait. But one year is all I have to give. Please.¡± Their food arrived, causing Kingston to pause a little. ¡°I see you are startled. Maybe I shouldn¡¯t have said anything yet. Let¡¯s eat and get back.¡± He urged, feeling deted.


    Her mouth was agape, and she had no idea what to say or do. Bowing her head lightly, she focused her attention on the food. She will not be forgetting tonight so soon.

 Chapter 38 Erotic Love

    NIA¡¯S POV


    The ride back to the packhouse felt strained. I kept stealing nces at Kingston. To say I am shocked is an understatement. I never thought he would harbor such feelings towards me. I get that he meant no harm, but that doesn¡¯t make itforting. I had called him my brother, acted childish in front of him, and even went as far as showing him part of my skin whenever I had some rash there. How did I not notice the extra attention he always pays to me? I feel so bad for not being able to conjure a sentence to everything he said, as much as he tries to hide it. The unhappiness is so apparent.


    ¡°I never thought you harbored a different kind of affection towards me. I don¡¯t think I will be able to reciprocate it.¡± I said after a lifetime of silence.


    His hand gripped the steering wheel tightly; for a moment, it felt like he wanted to squeeze the iron out. ¡°Let¡¯s not talk about it.¡±


    ¡°Kingston¡­.¡± I called out in a whisper, but he shook his head in response.


    ¡°Please, Nia. It would help if you didn¡¯t say anything you might regret. Let¡¯s leave it for now. I expressed how I felt because I already knew what I wanted and how I felt. So, I want you to do the same too. Give me a response when you have reflected on it.¡±


    The silence returned until he dropped me off. Aside from saying goodnight, he didn¡¯t hug or kiss my foreheads like always. I¡¯m d he kept his distance. It would have been too awkward. Taking off my shoes, I exhaled, feeling stiff in the neck.


    ¡°You are back,dy Nia.¡± The live-in maid said, weing me. ¡°Let me help with the bag. Would you like to have dinner?¡±


    I smiled weakly, ¡°thanks for your concern, Greta. I will take a quick walk and return to sleep. It would help if you retired for the night. Thanks for your concern.¡±


    She bowed shortly and returned to her room. Even though we don¡¯t talk much, I am d there is the presence of a person in the house and not just me. I have never lived by myself before. Heading back out, I inhaled the misty air of the night. The half moon dimmed up in the sky with the starsplimenting it. I wish I were one of those stars, just sitting pretty and not having to worry about awful Alpha and affectionate brother cum lover. The beauty of the packhouse is therge expanse ofnd that it has. You can walk all you want without worrying about the time, except I still have to be careful.


    After experiencing a near rape experience, it¡¯s clear that a ce can¡¯t be safe. I hope the Alpha takes note of his member¡¯s safety. Many times, I reminisce on that day. Perry is my knight in shining armor. She saved me twice and still stands guard behind me like a mother hen despite our distance. I miss her, and I wish she were here. It would have made my thoughts easier to conform. It¡¯s almost like she has a solution to everything. A smile spread as I recall the moments of running aimlessly into the woods and just howling into the night. I miss my friend. The one true friendship I have ever made in my entire years of living.N?velDrama.Org ? content.


    I know I am trying hard to avoid thinking about tonight with Kingston. But as hard as I try, it keeps holding onto my subconscious, and I try searching my mind to see if I ever thought of him differently, unlike how I think of Ezra. Perry¡¯s brother amuses me. Probably because that is the closest I have been with someone who is not as a family-his genuine show of concern and random gifts. Many times at the clinic, he doesn¡¯t have to show up. But he texts to ask if I have eaten and have someone deliver the food to me.


    It¡¯s aplicated situation to judge, and he is probably just being nice because he sees me as a temporary recement for Perry. Or does he have the same thoughts as Kingston? I never would have thought that way of Kingston. I checked my phone to see if I missed his message or call, but nothing appeared on the screen. Reaching the garden, I sat on the grass, staring into space. I hope he is fine and not thinking of doing anything stupid. As much as I want to try and think about it, I doubt if my feelings towards Kingston would go past the sibling¡¯s affection.


    He is friendly, but I don¡¯t want any entanglement with his family. I have enough on my te as it is. I was admitting to myself that nothing of such would work out. I unlocked my phone and typed my response to him. It¡¯s obvious now that our rtionship will be strained. Thankfully, he won¡¯t have to worry about me for too long.


    ording to Perry, different people from several walks of life exist in New York. A beautiful human or werewolf will get to steal his heart, and I won¡¯t have to feel guilty towards him.


    I contemted hard before pressing the send button. I hope he doesn¡¯t hate me for this and tries to understand my origins. I doubt if I will have a love life like every other person. Maybe someday, but it isn¡¯t now.


    My thoughts halted when I heard a sound behind me. Sniffing, I got up to see where the noise was from. By a tree where one of the night lights shined brightly stood the Alpha and an unfamiliardy. It¡¯s not like I am familiar with many people around here.


    It looks like they are having some argument. The Alpha seems to have been resting there, judging by the bottle of whiskey on the bench and his attire.


    ¡°Why won¡¯t you just let me go?¡± Thedy sounded like she was crying. All of a sudden, she fell to her knees. ¡°Please, Alpha Gael, I can¡¯t do this anymore. I want to be free, please.¡± She wailed, holding onto his leg.


    He yanked her off like she was some fly. ¡°Get that filthy hand off me. You should have known better before agreeing to this from the beginning. I don¡¯t care about what you think. I will decide what bes of you. If you still have some ounce of respect, you will leave right now. Or I will have you dragged away.¡± Gael warned. He had a cold look in his eyes. It made me wonder if he even has a heart.


    Life sure is a funny thing; many times, I wonder why people like Gael and my adoptive parents possess enough ability to trample on others. When those with good hearts end up being paupers and maltreated, I guess I will never know the answer to that. Seeing how calm and collected the Alpha appeared after thedy left. It made me shiver. The more I get to know him, the more I realize his brutality. I hope our paths never cross till I die.

 Chapter 39 The rejection

    AUTHOR¡¯S POV


    Kingston felt difort in his chest as his eyes grazed through Nia¡¯s message. He had thought his approach had startled her, and she would have a rethink and express how much she loved him, too. He sounds delusional, but for a split second, he wanted to be very hopeful. Seeing how quickly she responded to him, it¡¯s best to ept his truth.


    Opening the car door, he felt weak in the legs. Making his way into the house, a string of curses rolled out of his mouth when he saw his entire family seated like they were waiting for him to return.This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°What is this I hear about you harboring some feelings towards the half-breed?¡± Levi countered the moment Kingston stepped in.


    Kingston nced back at his brother, and he gave a thumbs up. Not bothering to hide the fact that he snitched on him. ¡°I believe I am old enough to decide who I want to be with.¡±


    Stephanie gave a warning re. ¡°You will not talk disrespect your father for a nobody. Is that clear?¡±


    ¡°How exactly is she a nobody!¡± He bellowed, throwing his hands out. ¡°What is it with every one of you? It¡¯s tiring enough that I have to deal with your excesses and how much you look down on others when you aren¡¯t worth much. Out of respect, I try my hardest to avoid your business. But you never think twice before meddling in mine. Fine! Do you want to know the truth? I will tell you. I have had a long-time crush on Nia since she was fifteen. I wanted her to be mine. I dreamt of the time I would get a good job and the both of us would run far away from here. But what did you do? You ruined each of my chances to be with her and sold her off like she is a sheep.¡±


    ¡°He got rejected,¡± Caleb mumbled. With anger surging through his veins, Kingston rolled up his jacket and threw it at his brother to harm him. ¡°What the fuck, bro?¡±


    ¡°One more word from you, and I will break your neck!¡± Kingston threatened.


    Levi mmed hisrge palm on the couch arm. ¡°Enough! I am not going to condone any disrespect under my roof. And you, Kingston, will apologize for picking a nobody over your family. You can¡¯t me us for trying to survive. Everyone will do whatever it takes. And might do worse than us. It¡¯s a cold world.¡±


    ¡°Are you even listening to yourself?¡± Kingston inquired in a broken voice.


    ¡°We were in debt!¡± His father bickered. ¡°Our mortgage was due, and that meant us living on the streets. We had to dispose of the one that seemed like baggage, and a great offer came. The Alpha already had his eyes on her, and we would have had to either give her out willfully or have her taken by force, which would have prevented us from getting the money. Selling Nia off is the least she could do to appreciate us for putting up with her after so many years.¡±


    A lone tear rolled down Kingston¡¯s face. ¡°What if Nia was your daughter? Would you have sold her off? I get that you have an exnation for giving her out to the Alpha. What do you have to say about Mum and Mindy going to collect Nia¡¯s hard-end monthly pay from her?¡±


    Levi snorted, ¡°It¡¯s her wish to give it out. Why should I be med for that?¡±


    Kingston couldn¡¯t believe his ears as he stared at his family with conflicting emotions on his face. ¡°You know what? It¡¯s fine. I get that you didn¡¯t have a choice. I also don¡¯t have any other choice. I¡¯m moving to New York in the next two days.¡± He no longer saw the need to wait until the actual time to resume work.


    Stephanie sprung out of the couch, causing her to stagger. Mindy had to hold her in ce. ¡°what nonsense are you saying? Why do you intend to move to the human world? To do what?¡±


    ¡°You are the archaic one here, mother. People no longer care about what or who you are; they cohabit very nicely.¡±


    Caleb snickered, ¡°Your obsession with humans and half-breeds is sickening?¡±


    ¡°What did you say?¡± Kingston lowered his tone, ring at his brother dangerously.


    ¡°Cut it out, Caleb. We can¡¯t have blood on the rug. I¡¯m so off house cleaning.¡± Mindy mused.


    ¡°I know you are angry right now, Kingston. That doesn¡¯t mean you should make a rash decision and leave the house. Especially not to and of the unknown. Why not any other neighboring pack?¡± Levi inquired, exchanging a look with his wife.


    Kingston huffed, ruffling his hair. ¡°I got a job, Dad. A lifetime opportunity that I am so not letting go.¡±


    ¡°What did that halfbreed do to you, baby? You have never looked your father and me in the face before. What¡¯s with the sudden change of heart?¡±


    Stephanie questioned, cupping his face in her palm.


    He moved away from her, ¡°if you truly cared about me, you would have sensed how much Nia meant to me and treated her better. I didn¡¯t think it appropriate to tell you goodbye. I hope we meet on good terms inter years. Please excuse me.¡± He said, holding back his tears as he climbed up the stairs.


    Stephanie rushed towards her husband, ¡°Did you see the look in his eyes, Levi? Kingston will never talk back at us; that filth has jazzed my son. She is using her healing power to manipte him.¡±


    Caleb groaned loudly, ¡°Can you quit with the performance, mum? We all know you are only concerned about yourself, and it¡¯s fine. But stop trying so hard to act like you care. It¡¯s frustrating!¡± He scoffed, following his brother.


    She rolled her eyes, ¡°what the hell is wrong with this boy?¡±


    Levi sighed heavily, ¡°Let¡¯s stop discussing this. I need to clear my head.¡± With that, he stepped out of the house.


    Mindy raised both hands in surrender when Stephanie looked towards her. ¡°Don¡¯t look at me like that, mum. He is your son; deal with his problem.¡±


    She left, too, leaving Stephanie to herself and mumbling some incoherent words under her breath. She stormed upstairs, promising to get back at Nia for influencing her son.

 Chapter 40 The Goodbye

    GAEL¡¯S POV     ¡°Are you going to act this way, Gael?¡± Beta Ezekiel whined into my ears, making me feel more frustrated.


    I inhaled sincerely, trying to control my anger. ¡°Why are you so adamant regarding this case? I just told you that I already resolved never to let her touch me. I am not going to back down now or ever. I am fine. You don¡¯t need to worry.¡±


    He huffed, appearing frustrated, too. ¡°This isn¡¯t right, Gael. You are the Alpha and should lead by example.¡±


    ¡°But I already gave them the go-ahead to get vinated. Why do I have to get involved?¡±


    ¡°You are just as stubborn as your father when your mind is on something. It¡¯s just a shot. Or are you scared of needles?¡±


    I stared at him, feeling insulted. ¡°Why would you even think that?¡±


    An amused expression settled on his face. ¡°Every man with his weakness, don¡¯t you think?¡±


    I rolled my eyes, feeling very much insulted. ¡°That¡¯s enough. I already made up my mind. Let¡¯s end the discussion if you don¡¯t have any other thing to tell me, Beta Ezekiel. I will take my leave now.¡±


    ¡°You are terrified of the needle.¡± He called back after me.


    I pped my forehead, walking away from him quickly. I didn¡¯t know the older man had humor up his sleeve. I thought he hated my guts because I screwed his daughter. Now that I remember Gemma, I wonder what she has been up to with my concubines. Many of them appear to be keeping their distance. I hope she isn¡¯tying any boundaries. I might get pissed. On second thought, their attitudes probably have nothing to do with Gemma and more of Sarah¡¯s leave from the packhouse.


    I should never get emotional over the people I rule over. They must be thinking I am too softhearted to seek freedom. I have no one else to me except that half-breed who got into my head. I¡¯m not too fond that I can¡¯t seem to keep her name from my mouth, even though it¡¯s not exactly her name. I stepped into the fields, feeling the afternoon air caress my face. It seems like the goddess is trying to seduce me. I can¡¯t me her; with a face card like mine, the gods would wet their pants.


    ¡°He is so full of himself.¡± I heard someone say very faintly behind me.


    Turning around to see who said it, nobody was there. Was that a voice in my head or something? I can¡¯t be crazy. That voice sounded like the witch¡¯s own. Stretching out my neck, I noticed a movement behind one of therge trees in the field on the far end. Not far from the clinic. I knew it was her and no one else. Walking with a determined stride, it didn¡¯t take long for me to reach the tree, and there she was on her knees, tending to a flower that looked very weird and almost on the verge of dying.


    ¡°I knew it was you,¡± I said, standing over her. She stayed frozen on the spot, acting oblivious to my presence. ¡°Half-breed!¡± I yelled.


    ¡°Oh, my goodness! You startled me.¡± She said, cing a hand on her chest. Her legs wobbled like she would fall back. I didn¡¯t bother to move an inch from where I stood and hoped that she would trip.


    Folding my arms against my chest, I red at her. ¡°What do you think you are ying at? You have gotten bolder now, haven¡¯t you.¡±N?velDrama.Org ? content.


    She raised her head slowly. ¡°What are you saying?¡±


    I don¡¯t know what I am saying too. I find my eyes trailing down every inch of the halfbreed body. The odd scent of the she-wolf aside, being this up close, reminded me why I had asked to be part of my concubines. She has a tender approach to her that makes me want to eat every part of her. What would it take from me toy with her? I will only end up having a half-breed added to the list ofdies I ended up fucking. It sounds like a fun challenge, but I will pass.


    ¡°I will take my leave.¡± She mumbled, attempting to walk away.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare take a step further!¡± I ordered. She made a huff sound before bowing her head again. ¡°You have gotten quite bolder with your appointment as the healer.¡±


    She was still staring down at her leg and her curly hair bouncing off her shoulder. She grumbled. ¡°I don¡¯t think the problem is with me but you. You already told me to never show my face to you anymore. But it appears you are always finding your way back to me.¡±


    I blinked rapidly at her usation, causing me to scoff loudly. ¡°You are very dumb for spewing that rubbish. What do you mean by that? Why would I want to be in the presence of a filth like you?¡±


    ¡°Then I should be excused.¡± She stated.


    I hate that she is so eager to leave me standing, something nody has ever done. They all melt in my presence and expect me to desire them. Even though I told her not to show her face, I still hoped to see the pain of denying her my attention in her eyes. But they are always so nk, it¡¯s annoying.


    ¡°Alpha Gael, I have patients to attend to. If you will excuse me.¡±


    I cleared my throat awkwardly, ¡°just leave.¡±


    ¡°Just a minute.¡± She said. For a moment, I thought she had something to say to me. Instead, she bent down to pick up the flower she had been staring at before my arrival. She uprooted the whole thing and walked away without sparing me a nce.


    ¡°Hey!¡± I called back.


    Stopping rigidly, she turned to me. ¡°Yes, Alpha.¡± Her response sounded like a mockery.


    ¡°I just need to remind you that I will never get the vine,¡± I said firmly.


    ¡°Yes, Alpha. You already made yourself clear.¡± She stated, leaving.


    What the fuck? Why do I feel like I just got rejected by her? She didn¡¯t even try to steal a nce. I wonder if she has started having an affair with Ezra. No lies; Ezra does have his charm. I am so sorry that he fell for someone as ordinary as her. Caressing my neck slowly, I kissed my teeth in irritation. She should be thankful to the goddess that I am in the best of moods. Now I am utterly irked, and I need to burn off some steam.


    I will get the half-breed back for this. The halfbreed has to pay for riling me up.


    ******************


    NIA¡¯S POV


    I inhaled deeply again, feeling tired from staring at my screen for more than an hour. I haven¡¯t gotten a response from Kingston yet, and I am very conflicted about whether to call him. He is probably angry at me for turning him down. Maybe I should have been more reasonable with my response. But I just had to let him know how I truly felt; Kingston will always be the brother I know who protected me even when everyone around me was against me. I will take a bullet for him, but I can¡¯t love him in that manner.


    Even though I no longer have a mate, I worry that I might end up alone without a partner. That still won¡¯t prompt me to string my brother along. I hope he finds a ce in his heart to forgive me. Exhaling, I leaned into the chair, letting my thoughts roam. Alpha Gael is no doubt a confused being. He says this minute, and in the next, he refutes his words. If I didn¡¯t know better, I would think he is interested in me. But that will never happen, and I hope it doesn¡¯t. His hatred is for my good. I don¡¯t want to be maltreated and tossed aside like trash, all in the name of being with the Alpha.


    I think I have seen more than enough to serve as a warning. The Alpha is good-looking, no doubt; that is even an understatement. Gael is breathtaking, and his creation must have taken excess time. With his broad shoulders and perfectly sculptured face like a Greek god, he probably would have been one in his past life. It¡¯s no surprise that he has many women at his disposal. His looks got into his head. Aside from how he looks, nothing is fascinating about him. He is just a ticking bomb, ready to explode.


    If it were up to me, I would love to leave this pack and not have to bump into him. He acted like a psycho, telling me he would never take the vine. Even if he hates me, should he hate the vine, too? I don¡¯t know what to think of him. But he sure isn¡¯t the best of people to deal with. My head ached from overthinking. I wish there were someone I could talk to without seeming like a bother.


    A light knock came from behind the door, and one of the assistants peeked in. ¡°Healer Nia, there is someone by the reception here to see you.¡±


    ¡°Tell the person toe in.¡±


    ¡°He insists on meeting outside, ma¡¯am.¡± She said.


    ¡°Alright, thank you.¡± Curiosity gnawed at my thoughts as I hurried out of the office, hoping it was who I thought it was. ¡°Kingston,¡± I called out in a hushed whisper.


    He turned to look at me with a smile on his face. ¡°I see you have been expecting me.¡±


    I did not mind the eyes staring at us curiously. I ran into Kingston¡¯s arms. ¡°I thought you had left. I was expecting your reply so bad.¡± The words almost choked me, and a tear ran down my face.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go outside. We can¡¯t talk here.¡± He urged, leading me out of the clinic. We found a bench to sit on. ¡°There is no need for you to be sorry, Nia. You have your own opinion and can decide what your feelings are. I can¡¯t enforce mine on you, and I would be wrong to make you feel guilty.¡±


    ¡°I just never saw you in that light. And I have been rejected by an intended spouse, too, and I guess I know how much it hurts you. I love you, Kingston. I don¡¯t want to lose the only family that cares about me. I will never be able to forgive myself for that.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m the one who should be sorry for not thinking it through. I had toe here, and I couldn¡¯t leave without making peace with you.¡±


    ¡°Thank you so much foring, Kingston. I appreciate it.¡± I said sincerely.


    Kingston reached for my hand and patted it gently. ¡°I want you to listen to what I say, please. I have loved you for a long time. And I do intend to keep loving you. I don¡¯t know how long that affection will hold me down. But I promise to always be there for you, irrespective of what bes of us. All I want for you is to be happy. Promise me you will learn to live and enjoy each moment as ites.¡±


    I nodded my head slowly, feeling light. ¡°Stop talking like we would never see each other again.¡±


    Heughed yfully, ¡°Who says we won¡¯t see each other again? I was about to say, you can alwayse to me if a timees and you have to leave. Nia, you will always have a home with me. Don¡¯t hesitate to reach out to me whenever you need help. I will dly be your knight in shining armor.¡±


    Letting the tears fall, I hugged him tightly again. ¡°I will cherish this moment forever.¡±


    ¡°Me too. I must be on my way now, or I might miss my flight.¡± He said, standing up.


    Rubbing at his arm, I held his gaze. ¡°I never said this before, Kingston. I want you to know you are an amazing person with a beautiful heart. Your being is wholesome and soothing. I couldn¡¯t have wished for a better brother. You are my true family. Thank you for standing by me all through the years. I know I put you in a lot of trouble. I¡¯m sorry you had to receive punishment for my sake.¡±


    ¡°If I have to be punished again because of you, I will dly let myself receive it all over again. Also, stand up for yourself. You don¡¯t owe my parents anything. They leech on you because you let them. Keep in mind that you are worthy of respect and love. Don¡¯t forget, wherever I am, I will always be open for you. When it gets tough, I am only one call away.¡± He assured me, kissing me on my forehead. ¡°I have to go now, pumpkin. I love you.¡±


    ¡°Have a safe trip,¡± I mumbled, waving at him.


    The tears had built up again, and I could feel my veins popping out as it shook every one of my nerves hard. Kingston got into the car that had brought him and didn¡¯t turn to see me. He is probably in tears, too. It might be thest time I get to see him again. I will be miserable with his absence. I¡¯m undoubtedly doomed to be left by the ones who love me. No one stays for long.


    My parents, Perry and Kingston, left me, and now I am alone. Wiping off the tears, I made a U-turn to the office. The hair on my skin stood still. Someone seems to be peering hard at me from behind. Rather than turn to see who it might be. I hastened my steps instead; whoever it is should have the idea that I am unaware. It¡¯s better that way.

 Chapter 41 Her Outburst

    GAEL¡¯S POV


    I sighed as I leaned against a tree trunk, staring at the dark sky with the starsplimenting its state. For some unknown reason, I find myself taking strolls towards the garden. Maybe I do have something that I am so not going to admit in mind. Or I might need to stretch my legs. The day just went in a haze. Not having Ezra to taunt and frustrate isn¡¯t fun at all. He left the pack on an official assignment and wouldn¡¯t be back until the end of the week. It feels like torture since I will have to be stuck with Gemma.


    She keeps showing her face daily, and I wouldn¡¯t say I like it. It gets lonely sometimes. Not even the tons of concubines I have can fill up that emptiness. Many times, I reflect on when my parents were alive. Life was good then; I had bright hopes for the future and wanted nothing more but to grow old with them. I learned that good things don¡¯tst, and it scared me. I know this lifestyle of mine will onlyplicate my toxic life. But then it¡¯s the only thing I do that excites me. Ruling the pack doesn¡¯t exit me this much.


    Something different might do just fine, or something I can call mine that would stick to me for life. I don¡¯t want to end up miserable like my father. Having many women at one¡¯s disposal is essential for a long life. Even if that means some nights like this will be lonely. When I return to the room, four will warm my bed, and I will dream in bliss. But I don¡¯t want any of them around me. The long run I had in the woods didn¡¯t help either.? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    Shutting the thoughts out, I listened in on the silence. A muffled sound came from behind. Someone is on the other side of the tree. Out of curiosity, I got up to see who it was. An irritated scoff escaped my lips.


    ¡°You again. Are you stalking me?¡± The half-breed nced up at me, her eyes red from crying. Only the goddess knows what had her riled up so much. It might be the guy I saw her with a few hours ago. He looks like a potential lover. He must have found out she is a half-breed and dumped her ass. ¡°Can¡¯t you talk?¡±


    She turned her face away, ¡°can you pretend not to notice me? I thought you said that I should stay far away from you?¡±


    ¡°I am surprised, too. You are the one who keeps following me. Have you gone mad?¡±


    ¡°Why exactly would I follow you?¡± She yelled at me.


    That had me startled. I have never had anyone raise a voice at me before. ¡°Do you think you are that special for me to pay you any attention?¡±


    ¡°Watch your mouth!¡± I warned. ¡°If everyone will look to me to voice their opinion, a person like you should never try to say a word to me.¡±


    She hissed, ¡°What exactly is my kind of person?¡±


    ¡°You are forbidden! You never should have been born. It¡¯s practically a curse having an abomination like you around my pack. I¡¯m sure your presence brought in much bad luck to the pack. Your smell disgusts me, and I find myself guilty of not doing a proper investigation before bringing you here.¡± My words hit home, and I like how much it shook her.


    ¡°W-what exactly did I do to you? How is it my fault that I was born this way?¡±


    I scoffed, ¡°Are you asking me? It would be best if you asked your wretched parents, who didn¡¯t think of the effect of their actions on the poor, innocent werewolves before engaging in the shameful act. And your stupid self just had to survive to this point when you should have killed yourself. You are a menace to the society. Especially to me!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s enough!¡±


    ¡°It can never be enough! Do you know how disgusting it is to know that you are the healer of this prestigious pack? I feel ashamed and disappointed in the goddess forcking luxurious taste. Your birth was a mistake, a one-night stand, maybe. You just had to force your way here. I hate that you have human blood running through your stream. It makes me want to puke.¡±


    With a shaky breath, she wiped at her non-stop tears. ¡°I have a piece of good news for you. I hate you, too. I hate how entitled you are. I hate that you think the world revolves around you. Do you think I want to be here? If I had my way, I would run far away from here and pray fervently to the goddess to never see your horrible face again. I hate you, I hate myself, and I hate my adoptive family. You all should have left me to rot. I would have done fine living in the woods. It¡¯s your fault that I am here now. You could have let me off when you had the chance. So, deal with it. You will be seeing much of this face around!¡± She red, storming off.


    ¡°Wow!¡± I mumbled, taken aback by her outburst. She is so rude. How dare she talk to me in such a degrading manner?


    ¡°You spoke to her in that manner first.¡± My wolf countered.


    ¡°Well, thank you for the reminder. Moral police.¡± I hissed in return.


    I should teach this half-breed a lesson for opening that big mouth of hers to insult me. She sure looks livid, though; not even my mother got that angry with me. I was only stating my mind. It¡¯s not like we have to apud her for being a halfbreed. People like them are one in twenty werewolves.


    To show how rare the involvement of humans and werewolves are. I am curious now to know who her birth parents are and how she got her healing ability. It shouldn¡¯t concern me, but it sounds like fun and would get me preupied.


    Suppose anything turns out more fishy about her. Healer or no healer, I won¡¯t hesitate to throw her out of the pack house and render her stupid butt homeless. The mention of butt made me remember how her butt cheeks shed together as she ran. I shouldn¡¯t be seeing her in that light. It¡¯s impossible. Feeling tired from exchanging words with her, I headed to the room. Thankfully, Gemma seemed to have taken the cue and left. She is pretty stubborn and more like the worst person to reason with, and that stresses the shit out of me.


    Rxing into the bed, I let out a long sigh of relief. Wrapping the duvet around me, I closed my eyes. And not too far in my sleep, the healer came after me in a bizarre appearance. Half human and half wolfing after me with a vengeance. I just dug my own grave.


    ********************


    NIA¡¯S POV


    With Kingston¡¯s absence and my encounter with that awful Alpha a few days back, I have been moving about like a zombie. Thankfully, my knowledge of herbs and healing concoctions has nothing to do with my forehand knowledge. If not, I might have poisoned some patients because of how much of my head is in the clouds. I don¡¯t see any need to struggle for a better life. The discussion with Alpha Gael the other day, even though it was more of him talking and me miserably listening to my future being predicted.


    He is probably right; what was I expecting to be when I was born differently from others? My life hasn¡¯t been rosy from the beginning, and it is unclear why I became hopeful for nothing. Tearsced my eyes heavily as I stared nkly at the herb shelf. To avoid getting caught crying in the office, Ie to the store to let it all out. I feel exhausted and alone. Just when I thought being the healer would ease my path from now on. Instead, it only pushed me into further loneliness. I don¡¯t have friends or family to run to. It¡¯s heart-wrenching.


    I wish I could run far from here and nevere back. But I am obliged to fulfill my duty as the goddess¡¯s chosen healer. I have no choice but to ept this life of mine. The tears rolled down freely, and I didn¡¯t bother to wipe them off. I hate my life, and I hate everyone who sees me as a weakling to trample on, which is why I have decided to fight back at anyone who talks trash at me, including the Alpha. I have nothing to lose as it stands.


    If I get sent out of the pack, I might get another chance at living a more fulfilled life. And just in case I must spend the rest of my life in the pack house being miserable, it¡¯s best not to cringe away from the bullies anymore. Exhaling slowly, I made my way out of the store and back to my office. I already did my afternoon rounds before heading out before. We don¡¯t have many patients lingering around. Since I don¡¯t run a hospital, it¡¯s easy to tell them the herb¡¯s prescription and have them return to their homes to use it in theirfort.


    My heart skipped when I opened the office to see Mindy twirling in my chair. Inhaling deeply, I dipped my hands in myb coat pocket and walked further inside.


    ¡°What took you so long? What sort of healer leaves her office empty and wanders around? Aren¡¯t you bothered about the people who might need your help?¡± She questioned, chewing gum recklessly. I didn¡¯t respond and kept staring at her like she had grown two heads. That got to her, causing a frown to spread through her face. ¡°Have you gone deaf?¡±


    ¡°You won¡¯t walk into my office and throw insults at me, Mindy. It¡¯s wrong of you to strut in here like you own it. But I will let that slide. What do you want?¡±


    She paused in her chewing, looking surprised at my cold response to her. ¡°Did you just talk to me like that?¡± Mindy asked, making her way towards me.


    I changed my posture and folded my arms against my chest. ¡°I don¡¯t think there is any other person here. So, whatever I said was directed to you. Keep your distance and say whatever it is you are here for.¡± I warned her when she moved a bit too close forfort.


    Mindy scoffed, ¡°I believe the saying now that says money makes a person. Just because of the few coins you are making, your sorry ass thinks she is something, right?¡±


    I shrugged, ¡°at least I made the money from my hard work. Have you ever made money in your life before? You are nothing but a sponge, a pest that sucks from others for survival.¡±


    ¡°Nia!¡± She growled, raising her hand at me.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare!¡± I gritted, tightening my jaw. ¡°If you make any attempt to hit me, I will make sure you regret ever stepping foot into this ce.¡±


    Throwing her hands down, she let out a nervous chuckle. ¡°I see you are in a mood. I will leave that aside. I need two thousand dors from you, ¡±


    I stared at her for a long second before cackling. ¡°That¡¯s a joke, right?¡±


    Her eyes darted quickly, ¡°do I look like aedian to you?¡±


    ¡°Maybe. Because that is the only reason you would walk in here to make demands from me. You are probably just trying to see how funny you are.¡±


    She kissed her teeth, pointing a finger at me. ¡°you owe my family and me, Nia. We are the reason you are where you are today. And-¡±


    ¡°And what?¡± I cut her short. ¡°And what exactly? You keep rambling about the most stupid things. I have served your family for over a decade, and you still had the guts to take from me. But I didn¡¯t say anything, still, and let you be. Shouldn¡¯t you have a bit of shame beforeing here again to ask me for money? Do I owe you?¡±


    ¡°Yes, you do!¡± Her voice shook enough to tell me how nervous she was.


    Smacking my lips, I took two steps close to her. ¡°For your good, Mindy. Leave this ce right this minute before I unleash the brutal side of me on your pathetic self. And trust me, I am not joking.¡±


    Staggering to the back, she chuckled awkwardly. ¡°Trust me, I will get back to you for this. You will regret this, I promise.¡±


    ¡°Sure, run home to tell your mummy,¡± I called behind her. The minute she left, my legs wobbled.


    My palm felt sweaty, and my heart raced fast. I never thought a time woulde like this moment. I didn¡¯t even need to lift a finger or raise my voice. It feels scary and sounds at the same time. I should have done this earlier; none of those who bullied me would have been able to take me for granted. But then, one step at a time. I never realized Mindy¡¯s visit was what I needed to feel better. Grinning to myself, I yanked off theb coat and headed out of the clinic.


    Shifting into my wolf in delight, I ran for the woods.

 Chapter 42 The perfect body

    GAEL¡¯S POV


    I carried my wolf confidently through the lines of the woods; I love moments like this when I can be alone by myself, in my wolf form, and not bothering anyone or the pack. Just then, I heard a loud, excited pant at the other side of where I stood. Whoever that is is sure in a good mood. However, their delight puts me in a touchy mood. I don¡¯t particrly appreciate sharing my intended lone time with anyone. I know I have no control over who gets ess to the woods, but that doesn¡¯t mean I should ept being interrupted.


    I decided to ignore whoever it was and focus on enjoying the serenity. However, the person¡¯s wolf seems tock courtesy. I ran backward to see what was happening when a scream echoed in the woods. Is someone getting hurt? I stood behind arge tree to peek at who it was. The day is getting quite dark, so whoever it is won¡¯t notice someone is out here watching. My wolf eyes shined at an incredible light when the wolf shifted into their body, and it turned out to be the half-breed.


    Fuck! I had never seen such a beautifully structured body before, and with her hair on the loose, she looked like the goddess¡¯s assistant. Her skin looked so smooth and shining I would like to wrap my arms around her and probably have her melt against me. Her curly, dark brown hair looked so soft as it bounced with every movement she made. She kept jumping around, pping her hands like a crazy one. I wonder what makes her so happy. I hope it¡¯s not a man. I don¡¯t know why it bothers me. When tired, she shifted back into her wolf and rushed off astoundingly.


    She didn¡¯t appear to be restless, but seeing her now, I have a different opinion of her. It¡¯s not like whatever she does concerns me in the first ce. Scratching the soil with my hind legs, I returned to the main house. She ruined my mood. After changing my clothes, I returned to the room to visit the study, only to find Gemma unleashing her wrath on twodies. They were both on their knees; I could see that from behind, but not their faces.


    ¡°What the hell is going on?¡± I roared from behind.


    Gemma turned around, holding up a fake smile. ¡°Hey, baby.¡±


    I raised a hand to stop her. ¡°Hold it right there,¡± Imanded, tilting my head to see thedies. One of them turned out to be my concubine. ¡°You¡¯ve got to be kidding me. You both should get up and return to your rooms. Come with me, Gemma.¡±


    ¡°But you can¡¯t just let them go like that. You didn¡¯t even ask me what they did.¡± She whined behind me as we walked.This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    I kept my cool until we entered the study. When Gemma shut the door, I turned abruptly, gritting my teeth. ¡°What the fuck do you think you are doing?¡± I bellowed.


    ¡°What do you mean yourself? Why would you embarrass me like that in front of those peasants? I was teaching them a lesson, and you just had to ruin it.¡± She pouted.


    ¡°Are you crazy? You had my concubine on the floor on her knees with a maid. What difference do you think is between you both?¡±


    She gasped, staring at me in shock. ¡°Why will you even say that? I am the daughter of the Beta, and I am your girlfriend.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I see. The title is where the problem lies. Let me say this again, you are no different from thedies I call out to randomly to sleep with. And you have no right toe into my pack house and punish anyone. If your hands itch so bad to have someone punished, do so in your father¡¯s house.¡±


    Her eyes watered as she spoke, ¡°What¡¯s with you suddenly? What did I do to you?¡±


    The half-breed¡¯s words haunted me as Gemma made a repeat of it. I grabbed a fistful of my hair, groaning inwardly at the effect. ¡°Don¡¯t ask me stupid questions, Gemma. Please leave and don¡¯t return to the pack house until I order you to do so. Please go.¡±


    ¡°Gael?¡±


    ¡°Leave before I lose my cool,¡± I warn. ¡°I won¡¯t repeat myself.¡± Making a loud huff, she left the study. The door opened again, and I thought she was the one.


    ¡°I said, get out!¡± I yelled.


    ¡°Okay.¡± Ezra drawled behind me. ¡°Trouble in paradise?¡±


    I scoffed, dumping myself into the chair. ¡°I didn¡¯t know it was you. That Gemma girl drives me up the wall.


    ¡°It won¡¯t harm you to end things with her.¡±


    ¡°Do I have to show her the door before she reads between the lines?¡± I hissed.


    ¡°Many people do not understand silent treatments, and I believe you know Gemma better than we all do. But I doubt if you are also ready to sort the problem out. What are you up to tonight? Want to go get booze and girls?¡± He wiggled his brows.


    I stared at him suspiciously, ¡°That¡¯s odd of you. You never say those two things in the same sentence. Why are you so excited?¡±


    ¡°Correct yourself, I didn¡¯t say ass that you are thinking in your head. And you make it sound like I am some old cargo. Are you in or out?¡±


    ¡°I guess I can make do with the distraction. I want to ask. Do you know if anything happened to the half-breed today?¡± I don¡¯t know why I am asking, but the words already rolled out before I could stop myself.


    ¡°Nia is her name, you cow.¡±


    ¡°Show some respect.¡± I retorted.


    ¡°Why are you suddenly interested in that?¡±


    I scoffed, ¡°I intend to punish her for ruining my me-time today with her silly excitement.¡±


    ¡°Did shee to shout in the hallway? She doesn¡¯t evene here.¡±


    I cleared my throat, ¡°not here, in the woods.¡± Ezra kept a story face for a minute before bursting intoughter. ¡°Did I say something funny?¡±


    ¡°Yes, you did. I didn¡¯t realize there is a rule that only gives the Alpha ess to the woods.¡±


    ¡°Do I look like a joke to you?¡±


    ¡°Hundred percent. Stop trying so hard to get at the poor girl. She is going through too much already. Stop adding to it. If going to the woods will be a problem, I will ask her not to go at some specific times. How about that?¡±


    I feel mocked by him. ¡°Just shut the fuck up!¡± I hollered, standing up to leave.


    ¡°Are you going already?¡± He mumbled behind me.


    ¡°Come closer, and I will punch the living daylight out of that face of yours.¡±


    ¡°Angry much.¡± Ezra drawled in a singsong voice.


    Turning around, I gripped him tightly by the neck with my arm, not letting him go until we got out into the hallway, and he released himself, running off.

 Chapter 43 The Guest

    AUTHOR¡¯S POV     ¡°I can¡¯t believe this?¡± Mindy screamed, kicking the couch and hitting it with her bag again.


    The humiliation Nia put her through made her furious, and the only thing that came to her mind was strangling her. She almost couldn¡¯t wrap her head around Nia threatening her. Everyone knows how meek she is, and having her turn around to look Mindy directly in the eye means she is getting the courage from somewhere.


    Caleb strolled into the living room, yawning. He had just woken up from the afternoon nap he took. ¡°Can¡¯t one have peace in this forsaken house? Why are you screaming like a banshee? Did you get dropped off a tall building or what?¡± ?


    She red hard at her brother, ¡°If you have nothing intelligent to say. It¡¯s best if you keep your bloody mouth shut. Don¡¯t annoy me any further.¡±


    Hey on the long couch, spreading his arms and legszily. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    Faking tears, she dumped herself into the couch. ¡°I am so embarrassed, and I don¡¯t know how to say it.¡±


    Caleb sat up, resting his head on his hand. ¡°Talk to me, it can¡¯t be as bad as having your bare ass all over the.¡±


    She eyeballed him, ring her nose. ¡°So, I went to Nia today to ask for some cash. You wouldn¡¯t believe that she insulted me and practically had me chased out of the clinic.¡±


    ¡°Hmmm, serves you right.¡± Her brother muttered, blowing his fingers.


    ¡°What? What did you say?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure you don¡¯t have wool in your ears, baby. It serves you right. It¡¯s understandable if Mum or Dad chose to harass her for money. Why would you do that? What right do you have over her?¡±


    ¡°She lived under our roof, and we fed her.¡±


    ¡°Point of correction: she lived under our parents¡¯ roof. Nia has been more useful to our parents than you or I would ever be. Stop bothering your dumb head, and it will only make you dumber.¡±


    ¡°You bastard!¡± She cursed, throwing the cushion pillow at him.


    He didn¡¯t flinch from the hit. ¡°Say all you want. It still won¡¯t change that Nia stood up for herself today. However, it took her long enough. I was always wondering when she would finally wake up and smell the damn coffee. Good for her.¡±


    Mindy scoffed in disbelief. ¡°Whose side are you on exactly? Does Mum and Dad know they have a traitor in their midst and under their roof?¡±


    ¡°Shut up! You don¡¯t get it, do you? I am all for the gains, but you and Mum are beginning to irk me. I see why Kingston wants to dissociate himself from us. Mum exhausted our savings on many luxurious things that aren¡¯t even worth shit now just because she wishes to be considered an elite in the pack, despite knowing about Dad¡¯s financial state. Seeing her act so extravagant, you would think she has somewhere reliable to get more money from. And now that it¡¯s all red, you want a girl who knew nothing about the times youvished money to help pay your debts. Isn¡¯t that ridiculous? I would have had you all murdered if anyone bothered me like that.¡±


    ¡°You are the foolish one. Mum and Dad didn¡¯t help Nia because they were nice. The n was to use her in the future to earn money. Now is the time to get all that they desire through her.¡±


    Caleb shook his head, letting out another loud yawn. ¡°I feel so sorry for whoever ends up with you. You might send the poor guy to his early grave.¡±


    ¡°Mum will hear about this.¡± She threatened.


    He looked bored, ¡°no one said you shouldn¡¯t tell her. I will find my way out of here, too, just like Kingston did. I guess I have been living the life wrongly all along.¡±


    ¡°Did I hear someone say moving out?¡± Stephanie muttered from the door with Levi behind her.


    ¡°Mum.¡± Mindy let out a dramatic howl, running towards her mother.


    ¡°What happened, baby?¡± She asked, caressing her face. Caleb kissed his teeth and got up to leave.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare take another step from there, young man? Show some respect.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s with all this chaos again?¡± Levi mumbled tiredly. ?


    Letting her mother guard her back to the couch, Mindy wiped at her fake tears. ¡°Nia had me beaten up and thrown out of the pack house because I asked her to lend me some cash.¡±


    Stephanie sat up quickly. ¡°How dare that half-breed touch my daughter? It¡¯s not like she can¡¯t afford to pay the money; why is she being so stringent?¡±


    Levi coughed dryly. ¡°Mindy must have asked in an unfriendly manner.¡±


    ¡°Even if she did it that way, that half-breed owes us,¡± Stephanie added. ¡°I¡¯m so going to deal with that filth forying her hands on my daughter.¡±


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you check Mindy for any scratches to be sure she is truly wounded,¡± Caleb interjected.


    ¡°Are you supporting that good-for-nothing over your sister?¡± His mother queried.


    ¡°He has been making excuses for her all along.¡± His sister used him.


    Stephanie gasped dramatically, ¡°I can¡¯t believe that witch has finally charmed both of my sons. She will regret this. I will make sure she does.¡±


    ¡°What if she harasses you too, mum?¡± Asked Mindy.


    ¡°Trust me to report her to the Alpha. I hear she is his number one enemy.¡± She replied.


    Mindy grinned, ¡°That makes many of us.¡±


    ¡°Dad, are you not going to say anything?¡±


    Caleb questioned his father. Levi turned his face away, pretending to be searching for something. ¡°It¡¯s such a waste of time to reason with any of you. I need some air.¡± He mused, leaving the house.


    ¡°Can you let it slide this one time? We just collected some cash from her.¡± Levi suggested.


    Stephanie gave him a curt look. ¡°If you have nothing important to say, it¡¯s best to keep your thoughts to yourself.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I thought so.¡± Levi mused, making his way to the room.


    Leaning into her mother, Mindy caressed her hand. ¡°Mummy, make sure she regrets ever messing with me.¡±


    ¡°I promise to do that, baby,¡± Stephanie assured.     **********************


    Gemma turned, letting out a loud hiss for the umpteenth time. She couldn¡¯t seem to catch a glimpse of sleep. Her tears had soaked both sides of the bed. The look Gael had on his face when he asked her to leave made her heart heavy. Despite all of their fights in the past, he has never red at her like that before. She thinks there might be something bothering him. Gemma refuses to believe that he would turn her away for the sake of a mere concubine. Her eyes watered again, and it tinged.


    The door to her room opened, letting her mother in.


    Danie parts the curtains, letting in sunlight. Gemma winced, shielding her face away from the sun.


    ¡°Put it down, mum.¡± She groaned.


    ¡°Good morning to you too, Gemma. If you don¡¯t mind, kindly get yourself dressed. Your father wants you downstairs for breakfast this morning to meet our guest.¡±


    She sat up reluctantly, ¡°what guests?¡±


    Danie folded her hands, blinking slowly. ¡°You will know when youe down. Also, don¡¯t keep your father waiting. You know how he gets when that happens. Put some foundation on that face; they look too puffy.¡± She said, walking away.


    Gemma blinked as she tried to backtrack her memory of what just happened. Her mother seemed off, like she couldn¡¯t wait to leave her presence. It must have been evident from one look at her face that she had been crying. It¡¯s unusual of her mother not to ask what the matter was. Her mother¡¯s attitude made Gemma curious to know what was going on. Getting off the bed, she entered the bathroom to get dressed.


    ¡°Ah, there she is.¡± Beta Ezekiel grinned when he saw Gemmaing down the stairs. ¡°Come, sweetie. Our guest has been waiting to meet you.¡±


    Gemma looked towards her mother for an exnation, but Danie only turned her face away. She didn¡¯t bother to spare Ezra a nce, and he didn¡¯t seem to pay her any mind. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± She asked, staring at the young man sitting opposite her father. He has a calm demeanor to him and a handsome face. Still, that doesn¡¯t change the fact that he is a stranger.


    Her father chuckled a bit too loudly, not fitting his person. Beta Ezekiel hardly shows off his pearly whites. ¡°Why don¡¯t you take a seat first? He is Zac; he is the son of my old friend from the Redwood pack, but he stays in New York. His father asked that he visit when hees home, and here he is. Zac, this is my lovely daughter, Gemma.¡±


    Zac smiled sweetly, his eyes roaming her entire features. ¡°Nice to meet you, Gemma. You are more beautiful than your pictures.¡±


    ¡°You have been showing off my pictures?¡± Gemma questioned her father.


    Ezekiel shrugged guiltily. ¡°I was just excited to do so.¡±


    Gemma scoffed, ¡°I can almost predict what this is about. A random stranger sits at the table this early in the day to eat with us, and hepliments me. That is just perfect. I am just going to say this once. Whatever they told you, mister, I am not interested. To think I got up from the bed for nothing.¡± She hissed, leaving the table.


    ¡°Gemma, get back here!¡± Danie yelled after her.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, honey. I will talk to Gemma.¡± Ezekiel said. ¡°I¡¯m sorry for the rudeness, Zac. Please enjoy your meal. Ezra will show you around when you finish your meal.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s no problem, Beta Ezekiel,¡± Zac assured.


    ¡°Please excuse me.¡± He mumbled, going after his daughter.


    Gemma paced the room back and forth, clenching her fist. ¡°Now I understand why Gael sent me away out of the blue. It¡¯s your fault.¡± She used her father when she sensed his presence.


    Ezekiel folded his arms, gritting his teeth. ¡°You made a mistake walking out on my guest like that. And if Gael says it¡¯s over between you two, isn¡¯t that a good thing? Zac lives far away from here. You can start a new life with him and have new dreams. You should be ashamed of yourself, parading around the pack headless. Not only that, but you are a ything to Gael, and that¡¯s all you will ever be. Even though it hurts to admit it.¡±


    ¡°Enough, Dad!¡± She growled. ¡°I know you must have threatened him to stay away from me. But I promise I will only spend the rest of my life with Gael. He will make me the Luna, you will see.¡±


    Her father stared in utmost shock, conflicted on what to say. ¡°What is wrong with you, Gemma? Why do you keep acting as if you weren¡¯t loved right growing up? Why would you keep pushing yourself on someone who treats you like trash? What good man will sleep recklessly with other women if he does respect and love you? I haveid a good example for you, loving your mother endlessly. Where exactly did I go wrong training you?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s none of your business! I am an adult and can handle myself. I promise you, I will get back with Gael, and you won¡¯t be able to do anything about it.¡±


    ¡°Shut that stupid mouth of yours, youngdy. Apologize to your father right this minute.¡± Danie ordered from the doorway, giving Gemma a stern look.


    Gemma threw her hands out, ¡°I am so not apologizing to anyone. I¡¯m afraid I have to disagree that it¡¯s my fault that Dadcks the insight to take in a new experience. I am d you will no longer be the Beta. I can get to live whichever way I choose then.¡±


    Kissing her teeth, Danie pped Gemma hard across the face. ¡°You idiot!¡±This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Honey.¡± Ezekiel cautioned.


    ¡°No, baby. Let me handle this. You ungrateful child! It¡¯s bad enough that I must put up with the sneers and mockery from my friends and foes. But you disrespect us for wanting what¡¯s best for you? I am so not going to take that. Do you not feel depressed or ashamed of a man who treats you like some dirt under his shoes? You have a lifetime of goodwill with someone willing to look past your bad mistakes and be there for you. I am tired of seeing your shameless self. I have tried to be a supportive mother, even going against your father¡¯s will, included. I have had enough. And if at twenty-two, what you intend to do is waste your life not working and nning for your future, but only spending your father¡¯s money and running after dick. That¡¯s good for you. I hope when you see someone like Perry making a name for herself, you won¡¯t go about badmouthing her. We know keyboard warriors like you. Frustrated beings on the inte only started this way.¡±


    ¡°Mum.¡± Gemma let out a shaky breath, feeling tears in her eyes.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go, honey. Our guest still needs us. It¡¯s a total waste of time with this one.¡± Danie urged, pulling Ezekiel with her.


    ¡°Fuck you all!¡± She screamed after them. ¡°I will prove to you all that Gael is mine and mine alone. You will see!¡±

 Chapter 44 His feelings

    GAEL¡¯S POV


    I rubbed at my neck as I stretched it to see if the half-breed was anywhere near. I haven¡¯t seen much of her around, and for some unknown reason, I want to see her again. Even though she would act all sassy with me, I would like to see it. My conscience has been haunting me for days, long over the conversation we had thest time. I think I said too much, and I don¡¯t know what is happening. It¡¯s very unusual for me to be bothered about how people feel when I tell them off. It must be why I want nothing to do with the half-breed.


    Humans are tricksters and hypnotists, making you start following them like a lost fool. But Nia¡¯s case is overboard. She is half flesh and half wild. I find myself constantly thinking of how she would taste. I would instead not think of it, but I can¡¯t help it. Not after I got a glimpse of her entire body. Her beauty is dangerous, and that body will leave me begging for more. To think I have seen many naked women; however, there isn¡¯t any exnation as to why hers is so mesmerizing and feels different. If I didn¡¯t have my ego in ce, I might fuck her tonight. But I am an Alpha, and I don¡¯t repeat my words.


    ¡°Why are you here, then?¡± My wolf questioned.


    Suddenly, the question felt challenging to answer. Why am I here, exactly? What was the intention? I remember saying the half-breed should keep away from me. But why am I the one wanting to see her? Shit! I am bewitched! I shouldn¡¯t have looked at that body.


    ¡°Is there something you are looking for, Alpha?¡± Her in-depth voice questioned from behind. No doubt. I am correct since my subconscious already ingrained her voice in my memory.


    My legs shifted, but I stood my ground, causing me to send a quick thank you to the goddess for not letting me embarrass my ancestors. Clearing my throat, I squared my shoulders, homing her gaze. ¡°I didn¡¯t realize I had to be questioned on my movement by a half-breed.¡±


    She sighed, raising her hands in surrender. ¡°Alright, do as you please, your highness. I just needed to know who was peeking at my patients and me.¡±


    I coughed when she turned to leave. ¡°I¡¯m here to see the progress of the clinic.¡±


    ¡°You know the way in, dear Alpha.¡± She replied with thick sarcasm underlying her fake smile.


    ¡°Show me around,¡± I ordered, moving forward. I heard the half-breed disgruntled whine behind me and ignored.


    We moved around each ward, and I must say she did an excellent job at keeping the entire space in order. There aren¡¯t many people around, unlike the time when the disease was roaming.


    ¡°Do you always have people retained to be healed?¡± I asked, nodding at the assistants who bowed to me.


    ¡°Not at all. The ones kept here are those that I need to monitor after administering the herbs for their recovery.¡± She replied. ¡°If that is all, Alpha. I need to leave for my office now.¡±


    She is avoiding my eyes. I don¡¯t expect her not to. It¡¯s not like we are friends.? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    ¡°I want to see your office.¡± I blurted, surprising myself. I guess this is just boredom at work. She didn¡¯t argue and only led the way.


    Stepping into the office, I was pretty amused by what she made of the ce. On the wall one of Perry¡¯s paintings was there. I knew immediately because of her initials. She undeniably has a bold way of expressing herself. The entire space smelt of scented herbs, and it looked neat. I don¡¯t know what I expect of a healer¡¯s space, but it¡¯s probably not this well arranged. I turned to look at Nia, but she had already sat by her table, scrolling through her phone. I¡¯m not too fond of the idea of her staying quiet.


    ¡°Get me some refreshments.¡± I requested, settling in a chair.


    She blinked slowly, ¡°I will get someone to get it for you.¡±


    I scoffed, ¡°Really? You have started thinking too highly of yourself yet again. You serve me, miss. Get me something to drink. A servant shouldn¡¯t be ordering another person around.¡±


    A sh of hurt passed through her eyes. She was quick to p it away. ¡°Yes, Alpha.¡±


    Being all alone in the office, I had time to reminisce on my mother¡¯s moments right here. I doubt if the half-breed knows this was also my mum¡¯s office. Right here, the both of us enjoyed moments. And I cherish them so much. The door opened, bringing me out of my thoughts. Nia handed me a ss of wine.


    ¡°Taste it,¡± Imanded.


    Sniffing, she ced the ss gingerly in front of me. ¡°with all due respect, Alpha Gael. I don¡¯t know what this is to you, and I don¡¯t care. But I am not going to take a sip of that wine. I am not going to take your disrespect. I have had enough of you.¡±


    Iughed dryly, trying to hide my brewing anger. ¡°You haven¡¯t even had a taste of me yet. Who do you think you are to refuse my order?¡±


    ¡°Do you need us to take it to the court?¡± She asked calmly. ¡°You won¡¯t win, Alpha Gael. You barged in here and requested a drink. If you will have a drink, it should be my decision to make, not anyone else¡¯s or you. So, as it stands, I have no interest in taking a sip of a wine you ordered yourself. If you have nothing to say to me, please take your leave; I have patients to attend to.¡±


    A soft scoff escaped my lips. ¡°Have you always been this rude? Do you know I can have you executed right now for disrespecting me, and no one will question my actions?¡±


    Nia yawned tiredly, ¡°Yes, and I am not scared. Everyone wants to throw their weight around. It¡¯s cool. My life wasn¡¯t much fun before. I can deal with being executed.¡±


    I hate that she isn¡¯t trying to mop up to me, and at the same time, I am amused. A conflicted, unexinable feeling. ¡°You have grown balls now.¡±


    ¡°You have nothing interesting to do. Please excuse me.¡± She mused.


    My phone rang just in time, and I had to bite back my response. I sucked my teeth, picking up the call. ¡°What do you want, Ezra?¡±


    ¡°Rude much. Where are you at?¡± He asked from the other end. ¡°I am in the study, and you are nowhere to be found.¡±


    ¡°Give me a minute,¡± I replied, hanging up. I will have to deal with the half-breedter.


    ***********************


    AUTHOR¡¯S POV


    ¡°Why do you never call me?¡± Ezra mumbled, staring into the phone screen at an unbothered-looking Perry.


    She shrugged, chewing on what looked like nuts. ¡°Because I am busy.¡±


    ¡°Busy doing what? So you are so preupied that you can¡¯t talk to your brother?¡±


    Perry rolled her eyes, ¡°I told you thest time that I won¡¯t speak to you until you respond.¡±


    ¡°Perry!¡± Ezra drawled, rubbing at his face. He didn¡¯t notice when the door opened, letting in Gael. ¡°Why are you doing this to me? I can¡¯t tell Nia I am beginning to feel some way towards her. What if she doesn¡¯t like me? I don¡¯t want a second-time rejection.¡±


    ¡°Why are you so scared? Nia is a sweet girl, and if she is sofortable around you, there is a probable likeness. And you have to test the waters.¡±


    ¡°What happens if it goes sour? And she chooses not to talk to me again. I can¡¯t lose what we share right now. I enjoy every bit of herpany.¡± He admitted.


    Ezra had kept his distance from Nia for the past week when he realized the change in his affection towards her. He couldn¡¯t tell Gael, knowing his friend would mock him in the process, leading him to tell his sister.


    ¡°Then take a leap of faith. She is remarkable.¡± Perry added, grinning.


    Gael stood behind, gritting his teeth as he surprisingly felt ufortable listening to the siblings¡¯ discussion.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± He cleared his throat, interrupting the conversation.


    Ezra turned to look at him, ¡°Hey, man. When did you get here?¡±


    ¡°A while ago, that is. How are you doing, Perry?¡± He asked, waving at her.


    Perry looked bored. ¡°Hi. Talk to youter. Bye.¡± She said, ending the call.


    Gael smacked his lips, ¡°that brat is still as saucy as ever.¡±


    ¡°She despises you more than ever now.¡± Ezra chuckled.


    ¡°I guess it¡¯s because of the half-breed.¡± He stated, giving Ezra a close look.


    ¡°It¡¯s Nia, for fuck¡¯s sake. Why do you keep doing that?¡±


    ¡°What did I do wrong? And what is this about you wanting to be with her?¡±


    He blushed, ¡°Well, I find myself melting at the sight of her. Nia is not just beautiful, but she has a soothing spirit. I want to be with her if she doesn¡¯t mind.¡±


    ¡°Have you lost your mind? The half-breed of all people.¡± Gael said spitefully, and he couldn¡¯t seem to tune out the negative thoughtsing to his head. ?


    ¡°I don¡¯t think I get to tell you who you should hang out with. Let¡¯s respect each other¡¯s boundaries, please.¡±


    Gael shrugged, ¡°Well, I am just looking out for a friend, that¡¯s all. You don¡¯t have to get all tensed. Why do you want to see me? I thought you were running an errand outside the pack today?¡±


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t exactly an errand. Gemma¡¯s intending spouse was around, and uncle instructed that I show him around the pack. He would be staying for a week.¡±


    ¡°Spouse?¡± Gael inquired, shifting ufortably in the chair.


    Ezra let out a shortugh, ¡°why? You sound surprised or almost jealous. Do you think you are the only one interested in Gemma?¡±


    Gael snickered, ¡°Oh, please. I never denied that she was good-looking or anything like that. But you and I know the actual truth, and she would alwayse back to me.¡± He bluffed.


    Scratching the back of his neck, Ezra hummed. ¡°I¡¯m just so d Perry isn¡¯t the one in Gemma¡¯s shoes. I would have been arrested for treason or probably murdered.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t hate me for ying the game of life. Nothing is fair around here.¡±


    ¡°Even if that is the case, you should try your best to be as reasonable as possible. It¡¯s why youfortably treat Nia like she is some bad egg. It¡¯s time you realize that we don¡¯t get to decide who births us or the kind of life we would end up living. One thing is certain, though: we have the chance to rebirth and make better use of our lives.¡±


    ¡°Your point?¡±


    ¡°Humans aren¡¯t your problem, Gael. Neither is falling in love. You are just scared of experiencing change and pain. You do not realize that we are to enjoy our world on both sides, good or bad. And it¡¯s okay. That way, you get to enjoy your life more. You create memories and live freely.¡±


    ¡°You are one to talk. Didn¡¯t you hang on to your parents¡¯ death for as long as you could? You didn¡¯t even get along with your sister.¡± ?


    ¡°That isn¡¯t true. Perry was the one who shut herself away from me. I was ready to carry my cross and be happy with what the goddess had blessed me. I had you, Perry, and my uncle. My life wasn¡¯t so bad. I carry my pain but soothe myself with the happy times, too. That is worthy enough. It would help if you tried to live right, too. There is a high chance you are in love with Gemma, and you should admit it now. Apologize to my uncle for being such an asshole and live well. And if that isn¡¯t the case, at least free yourself from the shackles of having many women at your beck and call, which still doesn¡¯t bring you happiness.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m perfectly fine,¡± Gael mumbled stubbornly.


    ¡°Are you happy? When did youst have a genuine delight in your heart?¡± Ezra questioned.


    Gael stared nkly, and he couldn¡¯t seem to remember any moment aside from the time he had seen Nia in the woods jumping happily for nothing. Thest time he had genuinely smiled at something was before his mother¡¯s death. ¡°I am happy.¡±


    ¡°If you say so. I believe you. I will see youter, and I need to check on Nia quickly.¡± He said, standing up to leave.


    ¡°Will you be confessing your feelings to her today?¡± Gael asked,


    Ezra turned to him with a smirk. ¡°Not yet. When the right timees.¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    ¡°See youter, my friend.¡± He grinned, waving as he walked out.


    Rxing further into the chair, Gael tilted his head, staring at the closed door. After a minute, he smacked his lips and got up. ¡°Stop fooling yourself!¡± He mumbled to himself and reached out for a book to read that would get the lingering thoughts out of his head.

 Chapter 45 Revenge Mission

    NIA¡¯S POV


    A blush crept up my cheeks as I stared intently at the box of chocte Ezra had gotten me. If he continues, I might fall head over heels in love with him. He is sweet and considerate, always showing up with goodies in hand whenever hees to see me. Ezra and his sister make me feel alive like my world isplete. But it all fades away when none of them is nearby to assure me everything will be okay. I think I like Ezra, and I might want something beyond mere friendship with him; at the same time, I don¡¯t feel deserving of him.


    He deserves someone he can lean on. Someone to hold him up when he is down, and that implies a confident person for someone like Ezra, who has had to shoulder plenty of things growing up. He also needs to be pampered. I would love to be all of that for him, but I am too doubtful of myself. Also, what¡¯s the assurance he desires me differently? He is probably just being nice because Perry asked him to. As sweet as that might sound, it makes me feel deted. I want to be wanted for me, not just because I appear pitiful.


    Shaking off the thoughts, I picked up a chocte and chewed off some of it. Closing my eyes, I savored the taste and couldn¡¯t help but moan in delight. It tastes like heaven. I wish he were here right now to see my reaction. He had brought it to me two days back. I had been too preupied to pay attention to it. Now that I have the time, I would love to share it with him. Chuckling to myself as a thought crossed my mind, I picked up my phone to video call him. He picked on the first ring.


    ¡°I think I won a jackpot.¡± He beamed, smiling beautifully.


    Iughed lightly, ¡°what? When was that?¡±


    ¡°Just now.¡±


    ¡°Really? What is it worth?¡±


    ¡°More than a diamond. Your call is a jackpot for me. I must have done something pleasing to the goddess to make you remember me.¡±


    His words finally dawned, and I couldn¡¯t hide the blush that mounted on my face. ¡°Can you not tease me, please?¡±


    Ezra chuckled, ¡°I am not teasing. How are you today?¡±


    ¡°Great. I just wanted to tell you that I love the choctes you got me. I wish you had been here to share it with me.¡± I said, showing him the box.


    ¡°Nah, I am good. I bought it for you to enjoy. And I am happy you like it.¡±


    ¡°Like is an understatement. It tastes heavenly.¡±


    ¡°Have you had a taste of the cloud before?¡± He teased.


    Throwing my head back inughter, I sniffed. ¡°You are so-¡± The words faded when my office door opened abruptly, and my adoptive mother and one of the assistants struggled in the doorway. ¡°Let¡¯s talkter, Ezra.¡± I mused, hanging up.


    ¡°I tried to stop her, ma¡¯am. But she insisted on seeing you.¡± The youngdy said, sounding frustrated.


    I can feel a headache making its way to my poor head. ¡°I am sorry for the inconvenience. You can leave her with me. Thanks, dear.¡±


    Stephanie hissed in contempt as she sneered at the poor girl. She struts in, acting like she rules the entire universe. Her eyesnded on the chocte box, and she cackled. ¡°I see you are living your best life now. Must feel good leaving your family on the edge while you enjoy.¡±


    I already know where this conversation is going. I had expected this woman earlier; surprisingly, she took her time. Probably plotting on the right things to say to make me sumb. ¡°Please have your seat.¡±This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Shut up, you tramp. I won¡¯t have you order me around.¡± She protested.


    ¡°Sorry, ma¡¯am,¡± I muttered. ¡°What brings you here?¡±


    She ignored my question and reached for a chocte instead. For a brief moment, I wish I had poisoned it. ¡°So, I heard something, and I am trying not to believe you will do something as stupid as that, knowing fully well that you owe us a lot.¡±


    I folded my arms, watching her patiently. ¡°What are you talking about?¡±


    ¡°Mindy came here to ask you for money, and you assaulted her.¡±


    ¡°Is that an usation or a question?¡±


    She looked sincerely taken aback by my response, and I liked that. ¡°Are you being sassy right now?¡±


    ¡°Sassiness isn¡¯t the attitude I n to put up for you. I will be more frank instead. Please exin why I am obligated to give Mindy money, Mum?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t call me that. I am not a mother to an abomination like yourself.¡±


    ¡°Fine. That means you wouldn¡¯t mind me calling you Stephanie.¡±


    She gasped, ¡°Did you just call me by my name?¡±


    I pped my forehead, feeling frustration seep in. ¡°What would you have me do then? It is seemingly tooplex for you to decide on. I won¡¯t call you anything then. Just answer my question: why should I give your daughter my hard-earned money.¡±


    ¡°B-because you owe me! You owe the entire family for putting up with you all these years. And I expect you to rectify your mistake right now, or I will report you to the Alpha.¡± Stephanie¡¯s shoulder raised in a way that expected me to put my guard down at herst statement.


    I remained unfazed, staring at her. ¡°What will you tell the Alpha? Don¡¯t you think you will end up embarrassing yourself? How can you boldly tell the world that you steal from me? Listen, I should have told you this to your face a long time ago, but for some stupid reason, I kept holding on to you. Kingston is the only person I consider family. I want to believe you have been handsomely paid for those years you fed and clothed me, the day you sold me off to the Alpha. Plus, the ones you took forcefully from me. Starting from this moment, you will never get a dime from me. If you want money so bad, go work for it.¡±


    The side of her lips twitched as she red her nose. ¡°Are you sure you want to go down this part with me? I am merciless when I am determined to deal with someone.¡±


    ¡°You already made your point clear many times. Whatever you choose to do, it¡¯s all good. I am not nning to change my mind.¡±


    A devilish smirk appeared on her face. ¡°I will make you pay for this in the most gruesome way, Nia. My family and I made you, and we are the reason your stupid face sits right there and acting boastful. Don¡¯t make me clip your wings.¡± She threatened.


    ¡°Do your worst, ma¡¯am. Do your worst.¡± I stated, feeling tears prick in my eyes. All of my limbs shook in anxiety. I don¡¯t know how long I can hold her down. I loved her and hoped she would love me back someday. It was wishful thinking, but I still thought of it. And it¡¯s why I gave whatever was asked of me then. But here we are.


    ¡°You will regret this, I tell you.¡± She mused, mming the door shut on her way out.


    It felt like my heart shed into two at the sudden sound. I bowed my head on the table, and my shoulders shuddered as I let the tears out.


    About an hour passed after Stephanie left, and just when I thought peace had returned, a knock came on the door. I should get a receptionist and a table phone. It didn¡¯t seem necessary since the clinic isn¡¯t precisely a hospital. But I think it¡¯s essential now.


    ¡°Come in,¡± I called out.


    A guard came in, bowing his head slightly at me. He looked familiar. ¡°Good afternoon, healer Nia. It¡¯s me, Felix.¡±


    I snapped my finger at the reminder, my very first patient. The one who gave me a better chance at living. ¡°Oh, yes. You did look familiar. I hope you feel better now?¡± I asked.


    He smiled brightly, ¡°Yes, healer. I am very fine, thank you. The Alpha asks that youe with me to the meeting hall.¡±


    I furrowed my brows at that. The alpha had already warned me to stay clear. What¡¯s with the sudden call? I hope I am not in trouble. ¡°Is everything okay?¡±


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t be able to tell, ma¡¯am. I only follow the instructions given.¡±


    ¡°Alright, Felix. Thank you. I need to follow you now?¡±


    ¡°Yes, please.¡±


    Exhaling slowly, I picked up my phone and went out with him. I don¡¯t know what I was expecting, but it isn¡¯t what I see right now. Stephanie stood in the middle of the hall with Mindy next to her and a bandage with blood on the surface wrapped around her arm. My heart raced at the sight of them. I can only hope they haven¡¯t caused any trouble for me. Even though it¡¯s obvious they already did.


    ¡°You called for me, Alpha,¡± I said, bowing my head to avoid his eyes. I can let him embarrass me in front of these people. They will undoubtedly have a good time watching.


    His eyes burn holes into me; I know because I can feel them. Alpha Gael cleared his throat. ¡°You assaulted your patient and also my pack member. Guilty or not guilty?¡±


    I raised my head quickly, furrowing my brows, confused. ¡°What does that even mean?¡±


    ¡°Thisdy here said you assaulted her mother.¡± He raised his voice.


    ¡°Me?¡± I questioned, pointing at myself.


    Mindy sneered, ¡°Yes, you did. Some people would testify against you.¡±


    ¡°She hurt me, Alpha.¡± Stephanie burst into fake tears. ¡°How can you let someone as dangerous as her be the healer? Punish her severely, dear Alpha.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t do anything to her, I promise. Both of them are the ones harassing me. They came to demand money from me after stealing eight thousand dors from me. And now they want more, so I refused them. Did you have to go to this extent to get at me?¡± I would have loved to keep quiet, but I had to exin myself, knowing the one to make the judgment doesn¡¯t like me.


    ¡°You lie! Ignore thisdy, Alpha. She has always been evil-minded.¡± Stephanie countered.


    ¡°Even if we did ask you for money. You owe us that much.¡± Mindy hissed.


    The Alpha looked on like he was contemting what to do with me. ¡°Did you or did you not harm her?¡± He asked again.


    I tried to maintain a defensive stance. ¡°I swear on my life, Alpha. I didn¡¯t do anything. My assistants can testify to it.¡±


    Stephanie scoffed loudly. ¡°Of course, they woulde to your rescue. You are lying bitch!¡±


    ¡°One more word from you, ma¡¯am, and you will have regrets.¡± He warned. ¡°I am the only one allowed to talk. Unless I ask you a question, only then should you answer.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Alpha.¡± The both of them chorused.


    I already feel defeated. It is probably the end.


    Alpha Gael cleared his throat. ¡°Is it true you were trying to get money from her?¡± He directed his question to Stephanie.


    She looked distorted for a brief second, stuttering. ¡°Y-yes. Well, you see, we trained her to be who she is right now. And it¡¯s only logical that we gain from her. My husband and I went through so much trouble to help her be an adult. We weren¡¯t demanding, and we only asked that she put us in her ns and spend the money she earns right. Only for her toe after me with a knife and tear at my arm. I was just lucky to have been quick on my feet, and she definitely would have killed me.¡± ?


    He kept mute for a while. ¡°Now, I remember you. You have a very fascinating personality, and it is unclear to me why it took me a while to ce your face. Weren¡¯t you the one that sold the halfbreed off to me?¡±


    Stephanie exchanged a look with Mindy, and their mission had flopped. ¡°Y-Ye-Yes, Alpha.¡±


    ¡°You do have plenty of guts, making demands of someone you outrightly sold to never return to you. Is it because a healer earns enough money? I am sure you weren¡¯t expecting that. That doesn¡¯t concern me, though. You came to report the healer who is under my control to me. I need to be sure that I haven¡¯t harbored a serial killer or possible psycho.¡± He said.


    ¡°I am going to ask you again, healer. Did you arm her just because she insisted on taking your money?¡±


    It is a significant surprise. Why would the Alpha of all peoplee to my defense? I blinked when he cleared his throat to call my attention. ¡°I didn¡¯t hurt her, Alpha. I swear it.¡±


    His face morphed into a stern look when he turned to the duo. ¡°Did you just waste my time here,dy? In a bid to get revenge, do you think involving me is the best way out? What made you think I would judge this in your favor? It will be thest time I will ask you this, ma¡¯am. A wrong answer will have you locked up. Did the healer hurt you?!¡±


    Their silence was deafening. I feel so ashamed of them. Alpha Gael kissed his teeth angrily. ¡°Lock them up!¡± He ordered.


    Their gasps echoed in therge hall as two guards seized them. My eyes darted hurriedly in confusion.


    I fell to my knees immediately. ¡°Please, Alpha. It was just a misunderstanding on their path. Please don¡¯t lock them up.¡±


    He gave me an irritated nce. ¡°Are you dumb? Do you think this is for you? I wasted thirty minutes to be involved in a stupid revenge mission. Does that make any sense to you? I won¡¯t condone any nonsense. I will have them locked up until I decide on what to do with them.¡±


    I think I finally overstepped my boundaries. What was I thinking? Stephanie and Mindy¡¯s plea echoed through the hallway, and I felt slightly sorry for them. At the same time, I feel grateful to the goddess for making the Alpha logical and not just agreeing to their usation because he hates me. I owe him a thank you.


    Today is a true sign that cutting ties with the Hayes family was a good enough decision.

 Chapter 46 Her obsession

    GAEL¡¯S POV


    ¡°Hmmm.¡± I moaned softly, stretching out my arm on the couch while watching thedy bounce her head as she sucked my dick passionately. It feels so good just to get sucked and be relieved of whatever stress I might be going through.


    This week has been one hell of a week. I had meetings with different intending investors. I intentionally had them all scrutinized to be sure whatever they were bringing to us would be of greater good to the betterment of the pack. Not only that, but I got so busy that I didn¡¯t get to fuck for five straight days. It¡¯s very unlike me. Even now, I don¡¯t feel like fucking anyone. It¡¯s just best to get a blowjob. Every limb inside of me seems to have weakened with resolve.


    I can¡¯t get the half-breed off my mind, and I hate that. Even though the incident was over a week, I can¡¯t get over that look in her eyes. She was scared and tried to conceal it. I still haven¡¯t decided on what will be of this stupid family of hers. The husband visited two days back, begging for their release. I heard it from Ezra, though. He would be mad toe to me directly with such a request. I don¡¯t take disrespect lightly.


    ¡°Do you want me to ride you, Alpha?¡± Thedy asked. I had almost forgotten that I hadpany.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. You can get dressed and leave.¡± I urged.


    She had a surprised look on her face. She must think I am sick for turning down sex. I wish I didn¡¯t have to, but my state of mind leaves me with no choice. I can¡¯t help but think of what Ezra tells me every time and the words of Sarah, including that of the half-breed. Many others go through just as much pain. And I have been an asshole, treating people like trash. That day, I saw myself in Nia¡¯s adoptive mother. Even though she was well aware of her wrongdoing, she was more keen on ensuring Nia got to suffer for something she didn¡¯t do. I hated her and practically hated myself for having been so petty at the same time.


    I learned all my life that humans are wed and half-breeds are even worse. All the other things I got ustomed to were those I decided on my own. Maybe it¡¯s time to have a rethink, or perhaps what I need is hard liquor. I¡¯m being in my feelings too muchtely. One would think I am in love or something. Love fucks you up. You soften up, and then betrayal and pain follow. You end up losing your guard all for nothing. I am never going to allow that to happen to me.


    Whatever the half-breed is going through, it¡¯s her fault, not mine. But what do I do to this image of her that keeps popping in my head? I can¡¯t just go to the clinic to satisfy my curiosity and take a look at her. Possibly, that would put me to rest. She is like a ma. Hard to resist.


    A light knock came from behind the door, pulling me out of my long thought. The door creaked open, and Gemma walked in. Before I could tell her off, she got on her knees.


    ¡°Please, Gael, don¡¯t send me out. I already respected you enough and stayed away for two torturous weeks. Please. I can¡¯t leave without you. If you push me away this time, I will lose my mind.¡±


    I snort, folding my arms. ¡°I thought you already met someone else you intend to date.¡±


    ¡°That isn¡¯t true. Who told you that?¡± She sniffed. ¡°I guess it¡¯s that foul-mouthed Ezra.¡± I sent her a warning re.  ¡°I am sorry. He lied, though. I don¡¯t want anybody else but you, please, Gael. Please don¡¯t turn me away. I promise to do whatever you want from now on.¡±


    I blinked slowly, just watching her. Gemma had bags under her eyes that showed she hadn¡¯t slept well. Me not talking to her must have caused that. Moments like this are when I realize how much of herself Gemma has poured into me. And as much as I don¡¯t talk about it, it scares me. I have heard cases of obsessed women who be dangerous afterward. I will have no one to me except myself, but what am I expected to do now when she looks so pitiful? I will be a monster to turn her away. In actual truth, seeing her now, I think I missed her.


    ¡°You know just what to do to get to me,¡± I mumbled, motioning for her toe.


    She practically jumped into my arms. Thankfully, the couch is well-ced. Iughed as she ced kisses all over my face and neck. ¡°I have missed you so much. Do I mean so little to you that you couldn¡¯t even send me a text or call me?¡±


    ¡°We weren¡¯t on good terms, remember?¡± I snickered, pping her ass.


    She giggled, resting her head against mine. ¡°I don¡¯t even care about all of that. As long as I am back in your arms.¡±


    ¡°When was thest time you slept?¡± I asked, sincerely concerned.


    ¡°I slept the little I could.¡±


    ¡°You are unbelievable.¡± I chuckled. ¡°get on the bed and sleep.¡±


    She pouted, ¡°but I don¡¯t want to. I want to be in your arms.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t start, Gemma. I don¡¯t have the energy to withstand your whines right now. How can you be so calm about your health? You know how worried your parents would be, and yet, you do things that will jeopardize you and them.¡±


    Wiggling her brows, she winked. ¡°Are you worried about me?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t get ahead of yourself,¡± I warned, holding back the treacherous smile creeping up my face. Gemma might be a brat, but she can be fun when she isn¡¯t throwing tantrums.


    ¡°Fine! I will. Just one more kiss.¡±


    ¡°As you wish.¡± I mused, letting her kiss me for as long as she wanted. I bet this patience of mine won¡¯t be there by tomorrow. I hate ying by the rules and courtesy.


    ¡°Alright, that¡¯s enough. Get to bed and sleep, please. I will head out for a run in the woods. I hope your dad knows you are here?¡± Cuddling up against the duvet, she mumbled incoherently.N?velDrama.Org ? content.


    I groaned inwardly. ¡°Gemma!¡±


    ¡°He will be fine, I promise.¡± She said, obviously feeling no remorse.


    I can¡¯t say about the next life, but this one we are in, Beta Ezekiel will forever hate me. Making my way out of the room, I headed towards the garden first. It¡¯s getting darker, and the moon is out. It makes it more beautiful to run under its watch. Too excited, I ignored where I was going, and without intending to, I bumped right into something like a steel trap, and it tore at my exposed leg brutally.


    ¡°Fuck!¡± I yelled in pain, falling to the ground.


    ********************


    NIA¡¯S POV


    I jolted from where Iy at the sound of a painful howl and yell at the same time. I turned my ears away the first time, hoping it was just some noise from the woods. But it came again, and this time louder. I rushed towards the sound, only to find Gael on the ground bawling his eyes out. His leg seemed to be bleeding, which got my attention more.


    ¡°Oh my goodness! How long have you been here with an open wound.¡± I questioned, moving closer to him.


    ¡°Don¡¯t!¡± He ordered.


    I rolled my eyes, cing both hands on my waist. ¡°For your information, I am only trying to help.¡±


    He groaned, shifting in obvious difort. ¡°That¡¯s not what I am saying. I need you to watch the ground, or you will end up like me.¡±


    Looking down before him, I saw the steel that had cut into his skin. Making my way around it, I stretched out my hand. ¡°Come with me; let¡¯s get that wound cleaned before it worsens.¡± I urged. ¡°I have never actually treated an open cut before. I only get to proffer herbs to unlikely diseases and infections. But this shouldn¡¯t be hard.¡± I rattled.


    I don¡¯t understand why I had to exin, but I find myself doing it. The Alpha didn¡¯t respond and only leaned into me to walk. The pain must have gotten to him, or he is just being the regr stuck-up asshole he is. I wonder what it is with me and this garden that I end up meeting with people on the verge of death or about losing their legs.


    We got to the clinic quickly, although it was a challenging walk. The man weighs three times my body size. And his arms are firm. It¡¯s no wonder he carries himself with so much gait.


    Shaking the crude thoughts off my head, I got him to sit on one of the benches outside the clinic when he insisted on staying outside. I understand he doesn¡¯t want anyone gossiping about him. Rushing in to get the necessary things, I think, should be good enough as first aid. I attended to the wound.


    ¡°It¡¯s a deep cut. You will need a doctor to help you stitch it up. But it¡¯s clean now, and I am sure with a painkiller, you will get through this night.¡± I said, stretching my back as I got up.


    With his hurt leg stretched out, he held my gaze. ¡°Why would I see a doctor when you are here?¡±


    ¡°I have never stitched up anyone before. Moreover, my type of healer uses herbs to heal, and it has to be a spiritual awakening of what tobine to heal a hurt person. I don¡¯t think there is a need for my expertise for a wound like this.¡±


    ¡°You are called a healer for a reason, miss. My leg has to be in a firm condition, and it¡¯s up to you to do that.¡±


    In actual truth, I would instead not help his sorry ass. The herbs I am to administer would take three to four days; all it would take for the cut to cover up, and he would get in good shape. And it will only take that long because he bled hard. I don¡¯t know if it¡¯s right for a healer to turn a patient away. But I don¡¯t think I will have regrets as regards this one. He started it.


    ¡°Like I said, it¡¯s not my jurisdiction.¡±


    He winced in pain as he attempted to move. ¡°Why do I sense you are using your power right now?¡±


    I nodded in agreement, ¡°Yes, and it feels good.¡±


    His face softened under the moonlight, and I almost wet my panties. Gael looks so handsomely breathtaking if that is even the right words to describe someone. Despite the lingering pain in his brows, he still maintained excellent looks. His tightened jaw only made him more attractive. I had never taken a close look at him before, and his dark brown hair matched his icy blue eyes. Sharp jaw and finely ced lips that seem so kissable. What the hell? Get a grip on yourself. I don¡¯t think I am ovting, so what¡¯s all the sexual rush for?


    ¡°Do you need me to beg you to help ease my pain?¡± He finally asked. The sentence seemed too hard for him to form at first.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think it will do. But that¡¯s a start.¡±


    ¡°Are you being serious right now? I can call on guards to bring you to your knees and have you do what¡¯s needed.¡±


    I scoffed, ¡°You and I know it¡¯s a taboo to force a healer to work. The knowledge is divine. You won¡¯t get better by forcing me to heal you.¡±


    ¡°P-please, then. My leg hurts so very much.¡± He muttered, looking pitiful.


    Not wanting to push my luck, I reached for the herb among the things I brought. I pressed on it and applied the juice to the cut. He wiggled in pain, and I almost felt pity for him. ¡°The wound should close up in three to four days. And it also depends on how quickly your body takes the herb juice in.¡± I said.


    ¡°I never thought I would get treated by you.¡± He snorted, sitting up properly.


    I chose to stay quiet. ¡°I only helped because you stood up for justice when my family used me wrongly.¡±


    ¡°What? Did you make me apologize to you for nothing?¡±


    I grinned sheepishly, unable to hide my delight. ¡°It was worth a try.¡±


    Ruffling his hair, he scoffed. ¡°I can have you punished for this.¡±


    ¡°It still won¡¯t change the fact that you begged me. It will stick to you for life.¡± I boasted, not ready to let go of the moment.


    ¡°I guess it¡¯s your time, and I should let you have it.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have any choice.¡±


    ¡°Have you always been this sassy?¡±


    ¡°And have you never had a retaliation?¡±


    A shadow of a smirk crossed his lips. ¡°You are enjoying this.¡±


    ¡°Obviously.¡± I mused, sitting next to him with much distance between us. ¡°You just ruined my peaceful night.¡±


    He adjusted himself. ¡°Are you expecting me to apologize again?¡±


    I snorted, ¡°I know you won¡¯t, so I won¡¯t ask you to.¡±


    ¡°You had better not.¡±


    Silence reigned for a few seconds, but I feel particrly talkative today. ¡°Will you ever get my family released?¡±


    ¡°And now you are pushing your luck.¡± He mused, not looking pleased.


    ¡°I was just asking.¡± I pouted.


    ¡°Why would you want them to be released? Didn¡¯t they hurt you?¡±


    ¡°The same way, I am here helping you with your wound. Everybody gets helpless at one time in their life, and it¡¯s never nice. I have been helpless all my life, so I know how it feels. Please let them go. If not now, but soon cause my father can¡¯t stand his wife and daughter being in a cell for a long time. But what do I know? Your decision only matters in the end. You should be able to get back on your own. The herb must have worked its way to your bloodstream. Goodnight.¡±


    I said thest word with caution to avoid provoking him, sort of. Packing my things hurriedly, I moved as fast as my legs could carry.

 Chapter 47 On the Lookout

    GAEL¡¯S POV


    ¡°How could you let this happen to your Alpha? Who the hell is in charge of looking after the damn garden?! Have the person thrown in the dungeons!¡± Gemma hollered at the guards.


    She had gone bonkers this morning when she woke up to see the gash on my leg. Even though it didn¡¯t hurt much anymore, she insisted that the doctore around to bandage it.


    My thoughts have gone far beyond the walls of the pack house. The half-breed is excellent at what she does-considering the fact we werewolves have a hard time healing from steel wounds, more like silver. She helped the pain not to get to me like it would on a typical day. I slept soundly and only rememberedst night¡¯s incident this morning. It¡¯s pretty impressive.


    ¡°Do it now!¡± Gemma yelled again, making me shift abruptly on the chair I saw gently.


    Smacking my lips, I looked towards the guards. ¡°You don¡¯t need to bring anyone here. Just have a few men round up any harmful tools in the garden. The gardeners must have ced the steel there to wade off crop animals. You can go.¡± I ordered.


    She gasped in anger, ¡°Really? Those assholes wouldn¡¯t listen to me, but one word from you, they are gone.¡±


    I rolled my eyes, pretending not to hear her. ¡°Thanks for your concern. I should also be careful next time.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t try to y dumb with me, Gael. Couldn¡¯t you have given me that much respect and have the men do what I ordered first?¡±


    ¡°Of what use will that be anyway? Please, baby. It¡¯s too early, and I will meet with someone here soon. You should leave.¡±


    She wanted to say something, and I know it burns deeply in her chest. But for some reason, she cautioned herself and leaned in to kiss me. ¡°Alright, I will see youter. I am heading out to the mall with my girls. See you by lunch.¡±


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you going home? You should visit home since you weren¡¯t therest night.¡± Reluctance settled in her expression, and that bothered me a little.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to just yet. I thought you missed me too. Why are you driving me off all of a sudden?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not it. I was asking. Go and have fun.¡± I urged, shooing her off. I am in no mood to curtail a brat¡¯s mood this morning.


    I don¡¯t know why I am anxious and excited at the same time-the thought of seeing the half-breed. I mean, Nia again makes me feel odd. Odd in a good way. Despite the apparent strain in our conversationst night, I realized how interesting she sounds. Her sarcasm tickles my insides, and I can¡¯t resist chuckling. It is just me getting over my recent boredom, nothing more.


    The door opened, letting in Beta Ezekiel and the Gamma of the pack, Andrea. She is one of the best hands on deck, and I have no idea how she came about the strength of ten different werewolves in her alone.


    ¡°Good morning, Alpha Gael.¡± The both of them chorused before taking a seat.


    I hummed in response, reaching for the tablet I intended to look through for the meeting. ¡°Morning to you two.¡±


    ¡°I heard about your ident in the garden. How are you feeling now?¡± Beta Ezekiel asked.


    I groaned inwardly; I hate that nothing of my life can be private without others knowing about it. ¡°How did you get to know that?¡±


    Andrea responded, ¡°We met Gemma on the way, rebuking one of the guards for being ipetent.¡±


    ¡°Well, shit. Gemma is just being dramatic. It¡¯s nothing serious. I already asked her to let it go. At this point, every living soul in the pack house would know I got wounded.¡± I replied.


    ¡°You should see the healer. You know how nasty steel wounds get.¡± Andrea advised. While my Beta just kept mute like he was plotting something against me.


    ¡°It¡¯s thanks to the healer that I didn¡¯t end up with an infection in my leg this morning. Like I said, it¡¯s getting better.¡± I said.


    He finally cleared his throat to indicate his presence. ¡°That¡¯s good to know. You finally let the healer touch you. I remember you swear never to allow her abominable self to be close to you.¡±


    I bite my lower lip, trying my best not to retort rudely. It¡¯s obvious Ezekiel has it in for me this morning. I held up a stiff smile. ¡°Things happen. Thanks for your concern. Let¡¯s get down to today¡¯s business. Andrea, have you gotten delivery of the weapons for the army?¡±


    She smiled like I had just told her I left a bouquet at her door. ¡°Yes, Alpha. They are beautiful to behold.¡±


    ¡°Ensure that everyone learns the new training techniques and is up-to-date with their skills. You can dispatch a new set of border soldiers to be on patrol. I am sure the ones there could use a break.¡±


    ¡°They will appreciate the kindness, Alpha Gael.¡± She grinned.


    ¡°How is it going with the export of our silks, Beta Ezekiel?¡± I asked, not looking at him.


    ¡°There are many high bidders for it, coupled with the tax payments. If our silk farmers sell out to the ones asking, there is a high probability that they might get cheated. We need a stable market, not the ones who are just in for the ming moment.¡± He replied.


    I hummed, staring down. ¡°You have a valid point; let¡¯s do that. We don¡¯t need short-term market sales. The recent lockdown due to the disease has affected our exports a bit. But I guess we can resolve that with some stability. Is there any other thing that we need to discuss?¡±


    ¡°Yes, the Night Wanderers Pack are seeking our military aid as they are at war with their neighboring pack. Do you think we should help them out?¡± Andrea asked.


    ¡°Beta Ezekiel, do you think it¡¯s in our best interest to get involved?¡± I asked, knowing he had more knowledge to offer.


    He shook his head, ¡°we are on good terms with both packs. Siding with one and offering military aid will tag us as enemies. We should find out what¡¯s wrong and proffer peace instead.¡±


    ¡°That sounds very correct. Get the pack council members in charge and have them reach the packs by tomorrow. Are we done here, then?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Yes, but I would like to talk to you alone.¡± Beta Ezekiel muttered firmly.


    I signed in resolve. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s talk then.¡±


    ¡°See youter, Alpha. Bye, Beta.¡± Andrea mused, leaving.


    ¡°Why do I feel you would like to have my head?¡± I started the minute we were alone.


    He folded his arms across his chest with displeasure boldly written on his face. ¡°Do you know how pissed I get every day when I see your face and try not to imagine the things you do with my daughter? She didn¡¯te homest night, Gael. And she probably wouldn¡¯t for the next few days. I thought you promised to let her go?¡±


    I caressed my forehead, feeling an internal exhaustion. ¡°Why don¡¯t you ask Gemma why she keeps returning? I am not holding your daughter down. She chooses to stay. And I think I am out of ideas on what to do now. Please don¡¯t assume that this is my fault. There has never been a time that I fooled her. She chooses to believe whatever soothes her.¡±


    He kissed his teeth, breathing heavily. ¡°I never should have brought my daughter into the pack house that day. That was the mistake I made. I will make sure thises to an end.¡± He stated firmly. He walked away.


    ¡°I wish you all the very best,¡± I called after him with no intent to disrespect.


    There is too much drama from one family. I can¡¯t say I deserve this much scorn with Gemma¡¯s presence and her fussing over me. I couldn¡¯t stay in my chambers after a long day attending to pack matters. I get exhausted trying tomunicate with Gemma. It just dawned on me that we don¡¯t have much to share, just kisses and private parts.


    Times like this are when I envy Ezra; since he is just an assistant, he gets to do whatever pleases him. I heard he went on a date with Nia. I got to know when I called him to ask if we could hang out.


    Sometimes, I hate having no one else to call out to in moments like this. Still, I can¡¯t seem to stop imagining what both of them might be doing. It shouldn¡¯t be my business, but my body feels restless. Which is why I am out here again after dinner and having to fuck Gemma to sleep. That¡¯s the most stressful sex I have had in my entire life.


    Even though she did all the work, I felt molested. It must be hard on people who had to deal with Molestation. Ezra called to say he was free after dropping off Nia. But I told him I was tired and would see him tomorrow. It¡¯s a half-truth and a half-lie.


    I sat on the same bench we were onst night. For some childish reason, I got rid of the bandage on my leg and left the wound open. I can only hope she woulde out here again. But my hope began to fade off when, after a whole hour, she still didn¡¯t show up. I feel stupid foring out here. What was I expecting? And why exactly do I want the half-breed to show up? What¡¯s with my sudden, calm attitude all morning? I think today has been the day I acted the nicest towards anyone.


    Cursing under my breath, I got up slowly, groaning at the sharp pain in my leg. I shouldn¡¯t have let it open. With the dry air blowing, it would make it hurt differently.


    ¡°Are you always out for a night walk?¡± Her voice questioned from behind.


    A smirk tugged at my lips, and I had to pinch myself to order. I looked back at Nia, maintaining a straight face. ¡°Why? Do you have a problem with that?¡±


    Nia raised her hands in surrender. ¡°Never, it¡¯s not like I own the pack. Sorry for speaking to you, Alpha. I forgot myself.¡± She said hurriedly, making a turn to leave.


    ¡°Where do you think you are going? Aren¡¯t you supposed to check on my wounded leg again?¡± I called back, scratching the back of my neck anxiously.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry it slipped my mind. Let me get the herb quickly. Since you won¡¯te into the clinic.¡±


    I dismissed her with a nod as I returned to the bench. No lies; I feel some excitement within me. Why? I have no idea. She came back a minuteter. I expected her to ask why there wasn¡¯t a bandage over the wound, but she didn¡¯t say anything and only cleaned it carefully before applying the herb juice.


    ¡°You heal pretty nicely. Your leg will be fine by tomorrow.¡± She said.


    ¡°How confident are you?¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t say you should trust me. Because, of course, you don¡¯t. So I will say trust the herb to do its job.¡±


    ¡°Do you always have a long response to short questions?¡±


    ¡°Do you always question others, or is it just me?¡± She retorted.


    I scoffed, ¡°You have a loud mouth.¡±


    ¡°I guess so.¡±


    ¡°So, I heard you went on a date with my friend. Are you two a thing now?¡± I couldn¡¯t resist the urge to ask.


    Her eyes danced as she stared. ¡°I would expect you to ask your dear friend that question. Why am I the one getting it?¡±


    I shrugged, ¡°it¡¯s you I want to ask. How about that?¡±


    ¡°Is something wrong with you? Did you hit your head, and it¡¯s unknown to the rest of the pack? You went from swearing by the goddess to never talking to me. And now you are here indirectly asking me how my evening went. Did something happen?¡±


    I wish I could respond, but it¡¯s an odd phenomenon that will probably have no response. I have learned not to question the desires of my heart and do it, regardless of what I must have said in the past. ¡°Call it boredom.¡±


    ¡°Are you admitting that I entertain you?¡±


    ¡°Maybe, more like a circus visit.¡± I bit down on my tongue, realizing that I said too much from the look in her eyes.


    She sighed, kicking at the grass. ¡°If you want to talk to me, boredom or not, dear Alpha Gael. You will have to regard me properly and not disrespect my kind. So you should decide if you want to still talk to this half-breed or not. I will bid you good night right this minute.¡±


    Fierce! How did I not discover this side of her before now? Determination settled in her eyes; I would be stupid to think she was bluffing. ¡°You have grown in the past months you have been here.¡±


    ¡°Growth is the right word. I have promised myself to stop living in fear. My adoptive family were the ones I feared most, and getting to refuse them has given me more courage.¡±


    ¡°But I am the Alpha, and I can order death on any life.¡±


    ¡°And here you are talking to a nobody like me.¡±


    I sighed, chuckling dryly. ¡°You do have plenty of balls. Alright, let¡¯s say we are even. Sit with me for a while.¡± I urged, surprised at my request.


    ¡°Give me a minute. I need to wash my hands.¡± She mused, rushing off.


    I expected myself to have a change of heart before she returned. But I appeared curious instead, wondering if she would return as promised. When I smelt her a few feet away, my racing heart became calm. She came back after all.This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I hope I didn¡¯t keep Your Highness waiting too long?¡± Nia asked.


    I snickered, ¡°why does that sound like a taunt?¡±


    ¡°Do you always get taunted?¡± She asked, sitting next to me but with enough distance.


    ¡°I doubt that. Many people fear me and know how to act around me.¡±


    ¡°Hmmn.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s with the response?¡±


    ¡°Nothing, I just didn¡¯t think you were one who talks much.¡±


    ¡°Well, you don¡¯t know many things. So I am still expecting a response from you.¡±


    ¡°About what?¡±


    ¡°Your rtionship with Ezra?¡±


    She furrowed her brows, ¡°why are you interested?¡±


    I tapped my leg, ¡°Ezra is my best friend, and I rarely see him get involved in anyone¡¯s life closely except mine and his sister. So that means you both might be onto something.¡±


    A light, rxing chuckle escaped her lips. It reminded me of how happy she was in the woods sometime back. ¡°He is a sweet person, no doubt. He is only taking care of me, as requested by Perry. But Ezra is so remarkable.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, he is,¡± I mumbled absentmindedly. He hasn¡¯t expressed his feelings to Nia just yet. I don¡¯t understand why the response soundsforting, but it¡¯s not so bad. ¡°We should call it a night then. I want to run in the woods for some minutes before returning.¡±


    Standing up, she bowed lightly. ¡°Alright, Alpha. Have a good night¡¯s rest.¡± She said.


    I didn¡¯t respond and only kept walking. I would have a good night¡¯s rest.

 Chapter 48 Wet Dreams

    NIA¡¯S POV     I woke up feeling a tingle in between my thighs. I can¡¯t believe I got so wild and made out with the Alpha in my dream. What¡¯s this dream called? I have read it in a book. Wet Dreams?! Oh, my goddess! My eyes widened in realization. It¡¯s only been two close encounters, and I am already losing my mind. All through the night, I couldn¡¯t get him off my mind. In my frail mind, we might have a connection.


    I went to the benchst night, and he wasn¡¯t there. It bruised my ego and left me with raunchy thoughts of him.


    Dragging myself out of the bed reluctantly, I rxed into the bathtub, letting myself get enveloped by the water. I feel so ashamed of myself. Even if the Gael had yed cool two different times, how can that cover up for all the times he humiliated me and hurt me, too? I almost lost a leg because of his bitchy girlfriend. Now that we are on the matter, I should keep my distance. I have seen Gemma in action twice, and she doesn¡¯t appear like someone with a conscience. She reeks of trouble.


    Knowing how crazy she is, I won¡¯t be surprised if she deres sitting close to her man a crime. I wonder if Sarah from the other day is fine. I haven¡¯t seen her since she left the clinic. Experiencing that alone makes me feel stupid for thinking sexually about the Alpha. It¡¯s funny even to imagine that. Because someone like me will never catch his attention, I might regret turning down Kingston¡¯s proposal. With my intended mate gone, there is a possibility that I will end up alone all my life.


    And it¡¯s all that crazy Alpha¡¯s fault. I really shouldn¡¯t forget that and get a grip on my horny self. Perhaps I am in heat? Times like this can be torturous, even if one hasn¡¯t had sex before. Being in this bath is doing wonders for my body. I think I would rather remain here than end up embarrassing myself.


    Throwing my head to the back, I shut my eyes tightly, only for  Gael¡¯s face toe up in my vision. That handsome face of his under the moonlight is delightful to see.


    Opening my eyes, I shook my head hard. What the hell is wrong with me? If it were just anyone, it should never be Alpha Gael. That man respects no one, and if anything happens between us, it would just be him passing time as usual. I have seen a few of his concubines, and they are all beautiful. It¡¯s wrong to makeparisons, but I can¡¯t help it.


    Grunting loudly, I stepped out of the bath and dried myself. If I don¡¯t get busy, these thoughts of mine will keep flowing. I had sighted a herb that the spirit instructs would work perfectly for the disability that some werewolves are prone to. I need to find it in the woods before it wilders.


    Getting dressed, I picked up my phone and thought of calling Perry and Kingston; that is, if he picked up, it urred to me. Our conversation is a bit strained, thanks to my rejection.


    After a brief check-up at the clinic, I headed to the woods while dialing Perry on speaker. She picked on the first ring.


    ¡°Where are you?¡± She uttered the minute the call connected.


    ¡°The woods.¡± I chuckled, showing her around.


    ¡°What are you doing there so early?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not exactly early. The entire pack is well awake. I came to get some herbs to treat disability.¡±


    ¡°Oh, girl! You are taking this healing thing seriously.¡±


    Iughed, ncing around to ensure I hadn¡¯t missed the spot. ¡°That¡¯s funny. Do you think I do this because I am aware? I only do as instructed.¡±


    She ruffled her hair, making a face. ¡°Do you get scared whenever you hear the instructions?¡±


    ¡°The first time I heard it, I was confused. But then, it¡¯s be a part of me now. It¡¯s more like my wolfmunicating with me. So yes, I am good.¡±


    ¡°Okay, baby. Do your thing. How have you been, though? Why is your face glowing differently?¡± She asked.


    I instinctively felt my face, wondering what she was talking about. ¡°There is nothing wrong with my face.¡±


    ¡°Oh, it sure is. Almost like you got fucked overnight or had a pretty nasty dream.¡± She winked.


    How did she know? Is it that obvious I had a great night? My face flushed at once, and I felt so red like I would explode. ¡°You aren¡¯t even near me, and I am blushing this much. Can you quit teasing me?¡±


    Herughter rumbled through the speaker. ¡°Oh! I am right! Perhaps, have you been seeing someone? If that is the case, why are you hiding it?¡±


    ¡°I promise I am not hiding anything. Stop making up stories. I only had a good night¡¯s sleep, that¡¯s all. Don¡¯t make a mess of this.¡±


    ¡°You are hiding something. But I will let you be since you don¡¯t want to discuss it now. I am sure you will tell me soon.¡±


    ¡°That is if there is anything to tell.¡± I mused, showing her my tongue. My eyes caught the herbs I was searching for, causing me to break into a smile. ¡°And there you are?¡±


    ¡°Who?¡± Perry inquired excitedly. ¡°Is he there with you?¡±


    I let out a loud scoff,ughing. ¡°What is wrong with you, Perry? Why are you so invested in whatever man I go out with? I found the herb I was looking for, you silly being.¡±


    She pouted, ¡°You will know just how important having a man to warm your bed is.¡±


    I shook my head hard, ¡°New York has taught you nasty things.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯tin, girl! I can¡¯t deny that I have changed a lot since I came here. It was the exposure I needed for so long. Nobody thinks I am weird. And I have a man who isn¡¯t worried about me being a werewolf. It turns out his sister is married to one too.¡±


    I gasped, ¡°Oh, my. That is good news.¡±


    ¡°It is, and I wish you could share the joy with me. It would help if you came to a ce where you can be yourself and live without boundaries. There is no need to keep wasting away in that pack.¡±


    ¡°I wish it was that easy, Perry.¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t trust those people. Just because you are their healer doesn¡¯t mean they can¡¯t turn against you. They hated you once; they will do it again.¡±


    My heart thumped at the reality of Perry¡¯s words. ¡°I will hope it doesn¡¯t happen, and when it does. I will pray to be alive to make a run for it.¡±


    ¡°Ensure to take perfect care of yourself, sweetie. I love you, and I need to get ready for the studio now.¡±


    ¡°Okay, I will talk to youter.¡± The call ended, and I didn¡¯t even get to ask her the burning question in my chest. That isn¡¯t necessary now because my mind is already preupied with the possibility of my happy days ending abruptly.


    **********************


    AUTHOR¡¯S POV


    Levi rubbed his face tiredly; the more he stared at the paper in his hand, the more dizzy he became. As hard as he is trying to assure himself that they will get out of the trouble they are in quickly, he still can¡¯t seem to envision a way out. It makes him feel very disappointed in himself. Not being able to provide for his family is enough to put him in a depressive state, and his wife isn¡¯t helping matters. He has to admit she has tried to uphold the family¡¯s status, but then it hasn¡¯t been in the most honorable way. Both his wife and daughter are locked up in the dungeon even though the Alpha has already promised their release by the end of the week.


    And on the other hand, is the mortgage he has to sort, or they would end up not having a house to return to? None of his friends are willing to lend him some money. They all fear he might be unable to rece it. Ruffling his aging hair, Levi exhaled for the umpteenth time. Caleb, who was returning from a run, sat opposite his father.


    ¡°Is everything okay, Dad? Why do you have that gloomy look on your face?¡± Caleb asked as he stared curiously at the paper in his father¡¯s hand.


    ¡°What¡¯s that? Does it have to do with Mum and Mindy?¡±


    Levi exhaled slowly, ¡°Not at all. It is a reminder that our mortgage is due, and I am at a crossroads on where to get the money.¡±


    ¡°Is that why mum went ahead to pressure Nia for money?¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t think she would go as far as involving the Alpha. That had nothing to do with this. She and Mindy acted on their oblivion. Do you think I will get some cash from Nia if I act nice towards her?¡±


    Caleb sucked his teeth, ¡°why do you disappoint me every time? Nia is no longer a part of us. Let that sink in, for goodness¡¯ sake. We should have some dignity on our part. You knew this was bound to happen before now. Yet, you and Mum squandered the money you got from selling Nia off when you could have paid the entire mortgage at once.¡±


    ¡°Your mother insisted on changing her wardrobe.¡±


    ¡°Do you not have any control over mother? Is that love, or are you just being foolish?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t talk to me like that, young man,¡± Levi warned, raising his voice. ¡°I won¡¯t take that disrespect from you! Even if I did not have it like I always did, I cared for this family to the best of my ability. Whatever happened with Nia was bound to happen. At least she ended up well. We are to thank for that.¡±


    ¡°Whatever. Say what you want. How do you intend to get the money? Have you reached out to Kingston?¡±


    ¡°He is still not answering my calls? I can tell he blocked your mother and me on his cell phone. How can a son do this sort of thing to his parents, all because of a girl that he knows nothing about? I wish I could see him and teach him a good lesson.¡±


    Caleb stared at his father with pity in his eyes. His parents will never realize that they led an awful life. Hemunicates daily with Kingston, only that he refuses to talk to their parents. Kingston insists he will only speak to them when they are repentant about their actions. His anger had mounted when he heard about the case with his mother, sister, and the Alpha. That was too much for him to take in all at once.


    ¡°I will just head to my room.¡± Caleb mused, leaving his father, who appeared engrossed in hismentation.


    mming the door shut, Caleb nced around the room his brother had once upied. He didn¡¯t think a day woulde when he would crave Kingston¡¯s presence. The both of them were always on opposite sides, especially regarding anything involving their parents, but now that Caleb has also understood everything Kingston stood for. He wants to bond with his brother more.


    Caleb searched for his phone in his pocket to dial Kingston, and he waited patiently as the other line rang.


    ¡°This had better be reasonable.¡± Kingston¡¯s impatient voice came alive from the other end.


    ¡°Why do you always act like you don¡¯t miss me.¡± Caleb teased. He could almost envision his brother rolling his eyes.


    ¡°What do you want, Caleb?¡±


    ¡°Come on, what¡¯s so wrong with me checking up on you?¡±


    ¡°Everything is wrong with it. The fact that you used the word checking in is why I am worried. Again, I ask, what do you want, Caleb?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s enough, Kingston. How long do you intend to keep malice with every one of us? I miss you, brother.¡±


    ¡°You have said two odd things in two different sentences. Is there some trouble at home?¡±


    Kingston asked, sounding worried. ¡°Did the Alpha refuse to let Mum and Mindy go? How is Nia?¡±


    Caleb sighed, ¡°Not at all. Nia is fine, too. But we are about to lose our home.¡±


    There was a brief pause on the other end. ¡°Why am I just hearing about this?¡±


    ¡°Dad says he has been trying to reach you, but you aren¡¯t answering his call.¡±


    ¡°That is because thest time I answered, he threatened to teach Nia a lesson if she doesn¡¯t go to the Alpha to get Mum and Mindy released.¡±


    Caleb pped his forehead in frustration. ¡°Sometimes I wonder what in the world goes on in our parents¡¯ heads. I am sorry about that. But we need your help if you can. I have just about a few thousand with me.¡±


    ¡°Sure, sure. Please let me know how much it is. I will cover the expenses, and you don¡¯t need to worry.¡±


    ¡°Thanks, bro.¡±


    ¡°You are very wee. Furthermore, please keep the truth away from our parents. I need to keep my distance for a while.¡±


    ¡°Whatever you want,¡± Caleb said, taking a pause.


    ¡°Kingston, are you okay?¡±N?velDrama.Org ? content.


    Some movement urred in the background. ¡°I¡¯m hoping I will be.¡±


    ¡°Is it still about Nia? I know you don¡¯t want to discuss it, but I can tell she didn¡¯t think on the same path as you.¡±


    ¡°How would you know that?¡±


    ¡°You are always cheerful whenever you hear her name, but now it¡¯s different. I don¡¯t know how it feels, but I do know that she cares about you. And if, eventually, she feels the same way you feel, I can tell she would hesitate to let you know.¡±


    Kingston chuckled, ¡°I can¡¯t believe you have changed so much in a few months of me leaving home.¡±


    ¡°I had to grow up in due time.¡±


    ¡°Thanks, though. I appreciate the thought. I need to go now. I will wire the money to you. Ensure we keep our home, please.¡± He said, ending the call.


    Exhaling slowly, Caleby on the bed staring at the ceiling. A small smile appeared on his lips. For the first time in a long while, he feels thrilled to have a brother like Kingston.

 Chapter 49 The Honest Truth

    GAEL¡¯S POV


    I kicked at the grassy ground, stretching out my neck to see if I could glimpse her in the dark. I have been standing here too long that I can¡¯t precisely tell when. I couldn¡¯te out for two days straight because Gemma suddenly became clingy and promised to leave for home only when I stayed with her for forty-eight hours. I would have shooed her off, but that would have proven her father right about me.


    Nia has undoubtedly forgotten about me since I didn¡¯t show up.


    ¡°Why not check the garden?¡± My wolf suggested.


    Oh, yes! The garden. I should have thought about that earlier. That seems like her favorite ce around the pack house. I didn¡¯t know I would miss hanging out with her this much. I almost couldn¡¯t wait for the evening toe. I was excited, but it deted the minute I didn¡¯t see her on the bench. I hurried toward the garden, and my heart raced when I sighted her by the tree, staring up into the dark sky like she was counting the stars.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± I asked withughter evident in my voice.


    She turned her head to look at me and didn¡¯t seem as enthusiastic as I was. ¡°Is there anything wrong with counting the stars?¡±


    Clearing my throat, I sat gingerly next to her. ¡°It appears you are avoiding me. I am surprised to find you here instead of the bench.¡±


    ¡°Were you expecting to see me there?¡±


    ¡°I-I-Ahn-Not really.¡± I stuttered, feeling stupid. Nia didn¡¯t say anything and kept up with her random counting. ¡°Fine! I went there searching for you.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Do you have to ask?¡±


    ¡°If someone wants to see me sote at night under the pretense of taking a stroll. I deserve to know if there is a reason behind it.¡± She said, holding my gaze this time. It felt like her eyes saw through my soul, and I felt naked.


    ¡°Like I said before, boredom.¡±


    ¡°That is not correct.¡±


    ¡°Do you want my head alongside your required answer?¡±


    She snickered, ¡°I thought I would see you again, but you didn¡¯t show up. I just had to zero my mind that you probably came back to your senses and didn¡¯t think it was appropriate for you to hang out with a half-breed. It¡¯s annoying to think I enjoyed your coldpany. But here I am admitting it. Pathetic, uhn?¡±


    She is less of a coward than I am. ¡°I¡¯m s-so-sorry.¡±


    A smile broke out on her face. ¡°Have you never apologized before? Why is it so hard for you to say?¡±


    ¡°I feel weak when I say it.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t feel weak, and you only think it makes you weak. However, what many don¡¯t know is owning up to your mistake makes you disciplined and more respected.¡±


    ¡°Well, I do know how to say it when necessary.¡±


    ¡°Saying is a different thing? Do you mean it?¡±


    ¡°Are you going to school all night?¡±


    ¡°Who am I to school, his royal majesty? Pardon my rudeness.¡±


    I let out a shortugh. ¡°You are mocking me.¡±


    ¡°My bad.¡± She uttered casually with a straight look. We stayed quiet, enjoying the silence. ¡°Why do you hate humans so much?¡± She asked all of a sudden.


    I have never had to talk about it with anyone, but it doesn¡¯t seem like a bad idea to discuss it now. ¡°A human killed my paternal grandmother.¡±


    ¡°What happened?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not very knowledgeable about the story, but a drunk human ran her down, and he didn¡¯t even stop to help her.¡±


    ¡°Do you think that is a good reason to hate anyone from the line of humans?¡±


    ¡°I grew up hating them. Don¡¯t me me.¡±


    ¡°Well, my father was torn apart in front of me by a rogue werewolf. What do you have to say to that?¡± Nia questioned.


    ¡°In front of you?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I was about ten to eleven when it happened. We had to run from my mother¡¯s pack because they hated my father and me. My mother was the healer of her pack then, and my grandparents held esteemed positions in the pack. When she fell in love, she fell for a human adventurer who became my dad. The pack members didn¡¯t like the union. But they had no choice since that was what my mom wanted. Mum did everything she could to protect my dad and me. But then death took her away after an unknown illness. Her soul couldn¡¯t have gone far before they showed my father and me their true colors. We ended up on the run and fell into the wrong hands. I should hate full wolves, and I should despise everyone around me because I have been maltreated and even cheated. Nevertheless, I kept an open mind. Yet, you proimed a strong word like hate.¡±


    The pain in her voice was undeniable, and I felt like an asshole. I never admit to being wrong so quickly; however, Nia makes me feel different.


    I cleared my throat. ¡°I apologize for all that I did.¡±


    ¡°Nah, there is no need to. I just realized your attitude towards me has nothing to do with me. It only reflects your personality, and I get it.¡±


    ¡°I am not a monster, I promise.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t believe anything you say.¡± She mumbled, faking a shiver.


    ¡°You are such a goofball.¡±


    ¡°No one has told me that before.¡±


    ¡°How often do you make friends?¡±? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    ¡°I have never made one. Perry was my first, and she practically walked freely into my life. I am d she did. I might never have had the courage. I am too scared to reach out to anyone for fear of embarrassment.¡±


    ¡°How was it like living with your adopted family?¡±


    She wrapped her arms around herself closely, and for a moment, I wished she would let me do that for her.


    ¡°Hell. It wasn¡¯t fun. I had too many chores to do and many fears of being caught cking, which implied more work for me to do. However, I was hopeful.¡±


    ¡°How? Did you know you would be a healer soon?¡±


    ¡°Oh, not that. I didn¡¯t even realize I might have my mum¡¯s gift. I waited to clock eighteen to meet my mate, knowing I would be free. But three years passed before I finally met one. And when I did, you took him away from me.¡± Herst sentence was spiteful.


    I bowed my head slightly, feeling guilty. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± This time, it came out too quickly.


    She got up, ¡°No, you are not!¡± Nia stated, walking away from me.


    ¡°Nia!¡± I called out, but she didn¡¯t wait and ran instead. Dragging myself up, I went after her.


    ****************


    NIA¡¯S POV     I leaned against a tree bark, panting heavily as the tears rolled down my face uncontrobly. I didn¡¯t think I would be this affected by reminiscing on that night. I would be happy if Gael didn¡¯t strip me of my one ticket to freedom. It makes me angry all over again.


    ¡°Nia!¡± He called out from behind, breathing loudly.


    The run seemed to have exhausted both of us. I just kept running, and now we are far from the garden into the woods.


    ¡°Why did you run like that?¡±


    ¡°There was no need for you toe after me!¡± I hissed, caressing my chest.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± He said.


    I sniffed, trying to fight back the tears. I¡¯m not weak. ¡°No, I don¡¯t need your apology, Alpha. I need to know the reason instead. Why me? Why did you have to take my freedom away from me? What did I ever do to you? There were manydies you could have chosen; why did it have to be me?¡±


    ¡°Because I have had my eyes on you for a while.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± I eximed.


    ¡°The first time I saw you was at a bakery around the square. I was out with Ezra, just exploring the pack. And there you were, looking beautiful. I made my men ask around, and your parents didn¡¯t mind giving you away to me. I needed a new excitement, and I found you. But then you turned out to be a half-breed.¡±


    ¡°What has changed now, then? Tell me, what changed?¡± I yelled. I did not care that he was an Alpha and could have me locked up in a dungeon.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, Nia. I find myself getting morefortable around you. I wish I had an exnation.¡±


    ¡°I hate how easy it is for you to shrug it off without worry. Do you know how disgusting and annoying that is? I feel hated. You hate my kind. Why are you suddenlyfortable around me?!¡±


    He blinked rapidly, staring at me like I had grown two heads. ¡°What will you have me do then? I already admitted my fault. Isn¡¯t that enough?¡±


    I kissed my teeth, feeling more repulsed. ¡°Your apology will never cut it; just leave me alone. I don¡¯t think there would ever be a world where we both be friendly towards each other. It¡¯s never going to happen. You have hurt me too much and made me question my existence countless times. I can¡¯t let go of those memories because it¡¯s convenient for you. Let¡¯s forget we ever spoke. Please excuse me.¡±


    I couldn¡¯t hold back the tears as I stormed off again. This time, I returned to the house to cry to the heavens. That ball was my one shot at freedom. Instead, I found myself here wondering how my life would turn out in years toe.


    I saw him yesterday with Gemma; she was all over him, and he didn¡¯t flinch as he enjoyed the attention. I don¡¯t know which irritates me the most, his presence or Gemma¡¯s, or both. He can continue his life like nothing happened after everything he did. A part of me feels jealous of their closeness yesterday! And I hate myself for even giving it a thought!


    The tears flowed as I curled up in my bed. My live-in maid must have much to tell her friends about her strange boss. I will try my best to forget about tonight. That is the only way out of this.


    Alpha Gael never existed in my world, and that¡¯s how it will continue to be.

 Chapter 50 Not Friends

    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.

 Chapter 51 An Old Friend

    NIA¡¯S POV


    ¡°That asshole!¡±


    I cursed as I spread the bedsheet for the fifth time since I woke up. I almost didn¡¯t sleep through the whole night because I couldn¡¯t get his words out of my head. Who the fuck does he think he is? Coming at me like that and saying he isn¡¯t concerned about who I am. The audacity! He called me a clown. Me? A clown? That is just so below the belt; how dare he! Even if I am not born to a total household. I am a living being, and I should have as much respect as any other person would get. He is such a bastard!


    I tried not to think about it when he came at me suddenly. Or it probably just didn¡¯t dawn on me quickly. For a brief second, my stupid self almost fell for his change of heart. I thought we were getting to the point where we could be vulnerable with each other. Now that I think of it, I feel stupid. What was I thinking? Someone like Gael believes the world revolves around him, and any slight changes in the control he thinks he has would make him defensive. Like I am interested in anything he has to say.


    Even though I do feel a bit interested in what he has to say, that still doesn¡¯t change the fact that he is an asshole! I might be a half-breed. But I have a wolf just as much as he does. What idiot tries so hard to separate people¡¯s identities? Only him, of course. I threw the sheet down in frustration, and I let out an ear-piercing scream while throwing myself into the bed. I could kill him right now, and I won¡¯t feel any remorse. He deserves it. I wonder how those concubines of his deal with him.


    But I must admit, I am super proud of how I handled the response, whether it got to him or not. I know always to put bullies in their ce. Perry would be d to hear it. But I don¡¯t n to tell her or anyone what happened between the Alpha and me these past days. All the same, it hurts like someone pierced me in my heart. Is this what it feels like to be unwanted? I have been unwanted all my life. Why does this one seem different? I keep asking questions that won¡¯t be getting any response soon.


    I epted my supposedly doomed fate. I made a move to head to the bathroom when a knock came from behind the door. Before I could respond, it opened up, and to my shock, Perry stood there with a wide grin on her face.This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    I tilted my head to see if this was some prank. ¡°What in the world are you doing here?¡±


    Her usual loudughter rolled out of her mouth as she walked towards me. ¡°Girl, it¡¯s me! How are you doing?¡± Perry walked towards me, pulling me into a tight hug.


    I gasped, observing her in awe. ¡°It¡¯s you. Perry?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sweetheart. I am right here in the flesh. Come here.¡± She chuckled, hugging me again.


    I wanted to burst into tears. Seeing Perry right now makes me so emotional. I held on to her as my life depended on it. ¡°I can¡¯t believe you are here. I am so happy to see you. What are you doing here? I thought the n was to settle in New York.¡±


    ¡°Can you at least offer me a seat before bombarding me with questions?¡± Perry mused, taking off her jacket as she sat on the edge of the bed.


    I sat next to her hurriedly, running my eyes all over her like she was entirely different. ¡°I am sorry. I wasn¡¯t expecting to see you. How did you know I was here?¡±


    ¡°You were always descriptive about the house¡¯s location, and you have been talking about me a lot around here. The maid let me in the minute I mentioned my name.¡±


    ¡°They know I only have very few people in my life. You are important to me, you know.¡±


    ¡°Aww, I feel so special.¡±


    ¡°So, why are you back without prior notice? How about your paintings and the residency?¡±


    ¡°I have rounded up the residency for a while, and I already got a nice apartment with the sales of some of my paintings. Remember I mentioned it to you before. I already had it in mind to visit you soon. The news of my uncle¡¯s health hastened the journey.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with the Beta? Ezra didn¡¯t tell me anything.¡±


    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s nothing serious. I will be here for a month before I return. So, I hope you have enough things to keep me busy.¡± She winked.


    Iughed lightly; it¡¯s been a long time since Ist saw her, and despite our constantmunication on the phone, I am surprised that I miss her so much. ¡°It¡¯s so delightful to see you again. I hope I won¡¯t be much of a boring host.¡±


    ¡°I doubt if you will ever be.¡±


    ¡°Did you arrive this morning? How is your uncle?¡±


    ¡°No, I came intest night. I have seen enough of him as it is. I will be spending my time here with you.¡±


    My eyes shone brightly, ¡°did you bring your bags here?¡±


    ¡°Sure, they are in the living room.¡±


    I pped my hands in excitement, ¡°I love that. It will be pleasant to have you here. We can share a room again, just like before you left.¡±


    Perry grinned from ear to ear. ¡°I will love that too.¡±


    ¡°I wanted to wash up and head to the clinic. Why don¡¯t you get some breakfast, and then I will join you.¡±


    ¡°Alright? Make it fast.¡± Perry said, making a face at me before she ran along.


    It didn¡¯t take long for me to get dressed and join Perry for breakfast. Her presence lifted my spirit, almost like I had no problems. Perry is a breath of fresh air. At least I won¡¯t be missing the stuck-up Alpha¡¯s presence for the next month.


    ¡°There isn¡¯t anyone here.¡± She observed as we walked into the clinic.


    ¡°Well, there isn¡¯t anyone with anyplications. I make herbal portions for them, which are fine in no time. You should have seen this ce when the pandemic was on. You could hardly see your feet as you moved. I only have two assistants now. The others have returned to the main hospital.¡± I exined, leading her to the office.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think there is any need for the hospital to exist when you do all their work for them,¡± Perry noted.


    ¡°The pack members have survived with the help of the doctors until this moment. My job as the healer is to findsting solutions to diseases that the doctors can¡¯t understand. It¡¯s more of a soul thing.¡± I wiggled my brows.


    She snorted, hiding a smile. ¡°Show off. Tell me, how is Kingston?¡±


    I sighed heavily at the question. ¡°We haven¡¯t been able to talk to each other like before. I miss being free with Kingston.¡±


    She reached for my hand. ¡°Don¡¯t worry yourself. One of these days, when you visit New York, the both of you will resolve whatever problem you might be having. For now, let¡¯s go have fun.¡±


    ¡°Fun?¡± I yelled.


    Perry eyeballed me. ¡°Don¡¯t you dare? There isn¡¯t much to do here, and from all thebeled portions I am seeing, you already have healing locked down in your absence.¡± She said, nodding towards the shelves of healing potions.


    ¡°Where do you have in mind?¡± I said, giving in. I need the distraction.


    ¡°Anywhere that can be fun.¡± She replied in


    excitement. ¡°And I am sure you will love it.¡±


    ¡°I am in, then!¡± I screamed. I should at least get to live for once without worrying about the indecisive Alpha or Kingston.

 Chapter 52 Philosophical Thinking

    GAEL¡¯S POV


    Beta Ezekiel looks like he is a few feet away from the grave. It¡¯s not like he is too young to leave, no offense. But then, I didn¡¯t expect an ordinary shove to take him down. Throughout the night, I couldn¡¯t stop thinking of Nia¡¯s reaction to my rejection of our brewing closeness. I can¡¯t tell if I am hurt or angered by her disrespect. All the same, this is a new day, and I n to forget that she ever existed.


    ¡°How are you doing, Beta?¡± I asked. He didn¡¯t look pleased to see me, just like always. I guess it¡¯s the reason behind his pretentious close to death appearance. Like that would put a stop to Gemma¡¯s longing for me. Not even a potential suitor will keep me away.


    ¡°I am getting better, thank you. I think it is time for Ezra to assume his position as your Beta. I want to take this as a means to retire.¡± He said.


    I nodded, folding my hands. ¡°Sure, I can tell you need the rest, too. I apologize for whatever inconvenience serving the pack this long must have caused you. I will put all the necessary things in ce.¡±


    ¡°I hope you will consider leaving Gemma too.¡±


    Ezekiel added. He just had to ruin the moment.


    ¡°I heard my name,¡± Gemma mumbled from behind, pausing when her eyes met mine.


    Her face flushed, and she tucked her loose hair behind her ear. ¡°I am sorry, I didn¡¯t know you were here.¡±


    I smirked inwardly, and this should be fun. ¡°I guess I will take my leave now. I will discuss your request with the council tomorrow. Do take care of yourself.¡± I mused about leaving. I didn¡¯t quite reach the car before Gemma came dashing behind me.


    ¡°Baby, are you still angry with me?¡± She asked, turning down her voice to a seductive one. Please give it to Gemma as the best yer in the game. She knows just what to do to make any man melt away. But I am not just anyone. I am a master yer myself.


    I turned to her and held a stern look. ¡°What do you mean? How do you expect me to feel when your father is so against me.¡±


    ¡°That is because he thinks you don¡¯t care about me.¡±


    I inhaled deeply, trying to think if I cared about her. Sincerely, I wouldn¡¯t wish for anything to go wrong with her. I would have preferred to keep Gemma a bit away from me. However, I can¡¯t risk leaving my best life with the half-breed¡¯s influence. With Gemma back in the loop, I get reminded of who I am.


    ¡°I do care for you. But you know the end game to this.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t care!¡± She eximed, taking a closer step towards me. ¡°All that matters is you, Gael. As long as I am by your side, I am fine with it.¡±


    ¡°What about your dad?¡±


    ¡°He wille around eventually, or maybe he never will.¡±


    ¡°I have no problem taking you back. But you have to be nicer to your parents from now on. They are only just looking out for you.¡±


    She nodded quickly, ¡°I will. Does this mean I cane by the pack house now?¡±


    ¡°Yes, baby.¡± My response didn¡¯t hit the ground before she jumped at me, cing wet kisses on my face. ¡°Alright, that¡¯s enough. We are still in your parents¡¯ house.¡± I cautioned, lifting her off me.


    ¡°I have missed you so much.¡± She cooed, holding on to me.


    I hummed in response, snapping my finger. ¡°That reminds me; I have a present for you.¡± I mused. Opening the car door, I brought out the gift intended for Nia. ¡°Here you go.¡±


    Gemma giggled like a child as she unwrapped it eagerly. Inside the box was a bracelet that I carefully picked. It was the most beautiful jewelry I have ever set my eyes on. I envisioned Nia wearing it, and now that Gemma has it on, it doesn¡¯t seem to fit as perfectly as I had imagined it would be on Nia.


    ¡°Oh, my goodness, baby. It is so beautiful. I knew you were always so thoughtful and kind. I love you so much.¡± She bbed, kissing me again.


    I must admit that it feels good to be appreciated. It wasn¡¯t such a bad idea to hand it over. I hate that I went all out for someone I know little about. I am so not going to let myself get swayed like that again.


    ¡°I have to go now, baby. See youter.¡± I muttered, kissing her.


    Ezra stepped out of the house just in time. He had that annoying, judgmental look on his face that he always wears whenever he sees Gemma and me together. She pushed past him after a spiteful stare-down. Hate lives here.


    ¡°Don¡¯t look so jealous. I will get you something, too.¡± I teased.


    ¡°You disgust me.¡± He retorted, getting into the car.


    I did the same, putting on my seatbelt. ¡°For someone that disgusts you, you shouldn¡¯t ride with me.¡±


    ¡°I needed a driver for the day. You should do me the honors.¡±


    ¡°Only for today. Since you will be the new Beta, I should do you this favor and drive you into the woods.¡±


    He blinked, unbothered. ¡°Then we would take a chariot ride to meet the goddess. Just the two of us.¡±


    ¡°Asshole!¡± I snorted out augh.


    ¡°Perry returnedst night. I am so d she came by.¡± Ezra said.


    ¡°That¡¯s cool. Where is Perry, then? I didn¡¯t see her in the house.¡±


    ¡°She would be staying at Nia¡¯s. And I think I like it that way. Perry and Gemma in the same room will cause a wild storm. I don¡¯t think any of us is ready for that.¡± ?


    ¡°I bet they aren¡¯t.¡± I huffed, turning the car onto the road that leads straight to the pack house. ¡°Do you think I am unhappy, Ezra?¡± I know I shouldn¡¯t be asking such a question; however, for some reason, it sticks with me. Ezra tilted his head to the side, looking at me. ¡°Don¡¯t be a bastard,¡± I warned.


    Heughed, sitting upright. ¡°I wish I could answer that right for you, Gael. All I know is you might be able to tend to your true emotions someday and stop trying so hard to shut them out. It doesn¡¯t make you weak. It just implies that you are strong enough to embrace your shorings.¡±


    I kissed my teeth, ¡°I hate it when you go all philosophical.¡±


    He raised his hands in surrender. ¡°Don¡¯t me me. You asked.¡±


    ¡°What are you doing after the day¡¯s work?¡±


    ¡°I will be hanging out with Perry and Nia. Why don¡¯t you join us?¡± Ezra offered.


    At the mention of Nia, something struck my heart. ¡°Why would I want to be around the half-breed? That¡¯s an insult to my person. There is no need to worry, and I will be throwing a mini party for my concubines to keep me entertained.¡±


    Ezra yawned drowsily, ¡°You could have easily responded yes or no. You just had to narrate the story of your life, which is boring.¡±? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    ¡°You should be thankful I don¡¯t have a recement for you as the Beta. I would have executed you here and now.¡±


    ¡°I am so honored by your kindness, your highness.¡± He snickered.


    ¡°I hate how easily you get on my nerves.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s what I live for.¡± He retorted, getting out of the car the minute I packed. I am d he took the initiative; I wouldn¡¯t like to have a wolf¡¯s blood on my hands so early in the day.

 Chapter 53 Honest Confessions

    NIA¡¯S POV


    ¡°Damn! She is so drunk. I didn¡¯t know she indulged in drinking this much.¡± Ezramented as he lifted a sleepy Perry off the floor to the bedroom.


    I could not stopughing. Perry had been the one to boast about how much she could take at one go, but three shots down and her eyes are closed. It¡¯s not like I have ever had actual alcohol. I only got to know what it tastes like because of Kingston. He was always kind enough to make me aware of everything around me. Thoughts of him often pop up, and I realize how much I miss him.


    I had a filled day going out with Perry; we did loads of shopping and went food tasting. My belly was almost bloated when we returned home, only for me to learn that she had incited Ezra over for dinner and ate-night drink. I don¡¯t know if I am overthinking it, but Perry is trying hard to match me and her brother. It¡¯s probably the reason she got herself drunk. It doesn¡¯t sound reasonable, but then it can¡¯t be disputed.


    Ezra exhaled as he sat beside me, keeping a distance between us. ¡°That youngdy is a piece of work. How she keeps her wolf alert even when asleep amuses me. I tried to help her out of the stuffy jacket she had on. Her wolf appeared on the surface, ready to attack.¡± He mused.


    ¡°You know, Perry. She hardly lets her guard down. Thank you so much foring to dinner. I didn¡¯t think I would see you soon since you have been quite busy.¡±


    ¡°I apologize. It¡¯s just been a lot.¡± He said, keeping his eyes down.


    ¡°Will you like some water?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Sure, thanks.¡±


    I hurried off to the kitchen to get the water. I feel anxious, even though I am unsure where this is going. Ezra and I have always had pleasant conversations without any strain. I don¡¯t understand why this seems different. Shaking the thoughts off my head, I returned with his ss of water.


    ¡°Here you go.¡± I mused, thinning my lips.


    Ezra took a long gulp and held on to the ss. ¡°You don¡¯t have to act so rigid.¡± He said.


    I blinked, confused, ¡°what?¡±


    He sighed, smiling widely. ¡°I have something to confess. Sincerely, I haven¡¯t been exactly too busy to see you. I am doubtful about my emotions, and it¡¯s taking quite a toll on me.¡±


    I sat up straight, staring at him. ¡°What is it about?¡±


    ¡°I think I like you a bit deeper than a casual like. And at first, I was almost ready to ask you out. But then I had to check within myself properly if I am really into you and be certain I am not misquoting my emotions. I had to keep my distance, and then it dawned on me that the emotions mounted because we had grown closer over time. But I don¡¯t think it¡¯s strong enough to start a rtionship. Perry wants us together so bad she has urged me to admit my feelings to you. Still, I just needed to be sure of what I was doing. I doubt if I could make her desirese true.¡±


    I let out a relieved sigh. ¡°I am d we are on the same page. I was beginning to grow fond of you, and the thoughts to get asked out by you came to mind many times. I also don¡¯t think it is what we desire from each other. It appears to be a short me kind of attention.¡±


    Ezra nodded, ¡°I agree with that. I would love to remain your closest pal. I hope I haven¡¯t hurt your feelings in any way?¡±


    ¡°Not at all, Ezra. I¡¯m grateful for your sincerity. Opening up to and maturely regarding me shows how much respect you have for me, and I appreciate it. Thank you.¡±


    ¡°If you keep being this sweet, I might fall in love with you.¡± He joked.


    Iughed softly, ¡°you are a remarkable person. Perry is lucky to have a brother and confidant like you. Many times, I wish I had that.¡±


    ¡°I can be whatever you want me to be.¡±


    ¡°Now?¡± I teased.


    He held up his signature smile that brightened up the entire room. ¡°I must admit that I am proud of how far you havee. It¡¯s difficult to let go of one¡¯s painful past and try to carve out a new life. Everyone speaks so gloriously of the healer. The children whisper about how nice you are. Even when you give them a bitter potion, you give out candy too. No one remembers that you are the half-breed they would have condemned. It goes to show how much value it would bring to one. People will hardly think about where youe from or who you are if you have something valuable to offer. I¡¯m proud of you.¡±


    I hummed in response; nobody considers me the half-breed anymore except one person, of course. ¡°Thank you, Ezra. I hope the goddess keeps giving me the strength and knowledge to get it right.¡±


    ¡°Is there any use to your knowledge that might result in you losing your ability?¡±


    ¡°Yes, ording to the older healers that Imunicated with. If a healer creates a potion to destroy a person rather than heal, such a person can lose their ability. However, it doesn¡¯t go away at once; it all depends on the gravity of the person¡¯s damage.¡±


    ¡°I trust you won¡¯t indulge in anything that will take your power away.¡±


    I shrugged, suddenly feeling unsure. ¡°What if it happens, and I end up not knowing? I have heard people stealing from healers and misusing their healing potions. It ends up being an end to the healer.¡±


    Ezra exhaled, nodding his head. ¡°There is a high chance that can happen. You will have to be more vignt about the people around you.¡±


    ¡°Now that we are talking about this. I might have been too careless over time. Can youe with me to the clinic, please? I must lock the doors and keep the key with me.¡± I said.


    For some reason, I keep thinking back to when Gemma stormed the clinic demanding Sarah¡¯s baby¡¯s demise. I won¡¯t be surprised if she needs to remove one of the Alpha¡¯s concubines again andes to take something from the office without asking.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go then. I will head home from there. Furthermore, I have had just about enough today.¡± He said, following me out of the house.N?velDrama.Org ? content.


    Ezra waited until I had bolted the necessary doors. There are some herbs that I am experimenting with that can be a permanent solution to insomnia. It¡¯s still a work in progress, and anyone who takes it can sleep for too many long hours. It would be a disaster if anyone gets a hold of it now.


    ¡°Done!¡± I announced to Ezra.


    ¡°Let me see you back home, then. Before I drive off.¡± He offered.


    ¡°No, not at all. I can go back on my own. You should leave first; you look too tired.¡± I suggested, hugging him. ¡°Good night.¡±


    He ced a kiss on my forehead. ¡°Alright, healer. Have a nice dream. Good night.¡±


    I waved gleefully as the car drove off. The minute I turned to head to the house, I felt a pair of eyes bore holes into my back. When I looked back, no one was there. shes of anything going wrong came to mind. I didn¡¯t hesitate to pace with my legs flying up high until I was back and safe behind my door.

 Chapter 54 The Council Members

    GAEL¡¯S POV


    I let out a tired yawn as the door to the meeting room opened widely. I have avoided council meetings like a gue for the past few days to get enough sleep. I haven¡¯t slept well because of thete-night parties I throw with my concubines. We end up getting drunk and fucking as much as I can, only to wake up in the early hours of the morning feeling like the morning sun will be gorged out my eyes. Today is different; I have had enough of them, meaning the parties have finally reached a significant end until further notice.


    ¡°Good morning, Alpha.¡± They all chorused as I walked to my chair.


    ¡°Took you long enough. I thought you were on vacation.¡± Ezra, with his annoying voice, whispered in my ear.


    I gave him the middle finger discreetly before clearing my throat to address them. The words stuck in my throat suddenly when my eyesnded on the half-Breed. I blinked rapidly to be sure I wasn¡¯t hallucinating. Thoughts of her have been crossing my mind many times. Especially now that it seems she might be official with Ezra. I would have loved to ask to affirm it, but my ego is at y. And I don¡¯t intend to disappoint.


    ¡°What is she doing here?¡± I pointed at her like some abomination was the one seated across.


    Omega Harold raised a hand. ¡°I know you might not be aware of this, Alpha Gael. But the healer is always part of the council meetings.¡±


    ¡°She has been active for months now. Why didn¡¯t I know about it then?¡± I bickered, trying hard to hide my anger.


    ¡°She has been swamped healing half of the pack members. Now that there isn¡¯t a pandemic to worry about. She has to be part of us, to learn our ways and get informed.¡± He replied.


    I stared back at each one of them, and they had an approving look on their faces. Why do I think these people had me sidelined? Nia acted like she wasn¡¯t the one we were referring to and maintained a straight face. How exactly should I focus on work when she sits close to my reach, looking so pretty? Her hair is primarily in a ponytail. But for some reason, only known to her, she has it in a rough bun, and her face looks so smooth, like a baby¡¯s. I want to trail my finger down the face, just to be sure it¡¯s real.


    ¡°Does this mean she would have the right to give her opinion on pack decisions?¡± I just had to ask.


    ¡°Of course.¡± One of the members said.


    ¡°She is a half¡­.. O.¡± I let out a painful sound.


    Ezra nudged me in my stomach before I could finish my sentence. ¡°What the hell?¡±


    ¡°What were you about to say?¡± He questioned,


    giving me a stern re. I had the intention to dare him and repeat myself. However, he had that murderous re that said he was ready to make a mess if I refused to give in.


    ¡°Whatever!¡± I scoffed. ¡°Let¡¯s just continue with whatever we have to discuss.¡±


    All through the meeting, I did my best to keep countering Nia. It¡¯s annoying that every one of the council members wanted to listen to whatever she had to say. I wouldn¡¯t say I like that. She isn¡¯t even part of us. No matter how beautiful she might look. The fact remains that she should not be here. When it seemed like I had had enough, I ended the meeting. Nia was the first to hurry off. Yes, that¡¯s how it should be. She should be scared to be in my presence and know her ce.


    Ezra didn¡¯t leave with the others, and he raised a displeased brow as he leaned against one of the chairs. ¡°Until when do you intend to keep this attitude up?¡±


    ¡°What did I do?¡± I choose to act nonchnt.


    ¡°You are being petty. For an Alpha, that is just so absurd. Nia isn¡¯t your problem, and you hate it when things aren¡¯t going your way. The pack council will decide against you if you keep up that attitude. She might be a half-breed, but that half-breed saved your fucking ass from being the worst Alpha to ever rule in history. She brought back peace to us-something your doctors couldn¡¯t do. No one says you should fall in love with her, but be nice enough. I am sure Nia doesn¡¯t want to be your friend either.¡±


    I scoffed, ¡°Everyone wants a piece of me. Also, I am the Alpha, and I can do whatever pleases me.¡±


    Ezra kissed his teeth, ¡°you are delusional. I will tell you that if you keep being inconsiderate, many others wille together to push for your fall.¡±


    ¡°Are you threatening me?¡±


    ¡°Will it make any difference if I decide to take that route with you?¡±


    I held up a mischievous grin. ¡°Never!¡±


    ¡°I thought so, too. So annoying.¡± He mumbled under his breath, walking away.


    I turned my eyes in their socket and headed to the study. I have some pending files that need to be signed. My hand was just on the doorknob, and something crossed my mind. I headed back down the hallway towards the clinic. Fortunately, I met Nia just about to leave the main house.


    ¡°What are you trying to do by infusing yourself in the meetings? You are not a member of this pack, and you are no different from a stranger. Being a healer doesn¡¯t count as having a right?¡± I yelled, causing her to stop in her tracks.


    Nia held my gaze with those intense eyes of hers. ¡°Did youe all the way to tell me this when you could have sent a raven?¡± The mockery was so evident in her tone that I felt like stomping my foot angrily on the damned floor.


    ¡°I am just telling you to know your ce.¡±


    Sniffing, she folded her arms. ¡°You already made that clear, didn¡¯t you? Everyone already knows where your intention stands when ites to me. I am fine with being hated by you; at least, I know everyone else loves me. Let¡¯s do each other a favor, Alpha Gael. Keep away from me, and I will do the same. We do not need to keep bumping into each other and exchanging words. You can always pretend that I am not there at the council meetings, and we won¡¯t have any problem whatsoever. It bes a win-win for both parties. Thank you for listening. I will take my leave now.¡± She bowed slightly and stormed off.


    Even though she was saying just the right words, it angers me. Who does she think she is to give me defined rules? Her fierce response also turns me on. It¡¯s ridiculous to feel this way, though. When I first met her, she was weak and unattractive. I have always loved to share my bed with fierce women. The feeling is wild.


    ¡°Baby,¡± Gemma called from behind, startling me.


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡±


    ¡°Am I not allowed to walk around freely?¡± I questioned, moving away from her.


    She hurried after me. ¡°That isn¡¯t what I mean. I just wanted to know what my baby is up to.¡± Gemma cooed, running a finger down my neck.


    I shrugged her off, suddenly feeling ufortable. ¡°I want to take a quick run in the woods. Excuse me.¡±This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    I didn¡¯t bother to wait for her response before keeping a distance between us. She stresses me every time

 Chapter 55 Daddy鈥檚 Girl

    NIA¡¯S POV


    It would be fair if Alpha Gael didn¡¯t try so hard to make my life miserable. I thought the first day of the council meeting would be the end of himing at me without hesitation after I gave him a piece of my mind, for some unknown reason, rather than keep him away. Whatever I said must have fueled him toe at me fiercely. There have been constant meetings because there is a contemtion on whether the hospitals should be brought to a close now that there is a healer.


    Ezra noted that it would bring unnecessary chaos as we must work hand in hand. The doctors are just as important as I am. Many agreed with Ezra¡¯s proposition. But Gael, being my nemesis as usual, said it wouldn¡¯t be wrong for me to handle it all. He is the Alpha, and his decisions stand, but they all resort to making him see reason. I want to bash his head against a wall so badly.


    ¡°Your food will get cold if you keep ring at it like that.¡± Perry¡¯s voice jolted me back to the present. ¡°What¡¯s on your mind? Since you returned from the council meeting, you have been exceptionally quiet.¡±


    I huffed tiredly, ¡°Alpha Gael hates me.¡±


    She let out a snort. ¡°That dude hates everyone. His wolf is most hostile.¡±


    ¡°So you think it¡¯s okay that he keeps acting cold towards me? It¡¯s almost like he is out to ruin me.¡± I mumbled, taking a sip of water. The long thought had my throat feeling dry.


    ¡°If he is on to you this much, he probably likes you.¡±


    I spat the water in my mouth; thankfully, it wasn¡¯t in her face. ¡°What are you saying?¡±


    ¡°What? Psychology reveals that those who like you the most act like they are your worst enemy.¡± Perry replied.


    ¡°Are you saying you are Gemma¡¯s favorite person too?¡± I motioned towards Gemma and her minions, walking into the restaurant.


    She groaned inwardly, ¡°I¡¯m not talking about a witch like her.¡±


    ¡°Well, Gael is a wizard then. There is nothing nice about that being. I hope she doesn¡¯te here.¡± I stated. But I said the prayer a bit toote.


    The minute Gemma set her eyes on Perry, she headed towards us. ¡°This will be a loud lunch,¡± I mumbled. Perry, on the other hand, looked unfazed as she kept eating.


    ¡°Well, well, the prodigal daughter and unwanted half-breed. The sight of you both is such a sour to the eyes.¡± Gemma uttered spitefully.


    Sincerely, I am keen on catching a glimpse of what that brain of hers entails. It¡¯s probably chalk or wool. No one with a functioning brain will act like her. Not to forget, Mindy and Stephanie fit in Gemma¡¯s department. Petty and dumb as hell.


    Perry sniffed, focusing her eyes on her te. ¡°If you have nothing better to say, just bounce. Shoo-shoo-shoo away daddy¡¯s girl. Or I might have your head.¡± There was a lingering threat underlying thest word.This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    Gemma, as usual, yed deaf to whatever warning her precious cousin was giving. ¡°I don¡¯t have your time. You have never mattered, and now you still wouldn¡¯t. As for you¡­¡± Now it¡¯s my turn. ¡°What are you doing to my man, stressing him every time you show your dumb face at the council meeting? He is always grumpy when he returns. I knew you were bad luck. But I expected that your tiny sense would at least conform to the environment no one wants you around.¡±


    ¡°And you think the environment wants you in it?¡± Perry retorted on my behalf. It¡¯s not like I have any intention of responding. Every time, I get to see many more reasons why she and Gael are befitting of each other.


    ¡°Mind your business. I wasn¡¯t talking to you.¡± She bickered.


    Pushing the chair to the back, Perry stood up. ¡°You and I know you would rather not do this with me. Remember how I whooped your ass thest time, and you went home crying to your daddy? I am still up for another round. Shall we?¡±


    Gemma gulped hard and shifted backward. ¡°I am so not going to stoop so low to your level. You are always delighted to cause trouble. I am not going to give you that satisfaction. Rubbish!¡± She hissed and walked away.


    ¡°You want a scary truth?¡± I inquired when Perry settled back into the chair.


    ¡°I guess it would taste superb on the tongue.¡± She snickered.


    I chuckled, throwing my head to the back. ¡°You might not share the same blood as your supposed cousin. I don¡¯t think family members hate themselves this much.¡±


    ¡°Then you haven¡¯t seen many families. They are nothing to write home about.¡±


    ¡°I want a big family, and I hope they would love themselves right.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t care about having a big family. I want to live. These people drive me crazy. It¡¯s bad enough that I have to deal with that reality every day.¡±


    ¡°Do you hate it that much?¡±


    ¡°It irritates me.¡±


    ¡°I thought you were nning a family with the new guy you met.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t get me started. It turns out my ex isn¡¯t all that and was having fun. The guy has someone else in his mind. I got yed. But it was good while itsted.¡±


    I gasped, staring at her pitifully. ¡°Oh, my goodness. That must have hurt badly. Why did you tell me about it?¡±


    Perry shrugged nonchntly, ¡°it didn¡¯t hurt as much as I thought. I don¡¯t think I liked him enough to feel sad over the end of the rtionship. I was angry, though, that I wasn¡¯t paying enough attention to the situation.¡±


    ¡°I am sorry you had to experience that.¡±


    ¡°I am d you and my brother could reason about it like mature folks and not end up fooling yourselves.¡±


    ¡°All the same. It¡¯s a delight to know that you think me worthy enough of your brother.¡±


    ¡°He would have been the lucky one to have a wonderful person like yourself in his life.¡±


    ¡°I love you so much.¡±


    ¡°E. Don¡¯t be so mushy.¡± She whined.


    Iughed heartily, returning to my already cold food. ¡°Sometimes I wish I could leave here and explore a world outside this ce.¡±


    Perry hummed, ¡°I wanted that for you too. But then I realized that you have an actual duty here to perform. As your friend, I shouldn¡¯t have tried to change your mind so badly. Ezra made that clear to me. Which is why I have decided to always make a trip back down here for you and no one else.¡±


    My eyes rounded like saucers at her revtion. ¡°You will do that?¡±


    She made a cute face. ¡°Anything for you.¡±


    I got off my seat and hugged her passionately. ¡°You are my soulmate.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t mind being one.¡± She giggled in response. ¡°Also, you don¡¯t have to worry about that so-called Alpha. All you need to do is be as savage as I am, and he would flee.¡±


    ¡°I heard you both aren¡¯t best of friends.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t like him as much as he doesn¡¯t like me too.¡±


    ¡°You are something else, Perry.¡±


    ¡°Well, I try my best.¡± She winked.


    We went back and forth, discussing what we should do together. All the while, that handsome face kepting into my vision. I need to get rid of the thoughts of the egocentric Alpha, or it is doom for me.

 Chapter 56 The Compliment

    GAEL¡¯S POV


    A small smile tugged at my lips as she settled on the couch facing me directly. ¡°Nice hair.¡±Ipliment Nia. It wasn¡¯t intentional. I said it, to my surprise, and she almost turned red. I asked Nia toe to the study to exin the potions she had worked on. Even though she is a healer, she must act modern and have the potionsbeled and registered. That way, self-administration can take ce without the necessary appearance of the healer.


    She took a long sip of her water for the second time since Iplimented her. ¡°So, I am working on a few-¡±


    ¡°Why are you so flustered? Is this the first time you are receiving an actualpliment from a person as good-looking as I am?¡± I asked.


    It was the longest word I have said since I asked her not to get the wrong idea that we might be friends.


    Nia¡¯s face got covered in a scary mask almost immediately. ¡°Is this some game that you are always ying on looking victims? What is it with you trying to toy with me?¡±


    I gulped, taken aback by her response. ¡°What do you mean? I was trying to make a conversation.¡±


    ¡°What conversation exactly? You told me bluntly that we aren¡¯t friends. Someone like you can never be on that level with someone like me. Why don¡¯t you make up your mind? For the past two weeks, you have done nothing but make a fool of me during the council meetings. Thankfully, those wonderful people are nothing like you, so they do not let themselves get influenced by you to act indifferent towards me. I have had enough of your dysfunctional show of emotion. There is no need to y that game with me. I won¡¯t have it. I am a half-breed, so what? Does it make you any better than me because you are a werewolf and an Alpha? I am entitled to life just like you do. Could you stop trying to mess with me? Please leave me alone. I will take my leave now.¡± She hissed, standing up to leave.


    I don¡¯t know what it is, but I can¡¯t seem to get angry. Instead, I am amused. Nia looks charming when pissed. I facepalmed myself for having such thoughts. The door opened again, causing me to raise my head eagerly in the hope that it was Nia. My face fell immediately at the sight of Gemma. Shees in at the wrong time every fucking time.


    ¡°What¡¯s with the satisfied glint in your eyes? I just saw that half-breed leave here now. What was she doing in here with you?¡± She bombarded me with questions, ring her nose.


    I rubbed my forehead slowly. ¡°how is that any of your concern? She is a council member, and I needed to discuss with her.¡±


    ¡°Is it just me, or have you be quite different? You hardly pay me much attention even when I am in your face, and all you do is whine about how annoying you find the healer, and all of a sudden, you are behind locked doors with her. Is there something happening that I am unaware of?¡±


    I let out a dry cough. ¡°what are you talking about?¡±


    ¡°Do you have an interest in her?¡±


    ¡°Hell no!¡± I bellowed a bit too quickly.


    ¡°Are you sure, Gael?¡± She had a threatening look in her eyes.


    ¡°Oh, please. Suppose I didn¡¯t want Nia initially, so why would I want her now? I would expect someone like you to know my taste in women better. Could you stop asking me dumb questions? What is it you want?¡± I don¡¯t understand why I am pissed all of a sudden. It¡¯s just a question and shouldn¡¯t be so difficult to answer.


    Gemma flipped her hair and strolled towards me. ¡°I came to say hi to my baby before I head out.¡±


    I smacked her butt and pulled her to me. ¡°where are you going to?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s my friend¡¯s birthday today. I need to shop for new outfits to wear.¡±N?velDrama.Org ? content.


    ¡°Okay. How is your dad?¡±


    ¡°He is fine now.¡± Her response came out like I was bothering her. She always has an attitude when ites to her father.


    ¡°See youter then.¡± I mused, suddenly disinterested. ¡°You should go now, and I have plenty of work to do.¡± I urged. She leaned forward to kiss me, but I turned my head for a peck instead.


    The minute I was alone again, Gemma¡¯s question seemed to haunt me. Why in the world would I like someone like Nia? We have nothing inmon. She isn¡¯t my type of girl, or maybe she is. Whichever way, that still doesn¡¯t change the fact that I should not be with someone like her. My wolf did a taunting purr. I can¡¯t believe my wolf is mocking me. The most scary part is how much I keep thinking about her.


    I shook my head to clear the dumb thoughts roaming even after hours had passed. I stepped out of the study to move around a little; probably, it interested me to go for a run. I stopped by one of the hallway windows that oversees the garden towards the route of the clinic. Nothing appeared attractive until I caught sight of Nia and Ezraughing while holding each other¡¯s hands. Something pulled at my chest painfully. I gritted my teeth, hating my reaction to the sight. Turning my back quickly, I went back to the study. What are the chances that I might be interested in Nia? I have never reacted to anyone this way before, probably because I have never doubted my intentions towards them.


    Nia fills my thoughts daily, and I yearn to glimpse her, if not much. Seeing herughing so happily makes me wish I were the one next to her. To be sincere, I looked out to those nights I met with her to discuss the most random things. I hardly feel that rxed in anyone¡¯spany. Throwing myself into the chair, I groaned inwardly. I might go nuts if I keep up with these insane thoughts of mine.


    I need a long run in the woods and a drink. And that is what I n to do.

 Chapter 57 Gael is here

    NIA¡¯S POV


    My body feels stiff. I have been moving around the greenhouse to get some herbs moved from the previous nting vase to another. I didn¡¯t realize many of them woulde to have long branches and need more expansive spaces to grow. I have been at it all morning. And because I am the only one who can handle them, there is only a little help I can ask for. Perry and Ezra are away on a bonding moment. I had fun hanging out with Ezra while Perry got ready. Their rtionship makes me miss the times I spent with Kingston. I have tried calling him throughout today, but the line keeps going to voicemail.


    Sometimes, I sense he isn¡¯t mentally prepared to talk to me, which must be why he takes so much time to respond. Either that, or he is busy. I would instead not jump to conclusions, but ording to Perry, who has been in the rtionship pool for a while, the former is probably the case. Knowing Kingston, it¡¯s possible because of his shy nature. I caressed my neck a bit. I yawned tiredly. Only a long run in the woods will make my body feel back in ce. I dumped everything and headed to the woods. I feltzy to shift and decided to take a walk instead.


    Being alone and only hearing the sound of the dry leaves crunching underneath my shoe, my thoughts wandered. For some reason, Gael is the one I end up brooding on. What got into him this morning with thepliments? I did feel a bit mushy because it was apparent he meant every word he said. Still, it doesn¡¯t change that he has nothing to write home about. I keep thinking of the many times we have had an encounter and all the awful names he called me.


    And just when I thought we were getting somewhere since he apologized. He ruined it with his ego. I will never get a clear vision of what runs in their mind. But aside from him being so unreasonable many times. I think he has a good side tohim. Or am I just trying to paint him well because I want to be wrong about his true character? I shouldn¡¯t like it, but I secretly desire him. As each day passes, it bes clear why some of his concubines don¡¯t mind giving themselves off to him freely. He is desirable, and it has nothing to do with his position as the Alpha.


    Lost in thought, I bumped my feet against a stone just when I thought I would be touching the ground hard-a pair of strong arms held on to me. My heart raced as I turned to see who my helper was.


    ¡°Gael?¡± I called out in surprise. Pushing away from him quickly, I rubbed my face to be sure I was not hallucinating. I was thinking about him, so I lost my footing. ¡°how did you get here?¡±


    ¡°Is that how you say thank you?¡± He retorted in his usually rude manner. It is him, but I pinched his arm still to be sure. ¡°What the fuck? Why did you do that?¡± Gael bellowed.


    I coughed dryly, ¡°Sorry, that wasn¡¯t intentional. Thank you.¡± I said hurriedly, attempting to walk away.


    He pulled me back, ¡°Where do you think you are going?¡±


    I blinked, confused, ¡°what do you mean?¡±


    ¡°I hurt my hand trying to save you. You should heal me.¡± Gael said, showing me his palm that had a deep gash in it.


    I gasped, closing up the space between us. ¡°Oh, my goodness! What did you do to your hand?¡± I questioned, blowing on it. ¡°I need to close it on time to prevent it from getting infected.¡± I ranted.


    All of a sudden, I felt his hot breath on my cheek as he leveled his head with mine. ¡°Are you that worried about me?¡±


    His lips were so close we were a second away from kissing each other. I tried to step back, but he had one hand holding my waist. My heart thumped hard, and my breath seemed to get hotter with each passing second. I gulped hard, trying to pull myself together while hoping he wouldn¡¯t hear my heart racing.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Why are you quiet all of a sudden?¡± His deep-throated voice rumbled in my ear. His breath fanned my face, and I couldn¡¯t resist fluttering myshes. I wonder what it would feel like to taste the mint on his breath in his mouth. I have never kissed anyone before. How nice will it be to kiss him?


    ¡°I¡­. I¡­.¡± I stuttered. Get a grip on yourself, girl! I cautioned myself, finally feeling strength return to my knees. They had gone weak before. Inhaling deeply, I ced both hands on his hard chest. Damn! What the hell does he eat? I pushed him backward with the remaining strength. ¡°can you not stay so close, please? I don¡¯t think the wound is anything to worry about. Come down to the clinicter. I will give you a potion to use.¡± I said, walking away as fast as my legs could carry me.


    As I moved closer to the clinic, a smile tugged at my lips, causing me to blush hopelessly. I know I shouldn¡¯t harbor these kinds of thoughts, but I have to admit. Gael is a hunk, good-looking, with a body to die for. Except for his attitude. However, none of that matters now because my clit is throbbing so hard, with goosebumps rising on my arm as I reminisced on what happened a few minutes ago. I intended to catch my breath all by myself in the office. To my disappointment, Perry was on the chair waiting patiently for me.


    ¡°You are here?¡± I mumbled, almost breathless.


    Perry stared in suspicion, ¡°Yes, I am. Why is your face so red? What happened to you?¡±


    I grabbed a chair to settle in first before my body copsed. Taking a deep breath, I held Perry¡¯s gaze. ¡°Do you think there is a chance of ever liking someone you find annoying?¡±


    She wiggled her brows. ¡°is there someone you like?¡±This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Quit being dramatic and answer the question.¡±


    ¡°Anything is possible when ites to our emotions. Love happens most unexpectedly. So does heartbreak. Like me, I thought I had met the one, and here I am back on the streets. Tell me, who has you smitten enough to ask?¡± Perry winked.


    ?


    I snickered at her, getting up to drink water. There is no possible way I might like him. It¡¯s the raging hormones that have me thinking otherwise. ¡°Don¡¯t get too ahead of yourself. No one smites me. I need to get a quick bath. Are youing?¡±


    ¡°Why do you need a bath?¡±


    ¡°Because I was at the greenhouse a while ago before taking a walk. What is it with you asking odd questions?¡± I sneered.


    ¡°What is it with you acting itchy?¡± She taunted.


    I kissed my teeth. ¡°It¡¯s of no use trying to reason with you.¡±


    ¡°I have something to tell you, though.¡± Perry sounded severe all of a sudden.


    I paused in my tracks, ¡°what¡¯s that?¡±


    ¡°I need to head back to New York tomorrow. I got amission job that pays well, which implies that I have to be around my materials.¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t you just buy them here and make them? You promised to stay for one month. It¡¯s only been over two weeks since you arrived.¡±


    ¡°I wish I could do it from here. But it¡¯s a big project for apany, and I need to do it on a wall.¡±


    ¡°A wall?¡±


    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s called a mural painting. Those nice buildings you see on the inte with beautiful, colorful paintings on their walls. It¡¯s called mural painting.¡±


    I bit on my lower lip. ¡°Wow, there is so much to learn about your work. So it¡¯s tomorrow, then?¡±


    ¡°Yes. It would be best if you came around soon, probably on a week¡¯s vacation. This job will take a while to finish. I might be able toe around after that.¡±


    I rushed to her, pulling her tightly. ¡°it was so pleasant to have you here again. Gemma would be d you are gone.¡±


    Perry snickered. ¡°You had better not hesitate to p the smirk off that bitches face if she tries anything stupid with you.¡±


    ¡°I would make sure to do that.¡± I giggled. ¡°Since you will be leaving tomorrow. Let¡¯s make gooduse of tonight without hesitation.¡±


    ¡°Now that¡¯s tempting. I am in.¡± She bellowed, letting out a howl.

 Chapter 58 If You Love Someone

    GAEL¡¯S POV     ¡°You have had too much to drink, Gael. If you keep up like this, you will wake up with a terrifying hangover.¡± Ezrained, moving the vodka bottle away from me.


    ¡°I know how to hold my drinking level down.¡± I slurred.


    ¡°I know you do. But you are looking dazed at the moment. I won¡¯t be able to drive home because of you.¡±


    ¡°Wee to my abode, then. You can have any room that you want.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s eating you up?¡± He asked.


    I sniffed, pouring myself another ss. I couldn¡¯t do anything throughout the day as Nia¡¯s image haunted me. She looked more beautiful up close. Bumping into her in the woods some days back was the slightest coincidence I would have expected. And it got me hooked ever since. If I am genuinely interested in her that much, it feels like a p to my person. Nia is someone I condemned in front of the world, and now my heart yearns for her suddenly. It¡¯s more frustrating, and it pisses me off that she seems thrilled hanging around Ezra. She has neverughed with me like that before.


    Ezra tapped on the desk, staring at me intently. ¡°Is this about a girl?¡±


    I furrowed my brows at him. ¡°Why would you evene to such a conclusion?¡±


    ¡°Gael, I know you too well. Even when the pack seemed to be on the verge of copsing, you didn¡¯t seem as bothered as you are now. And the one time you were like this was when that daughter of your dad¡¯s foreign friend came around, and she refused to bat an eysh at you. You sulked for days until she left. You are repeating that same pattern right now.¡±


    ¡°Are you trying to say I am not a reasonable Alpha?¡±


    ¡°I never said such a thing. And in the constitution, it is treason.¡±


    I exhaled sharply, leaning into the chair. ¡°Are you dating Nia now?¡± I asked him in a subtle tone.


    Even in my drunken state, I can see his eyes twinkling. ¡°Why are you asking me that all of a sudden?¡±


    ¡°Just answer. I have seen you go to Nia¡¯s ce at night and spend much time with her beyondfort. What exactly is going on? Are you shagging her?¡±


    ¡°Gael! Can you not be vulgar for once in your life? I don¡¯t know where you intend to get with this. But Nia is a respectable youngdy. She won¡¯t throw herself at anyone just for the sake of it if you don¡¯t get what I am saying. I am trying to tell you that she isn¡¯t like Gemma. And we aren¡¯t dating, just friends.¡±


    My eyes cleared for a brief second as I sat up eagerly. ¡°Really? Does that mean she isn¡¯t seeing anyone currently?¡±


    ¡°How does that interest you? Wait a minute. Nia is the one that has had you in your feelings?¡±


    I red my nose, looking away from him. ¡°That can¡¯t be. It sure isn¡¯t the case. I am not that interested in Nia.¡±


    Ezra chuckled lightly, ¡°Listen, friend, anyone in their right senses would want someone like Nia, including you. Say all you want that it can never be you; it¡¯s okay. Please remember that we don¡¯t have much control over what and who we feel for. There is nothing wrong if you find yourself pulling closer to her. Maybe she is the one.¡±


    ¡°She is not! There is no one on my mind. I am fine with my life.¡± I argued mindlessly.


    He raised his hands in surrender. ¡°it¡¯s okay. I get you. I am just saying. But for how long do you think you can hold yourself back? Admitting that you love someone doesn¡¯t make you weak. I have told you this many times. But you are an adult, and you have the right to do whatever pleases you. I will head home now. Do you need help back to your room?¡±


    I cut him a stern re. ¡°Don¡¯t make me toss this bottle at you,¡± I warned.


    He chuckled, ¡°Okay, soldier. I am on my way.¡±


    Silence enveloped me as I stared around the four walls of the study. It¡¯ste into the night, and I haven¡¯t stepped out of here all day. Gemma had bombarded me with incessant calls that I had to put my phone off. I had asked the guards to turn her away if she ever came around. I didn¡¯t feel like dealing with her tantrums today. Fortunately, she didn¡¯te. Knowing her well, Gemma would have thrown a fit and insisted that I dismiss the guard who stopped her. Staggering, I stopped out, feeling thete-night warm breeze touch my face.


    I decided to head to the garden instead. Many of the maids have retired for the night. The guards on patrol are the only ones around.


    I must have kept Ezra waiting for too long. My eyes searched the garden, hoping she would pop up as usual. But she wasn¡¯t in sight. Ezra¡¯s words floated in my head. What if I try to get these emotions started? It can¡¯t be that bad. The only thing holding me back are the thoughts I have harbored over the years. Something about Nia makes me want to break free from it.


    Thankfully, I am drunk. Whatever happens tonight will be med on my hazy state. I might not even remember when morninges. I might as well give it a shot. Inhaling deeply, I nced towards the route that led to her building. Like someone being controlled by a remote, my drunken self stumbled towards Nia¡¯s entrance. She might be asleep now, but I can¡¯t hold back. If I return to my room tonight, I doubt if I will be able to catch a wink of sleep.? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    I felt a bit of anxiety all of a sudden, but the alcohol kept blurring it out. It gave me the courage I needed. Molding my hand into a fist, I banged on the door, feeling toozy to press the doorbell. The door opened abruptly, and someone who seemed to be the maid stood there with a frown. The frown melted when she realized I was the one.


    ¡°Alpha Gael, do you need something? Are you hurt?¡± She asked in a worried tone.


    I waved her off, feeling woozy. ¡°Where is Nia¡¯s room?¡±


    ¡°Sir?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t make me repeat myself,¡± I warned. The maid pointed at the room shakily. ¡°Now, no one must know that I am here. Is that clear? Lock the door. I will head out on my own. You can go back to sleep.¡± I ordered.


    I watched her do as told and scurrying off. I headed towards Nia¡¯s room and tried the doorknob, which opened.


    ¡°I was just about to hurry out. Who were you-¡± Nia words trailed off. Nia must have been naked before. I entered when she was wearing her robe. Her hands wrapped around her body protectively. ¡°What are you doing here?¡± She inquired.


    I stepped further into the room, shutting the door behind me. ¡°Shhh!¡± I cautioned, walking further into the room.     ¡°What?¡±     ¡°Shhh-be quiet. It¡¯ste.¡± I said,cing a finger on her lips as I stood two feet away. It feels so soft. I wonder what it would be like if I kissed her. ¡°Don¡¯t say anything; I just need to get this off my chest quickly.¡±


    The difort on her face was evident. ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°I know this might sound impossible to your ears. And because I haven¡¯t been nice to you all along. I want to let you know that you make my heart beat, Nia. You might think I am drunk. But I know what I am saying. I haven¡¯t felt this way for anyone before. I find myself thinking about you all the time. Stressing you out is the only way to maintain a close range with you. I have known for a while now that you interest me, but my ego wouldn¡¯t let me admit that to you.¡±


    I sniffed, ruffling my hair. ¡°I wasn¡¯t always like this. I am just so scared of falling in love and getting hurt. However, it seems like I can¡¯t run away from fate. My mum loved my dad, and he did too, or so we thought. No one knows this aside from my dead parents, myself, and his closest friend. My dad cheated on my mum when she was heavily pregnant, and she walked in on them. The person was her most trusted maid. It turns out they have been at it since she became pregnant. Mum felt betrayed, and somehow, her devastated state led to her earlybor. She lost my sister, and it didn¡¯t take long before she died too. It was too much for her to bear; aside from my dad¡¯s betrayal, she had to worry about the pack¡¯s future. My dad couldn¡¯t forgive himself, and that also led to his demise. They both experienced such bad fate because they chose to love each other. So, I promised myself never to love anyone, only for you to show up out of nowhere and stir up these emotions in me. I have always believed love is pain and isn¡¯t worth the stress at all. Why should we love? Love? Right love. We have to love. But I don¡¯t want love cause-I would rather not get hurt, Nia.My feelings are so strong-I won¡¯t take it lightly if you make a fool of me.¡±


    Heavy tears blinded my eyes. Despite how hard I tried to hold it back, it rolled down. It is the first time since my parents¡¯ demise that I am letting it all out. My heart felt like it would tear apart as the words found their way out of my lips.


    ¡°I like you, Nia Hayes.¡±

 Chapter 59 Drunk in Love

    NIA¡¯S POV     ¡°I like you a whole lot, Nia Hayes.Believe when I say it.¡±


    Gael repeated it to my utmost shock. What the hell did they give him to drink? It¡¯s shocking enough to hear him confess the reality of his awful living. And now he is admitting to having actual feelings for me?


    ¡°Is this some joke, Gael? Why are you doing this to me?¡± I mumbled, feeling deted.


    He wiped off his tears quickly. But why am I crying so easily over my emotions? Do people shed tears during confessions?


    ¡°I swear it, Nia. There is no other way for me to tell you this. I can¡¯t stop thinking about you.¡±


    ¡°But I am a half-breed.¡±


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter. I apologize for being an asshole. I-I-I have no excuse for what I have done in the past. My eyes and heart have longed for you for the longest time. All I think about in my spare and busy time is you. I get jealous when youugh with Ezra and give off a cold attitude towards me instead. Please, I want a chance with you. I promise to behave right. I don¡¯t know what will be of me If I keep holding back. I don¡¯t want to anymore.¡±


    ¡°Does Gemma know you are here? You are her man and whatnot.¡±


    It is unclear to me why I am suddenly acting jealous. I don¡¯t fancy seeing Gael and Gemma together.


    He moved closer, and this time, like when we were in the woods, there wasn¡¯t any escape route. I stumbled to the back; he grabbed my waist, pulled me up close, and caged me against the wall. His teary eyes stared deeply into mine.


    ¡°Fuck Nia! I want you.¡±


    Out of the blue, his lipsnded on mine. I have always thought my first kiss would be odd, but it feels like I have been doing this for years. I know I am supposed to push him away. Instead, I held on to his shirt and parted my lips further. His hands roamed my body hungrily at first, then he slowed down and caressed me like he feared I would fade away. The kiss lingered for a while. He tastes just like I imagined: minty. I want more of him, even though I have never done this before; I don¡¯t want it to end.


    Gael lifted me off the floor, and my back touched the bed. I grabbed a fistful of his hair, stretching out my neck from him to ce tingling kisses on it. It feels so good. Hegrabbed a fistful of my right boobs while his other hand caressed my nipple. I moaned in pleasure. Our gaze locked, and his lips crashed on mine again. He grabbed my hands and sealed it over my head while his mouth hovered all over my skin.     ¡°Gael-¡± The words stuck in my throat when his fingers made their way to my thighs. The minute his hand made contact with my v-line, I gasped. My eyes rounded like saucers at the reality of what was about to happen.     ¡°Wait, Gael!¡± I blurted out.     Our gaze locked when he raised his head, showcasing his dted eyes and wet lips. ¡°It¡¯s your first time, right?¡± Iswallowed hard andnodded in response. ¡°We don¡¯t have to do this. It¡¯s not necessary.¡± He added quickly.


    Even though he is drunk, his gentle side of him is still vivid. His words turned me on, and my clit throbbed more intensely this time. ¡°It¡¯s alright. I am fine.¡±     He leaned up. ¡°No. We shouldn¡¯t do this. I just-¡±     I leaned up abruptly and shut him up with a kiss. I wanted it. I want to cherish the night and spend it with him. Those wet dreams about getting fucked by Gael are about to be reality, so I¡¯m not going to let it slip off. My wolf tried to remind me of his drunken state and that he might act indifferently in the morning, but I shut it out. I would deal with the consequencester on.     ¡°I want you, Gael,¡± I whispered.


    Lifting himself, he took off his clothes, baring himself to me. My mouth went agape at how breathtaking he looked. I have heard and read about the appearance of Greek gods. I didn¡¯t realize I had one close by. I attempted to pull off my nightie, but he stopped me.? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    ¡°Let me do it, please.¡± He said.     The alcohol seems to be clearing away already. I hope Gael doesn¡¯t change his mind when he sees my body. I have never really thought much about it until now. For a person like Gael, who has had a taste and view of many others, I might not match up to his needs. I shouldn¡¯t demean myself this much; it¡¯s wrong. I sucked in a breath to clear the negative thoughts.     ¡°Goodness!¡± Gael blurted.


    I stared in confusion, looking down at myself. Gael had gotten rid of my clothes now, and Iy naked.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±     ¡°You look so beautiful and breathtaking.¡± He whispered, rxing his weight into the bed as he kissed me passionately.


    He flipped us, letting me stay on top. I settled against him, our private parts directly on each other, while I roamedmy tiny hands over hisrge body. He grabbed my boobs, twitching the nipples while I grind my hips against him. He moaned out my name before flipping the both of us again. He pinned down my waist, and his mouth covered my vagina immediately. I didn¡¯t have the chance to breathe when he bit gently on my clitoris.     ¡°Fuck!¡± I eximed.     ¡°You like it?¡± He whispered.     ¡°Yes! Yes!¡± I screamed even more when his tongue flicked over my clit continuously. His hands reaching out for my nipples fueled some pleasure in my belly. I didn¡¯t want it to end. I grabbed the sheet when his tongue sucked me vigorously. The feeling was divine, and I could feel my eyes shutting off at the emotions that almost exploded in my mind.     He leaned down to kiss me passionately while I felt his hand stroking his cock. Our gaze locked while he eased his penis slowly into my vagina.I felt a sharp pain underneath, but it didn¡¯t hurt much, and I didn¡¯t get to feel it much. He was as gentle as possible.     I tried to close my eyes. ¡°Keep it open!¡± He snapped. I did.     Our eyes didn¡¯t miss contact while he kept sliding in and out of me very slowly. The pleasure had me moaning out his name non-stop, and I begged him to go further. Finally breaking the eye contact, he leaned on me and hastened the pace of his thrust. He nibbled at the sensitive spot on my neck that would leave hickeys. He locked our hands and thrust faster and more profoundly. I love this feeling. Our arousal filled the atmosphere, and it smelled enticing. Gael chuckled, slowing his pace, but his strokes were deep and manly. I guess he could smell our arousal, too. All of a sudden, he mmed his cock into me; I gripped the sheet tightly and let out a sound that I didn¡¯t think I was capable of.I reached a climax with my legs trembling. Gael grunted, kissing me at every chance. Like a happy wolf, he let out a strange but happy sound before his body went limpnext to me. I felt a surge of satisfaction rushes through my veins. It feels incredible.     ***********


    My eyes fluttered as I tried to adjust it to the light. My brain seems to have nked out while I try to remember where I am. It¡¯s still my room; something feels different, and there is a painful tingle between my thighs.


    The memories fromst night rushed back, and I couldn¡¯t resist the urge to smile; my wolf also purred in delight. We had another go at it at midnight. Gael was unable to get his hands off me. I slept off like a baby after such rigorous activity. I rubbed at my face and sat up.


    Looking around the room, I expected to see Gael¡¯s clothes on the floor, but they weren¡¯t there. He isn¡¯t next to me, either. Getting off the bed, I checked the bathroom, but no one was there. My heart thumped fearfully.


    As I had predicted, he must have returned to his senses and be proud of himself for fooling me. He finally got the exact reason he brought me to the pack house. All the happiness I was feeling went with the wind immediately. I sat on the edge of the bed, letting the pitiful tears flow. I knew this was going to happen, yet I went along with it shamelessly. It¡¯s no wonder everyone does whatever they feel like to me. I am too stupid for my good.


    What was I thinking in the first ce, letting a drunk man into my room at such ate hour? It¡¯s such a shame that Perry isn¡¯t here; she would have pped some sense into me, and, of course, whatever happened would have been avoided.


    Even if he is the Alpha, I shouldn¡¯t have allowed him to get to me quickly.I could have stood my ground and sent him away. But my lustful self couldn¡¯t reason right.Why am I having regrets when I enjoy every moment of it? My conscious self tried to warn me, but I said I would face the consequences.


    Wrapping my arms around myself, I sobbed quietly. Just then, my phone rang loudly. I stood up to check for the caller on the bed stand. It turned out to be one of my assistants. There is probably an emergency. I swallowed whatever pain I might be feeling. I should fulfill my obligations while my thoughts wille inter. I rushed off to the bathroom. The minute the cold water touched my skin, I burst out crying like somebody pierced me with a thousand needles.

 Chapter 60 His assurance

    GAEL¡¯S POV


    The minute I woke up this morning, the first thing Iid my eyes on was her beautiful face. I didn¡¯t know anyone could pull off that much beauty while asleep. It took me and my ego this long to ept my true feelings. She would be awake now and probably wondering where I am. Since it was her first time, I wanted to make it memorable for her. A werewolf n says giving your intended lover special treatment binds them to be your mate forever.


    Now that I have gotten this close to Nia, I don¡¯t think I intend to stay away at all. I waited patiently for the hamper¡¯s goodie basket. I had myself disguised to visit the mall. I want Nia to appreciate it better, so I chose to run the errand on my own.


    ¡°Here you go, sir. I am sure she would love it.¡± The store attendant smiled, handing the basket to me.


    ¡°I hope she does,¡± I replied, taking my leave.


    Last night, I was scared that I might forget such a beautiful moment. I wanted to remember every bit of it. Thankfully, I wasn¡¯t as drunk as I predicted, which I am genuinely grateful for. Driving back to the pack house, I parked my car back in its ce and walked down to the clinic. Nia seemed busy, so I decided to wait in her office.


    Tapping my feet anxiously on the floor, I scrolled through my phone. I am just d I didn¡¯t take it with me to Nia¡¯s housest night, even though it was off. I might have put it back on. Gemma has dropped about twenty missed messages this morning, and she has no intention to stop anytime soon until she hears from me. She is probably on her way as we speak.


    The door opened, and Nia walked in. My excitement mounted just at the in sight of her.


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± She questioned coldly.


    ¡°Are you here to tell me off again? Most likely, what happenedst night didn¡¯t mean anything.¡±


    I stood up, staring at her like I lost my way. ¡°What are you talking about, Nia? What¡¯s with the hostility?¡± I raised my eyes, trying to get a clearer picture.


    Nia sighed, taking off her gloveswhile her eyes noticed the goodie basket. ¡°You bought me this?¡±


    ¡°Of course.What¡¯s going on?¡±


    She looked away, pouting. ¡°You weren¡¯t next to me when I woke up this morning, and there was no note or anything to assure me-¡±


    ¡°So you concluded that I left you? Is that how bad you think I am?¡± I wouldn¡¯t have minded if anyone had used me of running off like a coward, but hearing it from Nia hurt me. ¡°I am sorry I left without a word. And I want you to know that I wouldn¡¯te to you to express myself in such a sincere manner to get into bed with you. I have never been one to y hanky-panky with my emotions. I¡¯m sorry if that is how you think of me.¡±


    ¡°Hey. I am sorry; all of this is just new to me.¡± She mumbled, taking a step forward.


    I shrugged, ¡°I get it. It¡¯s not like I was ever nice from the beginning. Here, I got you different stuff that might ease the pain away. I hope I didn¡¯t hurt you?¡± I asked, pulling her close to me.


    She giggled when I kissed her. ¡°No, you didn¡¯t. It is all new to me, and it feels delightful simultaneously.¡±     I tilted her face to look up at me, and I noticed the sadness in it. It was more like she was not sure about my intention. Do I scare her this much? What do I need to do to take it all away?


    ¡°Listen, Nia-¡±


    ¡°Are you sure about this, Gael?¡± She cuts in.


    ¡°I have never been this sure about anything else,¡± I assured.


    She nods. ¡°Okay.¡±


    ¡°Will you check the hamper?¡± I asked, caressing her hair. She smiled in response as she eagerly opened it.


    ¡°Oh, my! Choctes and cookies? How did you know I like them?¡±


    ¡°Instincts!¡± I lied partially.


    ?


    The saga of the choctes Ezra bought for her lingers in my head. Seeing how excited she looks about mere choctes and cookies, I regret handing that other gift to Gemma. I will ensure to get her far better stuff than that.


    Nia wrapped her arms around my neck. ¡°Thank you so much, Gael. I appreciate this.¡±This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°So, will you have dinner with me to show appreciation?¡± I mumbled, scratching the back of my neck as I suddenly felt shy.


    She chuckled, ¡°Right. It¡¯s because you are asking nicely.¡±


    I snorted yfully, feeling my phone ring in my pocket. ¡°I will see youter then. I have to go now.¡±


    ¡°Okay, bye.¡±


    ¡°I want to kiss you,¡± I admitted, biting my lips.


    ¡°Do you think I will stop you?¡± She teased, grinning.


    I shook my head, pulling her in for a long kiss. ¡°I will bring dinner tonight. Have a lovely day.¡± I said, about to leave, then I remembered something. ¡°Before I forget, weshould exchange contacts.¡±


    Nia gasped, covering her face with both palms. ¡°it¡¯s unbelievable that we had sex before exchanging contact. My parents will be rolling in their grave.¡± She joked.


    ¡°Well, they wouldn¡¯t mind when they discover how much of a hunk I am.¡± I retorted.


    Sheughed again, and now I feel better than Ezra for making herugh multiple times in less than thirty minutes. We exchanged numbers, and that seemed settled.


    After another long kiss, I finally left the clinic and headed to the main house. Gemma was pacing the hallway when I reached the floor of my study.


    ¡°Beautiful! The prodigal son arrives. Where the hell did you keep your damn phone, Gael? I have almost be a maniac if not for those who told me you are fine and have been moving around the pack house this morning. Where have you been? Or safe to say, where did you go, and why haven¡¯t you been picking up my calls?¡± She pelted me with questions. All the while, she was breathing like someone inbor.


    I maintained my cool and moved past her into the study. She followed suit. ¡°You still haven¡¯t answered any of my questions, Gael. What do you think you are doing?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think I owe you any exnation. You are not my mama.¡± I kissed my teeth, going through the files on the table.


    ¡°I know I am not your mum, but I am your girlfriend, and I deserve to know what you have been doing.¡±


    ¡°I think you are beginning to lose your fucking mind. You will only know what I decide to tell you, and that is it. I won¡¯t have you dictate to me if you have nothing tangible to say; you might as well leave right now.¡±


    Gemma gasped dramatically. ¡°Baby, are you listening to yourself? What is so wrong with me worrying about my man? How is that a sin? Everything I did, I did for you. And you are just going to treat me like I don¡¯t matter? At this point, you treat your concubines better than your girlfriend.¡±


    The goddess better be d that I do not smoke pot. She would have been subjected to an unexpected visitor right this minute. Gemma is the only one who talks and asks multiple questions in a sentence. How will anyone be able to deal with this muchplication? I¡¯m jealous of Ezra.


    Rubbing at my head in frustration, I Inhaled sharply. ¡°Your nagging is causing me a serious headache right now, and I wish I didn¡¯t have to deal with your excesses today. Please, if you intend to keep throwing tantrums, find your way to the door.¡± I responded.


    After what seemed like a forever silence, she finally took the hint and mmed the door violently on her exit. I feel sorry for those poor hinges.

 Chapter 61 The Quickie

    NIA¡¯S POV


    I tilted my head to the side, watching the moon shine on Gael¡¯s face. I wish there were a better way to exin my present obsession with him. Still, it¡¯s safe to say he is more into me than I am. At every chance he gets, Gael is either at my doorstep or the clinic. And if he is not physically avable, he calls or texts. I don¡¯t know how long this would go on. But if it stops, I might lose my mind.


    ¡°What¡¯s on your mind?¡± He asked, leaning closer to kiss my nape.


    I giggled, rubbing my forehead against his nose. ¡°A lot. You think you want to hear it?¡±


    ¡°Sure.¡±


    I cleared my throat and sat up. ¡°I don¡¯t exactly know how to put this, but I hope it won¡¯t get you angry. It is just me admitting to my feelings. We have been together for over a week now, and I don¡¯t know what I am to you precisely.¡± Gael blinked slowly, and I thought he was about to say something, but he was only listening. I fidgeted with my fingers, hoping I didn¡¯t say something to annoy him. ¡°I will not be like Gemma, who allows you to hang around other women. I don¡¯t like to share, which puts me in the same position as the rest.¡±


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you spit it all out? I know there is more in there that you would like to share.¡±


    ¡°Won¡¯t you get offended?¡±


    ¡°Try me first.¡±


    I sighed in exhaustion. I can¡¯t deny that these past few days have been my happiest days. I never thought or dreamt that I would be this close to the same person who has shown nothing but sheer hatred towards me. I was skeptical for the first three days. But now I am not sure what we are doing exactly. Thest thing I want to be is aughingstock. At the same time, from the pieces of advice I have gotten from Perry while we talk randomly. I know that a man should be aware of the things he shouldn¡¯t do if he is to keep the woman he ims to desire next to him. I am not going toe off as desperate. He has to decide on his own.


    ¡°Gael, I want to believe that what you feel for me differs from what you have ever felt for anyone. Then you should know what I am talking about. That is the only thing that would assure me of your intentions towards me.¡± I said, turning my back to him.


    ¡°But you said not to announce it to the public yet.¡±


    ¡°How do you expect us to do that when obvious things are in ce? If you don¡¯t do what¡¯s necessary, I don¡¯t think we can work out.¡± I said, stifling my neck.


    He embraced me tightly, kissing my lips. ¡°Is this some kind of ultimatum?¡±


    I gently pushed him away and red my nose. ¡°are you trying to make fun of me?¡±


    A lightugh escaped his lips. ¡°you know I will never do that. I was only asking. Don¡¯t worry, I will take care of everything.¡±


    ¡°You promise?¡±


    ¡°I promise. So, can we enjoy this night without fussing over anything?¡±


    ¡°Maybe.¡± I giggled, holding on to him tightly.


    ¡°Will you show me around the greenhouse?¡±


    ¡°You want to see it?¡±


    ¡°I am just really keen on what my woman does.¡± He winked.


    My ear turned red at his possession. He is doing it intentionally to make me turn to mush, or he does mean it. I would have loved to show everyone that the healer and hateful Alpha are now a thing. I was surprised that he seemed ready to let whoever cared to know be aware. Knowing that he would do whatever pleases him. I needed to be sure of what I was up to. I haven¡¯t told Perry or Ezra. If the most important people in my life don¡¯t know yet, the others don¡¯t need to know because they aren¡¯t aware.


    ¡°Why are you always zoning out?¡± Gael asked as he pulled at my nose gently. ¡°I have assured you that I will handle it. It¡¯s not nice to see you brood like this. I want your full attention, Nia.¡± He mumbled, cupping my face in his palm.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I did not realize I was doing that. Should we go now?¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡± He beamed, holding my hand. We walked in slow strides towards the ce. ¡°I used to walk with my mum around the garden whenever she needed to find a new herb that she gets instructed to work on.¡±This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Really? So you were a mummy¡¯s boy?¡±


    ¡°Hmmn, hmm. I loved her so much. I love how we could always make a conversation out of anything. Even in my teenage years, I enjoyed leisure time with her. She was never boring. I wish she never got pregnant again. I know it¡¯s selfish of me, but I might still have my mother now.¡±


    ¡°That is not you being selfish. Many times, I wish my parents never met. My mother wouldn¡¯t have died, and my dad wouldn¡¯t have faced rejection because of me and torn apart by a rogue wolf. But then, the goddess has ordained our creation. We have to live our supposed life through.¡±


    ¡°You are quite positive. It ddens my heart.¡±


    I looked up at him, gripping his hand a bit tightly. ¡°I am happy you got the message. Do you hate your father?¡±


    Gael sniffed, staring into space. ¡°A bit. I have always med him for the deaths of my mother and sister. We never did get along much until his death.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you think your grudge is holding you back from living properly?¡±


    ¡°Do you hate your adoptive family?¡±


    I sighed heavily, ¡°Rather than hate them, I hated myself.¡±


    ¡°Why? It wasn¡¯t your fault.¡±


    ¡°It was my fault for always letting everyone trample upon me. I portrayed too much weakness and never stood up to my bullies. That gave them the courage to keeping back with more malicious intentions. One thing I know for certain now is that no matter the situation you find yourself in, standing up for yourself will go a long way to keep one¡¯s head above water.¡±


    He let go of my hand, biting on his lips while avoiding my eyes. ¡°you know, I saw you getting beat up by some maids one time. I didn¡¯t think it concerned me. I was irritated that you justid there letting them get at you without struggling, at least. Not only that, but I felt like if you were hurt, you wouldn¡¯t let it continue. I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    My eyes watered a bit as I reminisced on those awful times. I had broken a rib, but thankfully, continuous painful shifting into my wolf form brought it back in shape. I smacked my lips, holding a weak smile.


    ¡°That¡¯s all gone now. It¡¯s a new day.¡±


    He pulled me to himself all of a sudden. ¡°Forgive me, please. I promise to act more responsibly from now on. I am sorry.¡±


    I chuckled against his chest, ¡°It¡¯s okay. We are good now, and that is all that matters.¡± I assured. We finally reached the greenhouse, and I showed him the nts.


    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± Gael asked, pointing at an oddly shaped nt.


    ¡°You will be surprised that it can heal any kind of poison consumption.¡±


    ¡°Why does it sound like you are not certain yet?¡± He asked.


    ¡°I am still waiting for the processed juice to ferment before testing it out. What I have now might put someone to sleep for too long, which is dangerous for both humans and werewolves.¡±


    ¡°That means it¡¯s more like a poison as it stands.¡±


    ¡°Yes. It¡¯s part of why I have been locking up the store room and my office, where we store the contents.¡±


    ¡°I doubt if anyone will want anything with it. There has never been a case of theft anywhere in the pack house. You don¡¯t have to worry.¡±


    My eyes stared at his lips seductively. ¡°I won¡¯t have to worry since you are here!¡± I teased, pulling him close to me. He lifted me off the ground, and I wrapped my legs around him. Gael held me up against the wall, kissing me passionately. ¡°Should we take it to my room?¡±


    ¡°Here is just perfect. You will love it.¡± He assured with an adventurous twinkle in his eyes.


    That is just the appropriate dosage of assurance that I needed.Gael unzipped his trousers and raised my mini skirt while moving my panties aside. I moaned when he slid in and began to thrust me against the wall. I guess this is what they call A QUICKIE!

 Chapter 62 Letting go

    GAEL¡¯S POV


    ¡°Is it just me, or do you appear different? You are smiling moretely.¡± Ezra observed as we looked through the export files of the pack.


    I sniffed, trying to mask my expression. ¡°Well, can¡¯t one be happy?¡±


    Ezra snickered, ¡°You don¡¯t even get excited when you are fucking different women. That¡¯s how hard it is to make you appreciate your essence of existence.¡±


    I guess Nia is doing a good job making me feel fulfilled then. I want to boast to Ezra badly about my rtionship with her. I know why she is insistent on not showing off just yet. I have set aside some cash to help my concubines be independent when they leave. It took me a long while to give in to the decision. I had to choose between being happy with Nia over tens of concubines I had no connection with.


    Since I ended up with Nia, no one has been able to pull my interest. For weeks now, I haven¡¯t called out to any of them, and Gemma is brewing up a storm of questioning as to why I am no longer paying her any attention.


    ¡°Say whatever you want. I will be sending off my concubines.¡± I announced.


    He stared at me like I had grown two heads. ¡°Is this some joke? You are letting them go?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± I stated firmly.


    ¡°Wait a minute. Is there something you aren¡¯t telling me?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I think I am in love. And to prove what I am truly feeling, I need to get rid of the clogs and distractions.¡±


    ¡°Unbelievable! I never thought I would see this day.¡± Ezra teased. ¡°so, who is this person that has decided to carry your baggage.¡±


    I red at him. ¡°what do you mean by baggage?¡±


    ¡°You are a fucking piece of work, man. Don¡¯t start to act like I am speaking gibberish.¡±


    ¡°You are.¡± I snorted.


    Ezraughed, tapping on the table. ¡°whoever it is, I will get to meet them eventually. For now, I am just happy that you are finally seeing life in a different light. I will dly run your errands for you. What will it be?¡±


    ¡°You are the main man.¡± Iplimented.


    ¡°I have always known.¡± He boasted.


    ¡°You are so foolish.¡± I retorted.


    ¡°Just have them called to one room, and my assistant will have their envelopes handed over to them. Say something nice, and I guess everyone will be fine.¡±


    ¡°Do you think money solves everything?¡±


    I shook my head, ¡°No, I know it doesn¡¯t. But gaining their freedom and ending up with some cash to start afresh. I want to believe I have yed well.¡±


    ¡°Well, on second thought, that¡¯s brave if you are to let them go and not keep them on a leash while you get to live happily.¡±


    ¡°It was either that or I would lose her. I had to make a choice.¡±


    Ezra held up a sheepish grin. ¡°I feel like I know where all of this conversation ends. But I will keep my cool and leave it to you to decide.¡± He said, wiggling his brows.? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    I often hate that he can read me so much, which can be annoying. ¡°I will pretend you didn¡¯t just try to seduce me right now.¡±


    He let out his tongue, ¡°seducing you will be too much of a waste of time. I would rather spend my precious time on something else.¡±


    ¡°You talk too much for your good. How are you doing, though? I get so engrossed with my issues that I almost forget I must be responsible for you.¡±


    ¡°Oh, my. What a remarkable friend.¡± He taunted.


    ¡°Do you always have to be a nuisance and ruin moments?¡± I scoffed.


    ¡°I am only doing what you would have done. Anyway, I am good. Life is good. Being Beta isn¡¯t all that bad. To cap it all, Perry and I got closer on her recent return home. I¡¯m fine as it is.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m thrilled you are. We should-¡± I didn¡¯t get to finish my sentence because of the violent opening of the door giving way to a vicious-looking Gemma.


    Ezra thinned his lips. ¡°This is my cue to stay far away from here. Call me if your heart fails.¡±


    ¡°Like I would have hands to do so.¡± I smacked my lips as he hurried off.


    ¡°What the fuck was that message for, Gael?¡± She bellowed.


    I rxed into the chair, biting on my lower lip. Last night, after Nia fell asleep in my arms. I made another decision to cut off Gemma. It was due for a long time; my covetousness wouldn¡¯t let me reason right. Which is why I texted her to end whatever might be going on between us. Just as predicted, she isn¡¯t taking it lightly.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure you can read well. It¡¯s not science-just pure, simple English. Let¡¯s end whatever it is we share. You and I know this wouldn¡¯t lead anywhere in the first ce. We should put an end to it.¡±


    ¡°All of a sudden?¡± She queried, squinting her eyes at me. ¡°For the past few weeks, you have been acting quite unfamiliar, and now you are cutting me off without prior notice? Since when has this been on your mind?¡±


    ¡°Do I have to exin myself to you? Who are you to question my decision? The only reason I am giving you this much audience is because of how long our family hase together. If it were any other person, I would have them tossed out of here in a second. Don¡¯t make this hard; let¡¯s part on a good note. I am sure the one your dad has chosen for you would love you with all of his heart without hesitation. I¡¯m not the one for you.¡±


    Gemma stomped her feet hard on the floor. I¡¯m sure her heel must have dug a hole into it. ¡°Who are you to decide if you are the one for me? It¡¯s my life, and I can live it how I decide. And it has to be by your side until the end of time.¡± She wailed, ruining her make-up.


    ¡°Just like you have the right to live the way you choose. So do I. And I have decided that I want to end whatever is between us. You are always wee to the pack house. You will no longer have ess to me unless you have an issue with the pack council. I don¡¯t understand why you are refusing to see this, Gemma. All that we shared is nothing but toxic. I only enjoyed yourpany because of the attention you were always willing to give, even at your inconvenience. It felt good at one point; now, I feel like the world¡¯s most notoriouscriminal. You don¡¯t deserve such treatment. I am sorry.¡±


    ¡°But I am notining.¡±


    I threw my hands in frustration, ¡°Just because you don¡¯t want to see the truth doesn¡¯t mean it¡¯s not there. Stop being so adamant and let this slide. Have a good life, Gemma.¡±


    She ran towards me, cupping my face in her palm. ¡°talk to me, baby. Is there something you need me to do? Is this some prank? I will do whatever you ask of me. Just don¡¯t tell me it¡¯s over, please, Gael. I bet my life on you.¡±


    The raw emotions in her eyes scared me, and the reality of my actions dawned on me all at once. I have done nothing but cage these women, all in a bid to feel good about myself. I took off her hand slowly.


    ¡°Please, Gemma. Don¡¯t do this to yourself. I am sorry, and I will apologize all over again. But please don¡¯t try to save what is lost. Please.¡± I begged.


    ¡°No, Gael. I don¡¯t understand what this is all about. But this is not you. The Gael I know will never say something like that to me. It¡¯s fine if you shun me or talk to me rudely. I will take up everything in good stride because you will call for me. I have dedicated my entire life to you, Gael. You can¡¯t do this to me.¡±


    My emotions were jumbling now. I hate exining myself to people. ¡°Gemma, I was never going to marry you, and you knew it!¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± She screamed. ¡°We are couples, aren¡¯t we? What else do you need to make me Luna? What? I have been by your side the longest, even when you put up a despicable attitude. I turned against my father for you, and now you want to toss me aside? I know this is all just some kind of joke. I wille back, and we will talk about this calmly. It doesn¡¯t end here. We are to be together. I am not giving up on you, baby. You can bet with me on that. I love you.¡±


    She didn¡¯t even let me say something before she stormed off. I pulled at my hair in frustration. What was I expecting in the first ce? She definitely wouldn¡¯t make it easy for me. Taking in a deep breath, I nodded to myself. It is a step to putting an end to it all. So it¡¯s okay. I can handle this.


    I hope I can.

 Chapter 63 Her lover

    AUTHOR¡¯S POV


    Gemma kissed her teeth for the umpteenth time in five seconds. Her head kept reeling with Gael¡¯s words. There is no way he would mean something like that, not after all these years that she has put up with his stupid ass. Gael must think he can do whatever he wants with anyone. But it will be over her dead body. No one will make a fool of her, that is certain.


    ¡°How long do you intend to be this moody? All through the sex, you practicallyid stiff like a log of wood. I shouldn¡¯t have to suffer for a fool¡¯s mistake.¡± Zac whined, kissing her bare shoulder.


    She shrugged him off. ¡°Haven¡¯t you had enough?¡±


    ¡°That question should be directed at you. Until when do you intend to keep this up.¡±


    ¡°Shut it!¡± She growled, ring hard at him. ¡°If you think I am here because I have forgiven you for that stunt you pulled off, then you are mistaken.¡±


    Zac hit his fist on the bed angrily. He has been with Gemma for years, long before she started aiming to remain by Alpha Gael¡¯s side despite his sour attitude towards her. Gemma had the choice to leave him, unlike the concubines, but she seemed too adamant to remain by his side. He couldn¡¯t take it anymore and wanted her to himself. That had prompted him to discuss with his father, a longtime friend of Beta Ezekiel, to set them up together. Unknown to the parents, they are pretty familiar with each other.? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    ¡°I am not doing this with you. I am crazy in love with you, and it appears you don¡¯t think me worthy of you. You onlye around when you intend to burn off steam. What do I look like to you? A pushover? I went miles to have you see reason and understand that Gael will never let you remain by his side. What the fuck is wrong with you? I will not pretend to be fine with whatever you have going in that head of yours. Call me when you are back to your senses.¡± He scoffed, reaching for his clothes hurriedly to wear.


    Gemma blinked rapidly, and it took her a minute to understand what was happening. ¡°Baby, what are you doing?¡± She asked, snatching his trousers away from him and throwing them far from his reach.


    ¡°Get me back my clothes, Gemma.¡± He ordered.


    ¡°Zac.¡± She drawled seductively, trailing her manicured nail on his bare chest. ¡°Baby, why do you keep forgetting the reason for all this? Moreover, I am in it too deep to let go now.¡±


    ¡°There never would have been the need to if you had listened to me three years ago when it wasn¡¯t this messy. I have enough money for us to survive on for a lifetime. Your parents¡¯ wealth is the same too. What¡¯s the need for Gael¡¯s own? Aren¡¯t you too young to crave this much power?¡±


    She leaned into him and ced a light kiss on his lips while guiding him back to the bed. She let himy on his back and straddled him. ¡°do you know what it would mean to be a Luna? Everyone is mine to control. I get to punish those who think I am on the same level as them. People like my cousin, and there is a certainty that death is the only thing that will take the position away from me.¡± She eased his cock into her vagina while he let out a soft moan.


    ¡°You are delusional. Your family is the top of the richest household in the entire pack. Being Luna is just a title.¡±


    ¡°How, then, do you exin the part of my father losing his position and everything going to that fool, Ezra? If I be Luna, you be the automatic Beta. How beautiful would that be?¡±


    Zac smacked her ass and let out a snort. ¡°Well, your dreams have been cut short now that Gael has ended things with you.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think you know me well enough. I am not one to give up easily. I have dedicated too much of my time and body to that bastard. He has to make me his Luna, and then we can end this mess.¡±


    ¡°Does your father know that his daughter is on the brink of losing her mind for something that will never happen?¡± Zac inquired, lifting her off himself.


    ¡°Listen, Gemma, the actual truth of the matter here is that you hate to lose. The moment you agreed to be with Gael, you knew this wouldn¡¯t work out. If there is anyone in the Sunset pack who has the most determined mind, it¡¯s no other than Gael. He would only do whatever pleases him unless you are going to hypnotize him to marry you. It¡¯s never going to happen.¡±


    ¡°Then I will make him sad!¡± She gritted. ¡°I am going to find out what brought about the change of heart first and if that happens to be a woman. She had better be ready to join the goddess wherever she resides. I killed his first fruit once. I will do it again if it requires taking out tens of people. Gael won¡¯t make a fool of me.¡±


    Zac exhaled tiredly, ¡°Baby, you really won¡¯t drop this ambition of yours even if I plead with you to?¡± ?


    ¡°Zac, why are you being like this? You are the only one who understands me and knows what I desire the most. You have always supported me. Why won¡¯t you take the bait this time around?¡±


    ¡°I love you despite how crazy you are, Gemma. And if I could go as far as showing myself to your parents to gain their affection. You should know then that I am ready to go any mile for you. However, my patience is running thin. I don¡¯t know how long I can wait for you to get your fictitious position. I¡¯m sorry, but Gael doesn¡¯t think you are worthy of him. You aren¡¯t fit to rule a pack, not when you are so fixated on your desires alone. If this would continue, I had better take myself out of the equation.¡± He said, getting himself dressed again.


    Gemma kissed her teeth as she pinched the bed continuously. Gael is the reason she is about to lose on both sides. Zac has always been the one she loved, but her need for Gael is more of her obsession to be above everybody. Being the Beta¡¯s daughter is a stepping stone. Her endurance with Gael over the years isn¡¯t because she is so into him. If anything, she would have loved to poison him for everything he has put her through. However, she feels being able to hold on for a while will make him have a change of heart, and she intends to see to it no matter what. Her obsession for the position mounted since her father retired, with Ezra as the new Beta, which only means her relevance might be something of the past.


    Tightening her jaw, she held his gaze. ¡°If you won¡¯t support me with my dream. Then you are free to go. I hope you know what you are doing. My love for you is the only thing that keeps me going.¡± She retorted with a bit of ckmail.


    Zac¡¯s shoulders dropped, and he plopped into the bedin frustration. ¡°You will be the death of me.¡±


    Her eyes thinned in excitement as she wiggled her brows at him. ¡°I knew you couldn¡¯t say no to me. What do you think of a blowjob?¡± Gemma cooed, crawling towards him.


    Throwing his head to the back and spreading out his arms, Zac huffed. ¡°Do whatever you want! I¡¯m obsessed as it is.¡± He admitted, giving in to his lopsided fate.

 Chapter 64 His traumas

    NIA¡¯S POV


    Gael curled himself on the bed, resting his head on my thigh. I caressed his hair slowly; he hadn¡¯t been much of himself all day, and I had no choice but to head down to his room to make him feel better. It is my first time here. It is a space befitting for royalty. With the king-sized bed, I am sure it can take about six people if allowed.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong, baby?¡± I asked, breaking the diforting silence.


    ¡°I am a terrible person, Nia. Over the years, I have made people dance to my tune without considering the consequences; as long as I found it pleasing, that mattered. Since I broke up with Gemma, I keep getting haunted by the deep pain in her eyes, making me feel guilty.¡± He said, lifting himself.


    The side of my lips twitched. ¡°So you miss Gemma, or do you regret ending it with her?¡±


    ¡°Come on, that isn¡¯t it. It¡¯s not like I was in love with her or that I was ever into her that much. It just turns out that she might be unsure of herself and worried that she might never get anyone else now that I have ended things with her. I saw those looks in her eyes, and it scared me. I wonder how the rest of thedies are feeling, too. I made a mess.¡±


    ¡°You let go of everyone?¡± I blinked in surprise.


    Gael reached for my hand, caressing it. ¡°Didn¡¯t I tell you I was going to fix it? You didn¡¯t want us to go public because you worried about the other women. Even though you weren¡¯t exactly vocal about it, I didn¡¯t need to know that would be the problem. I want you, Nia. And if that requires shredding all of my past activities. I won¡¯t mind doing them for you. I hope you trust me and also won¡¯t betray the trust I have in you. If that happens, I might never be able to get in touch with the soft part of me ever again.¡±


    I cupped his face in my palm. ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry about any of that, Gael. I choose to be with you, and I have no intention of letting you go.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡± He grinned.


    ¡°For what?¡±


    ¡°You had the option of tossing me out that night, and you still could have refused my presence. But you allowed me the chance to keep proving myself every day. I¡¯m a work in progress, Nia. I might put up an odd reaction asionally, but I can assure you it has nothing to do with you. I promise to be of good behavior from this very moment.¡±


    ¡°Is that you or your wolf taking over?¡± I teased.


    He snickered, pulling me close. ¡°Don¡¯t do that.¡± He whispered in my ear, biting it gently.


    I giggled, resting against him. ¡°You should try to rest, Gael. I need to head back to the clinic. The healing poison potion is finally ready, but it needs supervision asionally. I am not sure if it¡¯s okay to consume just yet. I promise to check back in this evening. How about that?¡±


    He pouted, throwing out his legs like a child. ¡°I don¡¯t want you to go now.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be such a baby.¡± I tickled his side, leaning in for a kiss.


    ¡°I promise to be back soon. You must rest; your eyes look like theyck sleep.¡±


    ¡°So you will return?¡± He asked again.


    I chuckled, ¡°You act like where I will be out of the pack house. I promised to return, and you don¡¯t have to worry.¡±


    ¡°Okay, baby. I will take the needed nap then.¡±


    ¡°You do that. We might take a run in the woodster on. What do you think?¡±


    ¡°Sure.¡± He replied with a mischievous smirk on his face. ¡°Do you know the first time I knew I might be into you?¡±


    ¡°When was that?¡± I inquired anxiously.


    ¡°The first time I saw you dancing naked in the woods, you shifted again. Not only is your wolf beautiful, but your body had me jerking off many times at night. It is sizzling hot, just as I remember it.¡± He wiggled his brows, undressing me with his eyes.


    I pped his leg,ughing shyly. ¡°Couldn¡¯t you keep that to yourself?¡±


    ¡°I did keep it to myself. There isn¡¯t any need for it now.¡± He drawled. Amusement dancing in his eyes.


    I blushed profusely, ¡°You know what? It¡¯s no use arguing with you. I will get back to you about this. Bye for now.¡± I mumbled, heading out of the room. A few feet out of the room into the hallway, I bumped into Ezra. My eyes jolted out of their sockets in shock. I held my breath for a long while, standing rigidly like a statue.


    Ezraughed as he stared at me. ¡°you are going to remain like that as if you are invisible?¡± He inquired, folding his arms against his chest.


    ¡°I¡­. I can exin.¡± I stuttered.


    ¡°What¡¯s there to exin? So it¡¯s you all along? You are the one who has made a man out of our dear Gael. Amazing. I knew this might happen. He was always talking about you, even though he acted angry. You can only keep talking about someone who has caught your interest that much. I didn¡¯t want to be too forward.¡±


    ¡°I am sorry I didn¡¯t tell you. I just wasn¡¯t sure about what was going on between us just yet, and I would rather not be equivalent to a clown.¡±


    A soft look settled on his face. ¡°Walk with me.¡± He urged. I followed him quietly, my mind moving in circles, and worried that he might tell me not to desire Gael for my good. ¡°have you ever wondered how I maintained my friendship with someone like Gael?¡± Ezra asked as we headed towards the garden.This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    I shrugged. ¡°it never really crossed my mind, but I noted that you are opposing sides.¡±


    ¡°Well, that is true. But Gael wasn¡¯t always


    so distant. He dreams of having a family earlier than any of us. He would always discuss how much he would cherish and love his mate and the children. Except that his mate was a human, and he rejected her. Thedy was devastated, thinking he was being unfair.¡±


    ¡°He had a mate?¡±


    ¡°Yes, but human.¡±


    I sighed, ¡°he must have rejected her because she was human. You know he doesn¡¯t like humans because of what happened to his grandmother.¡±


    Ezraughed lightly. ¡°Is that what he said? It did happen, and his father was against the humans until his death. Our pack remains the only intolerant pack to humans to date. But all of this confusion is more of their personalities and fears. He rejected the human because he would rather not disappoint his mate. I know he insists it¡¯s because of what the humans did to their families. The actual truth is he would rather not admit to the real truth. Seeing his father suffer so much after the death of his mother changed plenty of things about him. You might wonder why I am telling you all of this. Gael is my best friend and brother. You are important to me, just as he is. And I have never seen him this happy in the past ten years. Thank you, Nia. I hope you can move past your ugly past and guide him to the right path. I have prayed long to the goddess, and I am happy she granted my request. Now, I amforted about the future of our pack. Make him love life more, and he has the me within him. He needs to find it.¡±


    ¡°Gael has a mind of his own. Do you think there is anything about him that I can enforce?¡±


    ¡°No, you don¡¯t need to try to enforce anything on him. Your true affection towards him is enough to put him on the right track. He let go of the concubines and Gemma because he knows his feelings for you. I can assure you that you havee to the right ce. Even though I must admit, youring together is epic.¡± Heughed.


    I observed him for a brief second. ¡°Are you not angry?¡±


    ¡°Not at all.¡± He shook his head. ¡°I love you enough to be after your happiness. That is what matters the most. Come on now, don¡¯t look so glum. I am here to support you for as long as you want.¡±


    I hugged him tightly, ¡°thank you so much.¡± I mumbled.


    ¡°Anytime.¡± He assured.


    ¡°I should head back to the clinic quickly,¡± I said.


    Letting him go, I headed to the clinic, and my steps suddenly halted at her receding. What the fuck is she doing here?

 Chapter 65 Her deceit

    AUTHOR¡¯S POV


    Stephanie hit her foot anxiously as she stared at the clinic building. She had been waiting for Nia toe back from wherever she went for close to an hour. The assistants said Nia would be back soon. However, Stephanie was beginning to run out of patience. Stephanie remembered thest time she had arrived here to get money from Nia and how she and Mindy had ended up getting locked up by the Alpha all because of a homeless girl she had looked after with her hard-earned money. Hering here today is her risking everything to get back at Nia.


    Even though the Alpha has warned her off, Stephanie hasn¡¯t forgotten the humiliation she had to suffer and how many of her socialite friends have ousted her from their gathering because of what happened. She kissed her teeth in irritation when she rechecked the time and noticed how much time had passed.


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± Nia asked behind her. She had her guard up in case the olderdy intended to pull off any stunt.


    Stephanie turned around with a pretentious smile sitting pretty on her face. ¡°There you are. You and I have a lot to talk about.¡± She said, flipping her hair while leading the way to the office.


    Nia entered after her and went to the mini fridge to get herself a soda. She didn¡¯t bother to offer any to her mother. Instead, she took a long sip and sat down quietly. ¡°What do you want? Didn¡¯t you learn enough from being locked up thest time?¡±


    Her insides boiled at the disrespect, but she maintained her cool still. ¡°I came to apologize.¡±


    The response had Nia in shock. She didn¡¯t think there would evere a time when she would hear such sacred words from her adoptive mother.


    ¡°What?¡±


    Stephanie held up a pitiful expression. ¡°I know I haven¡¯t been your best mother over the years. Even if you aren¡¯t my blood, it doesn¡¯t change the fact that I am your mother, and you carry my family name. I should have known better and not treated you differently from the rest of your siblings. The problem I had then was listening to the bad advice from outside. Everyone who knew of your person had something or the other to say. They said I should not treat you well; that way, you won¡¯t surpass my children in anything. I let the words seep into my pores and started acting out.¡±


    ¡°Mum-¡±


    ¡°Please, Nia. Let me finish. I need to get it all out. I am here on behalf of everyone else in the family. The shame they feel has prevented them from standing in front of you. We apologize for ousting you when all you have ever desired was to be loved by us. I had a lot of rethink when I got released. I realized how much of a bad mother I have been. I don¡¯t deserve to be called a mother. I am extremely sorry, Nia. Please forgive me. It might be hard for you to ept this, but it¡¯s understandable. I want you to know that whenever the timees and you intend to see your family again. Our door will always be open to you.¡± She said, sobbing quietly.


    The sight moved Nia. She turned her face away to wipe at the tears. Nia has been waiting for this day for so long. All she desires is her family¡¯s affection. It dawned on her some time ago that it might nevere. However, the times have changed, and so has her mother. The door opened while she was still gathering her thoughts to speak.This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°So sorry to bump in. But there is a patient who requires your attention quickly.¡± The assistant said.


    Nia wiped her tears quickly, ¡°Give me a minute, mum. I will be back.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, darling, take your time.¡± Stephanie urged, smiling a bit too widely.


    The moment the door got shut, it was just Stephanie. She nced around quickly and searched her back hurriedly for the strange tiny bottle with poisonous content she had brought from home. She didn¡¯t think it would be this easy for her to gain ess, but she had determination from the beginning. ncing around again, she opened Nia¡¯s soda drink and poured almost half of the poison into the drink. She was satisfied with how easily it diluted with the soda. She sat back in her chair with her hands sped together innocently.


    Nia returned not too long. She seemed very eager to talk to her mother. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry for keeping you waiting, Mum. The patient had a strange wound on his leg.¡±


    ¡°Have you been able to heal him?¡±


    ¡°Sure, it doesn¡¯t take much time. The goddess sure loves her people. Thank you so much, Mum, for this moment. You don¡¯t know how much it means to me. I don¡¯t have any grudge against you. All I want is for us to be happy as a family. I am so grateful the time has finallye.¡±


    Stephanie sighed, reaching for her hand. ¡°don¡¯t mind this insensitive mother of yours. I know I can be too much most times. Every so often, I wonder how Levi loves me all the same. Pardon me, my darling. I promise to be good from now on.¡±


    Nia blinked back the tears in her eyes. Aside from the first time she had sex with Gael, this moment, right now, is her happiest. Having Stephanie hold her hand gently with no hostility brewing makes all her worry disappear.


    ¡°I also promise not to be rude anymore. I apologize for how I have acted towards youtely. I will also make amends with Mindy. We are sisters and shouldn¡¯t be bickering at each other over anything. I really can¡¯t wait to see all of us back together.¡± She giggled.


    ¡°Kingston will be happy with us now,¡± Stephanie said.


    ¡°I don¡¯t doubt that. Tell me, what would you like to eat? Should we go out for dinner? We can invite everyone, too.¡±


    ¡°I think a family dinner will be better. We should invite Kingston back home, and he isn¡¯t pleased with your father and me. But I believe with you back in the family, he wouldn¡¯t mind.¡±


    ¡°Definitely. Oh, my goodness. I am so sorry, please. Where are my manners? What would you like to have?¡±


    Stephanie wanted to refuse at first, but then she had a rethink. Not epting the hospitality will raise suspicion. ¡°I don¡¯t mind having the soda for you too.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± Nia stood up to get her soda while grinning from ear to ear.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± She mumbled, taking the drink. ¡°Let¡¯s toast to a better future,¡± Stephanie suggested. Nia did as told excitedly. She gulped down half of the content to Stephanie¡¯s satisfaction.     Checking her time, Stephanie cleared her throat. Chaos will erupt in the next ten to fifteen minutes. It would be best if she leaves as soon as possible. ¡°I should go now, Nia. I have another ce to get to. I will call you tonight when I return home. Be sure toe for dinner when Kingston arrives.¡± ?


    ¡°I¡¯m down for it,¡± Nia assured. ¡°Let me see you off.¡±


    ¡°Sure.¡± She agreed.


    Nia smiled as she waved her mother off. On entering the clinic, she told the assistants that they could head home if done for the day. Returning to her office, she felt the difort mounting in her body after a few minutes. Her eyes became blurry, and her breath hitched. She pulled at the top of her dress to take in some air.


    Just then, she coughed out blood, and the room seemed to be turning. In her attempt to reach for the phone, she fell off the chair, and darkness evaded her sight.

 Chapter 66 The Discovery

    GAEL¡¯S POV


    I curled up more profoundly into the bed, smiling at my dream. I felt someone¡¯s hand in my hair, massaging my scalp slowly. I turned with my eyes still closed. ¡°You did as promised. I have been waiting all day.¡± I muttered.


    My eyes fluttered open quickly when the smell came off different. I kissed my teeth spitefully when the person I thought was Nia turned out to be Gemma.


    ¡°What the hell are you doing here?¡± I bellowed, jolting away from her like I had some electric shock.


    ¡°What is it? You missed me. How are you, baby?¡± Gemma cooed, bashing hershes at me in what she thinks looks cute.


    ¡°I told you, Gemma. It¡¯s over between us. What part of that English do you not understand?¡± I queried, giving her a cold look. Mumbling some incoherent words, I got off the bed and picked up my phone to dial Nia. My time affirms that it¡¯s been two hours since she left me. She should have returned to the room by now.


    Gemma took two steps closer to me. ¡°Gael, what¡¯s going on? I gave you space for some time to enable you to get over whatever mood you might have been in thest time. But it appears you aren¡¯t in the right frame of mind.¡±


    ¡°Get out, Gemma.¡±


    ¡°Hell no!¡± She insisted stubbornly. ¡°Who is she? I want to know her.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t owe you any bloody exnation. Leave right now, or I will have you tossed out.¡± I warned as I redialed Nia. I called her house, and it went straight to voicemail. That is so unusual. If the maid wasn¡¯t picking, she probably visited her family, and Nia would. For some unknown reason, I feel worried. She is hardly away from her phone, not even if she is in the restroom. Sprinting towards the closet, I grabbed a shirt.


    ¡°Gael, I need an answer from you,¡± Gemma whined in my ear.


    ¡°I have nothing to say to you. Is that clear? Get the hell out and nevere back here again. It¡¯s a simple instruction. I don¡¯t understand why it¡¯s so hard for you to adhere to it.¡±


    ¡°You won¡¯t leave this room until we sort whatever it is out.¡± She insisted, standing in my way.


    ¡°Leave this minute, or I¡¯ll push you,¡± I said sternly.


    ¡°You can¡¯t. You won¡¯t even dare to.¡±


    Inhaling deeply, I pushed her aside without much force. I would instead not end up a murderer. I made my way out of the room and ignored her fake cry. I dialed Ezra, and he picked up the second ring. As I reached the stairs, I heard Gemma¡¯s determined footsteps behind me. Well, I thought of giving her the honor and not making her find out this way. But s, this is probably the perfect timing.


    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± Ezra bellowed into the receiver. ¡°Why are you panting so hard?¡±


    ¡°Have you seen Nia?¡±


    ¡°Yes, about a few hours ago. Nia was heading back to the clinic. Is everything okay?¡±


    ¡°I have been trying to reach her, but she isn¡¯t picking up. Where are you?¡±


    ¡°I am just about to leave the pack house now. I will drive down to check. She is probably just busy.¡± He assured.


    ¡°She takes her phone everywhere. I doubt if it¡¯s just her being busy. My wolf is restless concerning her. I am heading to the clinic now. You should, too.¡± I said hurriedly, hanging up. I found myself racing towards the clinic. She might be okay or not. I need to know.


    ¡°Gael!¡± Gemma screamed behind me. ¡°Why in the world are you seeking that damned being so frantically?¡±


    I could strangle that witch right now for that stupid noise she is making. On entering the clinic, there was no assistant in sight. I hurried towards the office, and my heart stopped for a hired second at the sight of Ezra with a lifeless Nia in his arms, with dark blood dripping from her mouth. He was dialing the emergency contact on his phone. I fell to my knees, breathing heavily.


    ¡°What happened here?¡± I asked, taking her from his hands.


    ¡°I found her like this. There was no one here when I arrived.¡± He let out the reply in a shaky tone.


    ¡°Baby? Nia, please talk to me. What¡¯s going on, baby? Nia!¡± I yelled, shaking her hard. ¡°What do you think she consumed? Call the fucking ambnce!¡±


    ¡°I think it¡¯s poison. That smells bad!¡± Ezra replied while pointing to the soda bottle on her desk. ¡°She still has a little pulse. We might be able to save her.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t realize a healer can inject poison. Shouldn¡¯t she have an antidote lying somewhere?¡± Gemma said in a mocking tone behind us.


    I intended to give her a befitting response, but something shed in my head just in time as the ambnce arrived. I swallowed hard. ¡°There is an antidote. She has been working on an antidote.¡±


    ¡°Yes, she mentioned it,¡± Ezra noted.


    ¡°Take her to the van. I am going to find it.¡± I said, quickly searching around the office while Ezra lifted Nia outside.


    My entire body seems to be in disagreement with each other. How the fuck am I supposed to know which one is which. If the antidote isn¡¯t here? Where would it be? It should be in the storage room. I should check the storage.


    I have no idea how long it takes poison to circte the body before one is pronounced dead. And at the realization of what Nia¡¯s lifeless state might result in, my body trembled even more. The store was locked when I got there. I hurried back to the office and searched her bag. I got the keys and tried to figure out which belonged to the door.


    ¡°This is unbelievable, Gael. The person you left me for is the half-breed? How can you stoop so low and embarrass me like this?¡± Gemma questioned. ?This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    I didn¡¯t respond and finally found the key I was searching for. ncing around the room, I said a quick thank you to the goddess when my eyesnded on thebeled bottle that read, ¡°Antidote, do not touch.¡± It¡¯s a pity I have to touch this, and I remember she mentioned it might go wrong if misused. I just hope I don¡¯t end up killing her myself.


    ¡°Gael, are you deaf?¡± The banshee screamed behind me again and pulled at my arm so roughly that I almost dropped the potion if not for my tight grip.


    Using my other free hand, I hit her in the face. ¡°Are you crazy? If you ever touch me like that again, I will go off on you. Let this be thest time you step foot in my house! Defy my order, and you will see what bes of you.¡± I growled, storming out of the ce, not minding the shocked look on her face. That is what she deserves for being so insensitive.


    Nia had different tubes attached to her by the time I arrived at the hospital. I stared down at the antidote in my hand. If this goes wrong, I will never forgive myself.


    ¡°Did you find it?¡± Ezra asked. He had sweat beads on his forehead.


    ¡°Yes, but I am not sure how to administer it. What did the doctor say?¡±


    ¡°They are not sure she would make it. Since she is a half-breed, the poison seems to be more quickly active inside of her than it would in a full werewolf. Her blood test just came in. It isn¡¯t good. The healer should be the one to administer it to a patient. Do you think it will work? We are not healers.¡± He said with fear written all over his face.


    I inhaled deeply and stared back at my girl. Nia¡¯s face looks pale. Inhaling deeply, I opened the medicine bottle and nodded towards Ezra to open her mouth. Trusting the Moon Goddess to do her miracle, I  poured just a little dose into her mouth with shaky hands. Standing back, we both stared at her intensely. About an hour passed; it was the most extended hours of my life. And like a miracle, her eyes and her hand moved.


    ¡°She is awake. I will get the doctor.¡± Said Ezra as he ran out.


    I sat next to her, cing the antidote somewhere close. Taking her hands in mine, I patted it gently as she seemed to struggle to wake up. I fear I might have given too little. Just then, she opened her eyes fully while the doctor walked in to check her.


    ¡°What in the world?¡± The doctor gasped as he stared at Nia in awe after doing a quick check-up.


    ¡°Her vitals and everything else are back to normal? She was a few minutes away from death thest time I checked. I had hoped for a miracle, but knowing she was the healer, I doubted we could save her. She is the ordained healer. How was she able to heal herself, though?¡± He rambled on.


    Letting out a relieved breath, I bowed my head. ¡°She did it all by herself,¡± I mumbled.


    ¡°Gael?¡± Nia called out.


    I shook my head quickly, ¡°Shhh, don¡¯t say a word, baby. Be fine first. Please.¡± I whispered. She held up her million-dor smile and went to sleep. I exchanged a grateful look with Ezra. ¡°Do you think she did this to test the antidote?¡± I asked, feeling confused.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you think she would have left it nearby just in case?¡± Ezra replied.


    ¡°So you think someone did this?¡±


    ¡°Hundred percent.¡±


    ¡°Who would do such a cruel thing?¡±


    Ezra sighed, ¡°I can¡¯t think of anyone.¡±


    I gritted my teeth hard and clenched my fist. Whoever did this, I will find them. They had better hide themselves well because I will stop at nothing to get the bastard who did this. For now, I will wait until Nia is back on her feet.

 Chapter 67 The Restitution

    AUTHOR¡¯S POV


    ¡°Please tell me this is a joke, Stephanie,¡± Levi stated, looking pale. He kept running his hands through his hair while mumbling to himself.


    Stephanie looked unfazed as she crossed her legs, blowing at her manicured nails. She had kept the secret of what she did to Nia from her husband the day before and wouldn¡¯t have said anything if the news of the healer getting poisoned didn¡¯t circte the pack so fast.


    ¡°I should have known you were up to no good when you left the house that day without saying exactly where. You do know you will get arrested for this?¡± He rebuked.


    She hissed. ¡°Why would anyone arrest me? I heard nobody had been allowed into her room. She is probably dead by now. No witness can admit to me poisoning her. You have nothing to worry about.¡±


    Levi slumped into the couch, feeling his chest tighten. ¡°Why did you have to do such an evil act? What did the poor girl ever do to you?¡±


    ¡°That poor girl is an ungrateful brat after everything we did for her. She had the guts to let the Alpha lock me and my precious daughter up. Do you know how humiliated I felt going through detention? Since she is so rich now, it¡¯s okay if she gets to enjoy all that she earned in heaven.¡±


    ¡°What if she survives? Have you forgotten the Moon Goddess ordained Nia? She can¡¯t die so easily.¡±


    ¡°Oh, please. Don¡¯t give me that crap. Didn¡¯t the former Luna die by suicide? It¡¯s so disgusting how you all act like these people are untouchable. They are the same as us, nothing special.¡±


    ¡°You are so hellbent on putting this family in danger. Who told you such rubbish that Lunamitted suicide, Stephanie? You know what? That is the least of our worries right now. I need to know where you put the poison.¡±


    ¡°I had it thrown away.¡± She replied calmly.This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Are you sure about that?¡± Levi persisted.


    Stephanie kissed her teeth and red at him. ¡°Can you stop bothering me? We wouldn¡¯t be in this mess in the first ce if you didn¡¯t insist on bringing that bitch into our home. After spending the money we could have used for ourselves on her, we can even enjoy the fruit of ourbor. Do you think anyone wouldn¡¯t have acted the same as I did? Quit acting like a saint when your mind is just as corrupted as mine.¡±


    Caleb stood by the doorway, staring at his parents in shock. Levi caught sight of him and cursed loudly.


    ¡°Son, how long have you been there?¡±


    ¡°Long enough to know that my mother is a murderer!¡± Caleb gritted as he stared at his mother in distaste.


    She rolled her eyes, ¡°Say whatever you want. I did what I did without remorse. What is such a monster doing in our midst anyway? All she brings is bad luck. Suppose I had the chance to bring an end to her once again. I won¡¯t hesitate to do so.¡±


    Caleb¡¯s mouth was wide agape as he stared at her in disbelief. ¡°is this you, mum? What exactly did Nia ever do to you? Did you stop to think about what you would have done if someone thought cruelly towards Mindy?¡±


    ¡°No one will ever get to do such a thing to my child. I will protect her with everything I have got. If you so wish, you can tell everyone about what I did. You will end up being the son of a murderer.¡± She huffed, storming out of the room.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe you two are my parents. I am so disappointed.¡± Caleb uttered, making his way out of the house.


    He ran as fast as his legs could carry him with tears in his eyes. Kingston would doubtlessly cut ties with the family if he ever heard about the evil their mother indulged in. Caleb had joined the wagon that despised Nia no matter what she did at first. Over time, he realized he had no reason to hate her. Caleb would never be able to understand the hate his mother harbors towards innocent Nia that she is so hellbent on ruining the poor girl.


    Panting heavily, Caleb found himself in front of the hospital. He went to the reception to seek Nia, telling them he was her brother. The nurse informed him that she had returned to the pack house. He feared going there, but he didn¡¯t want to hold back on letting Nia know how he felt. gging down a cab, he went down to the pack house. It was a bit of a hassle introducing himself as the healer¡¯s brother. Turns out, having the same surname doesn¡¯t guarantee free ess to see her.


    ¡°Please, I am her brother.¡± He said to the guard by the gate. ¡°Just tell her Caleb is here. I¡¯m worried about her, and I need to see my sister.¡±


    ¡°I already told you you can¡¯t see her. These are the orders given.¡± The guards replied.


    ¡°Not even if we are family?¡± Caleb sounded frustrated.


    Ezra drove his car through the gate and noticed themotion. ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡±


    The guard bowed slightly. ¡°Wee, Beta Ezra. It¡¯s this young man here iming to be the healer¡¯s brother. And the Alpha already ordered that no one from outside the pack house should be allowed to see her.¡±


    Ezra gave Caleb a once over. ¡°Let hime with me. You don¡¯t have to worry about the Alpha. Come on, get into the car.¡± He nodded towards Caleb.


    ¡°Thank you very much,¡± Caleb mumbled when he entered the car.


    ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡± He asked, turning the car ignition back on.


    ¡°Caleb Hayes.¡±


    ¡°Nia has never mentioned you to me. Why do you want to see her?¡±


    Caleb bite down on his lips, feeling ashamed all over again. ¡°We didn¡¯t have much closeness from the beginning.¡±


    ¡°So why are you so keen on seeing her now?¡±


    ¡°I was worried about her health. I want to know if she is fine.¡±


    Ezra observed him closely; there was something off about him, but he wasn¡¯t one to judge people by their first appearance. ¡°The Alpha was strict with his warning, but because I am a close friend to him and the healer. I will let you see her. Don¡¯t do anything stupid. Everyone is a suspect right now.¡±


    He instructed, leading the way to Nia.


    Gael had insisted that she stay in his room where he can keep a close look at her. Ezra knocked on the door and heard her invitation before going in with Caleb behind him.


    ¡°Ezra-¡± Nia¡¯s voice went down low when her eyes met with Caleb. She breathed heavily, pointing at him. ¡°You?¡± She gulped hard. In her bid to yell at him to leave, she choked on her spit, spiraling onto the floor.     **************************


    NIA¡¯S POV


    ¡°What the fuck?¡± I heard Ezra curse as he ran toward me to help me up.


    I kept coughing hard, and it hit my chest painfully. Ezra poured me a ss of water to calm me down. I sat with my back slouched, catching my breath. ¡°Did youe here to finish what she started?¡± I red at Caleb.


    He has plenty of guts, walking in here after his mother tried to kill me. Every time I think I have climbed adder of smartness, I end up realizing just how stupid I am. How could I have been so trusting of her? For someone who has hated me since the day I stepped foot in her house,ing at me out of the blue to call a truce. I should have known something fishy was going on. I had recovered immediately, thanks to the antidote, but the mental derail still made me feel ill.


    ¡°What are you talking about? Is he not your brother? Was he the one that hurt you?¡± Ezra questioned, already sending intimidating res at Caleb.


    Caleb bowed his head in apparent shame. ¡°I promise you I am not here to do anything. I¡¯m just so d you are fine and well. The rumor in the pack is that you might not make it. I understand that you can¡¯t trust me. But I assure you that Ie in peace.¡±


    Ezra looked back at me. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry that I brought him to you. I had no idea he wasn¡¯t supposed to be here.¡±


    I heaved slowly, ¡°No, it¡¯s okay. I just overreacted out of fear. Please excuse us.¡± I requested.


    ¡°Okay. Please notify me if you are feeling ufortable. I will be outside the door.¡± Ezra said. He made a fake punch attempt on his way out, causing Caleb¡¯s back to hit the wall roughly.


    ¡°Whatever you have to say, make it quick.¡± I urged, folding my arms with an unpleasant frown on my face.


    He fell to his knees, holding my gaze. ¡°I don¡¯t know what mum did to get you to consume something as deadly as that-¡±


    ¡°She came in this same manner, looking remorseful and pleading with me to let go of our bitter past. Little did I know she had something nned for me. It¡¯s the same approach you are about to use.¡± I cut in.


    His shoulders fell, and he looked like a frustrated being. ¡°We don¡¯t deserve your mercy. I didn¡¯te here to mock you, Nia. I sincerely came here to apologize on behalf of my mother for doing something so ridiculous. Kingston will never have a hand in this sort of thing. I must admit that I came to my senses not too long ago and realized I had hated you for nothing. My ego wouldn¡¯t let mee to you to apologize sincerely.¡±


    ¡°So what changed all of a sudden? Oh, I get it now. You are scared to see your mother spend the rest of her life behind bars?¡±


    Tears rolled down his face, making him look helpless and lost. ¡°She has been horrifying, I know. But please, Nia. She is my mother, after all. Knowing she would never gain freedom again makes my heart shred to pieces. Please, punish her in any other way possible, but don¡¯t take her away from us.¡±


    ¡°What makes you think your plea will work? I am no longer that timid Nia you knew years back. Things have changed, Caleb.¡±


    ¡°Why hasn¡¯t she been arrested then?¡± He asked.


    The question, to my surprise, wasn¡¯t to be rude. Caleb wanted to know.


    I shut my eyes, inhaling deeply. Even though Gael has been frantic about my safety, he has asked me questions about the person I met with before consuming the poison. I kept the truth to myself instead. I can¡¯t seem to find the courage to give her away, even though she did mean to harm me. Stephanie broke my trust to pieces, and that is a fact. But at the same time, she was once the person I looked up to as my mother. I feel bad that she got locked up because of me, even though it was her fault forying false ims in front of the Alpha. It still doesn¡¯t change that I am closely involved with the case.


    I love Kingston, and I know how much it would hurt him to know that his family is apart because of me. I want to believe there would be a better way to handle the situation without involving life imprisonment. I don¡¯t want to have a life hanging around my neck.


    ¡°What would you have me do, Caleb? I wish I could be as ruthless as your parents are. I wish I could be as cold and inconsiderate as you and Mindy were to me. Maybe that would have sorted this situation better. I can¡¯t tell why I haven¡¯t tendered her name. It¡¯s probably because of Kingston or the truth that I am just too much of a coward to act right.¡±


    ¡°You are not a coward. You have a good heart.¡±


    ¡°Please don¡¯t patronize me. I know that line too well. Where exactly has it gotten me? I am thankful to the goddess for giving me the knowledge of the antidote potion some months back. The question is if I didn¡¯t be a healer. Will anyone of you ever think of me? It¡¯s obvious your parents, especially your mother, hate to see me win. She is hellbent on making my life a living hell. I wish she could give an exact exnation as to what I ever did wrong to her to warrant such hatred.¡±


    A lone tear rolled down my face. I wiped it off quickly. I have had enough of crying for people who don¡¯t give a damn about me.


    ¡°Please, Nia. You can punish me in her stead. Please.¡± Caleb cried.


    He has always been distant, even though Caleb can be mean asionally. But I have never seen him look this vulnerable. It¡¯s obvious he is concerned about his mother¡¯s welfare. Kingston would do the same, too, if he were here.


    ¡°Does Kingston know about this?¡± I asked.


    Caleb shook his head, cleaning his tears, ¡°not yet. I also just found out about forty minutes ago when Mum was getting rebuked by Dad. I knew the situation would break our family if the truth got out. Please, Nia.¡±


    I pulled at my hair, ¡°I won¡¯t have her locked up. For the sake of Kingston, I won¡¯t do anything harsh. But I am not going to let her off the hook easily. That¡¯s a promise.¡±


    ¡°And that is just enough. Thank you so much, Nia. It would be thest time you would see me. Every one of us will stay clear of our path. I apologize once again.¡± He mumbled, hurrying out.


    Ezra returned with a frown. ¡°Your adoptive mother tried to kill you? I am sorry I couldn¡¯t resist the urge to eavesdrop.¡±


    I nodded slowly, ¡°Gael can¡¯t know about this.¡±


    ¡°How, then, do you convince him about the killer?¡±


    ¡°I will have to find a way around it. He can¡¯t find out ever. He locked her up once, and he might sentence her to death this time.¡± I replied.


    Ezra sat on the couch, staring at me. ¡°Why exactly are you letting her off the hook?¡±


    ¡°Because she is my mother.¡±


    ¡°A mother won¡¯t have her child poisoned to kill her.¡± He bickered. ¡°She is not your mother, and your mother is dead. She died years ago.¡±


    ¡°Do you think I don¡¯t know that? As much as I want to condemn Stephanie. I can¡¯t deny the fact that she took me into her home and fed me for over a decade. At least I wasn¡¯t thrown into prostitution.¡±


    ¡°They had you sold off to Gael. That is close to prostitution, too. You have been close to death many times because of these lots. Do you think they deserve this mercy you give them willfully?¡±


    ¡°No, they don¡¯t. But Kingston does. If not for anything but for his sake. He gave me the strength to continue. He told me many times that there was nothing wrong with me and that I deserved a good life just like everyone else. Kingston loved me before you, Perry, and Gael came along. It would tear him apart to know that his mother would be locked away. I can¡¯t do that to him. Please, Ezra. I need you to understand my point.¡± I begged.


    He sucked his teeth, thinking hard. ¡°If your evil adoptive mother won¡¯t be serving time for being so treacherous. Then, I will have them sign a document that prevents them froming close to you. I will have it sealed. Since Imand the court, it won¡¯t be difficult to handle.¡±


    I smacked my lips, holding up a weak smile. ¡°Thank you, Ezra. Thank you so much.¡±


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t joking when I promised to always be here for you. Just avoid any road that leads to death for now, please.¡±


    I let out a shortugh. ¡°I would try not to.¡±


    ¡°Okay. I will leave you to rest. Bye.¡±


    With Ezra¡¯s exit, loneliness spread through each corner of the room. I curled up into a ball, letting the tears flow ceaselessly.

 Chapter 68 Burning Bridges

    GAEL¡¯S POV     I watched as Nia¡¯s breath fell and rose again. She looks so beautiful, and I am happy she is safe. Thest time I felt this anxious was when my mothery on that cold floor with her lifeless eyes staring up at the ceiling. My dad tried to hide the cause of her death, but I am sure a few people who worked in the pack house then might have been aware of what happened. She had swallowed a deadly poison only known to a healer. There was no way to save her. ording to the doctors, she had significant depression while dealing with the grief of losing her child and her mates¡¯ betrayal.


    Hearing that Nia also consumed poison made me think I might be cursed to lose the ones that I love dearly to the cold hands of poisons. I am so grateful to the goddess for granting Nia the knowledge to prepare for the worst in every situation. If she hadn¡¯te across the poison antidote nt, I would be mourning right now. Sniffing back the tears that stung the back of my eyes, I caressed her hair. She stirred a bit, pouting.


    A small smile appeared, and I leaned in to kiss her. I wonder what Nia has done to me. How can I be so obsessed with someone I have barely known? It¡¯s not even a year since she arrived at the pack house. And now it feels like she has been part of my life forever. My life feels iplete without her. I could control it, so I thought. It must be how my parents felt for each other. I was scared of such a pleasant feeling. Even though I must admit, it almost ripped my heart apart when I saw Nia lifeless.


    ¡°Pictures will leave asting memory.¡± Nia mused, opening her eyes.


    I chuckled, running my finger down her face. ¡°Have I told you how beautiful you look in the mornings? We should keep up this routine. You don¡¯t have to sleep alone ever again.¡±


    She snorted, sitting up, ¡°I should have known your sudden niceness was a way for you to get me in bed. You don¡¯t have any shame.¡±


    I shrugged, smirking. ¡°I intend to keep being shameless if it will keep you by my side.¡±


    ¡°I changed my mind.¡±


    ¡°To be by my side forever?¡±


    ¡°Stop fooling yourself.¡± She teased, her eyes smiling.Original from N?velDrama.Org.


    I pulled her into my chest, kissing her forehead. ¡°I am so d to see you breathing fine. You had me thinking of so many negative things thest time.¡± I paused, heaving a sigh. ¡°Baby, why won¡¯t you tell me thest person you met with? And I wouldn¡¯t have to bother this much if there is CCTV in the clinic.¡±


    She wiggled out of my hold and headed to the bathroom. ¡°It¡¯s not like you ever did care much about the clinic. Ezra was the one who took care of the necessary facilities mended in the clinic.¡±


    I scratched the back of my head in guilt. ¡°That was then. It still doesn¡¯t mean it¡¯s cool that your life is in danger.¡±


    ¡°I am out of danger now.¡± She mused, stepping out of the ce to return to my arms. ¡°Let it go now, Gael. Please.¡±


    I held her away from me gently and gave her a stern look. ¡°It¡¯s obvious you know who the person is. But for some reason only known to you, you won¡¯t tell me about it. Why are you keeping me in the dark?¡± I sensed the difort she tried to hide so badly.


    ¡°Alright, soothe yourself. You must know we are too early in this rtionship to hide secrets. But if that is how you intend to do your thing. It¡¯s all good.¡±


    ¡°Baby.¡± She drawled, reaching for me. ¡°What do you think of an outdoor pic? It¡¯s the weekend, you know? We can go to theke and have a good time. I have always wanted to visit theke.¡±


    I scoffed, staring at her in disbelief. ¡°For real? Is this how you intend to change the topic?¡±


    Nia sighed, ¡°Can you just trust me this one time? I will tell you, I promise. Get dressed. I will ask for help with the pic basket.¡± She sealed it with a kiss before pushing me towards the bathroom.


    I couldn¡¯t stop thinking about the possibility of her adoptive family being the culprit. But then I have no evidence against them; only Nia witnessed who had hurt her. Theke had a nice feeling as we sat on the bank, enjoying the serene environment. I didn¡¯t realize I needed this kind of break until now.


    ¡°Gemma hasn¡¯t been seen around the pack house for a while. Did you have her banned?¡± Nia asked out of the blue while staring intensely at theke.


    I tilted my head, observing her closely to be sure of how to give a response without setting off a ticking bomb. ¡°Why would that interest you all of a sudden?¡±


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t interest me much. I just heard the kitchen maids whispering among themselves how she was running after you the day the poison incident happened.¡±


    I have always heard words travel faster than lightning in the pack house. It¡¯s now that I am affirming it. ¡°yes, she dide.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Baby, why are we talking about this right now? What does Gemma have to do with our nice moment?¡±


    She had a strange look on her face when our eyes met. ¡°You don¡¯t think we should address it?¡±


    I sighed tiredly, ¡°Fine! She wanted to know why and who I dumped her for. I didn¡¯t have the time or patience to respond to her questions. The funny thing is,  she didn¡¯t care that someone was dying. I asked her to leave, and I also instructed the guards to make sure she never sets foot here again.¡±


    ¡°That is so unfair.¡±


    ¡°I am not changing the rule I set,¡± I stated firmly.


    Nia flipped her ponytail, causing it to bounce, leaving a dirty image in my head. ¡°How many years has it been that you have known Gemma closely as a friend before you dated her?¡±


    ¡°Fifteen years,¡± I replied, wondering where this conversation was going.


    ¡°And why was she the only onebeled as your girlfriend and the other women in your life as concubines?¡±


    ¡°Baby, what¡¯s all this?¡±


    ¡°Please, Gael. Just answer me.¡±


    I huffed, chewing on my tongue. ¡°I liked Gemma the most, and she seemed better positioned as my girlfriend. And mind you, I always told her that whatever we shared won¡¯t lead to marriage.¡±


    ¡°Of course you did. You are too blunt for your good. Listen, baby. For someone who you knew for over a decade of your life. No matter how bratty and insensitive she can be. Gemma was your friend before she became your girlfriend. There is no need to end things on a rude note with her. It¡¯s unfair that you can toss people whichever way you like. I appreciate that you desire me enough to leave your old ways behind. But that doesn¡¯t mean you have to lose a friend. Even if you both would never be close again, you shouldn¡¯t burn your bridges just yet. You can never tell what the future holds.¡±


    ¡°You are my future,¡± I mumbled stubbornly.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t say I wasn¡¯t. I want you to make things right. I know you would want that, too.¡± Nia said, massaging my hair while cing wet kisses on my face.


    ¡°That won¡¯t change anything,¡± I grunted.


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°You still haven¡¯t told me who poisoned you.¡±


    ¡°Should we make a deal, then?¡± She offered.


    ¡°Why do I feel like I won¡¯t like the deal?¡±


    She chuckled, ¡°Just hear it first.¡±


    ¡°Okay. I am all ears.¡±


    ¡°You have a proper discussion with Gemma, and I will tell you who hurt me.¡±


    ¡°Mama,e on. That¡¯s not a fair deal.¡±


    ¡°It is, baby. Trust me.¡±


    ¡°So if I do it tomorrow, you will tell me yours tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°As soon as you do.¡±


    ¡°You won¡¯t back out from your promise.¡±


    ¡°I certainly wouldn¡¯t.¡± She assured, biting my lips softly.


    ¡°If you continue like this. I might lose my self-control right here in the open.¡±


    ¡°I would like to see you try.¡± Nia teased, bolting from my reach.


    Holding myself up, I ran after her. She certainly knows how to exert energy.

 Chapter 69 Cutting ties

    NIA¡¯S POV     Finding myself in front of this house after such a long time has me feeling nostalgic. It was the house that had sheltered me after my father died. For years, all I wanted was an escape. Even though I had cursed my fate for being sold off to the Alpha, I am grateful now that I have my life out together. They did me a favor, and I will not let spite prevent me from admitting to that.Original from N?velDrama.Org.


    I nced down at the document in my hand.


    Ezra had gotten it for me as promised. And I have a promise to keep to Gael. Once I have severed my ties with this family, finally, I can get to move on with my life and also admit the truth to Gael. He is dying to know, and I would be wrong to keep the truth from him any longer.


    Swallowing hard, I stepped on the porch and pressed the bell. Holding my breath, I waited patiently for the door to open. Caleb stood behind the door with a grateful smile on his face. I nodded at him and entered. Nothing much has changed since I left. I might feel some rush of emotion being inside the house again. But nothing came. I felt nk. It¡¯s probably not the house that I felt nostalgia for. It¡¯s how I went to the house that brought about the emotions. I settled into a single couch and kept my face straight.


    Mindy was the first to join us. ¡°To what do we owe this splendor? Are you here to unt yourself as the Alpha¡¯s new ything? Words travel fast around here, you know?¡± She taunted in her usual rude manner.


    ¡°Shut the hell up, Mindy. And sit that ass of yours down before I do it for you.¡± He warned. ¡°I am so sorry, Nia. She knows nothing.¡±


    ¡°What is this sudden romance between you two? Hey, bitch! What do you have on my brother!¡± She bellowed, standing up from her seat.


    ¡°Don¡¯t even attempt to leave that couch,¡± Levi said sternly from the stairs.


    Stephanie walked slowly behind him with her shoulders slumped. It seems like Mindy is the only one unaware of her mother¡¯s situation. ¡°Thank you for honoring us with your presence, Nia.¡± She said, avoiding my eyes.


    I cleared my throat and ced the file on the table. I have nothing to say to this family except to get their signatures and never be subjected to seeing them again. Mindy snatched it off the table and read through the content quickly.


    ¡°Is this some joke? What is this bitch trying to do?¡± She bickered.


    ¡°Mindy, sit down!¡± Her brother instructed.


    ¡°Oh, please. You are not the boss of me, so stop trying too hard. What¡¯s going on here? Who are you to walk in here acting like you own the ce just because you are fucking the Alpha. You worthless slut.¡± Mindy cursed.


    ¡°Call me a slut one more time, and I can bet it with you that you will regret not holding yourself back,¡± I said stiffly, not moving a muscle from where I sat.


    She looked back at her parents. ¡°Mum, why are you quiet all of a sudden?¡±


    I hissed, feeling extreme irritation at her sheer stupidity. ¡°Your mum won¡¯t be able to say anything because she is wanted for attempted murder. I have always considered you dull and unable to read a room. I promised not to say a word here today, but you already foiled my n. I have been meaning to ask you and everyone sitting here today what I ever did wrong to you.¡±


    ¡°You are a half-¡± Mindy drawled, and I countered.


    ¡°Shut that trap you call a mouth and sit down,¡± I ordered, hovering over her with an intimidating re.


    She looked towards her family for help, but none of them seemed eager to interfere. ¡°I warned you thest time that I am no longer the same girl you tortured here all through the years. Many times, I think about you and feel pity for you. You will never be able to get anywhere with that fish brain of yours. You practically have no mind except doing whatever others indulge in. If I ask why you hate me, I will bet ten thousand that you can¡¯t state any tangible reason. You let your hate lead you astray that you don¡¯t mind killing me. I regret that night I sat under that tree and met your family.¡± I gritted.


    ¡°Nia, please¡­.¡± Caleb mumbled.


    I raised a hand, ¡°don¡¯t stop me, Caleb. I would rather not do this. It¡¯s unavoidable as it is. I need to speak my mind so I can move on. Stephanie, I am expecting you to give an actual reason as to why you wanted to kill me. Why do you think my death will be a source of joy to you? I expect you to be able to give an appropriate answer to that.¡±


    Levi nudged her on the side. Stephanie sped her hands tightly, staring down at it. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I wasn¡¯t thinking when I did it.¡±


    ¡°What are you talking about, mum? Why do you need to apologize to her?¡± Mindy inquired while cutting me a condescending re.


    I folded my arms, smirking. ¡°Well, your mummy here poisoned my soda, and now the Alpha is in a frantic search for her. But for the sake of the love I might have once had for this household, I decided to keep the truth from him. As for you, Mindy, who thinks I am the Alpha¡¯s ything, would you like to see what would be of the person that hurt his ything when he finds out who?¡± She gulped hard in response.


    I snort. ¡°That¡¯s what I thought. I have had enough of you all. The love I yearned for over the years was what got me into trouble in the first ce. So you can keep your affections to yourself, and let¡¯s cut ties from now on. Sign this document to assure me that you will stay far away from me, and even if you do see me, you pretend not to. That way, we wouldn¡¯t have any problems with each other. If not, you will have no choice but to pay for your crime.¡± I stared nkly.


    They exchanged a look, and Caleb stood up to get a pen. Silently, everyone appended their signature. I smiled in satisfaction. It went smoother than I expected.


    ¡°Why is Kingston¡¯s name not here?¡± Stephanie inquired.


    I grinned, ¡°he would forever be my brother and friend. I don¡¯t care what any of you think. Why would I need to restrain someone who has been my shield over the years from meeting me? He is nothing like any of you. Let¡¯s forget we ever had an encounter. I wish you all the best.¡± I stated, retrieving the document. ¡°I will keep this also.¡±


    My chest tightened as I stepped out of the house. The tears that dropped got me in a chokehold. That journey has finally reached its end.

 Chapter 70 Banished

    AUTHOR¡¯S POV     ¡°So, I heard the Alpha banished you from entering the pack house ever again,¡± Ezekiel said to Gemma while they ate as he sipped his water.


    Gemma pretended not to hear him and kept eating her food. It¡¯s bad enough that she is still dealing with the humiliation brought upon her by Gael. Gemma still has to put up with her family¡¯s taunts. Many times, she wishes to live far away from all of them.


    Danie cleared her throat. ¡°Didn¡¯t you hear your father?¡±


    ¡°What?¡± She retorted rudely. ¡°What do you want me to say? Am I supposed to cry just because Gael banned me? It¡¯s not like it is the end of the world.¡±


    ¡°When will you learn to work on your mannerisms when speaking to your parents?¡± Ezra spoke up for the first time, which is unusual for him.


    Gemma scoffed in disbelief, ¡°What did you just say? Did anyone ask for your opinion, you pest!¡±


    ¡°Gemma-¡± Ezekiel called out.


    Ezra shook his head at the uncle. ¡°I can handle this, uncle. You knew what you were getting yourself into, Gemma. Still, you continued with it like you had something that made you feel confident. You have done nothing but bring disgrace upon yourself and your family, which shouldn¡¯t be the case in the first ce. If you can¡¯t handle whatever it is, you are dealing with it like a mature adult. Be sensible enough to keep it to yourself. If you ever disrespect anyone in this household again, you will have me to contend with.¡±


    ¡°Who the fuck do you think you are? How dare you?¡± Gemma bellowed in a shaky breath. She turned to her parents. ¡°Are you both just going to watch him talk down on me?¡±


    ¡°He is only cautioning you as your older cousin. It¡¯s obvious you need some major spanking.¡± Her mother interjected.


    Tears filled Gemma¡¯s eyes as she felt betrayed by her parents. Pushing the chair back angrily, she stomped the floor to her room, mming the door shut behind her. Resting her back against the door, she panted heavily. All of a sudden, she let out an ear-piercing scream in frustration. She would never be able to forget the look Gael had in his eyes when he held on to the half-breed. Not to forget his irritation and disgust for her when he told her never to step foot again in the pack house.


    Gemma doesn¡¯t think she has ever been humiliated that much in her entire life. Not only did Gael make a fool of her, the half-breed mocked her too. She has promised herself to get back at them when they least expect. It would be disastrous by the time she decides on what to do. Gael either bes hers or no one else¡¯s. A light knock came from behind the door. She hissed spitefully.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to talk to you.¡± She yelled.


    ¡°Gemma, it¡¯s me, Gael.¡± The person behind the door said.


    A light gasp escaped her lips. ¡°Gael? Is that you?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Gemma. Please open up.¡± He replied.


    She checked through the doorhole, and it was Gael. He has probablye to beg her to return to him, she thought. Rushing to the front of her vanity mirror, she ruffled her hair and made wet patches on her face with a wipe. Feeling satisfied with her look, she went back to the door and opened it, turning her back immediately to him.


    ¡°What are you doing here? I thought you dered that I should never show my face to you ever again. Are you also here to mock me?¡± She dragged each word and threw herself into the bed.


    Gael felt a bit guilty, knowing he had caused it. ¡°I am so sorry about how I reacted towards you thest time, Gemma.¡±


    A shocked expression enveloped her face. ¡°Did you just apologize?¡±


    ¡°Truth be told, Gemma. It wasn¡¯t my initiative. Nia made mee here after she exined how inconsiderate I was, tossing you out so easily.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡± She mumbled, feeling deted. Her excitement and expectations were all for nothing. He is here on his princess order.


    ¡°Even though I didn¡¯t entirely treat you right. You still stood by me. You were my friend long before we became intimate, and I apologize for making things difficult for you all through those times. You can walk in and out of the pack house whichever way you like. I never should have given that order in the first ce. It¡¯s a silly mistake, and I apologize for it.¡±


    Gael exhaled, walking towards her. ¡°We havee a long way, Gemma. You are a wonderful person, so I don¡¯t doubt that you will find a good mate. Let¡¯s be cordial with each other and not hold any grudges. You can always reach out to me if you need my help. I promise to do whatever I can in my power.¡± Gael sounded like he was reading out of a book.


    She nodded stiffly, ¡°thank you.¡±


    ¡°You are very wee. Please take good care of yourself and be good to your parents. It¡¯s the least they deserve from you. Have a lovely day ahead. I will see you around.¡± He thinned his lips, hugging her for precisely two seconds.


    Gemma cursed under her breath. She finds it funny how Gael acts like they haven¡¯t slept with each other before. It¡¯s ring to her now that the goddess doesn¡¯t have her in her good books. She sees no reason why she would be humiliated twice in a row in less than thirty minutes.


    First, it was Ezra talking to her audaciously just because he had finally attained the Beta position. And on the other hand, it is the Alpha who came because his pussy giver refused him some and tried to y charity with her.


    She kicked at the plush rug on the floor angrily. They will all pay. She will ensure they all pay for toying with her. Picking up her phone, she dialed Zac. He picked up on the first ring.


    ¡°Hey there, baby. Miss me?¡± He cooed in his usual yful tone on the other end.


    Gemma kissed her teeth in irritation. ¡°I don¡¯t have the time for your nonsense. I need to take revenge for the embarrassment I have experienced so far.¡±


    Zac stayed quiet for a second on the other end. ¡°Tell me, which do you want?¡±


    ¡°I want the whip punishment.¡± She gritted.


    ¡°And you will have it, baby. I love you.¡±


    Gemma smirked coldly, and now she would see who gets thestugh. ¡°I love you too.¡±


    ***************************


    GAEL¡¯S POV


    For a moment, I almost regretted listening to Nia. But I must admit, apologizing sincerely to Gemma gives me peace even though I was conscious enough not to let her extend the discussion. It still doesn¡¯t feel bad. Now, I don¡¯t have to feel any way when I see her.


    ¡°I am surprised you came here at this time,¡± Ezra said from behind, jolting me back to reality.


    ¡°I came to see Gemma.¡±? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    ¡°Of course. Since you ended things with Gemma, she went from bad to worse.¡±


    ¡°We both know that sort of attitude is inevitable on her part. But I am d we have resolved whatever difference is between us. She should be better behaved now.¡± I said with an odd level of certainty.


    Ezra had an amused look in his eyes. ¡°You say it like she turned a new leaf out of the blue just because you told her to.¡±


    ¡°Give her a chance. She isn¡¯t that bad.¡±


    ¡°I would prefer to believe someone who is an entire stranger. Not you, who has wined and dined with her.¡±


    ¡°She must have done something unlikely to you if you are this insistent on her attitude. You have always been the one to see the best in others.¡±


    ¡°I have tried, Gael. I don¡¯t know if we will ever be able to talk to each other in a civilized manner in this lifetime. At first, I thought Gemma¡¯s hate towards my sister and her mother might have incited me. But then I had to seek forgiveness for being judgmental of the poor woman when it turns out that Gemma is the one with the cold heart. It¡¯s of no use iming to be familiar with her.¡±


    I have no idea what to say tofort him or assure him. To be safe, I have always avoided interfering in their family matters. ¡°that¡¯s alright. I need to return to the pack house now. Nia is waiting. Are youing with?¡± I asked.


    Ezra grinned from ear to ear. ¡°Must be nice. The half-breed is now being called her name. And you can¡¯t wait to return home to her. Does this mean we would be having a Luna soon?¡± He inquired, wiggling his brows.


    I snorted, ¡°Don¡¯t get too ahead of yourself. One step at a time.¡±


    ¡°Oh. The saying one step at a time is a major rule of life now, but you have never been one to obey the rules. Do you? Moreover, I have other things in mind to do today. I won¡¯t being to your pack house, thank you.¡± He bowed yfully.


    Shaking my head at him, I got into the car and drove back to the pack house. Nia was waiting in my room when I arrived. I got rid of my shoes quickly and jumped into the bed, kissing her.


    ¡°Did I take that long?¡± I asked, nuzzling her neck.


    She giggled, cupping my face. ¡°Not at all. I just got in, too. I thought it would be best to wait for you here instead.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s so thoughtful of you, baby.¡± I cooed, taking her into my arms.


    ¡°So, how did it go?¡±


    I shrugged, ¡°not bad. I guess we are cool now. So, will you tell me who tried to toy with you?¡±


    Nia cleared her throat, tucking her hair behind her ear. I could sense the nervousness, but she countered it briefly. ¡°Promise me you will let it go?¡±


    I blinked slowly, holding up a frown. ¡°It depends on what you tell me.¡±


    She reached for a brown envelope by the side of the bed. ¡°They already signed a court agreement to stay away from me.¡±


    ¡°How did you get a court agreement?¡± I asked, squinting my eyes at her when she didn¡¯t respond on time.


    ¡°Ezra helped me.¡±


    ¡°Really? So, Ezra knows about this, and I don¡¯t? He even went as far as helping you behind my back?¡±


    ¡°Calm down, Gael. I was the one who begged him not to say anything while assuring him that I would tell you everything over time.¡±


    I wanted to say something more; instead, I kept my mouth shut when I saw the pain in her eyes. My wolf could feel the sad aura her wolf emitted. Whatever happened, it hurt her deeply, and Nia can¡¯t hide it. Sighing in defeat, I sat up properly, leaning against the bed frame, and then I turned her back to me, letting her rest on my chest.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, baby,¡± I whispered, kissing her hair.


    ¡°Stephanie did it.¡± She muttered.


    ¡°Your adoptive mother?¡±


    Nia nodded, holding my hand. ¡°She just hates that I am happy and have what appears to be a good life. Stephanie doesn¡¯t think I deserve it because I shouldn¡¯t have existed in the first instance. When she said it, there was so much hate in her eyes that it shredded my heart to pieces. She didn¡¯t mind ending my life to prove a point.¡±


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you want her arrested then?¡±


    She scoffed, ¡°Of what use is that? If I get her arrested, then nearly everyone that I havee across in my life should be locked up, too. Gemma, the maids I shared a room with, the members of my mother¡¯s pack. Everyone who didn¡¯t think twice before putting me in harm¡¯s way is guilty of attempted murder. If some others had their way, they would have me stabbed with a silver knife or poisoned with wolf¡¯s bane. I am over it, over the hate and disgust for being alive. Half human, half wolf, it is who I am. I will no longer let myself be treated brashly for being true to myself. And when the timees, it does end. Then I will ept fate with a joyful heart.¡±


    I gulped in difficulty. The guilt held tightly to my chest, and it almost choked me. One way or the other, I have also added to her pain and didn¡¯t save her when she got hurt. To think that I have been shallow all my life, condemning someone¡¯s creation. It¡¯s up to the goddess to decide those she creates. I need to do better, not just for myself but for Nia and everyone going through such a dilemma.


    ¡°I am sorry,¡± I whispered.


    Nia turned her head to have a close view of my face. ¡°It¡¯s okay, baby. I hold no grudge, and I want you to do the same. The Hayes family is the reason I am here right now. I won¡¯t dispute that fact. But it ends at this moment. My life begins, and I intend to live right without holding back.¡±


    ¡°I hope I live to be a better person to you every passing day.¡± I mused, kissing her.


    She smiled against my lips and wrapped her arms around me possessively, not saying anything. I choose to bask in theforting silence, too. Holding her close and not letting go.

 Chapter 71 A changed man

    NIA¡¯S POV


    Gael looks so peaceful when asleep. No one would think he is capable of causing any trouble. Checking the rm clock, it¡¯s past our usual waking time. I guess Gael intends to sleep inte today. cing a kiss on his cheek, I headed out. I was halfway to getting ready for the clinic when my phone rang loudly.


    Shit! I knew I was supposed to take care of something. It¡¯s Perry calling, and I am sure she is about to give me an earful. I didn¡¯t tell her anything about my consumption of poison and only mentioned it casually in a text, just like it had taken me a while to say to her about me and Gael.


    She didn¡¯t hesitate to rebuke me thest time, and I am sure this won¡¯t be an exception. Clearing my throat, I bite down on my lip, trying to prepare myself mentally for her next raging attack. My wolf seems to be in as much difort as I am, too. Perry can be terrifying, and I feel sorry for her mate and children. They would have no choice but to deal with her daily excesses, just like I am stuck here.


    ¡°Hey, girl.¡± I drawled in a high-pitched tone.


    ¡°Switch the damn phone to a video call, and don¡¯t you dare try to y nice with me.¡± She gritted.


    Swallowing hard, I did as told. ¡°Hi.¡± I cooed, showing all of my teeth.


    Perry pped her forehead, ¡°you have a thing for always getting on my nerves, don¡¯t you? Nia, I thought I was your friend?¡±


    ¡°You still are-¡±


    ¡°Let me finish.¡± She cut me short. ¡°it¡¯s bad enough that I wake up worried every day because of how unsure I am about your new rtionship with Gael. I know you will try to defend Gael and say he is true to his feelings. But what about Gemma? Would she be happy to know you have upied her space? I am sure she had something to do with the poisoning.¡±


    The worry on her face was too evident. Guilt tugged at my heartstrings, and I should have known Perry would feel left out. I was just concerned about bothering her. I don¡¯t like being a burden to others. ¡°I didn¡¯t want to trouble you. Also, it wasn¡¯t Gemma. Stephanie did it.¡±


    ¡°Trouble me all you want. I won¡¯tin. I need to know if you are fine; you mean a lot to me, Nia. I don¡¯t think I emphasize this enough. That bitch mother of yours needs to take a piss. She is lucky I was not there; I would have pulled out her hair and taught her a bloody lesson. No one deserves you in that ce. Why don¡¯t you juste to New York? Forget about these horrifying people.¡±


    I sighed, settling on the edge of the bed. ¡°It¡¯s not that easy, Perry. I must fulfill my obligations here.¡±


    She hissed, ¡°You are always saying that. But then you almost lost your life for these said people. How does that make any sense? What use is saving them when you won¡¯t be alive to do so?¡±


    ¡°That is all in the past, Perry. No one would do anything to harm me anymore. I am sure of that.¡±


    There was a bit of movement in the background.


    ¡°How are you so trusting of Gael, baby? You have only just met him. Are you sure he could protect you with everything he has?¡±


    I scrunched up my face, wondering what Perry was all about. ¡°Perry, is there something you aren¡¯t telling me? Why are you so against Gael?¡±


    ¡°I am not against him. I am only looking out for you, and if that looks like me being against him, then so be it. Gael has an erratic side to him. He doesn¡¯t know how to take his time to figure out situations and goes cold. I don¡¯t want you to be at the receiving end of his sour attitude. Please.¡±


    Goosebumps suddenly rose on my arm, and I felt difort in my belly. ¡°He has been nice to me since we sorted our differences. And I have told you countless times that he acknowledged his wrongdoings. I know you never liked him much. But can you be at least nice when you talk about him? I am in love with Gael.¡±


    ¡°What about Gemma?¡±


    Now, I was beginning to get tired of the conversation. We keep moving in circles continuously, which is getting on my nerves. It¡¯s too early for me to be in a sour mood. ¡°what about Gemma? Are you worried because she is your cousin?¡±


    Perry scoffed, ¡°Not on your life. You and Ezra are the only ones that matter to me in that pack. Well, my uncle, too. He has been caring towards my brother and me. Now I am going off-topic.¡± She said quickly, ruffling her hair. ¡°listen to me, baby. I have had this odd nightmare of your wolf crying out for help and me trying so hard to locate your howl. Before you im, that might be my crazy thoughts before bed. It feels real every time, and that bothers me. I need you to be careful. Gemma being quiet makes me feel cold.¡±


    ¡°Gael already talked to her, and they are cool with each other. I am getting tired of this conversation. I still feel like you know something that you aren¡¯t letting on. If you don¡¯t tell me, we should forget this conversation.¡±Original from N?velDrama.Org.


    She smacked her lips while holding my gaze. ¡°When we were young, I had slipped down the stairs with one of Gemma¡¯s toys during a visit to their home. I twisted an ankle, and her toy broke. I remember my mum pleading with her profusely, and she smiled all through it, iming to be fine. I ended up in the bed, nursing my wounds. Only for her toe around when the adults weren¡¯t close by, and she looked me coldly in the eye, held my bandaged leg, and twisted it until I had another fracture while telling me that was her payback for ruining her toy. I was in an excruciating pain for two weeks. Thankfully, being a werewolf helps you heal on time.¡±


    I felt guilty to have made her sound like she was just being bitter. ¡°Is that why you hate her?¡±


    ¡°It would be petty if I hung onto that incident when we were just children. But epting apologies with a smile and returning to harm the person twice as much became her strategy, and I saw her do it to everyone who came close. I was d to have seen that true side to her. Not only is she petty, she is unforgiving. I am worried she would hurt you, and I will never forgive myself if something worse than the poison happens.¡±


    My heart thumped in fear. I chuckled awkwardly. ¡°I promise to be on the lookout from now on. Don¡¯t worry, and I n to be in your life for as long as possible.¡±


    Perry finally let out augh. ¡°I am d to hear that. Please take care of yourself for me, Nia. You mean so much to me, and that is the truth. I will let you off now to work. Talk to youter. Bye, I love you.¡±


    ¡°I love you too,¡± I mumbled, staring nkly at the phone screen when it went off. I can feel the difort in my chest now. Perry is probably right to be worried.


    **********************


    GAEL¡¯S POV


    Everyone seems to be in a good mood. One thing about members of the Sunset pack is how much they love to party. I feel the same, too; any chance to seedies dressed in breathtaking outfits and have them warm my bed at the end of the day. I am all in. But it is different now; the only person I want to see dressed is Nia. I can envision her right now in a figure-embracing dress. A small smile tugged at my lips.


    ¡°Someone looks happy. Are you daydreaming?¡±


    Ezra¡¯s ever-annoying voice drawled in my ear. The fact that he now gets to sit next to me as the Beta irks me so much. It is his everyday chance to get on my nerves.


    ring my nose, I red at him. ¡°Breath down my precious neck again, and I will have your head swinging down a pole.¡±


    He held out his tongue after ensuring none of the council members were watching. ¡°You won¡¯t do anything.¡±


    Omega Harold cleared his throat to call our attention. ¡°Pardon me, Alpha Gael. We have all decided that the party should be in honor of former Beta¡¯s Ezekiel for his service to the great good of the Sunset pack; we think it should also be a means to usher in the new Beta. Many people do not know of his new position just yet.¡±


    I exchanged a look with Ezra. I intended to taunt him, but he looked remarkably unfazed, to my disappointment. ¡°Fuck you.¡± I mouthed while holding up a fake smile to Harold. ¡°It¡¯s all good. Since it¡¯s agreed on, send out the invites and make the preparations. It should be held this weekend, right?¡±


    ¡°Yes, just in time for his recovery. We don¡¯t want the old man stressing.¡± Omega Harold replied as heughed along with the others.


    ¡°Let¡¯s call it a day then. If you need anything, you can reach out to Ezra. He would help you out.¡± I instructed. They all rapped out their appreciation before walking out of the hall, leaving me with my all-time nemesis. ¡°What is it?¡± I grunted.


    Ezra snickered while staring at me in amusement. ¡°You tell me. What¡¯s going on in that dirty mind of yours? Even though you try to act like there is nothing up. I can read through you quite well.¡±


    ¡°This is why I despise you so much. You shouldn¡¯t know that much about me. It¡¯s unhealthy.¡±


    ¡°Stop whining about your insecurity, and let me know your secret.¡±


    I smiled shyly, turning my face away. Ezra is such a pain in the neck, always wanting to know. But I admit that I secretly admire how concerned he is always about me. He was the only one before, and it made me feel safe. With Nia now, I know I have nothing else to worry about. Despite my bad attitude, the goddess has chosen to reward me. Standing up, I folded my hands behind me, staring at the window.


    ¡°Do you know something, Ezra? I never thought I would get to feel love at its core. When I rejected my mate, I felt the pain for some time. She was beautiful, and my mate had the most piercing blue eyes ever. But my ego got in the way. I thought too hard about what people might think of me. I didn¡¯t want to be considered the Alpha who let go of his duty and let love take over. We all know love is sometimes the death of duty. I rejected her and turned my back on her. My wolf howled sadly for weeks. Why was I exactly pained? You might ask. Well, for the fact that I rejected her myself. The truth is, I felt pity for my future self. I feared never finding a woman who would love me like my mother loved my father. It is a shame that they ended up like that.¡±


    ¡°You weren¡¯t the one who got hurt. But you held the longest grudge.¡± Ezra reminded me.


    I sighed, dipping both of my hands in my pocket. ¡°I am not going to deny that fact. I hated and loved my father at the same time. Even though he was the reason our family went sour, I still kept up his legacy of hating the humans. For a long while, I thought I was living my best life. However, this time, I am in my exact best life. I can no longer see myself living it on my own. I want to spend the rest of my life with Nia. Ezra, I think I am ready.¡±


    He shifted the chair, getting up. ¡°Are you sure of what you are saying right now?¡±


    I nodded, ¡°Yes, I am very sure. I n to ask Nia to be my Luna this weekend at the party. I have never been this certain in my entire life. Waiting for more time will be a waste because I don¡¯t need anyone to tell me I have found my soulmate. So I will be popping the question in a few days, and I need your help.¡±


    Ezra stared at me in awe. ¡°what have they done to you, my friend? What spell has Nia cast on you? I love every bit of the new you. We will finally be joining the leagues of packs with a Luna and a remarkable one at that. She would help you grow the pack into the best of its kind. I am so happy about this.¡±


    I chuckled, getting affected by his excitement. ¡°why are you seeming happier than I am?¡±


    ¡°I have waited for you to say those words for ages.¡±


    ¡°But you haven¡¯t engaged yourself.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, still, I didn¡¯t sign off love. I have always desired to experience it at its peak. You choose not to involve yourself and even went to the extent of keeping many women by your side without holding them to heart. Nia came and swept you off your feet; now that is no doubt a wonder woman. She has you right where you are to be.¡±


    ¡°If you keep rambling like this, I might change my mind and not do anything,¡± I warned yfully.


    He wiggled his brows, doing a stupid dance step with his legs. ¡°you wouldn¡¯t dare to do something like that. That reminds me, we need to get a ring. I am sure you would rather not present yourself like an idiot without showing her evidence of your desire.¡±


    ¡°You lost me at the twost sentences. Are you still in the right state of mind? You are rambling, man.¡±


    ¡°Shut up. Don¡¯t ruin the moment. Let¡¯s get on with it.¡±


    Ezra didn¡¯t let me get my words together before he dragged me out into the hallway. For some reason, I began tough heartily. It¡¯s been so long that I have almost forgotten what it feels like to be happy.

 Chapter 72 Her plans

    AUTHOR¡¯S POV


    Gemma hissed in disgust at the sounding from the living room. Guest seems to be trooping into their house nonstop since her father¡¯s retirement became public. She hated how rxed he was at giving his position away to Ezra. The more time she spends around her father, the more she feels distant from him. It happens that they have different goals and aspirations. Gemma is desperate to ask her mother who her actual father is. A child should get her passion from the parents, but both parents appear very solemn.


    A light knock came from behind the door. Gemma grunted ae-in and sat up on the bed with her face squeezed in a frown. Ezekiel took note of her sour attitude but chose to ignore it. He has decided to pay less attention to his daughter¡¯s tantrums. His happiness knows no bounds now that Gemma is no longer with Alpha Gael. He feels hopeful that she will get to pay more attention to herself now.


    ¡°How are you doing, dear? It would be best if you came to join us downstairs. Many guests keep asking about you, and I think your dress for the party is ready.¡± He said with a smile.


    Gemma kissed her teeth, ¡°I am not interested in your actions. I want to be alone.¡± She blurted rudely.


    Ezekiel pulled in his lips while taking a deep breath. ¡°why do you always have to act so cold and bitter towards every hand extended towards you? I am trying to understand what gets on your nerves so much. You have a whole life ahead of you, Gemma. There is no need to ruin it because something doesn¡¯t go your way. I would expect you to know what is best for you. Your mother worries about you, even though she tries to hide it.¡±


    ¡°Why would she be worried? Didn¡¯t she tell me off thest time?¡±


    ¡°Are you attempting to make her feel guilty for trying to put you on the right path?¡±


    ¡°And how would any of you know what the right path is? I know what I want, and I will get it.¡±


    ¡°Happiness and peace of mind should be what you would mostly desire. You have gone past the age of having a mate. Your second chance mate might be Zac. All you have to do is open up your heart to him.¡±


    She scoffed within herself. If only they knew she opened beyond her heart to Zac. However, that isn¡¯t for anyone to know. ¡°What if I don¡¯t want anyone else?¡±? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    Ezekiel stared at her closely. ¡°How long do you intend to beg for love, then? I have heard rumors about Gael and the healer. Everyone can attest to his obsession with her, which is umon for someone like him. He was never that into you, as sad as it is to admit. That is just the solid truth. Holding yourself back because of someone else will make you bitter. You are young. Have fun and explore the world around you. Don¡¯t let anything or anyone hold you back. I don¡¯t want to bore you, honey. Just know that I love you, and I always will. Your happiness is what matters. I will go now and send Zac upstairs. He is here with his father.¡±


    She wanted to refuse at first but had a second thought. Zacing by will help her finalize her little n. It didn¡¯t take long for him to go into the room. He had an amused look on his face.


    ¡°Your dad sure has lingering thoughts in his mind, considering howid back he is at letting me in here.¡± Zac mused, throwing himself into the bed.


    Gemma pped his hand away the minute it reached for her exposed thighs. ¡°I am sure he thinks you are responsible and trustworthy enough. If only he knows what you are capable of.¡±


    ¡°Now, baby. Don¡¯t make me the enemy. What¡¯s up with you again? Why are you in a sour mood?¡±


    ¡°Why are you asking an obvious question? Are you pure stupid, or are you just pretending to be?¡±


    He sucked in a breath, sniffing. ¡°I am not a fan of you disrespecting me. Stop talking down on me like you feed me. I can always get tons of your pussy out there. The only reason I put up with you is my peculiar liking for you. Don¡¯t ruin it.¡± Zac warned with a stern look on his face.


    His sudden change in attitude took her aback. Gemma tapped him yfully. ¡°why are you getting worked up all of a sudden? I was ying with you.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, right. About the n you intend to pull off. It would be too dangerous to indulge in something like that within the pack house. I am not risking my life for you or anyone else. I feel stupid agreeing to this in the first ce. Gael doesn¡¯t want you. How long do you n to keep making a fool of yourself?¡±


    She gripped the sheets tightly while trying to keep her anger at bay. Gemma knows she wouldn¡¯t be able to pull anything off without Zac. All she needs is the sess of the n; after that, she can get to dispose of him. He has been too much baggage.


    ¡°I have exined myself to you, times without number. And even if I don¡¯t end up with him, you don¡¯t expect me to go down without a fight.¡±


    ¡°You won¡¯t have any more nerve for a fight if we get caught.¡±


    She hissed in frustration. ¡°If you aren¡¯t going to do it and whine all the way, you might as well leave now when you can.¡±


    Zac rolled his eyes. ¡°It¡¯s such a shame that I am so into your annoying self. That is the only reason I am agreeing to this. So tell me, what do you intend to do?¡±


    Gemma sat up quickly. ¡°When the celebration gets into full swing. I will tell you where to be positioned. Thankfully, no one will question my movement around the pack house. Gael already permitted me to move whichever way I choose. All you have to do is be on standby, and I will bring the bait to you.¡±


    A mischievous twinkle lingered in his eyes. ¡°Can I at least have a feel?¡±


    She red hard at him. ¡°don¡¯t you even think about it. I will never let you near me again if you do.¡±


    ¡°But you do with Gael.¡± He whined.


    ¡°And you do with those cheap bitches, too. But I will not have that wench be with two of what is mine.¡±


    ¡°Ooooh, did you just refer to me as yours?¡± He wiggled his brows.


    Gemma scoffed in distaste, ¡°Don¡¯t get too ahead of yourself.¡±


    ¡°What happens if everything works out?¡± Zac asked, raising himself to rest on his elbows.


    She smirked while pulling off her clothes and holding his gaze seductively. ¡°Then my reign begins.¡± She purred, covering up the space between them with a wild kiss.

 Chapter 73 The Ordination

    NIA¡¯S POV


    ¡°You look so beautiful.¡± Gael mused for the umpteenth time.


    I giggled in response, admiring myself in the long silver dress with an exposed neckline. Gael does have a pleasant taste when ites to attires. I was surprised when the dress got delivered to me yesterday. I didn¡¯t realize send-off parties were a big deal around here. It¡¯s almost the same as the many balls that Gael throws.


    He circled my waist, turning me to face him. ¡°I have something to tell you after the party, so get into full gear and try your best to wait up for me and not leave too early. There would be many toasts given before I can slip away.¡± He said, kissing me.This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    I rubbed at his arm, still smiling. ¡°What is it you want to tell me?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a surprise.¡±


    ¡°Can I get a hint?¡±


    ¡°It will no longer be a surprise if you get a hint.¡±


    I smacked my lips in disappointment. ¡°That¡¯s not fair. You will have me thinking about it all day long.¡±


    Gael grinned sheepishly, ¡°That makes sense. It means you will only think about me all through the party.¡±


    Iughed, throwing my head to the back. ¡°That is so not going to happen.¡±


    ¡°We would see about that, then.¡± He stated confidently.


    A light knock came from behind the door, and Gael asked the person to enter. It was a guard. ¡°Sorry to bother you, Alpha. Your presence is required now.¡±


    ¡°Okay, I will be right there,¡± Gael replied, turning his face back to me. ¡°I have to go now, baby. Ensure to stay close and have fun, too. Take care.¡± He mumbled, kissing my forehead before running off.


    I exhaled while taking another long nce at myself in the mirror. A lot has changed since I stepped foot in Gael¡¯s territory many months ago. Who would have thought I would end up here with the Alpha of all people? Gael fills my empty heart with extreme joy. It feels like I have known him for ages, and I can no longer envision my life without him in it. It must be what everyone refers to as love. He is intentional and quite soft at heart. I was surprised when I heard about the party, and he assured me not to worry about preparing for the party.


    From the dress to the makeup and hair, Gael handled everything. I am a bit anxious as regards what he intends to tell me. Is there a chance he wants us to take another step in our rtionship? I shake the thoughts out of my head quickly. It¡¯s best not to be too hopeful; that way, I can avoid disappointment. He probably wants to hang out with me, as always. Clearing my throat, I poured myself a ss of water. I drank to my fill and picked up my phone.


    I thought to call Perry, but then it¡¯ste, and she might be busy. Still, today is all about her brother and uncle; she should at least be curious about how their celebration went. I dialed her line and waited for her to pick up. The line connected, and I felt my heart thump all of a sudden.


    ¡°Girl!¡± Perry let out in her high-pitched tone. ¡°oh, my goodness! You look breathtaking in that dress; heads will surely turn.¡± Sheplimented.


    I blushed profusely. ¡°Gael thinks the same thing.¡±


    She held an amused stare. ¡°I am guessing Gael chose the dress, then?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be such a tease. Of course, Gael did. But that doesn¡¯t change the fact that the dress is beautiful.¡±


    ¡°And you look beautiful in it, too. Have you seen Ezra? I have tried to reach him, but he seems busy with his supposed party.¡±


    Iughed lightly. ¡°No, I haven¡¯t seen your brother. The party is about to start, and I am heading to the hall.¡± I said, making my way out of the room to the hallway. The party hall is just below. There is an entrance from within the pack house that only house members can follow through the door.


    ¡°I would like to have a view of everything,¡± Perry said excitedly. ¡°I have never been to the parties Gael throws. It bothers me so much that I hate to talk about it.¡±


    ¡°Oh? Why are you interested now?¡±


    ¡°Because you are there.¡± She grinned.


    ¡°Fair enough.¡± I mused, chuckling. As I attempted to enter the hall, Gemma bumped into me. My guard went up at the sight of her.


    ¡°Oh, sorry. I didn¡¯t mean for that to happen.¡± Gemma said, to my surprise.


    ¡°Who is that?¡± Perry asked.


    Still holding Gemma¡¯s gaze consciously, I kept the phone¡¯s mouthpiece close to my mouth. ¡°Let¡¯s talkter. Your cousin is here.¡± I whispered, ending the call and attempting to walk away from Gemma before she settled for trouble.


    ¡°Nia?¡± She called out, halting me abruptly for the second time in less than three minutes.


    I raised a brow, giving her a nk stare. ¡°Is there something you need me to do for you?¡±


    She held up a soft smile. ¡°I know we aren¡¯t the best of friends, but I would like us to talk for a few minutes. I promise not to take too much of your time. I have been looking around for you.¡±


    I blinked slowly; her demeanor appeared calm, unlike her usual self. Should I be suspicious or be open-minded to the fact that she might just be trying to act friendly? But from what I know, Gemma doesn¡¯t seem to understand what excellent means in her conceited dictionary.


    ¡°Why do you think I would want to talk to you?¡± I inquired.


    ¡°I want to apologize. But it isn¡¯t quiet here, and you won¡¯t hear me properly. We didn¡¯t start on a good note, but I have had much reflection these past few weeks. I intend to start on a new te. Please.¡± She urged.


    I felt doubtful. Perry¡¯s advice a while back circled my memory. What if this is a trap? I can¡¯t get fooled by anyone¡¯s sudden niceness, not after I almost lost my life doing that. I folded my arms, ¡°okay.¡±


    ¡°Thank you. We can talk in the hallway. Here would be crowded with people trooping in soon. Let me get us a ss of champagne.¡± She offered.


    ¡°No, thank you.¡± I mused quickly. ¡°I am not drinking.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± She mumbled with a slow nod of her head. I almost felt guilty at the sad look that crossed her face. But I turned my face away instead and followed her back to the hallway quietly.


    ¡°I will be quick with what I have to say. I know you have your reservations about me, and I know you have every right to. It¡¯s not like I did any excellent deed towards you. However, I have had to rethink the many things I have indulged in, so I want to make amends and apologize for everything.¡± She swallowed hard.


    ¡°I apologize for whatever pain I must have caused you. I grew up getting everything that I wanted. So, I thought it would be the same regarding whoever I was with. Pardon me for everything. I am not saying we should be friends. It is to clear my conscience.¡±


    I swallowed hard, still feeling skeptical. But I didn¡¯t hesitate to observe Gemma¡¯s features. What would it take from me to ept her apology, and everyone gets to move on? I don¡¯t want to live bitterly, too, and hold grudges. Maintaining cordiality will be best for us all. I exhaled slowly.


    ¡°Alright, it is fine. Thanks for acknowledging me. I appreciate it.¡±


    Gemma pped in excitement as she exhaled in relief. ¡°thank you so much. I thought it would not be easy to get you to respond; all the same, I just had to try. Thank you. Can I hug you?¡±


    I thinned my lips, still unsure, but before I could decide, she pulled me into a tight hug. And all of a sudden, I felt dark clouds settle on my eyes, and everything turned hollow.

 Chapter 74 Reconciliation

    GAEL¡¯S POV


    I groaned as the toasts about how excellent former Beta Ezekiel was went on. I knew this was going to happen, and I wished the tradition didn¡¯t exactly exist and I would be free enough to make a run from the scene. Unfortunately, I have no other choice but to sit through it all. I stretched my neck to glimpse Nia, but I couldn¡¯t see her amidst the several heads. She would be among them, probably anxious to see me, too.


    My hand instinctively felt my pocket, and a smile tugged at my lips. I had imagined the many looks that Nia would have on her face when I popped the question. I intend to do it when everyone starts to party. That would put more delight in them, as they have all been waiting for the day I would decide to take a Luna. Knowing I am about to make everyone¡¯s dreame true makes me delighted. My heart keeps jolting in excitement every two seconds.


    I need to exercise more patience. Nia isn¡¯t going anywhere, and I will be spending the rest of my life with her.


    Tonight is about my best friend, who has always been beside me. I should be mindfully present for him. Turning my head to the side, I saw Ezra looking so blissful with a bright smile. He seems genuinely happy; thest time I saw this sort of smile on his face was before his parents¡¯ death.


    A lot has been snatched from us forcefully. I am d that we are finally getting the happiness that we all desire and deserve. The toast went on a round, and then it was finally my turn. Raising my ss, I stood up, clearing my throat.


    ¡°Where do I begin? These men have been a part of my life since I can vividly remember.¡± I thinned my lips, turning to Ezekiel. ¡°We have had our differences over the years. But I must admit that you have been nothing short of a blessing to the Sunset pack. Thank you for serving with all of your heart and doing your duty appropriately. I want you to know I wouldn¡¯t have gotten this far without your guidance. As for you, Ezra, I am proud of you, my friend. I hope this new dispensation will bring us and every pack member a blissful term. Congrattions to you both and us all. Since we are all here to have fun, let¡¯s do that. Cheers.¡± I beamed, raising my ss.


    Everyone cheered, and it began in full swing. I looked around the droves of heads; none of them looked like that of Nia. She must have returned to the room. It just dawned on me that she has no friends. Ezra and I are the ones she is close to. She probably got bored and left. I shifted the chair to the back, intending to look for her.


    ¡°Is it time?¡± Ezra asked, osting me on the way.


    I nodded quickly, ¡°Yes, I just need to get her here. I can¡¯t find her, and her scent isn¡¯t near either. I will mind link you when we are ready.¡±


    ¡°Alright. Go do your thing.¡± He urged grinning.


    I scoffed, making my way out through the back. Just then, I bumped into Gemma. ¡°Gemma, hi,¡± I muttered, feeling awkward.


    It¡¯s been a while since Ist saw her. It is unclear why I suddenly feel guilty at the thought of not missing her absence in the least. ¡°How are you?¡±


    She held up a subtle smile. ¡°I am doing fine, thank you. I hope you have been well, too. Thanks for hosting my dad tonight.¡±


    I waved in dismissal, ¡°Come on. Your father deserves his flowers. I am only doing my duty as the Alpha. I am doing just fine. I hope you are having fun, too?¡±


    Gemma blew air with her lips. ¡°oh, please. Those long epistles made me want to sleep. I thought it wasn¡¯t going to end.¡±


    ¡°Me too. I just couldn¡¯t cut the council members off.¡± I replied, stretching my neck.


    For some reason, I don¡¯t want to be rude and shun her. I wouldn¡¯t care initially, but Nia¡¯s etiquette is beginning to pay off.


    ¡°So, where are you headed?¡± She drawled. ¡°shouldn¡¯t you be with the council members?¡±


    I scratched the back of my neck. ¡°Yeah, I am looking for Nia. I don¡¯t know if you saw her anywhere around?¡± I asked, rubbing at my pocket.


    Gemma blinked slowly; her eyes lingered on my hand. ¡°What¡¯s that?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a ring box,¡± I admitted.


    ¡°You are going to propose to her?¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    ¡°Wow, times do change, right? You haven¡¯t even met her for too long, and you are already ready to marry her.¡±


    I gulped. ¡°Don¡¯t be hard on yourself, Gemma. I can assure you that whatever happened has nothing to do with you. I couldn¡¯t feel the deepest form of affection for you, no matter how much I tried. It was just different with Nia. It just happened. Considering how much I detested her, I never would have imagined her bing the woman I hold dearly to. I promise the intention wasn¡¯t to hurt you.¡±


    She waved me off, smiling weakly. ¡°It¡¯s fine. There is no need for you to apologize. You were clear from the very beginning about your feelings. I was the one who refused and insisted on trying the long-term out with you with the hope that you would fall in love with me. But I am fine now. I hope to get along with whoever is interested in me. We are still friends, right?¡±This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Yes, Gemma. We would forever be friends. Thank you for understanding.¡± I mused sincerely.


    ¡°So, did you see, Nia?¡±


    ¡°Yes. I saw Nia enter one of the rooms down here. I will head back to the party. See you around.¡± She said, walking away.


    I smacked my lips, smiling. Nia is so silly, and she went to sleep even after I asked her to wait for me.


    Making my way to the rooms, I began to open them one by one. Gemma didn¡¯t mention which room she went into exactly. I turned the doorknob of the third room while fishing out the ring box from my pocket. Raising my head, the view before me made my heart snap.


    ¡°Nia!¡± I yelled at the top of my voice.

 Chapter 75 Caught in the Act

    GAEL¡¯S POV     The masculine figure on top of her fell to the floor quickly, and Nia threw out her hands weakly in a sleepy manner. My eyes searched the floor, and her dress and his shirt were all on the ground.


    I stumbled to the back, not believing my eyes. It can¡¯t be happening. I tried not to believe it, but seeing the man wear his clothes quickly, I realized I wasn¡¯t hallucinating. I saw it right.


    ¡°How dare you, you bastard!¡± I bellowed, throwing the ring box on the ground and grabbing him by the neck.


    Nia finally came alive while I was hitting him. She sat up, looking lost. ¡°What-what are you doing, Gael? What-the hell-happened?¡±  She stuttered.


    My lips shook hard as hot tears stung the back of my eyes. Growling, I threw the man hard against the wall and stomped towards her. Without warning, I pped her hard across the face.


    ¡°You bitch! How could you do this to me?! I feel stupid forever thinking you are worthy of my time and heart. How dare you make a fool of me?!¡±


    A lone tear rolled down her face as she looked around like a lost cause. Her hand went to her face, shaking profusely. ¡°I-I-¡± she knelt on the bed, trying to wrap the sheet around her body. ¡°Why am I-naked? I-don¡¯t know what¡¯s-happening? What the hell happened?!¡± She looked around the room.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you answer that yourself, you lying piece of shit!¡± I bickered. ¡°How long have you been sleeping with him?¡± I pointed at the man, who seemed to struggle to get back on his feet from my angry throw.


    She furrowed her brow, confused. ¡°I swear to you, Gael. I don¡¯t know him.¡± She drawled weakly.


    I pulled at my hair roughly, ¡°I saw you both. This guy slept with you! You had sex with someone else under my fucking roof. Nia!¡± I yelled, making a move towards her to strangle her pretty neck. But I held back, clenching my fist tightly and finding breathing challenging.


    My heart felt like it would explode if I didn¡¯t take caution. I grabbed a fistful of my hair, feeling my insides churn. ¡°What did I do to deserve this from you, Nia? How could you do this to me? Since when have you been going out with him? When did you meet? Is he your patient?!¡± I yelled.


    Nia cried. ¡°I-don¡¯t-I don¡¯t know what you are talking about, Gael. I have never seen him before. I don¡¯t know how I got here. I remember meeting-¡±


    ¡°Shut up!¡± I growled, cutting her short. ¡°Answer my fucking question, who is he?¡± I pointed at the man and found the spot empty. He must have run off.


    She held on to the duvet and attempted to climb off the bed. ¡°Listen to me, baby. I don¡¯t know him. I can¡¯t remember walking into this ce. Please, you need to believe me. I don¡¯t know what all of this is about. Believe me, baby.¡± She wailed.


    I wiped at the tears, pointing a shaking finger at her. ¡°Call me baby again, and I will have your head. You know what?¡± I sniffed. ¡°I hate the sight of you right now! Get the fuck out of my sight!¡± I yelled.


    I want to hurt her badly for having the guts to cheat on me. I have never been cheated on before. I get to do that to others. Why does it hurt this much? Why does it feel like my entire body is spinning? Why is this happening to me?


    She blinked slowly like a fool, ¡°Gael¡­no¡­listen to me. I swear I don¡¯t know that man.¡±


    I gritted my teeth, and like a possessed maniac, I pulled her out of the bed violently, but I realized she still had her underwear on. Lucky for her, I have no intention to be bothered about whatever remains she had on.


    Without hesitation, I pulled her towards the hallway, cursing her out while she struggled to pull back from my grip.


    ¡°Please, Gael, don¡¯t do this. I don¡¯t know what¡¯s going on. Please let me wear something, at least. Please, baby. I beg you.¡± She cried.


    My eyes had be blinded by the tears at this point, and I practically couldn¡¯t see anything. But I am determined to get rid of Nia. If she stays any further, I really would be forced to end her life. Dragging her roughly down the stairs, she screamed in pain. Some guards looked on in shock as they wondered what was going on. The noise must have gotten the others¡¯ attention cause few people were trooping out, mostly the pack housemaids and guards.


    For all to see, I intentionally dragged her towards the hall entrance. The people outside looked on in horror. I pushed her roughly to the ground, feeling a pain struck at my chest at the bruise on her body.


    ¡°Ga-Gael, please.¡± She mumbled in a low tone.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you ever call my name with that filthy mouth of yours!¡± I bellowed, breathing heavily.


    Ezra rushed out of the hall, pushing past the spectators. His eyes rounded like saucers when he saw Nia. ¡°What the fuck, Gael? Why is Nia here with no clothes on?¡±N?velDrama.Org ? content.


    ¡°Ask the bitch, yourself! She has been sleeping around! I caught her just now with a strange man in bed with her. I don¡¯t want to see her, Ezra. Take the bitch far away from me.¡± I staggered, feeling drunk even though I hadn¡¯t exactly had a full taste of alcohol tonight. I turned to face everyone watching.


    ¡°Everyone present here today should have a good look at her. You all know her as your healer. From today, she doesn¡¯t belong here, and she is no longer a member of the Sunset pack. I, Alpha Gael of Sunset Pack, banish you, Nia Hayes.¡± Those words felt heavy, the same as my heart, but I was too hurt even to have a second thought about my decision.


    ¡°If any of you amodates her behind my back, I will have the entire family tossed out, too! Guards, ensure she leaves this premises tonight!¡± I ordered, stumbling my way back to the main house.


    ¡°Gael!¡± Nia screamed behind. I wish to shut her up in the most offensive way.


    ¡°Gael! Gael, wait up!¡± Ezra called out, running after me. I kept walking without looking back. He caught up with me and pulled me back forcefully. ¡°Can you just listen to me? What do you think you are doing?¡±


    I pped his hand away from my shoulder. ¡°Are you deaf? Didn¡¯t you hear what I just said? I caught her in bed with another man! That bitch was cheating the whole time! She was with another man while I nned to start a life with her. It is all your fault.¡± I pushed at his chest. ¡°But I me myself more for getting fooled. There it is; I bet I deserve the humiliation.¡±


    ¡°You should know Nia better. There has to be some exnation for this.¡± He insisted.


    ¡°What other exnation, Ezra? What other bloody exnation?! It will only be lies and nothing else. I know what I saw, and I will not believe I saw wrong. Make sure she leaves this pack tonight, or you will have me to contend with Beta Ezra.¡± I gritted.


    I headed to my room in a hurry. In my head, it was as if I heard mockingughter as I moved. Entering the safe confines of my room, I mmed the door shut, falling to the ground and crying my eyes out helplessly.

 Chapter 76 The Night Spice

    NIA¡¯S POV


    My bones seemed to have weakened, and I had turned into a puddle. I couldn¡¯t even move a muscle as two guards held me on both sides roughly. It is still very much like a dream. I remember speaking to Gemma, only to find Gael yelling at me and calling me names. My eyes watered as the cheek that Gael pped poorly stung.


    ¡°Let go of her!¡± Someone ordered from behind. My soul is floating, and I can¡¯t catch much of what is happening around me.


    ¡°But the Alpha said-¡± One of the guards uttered, but he was cut short.


    It took me a few seconds to realize the person behind me was Ezra.


    ¡°I heard what the Alpha said. Let her down, and I will see her off myself.¡± He said, pushing the guards aside as he draped me with a nket. ¡°I am so sorry foringte,¡± Ezra whispered, guiding me towards his car.


    I can hear the people¡¯s mumblings now. Everyone sneered as we passed. My life shed in front of me all of a sudden. Nothing appears to be transparent to me. I went from smiling with Gael and realizing just how much I love him to getting pped hard across the face and being banished from the pack.


    As soon as I got into the car¡¯s safety, I burst into tears.


    ¡°Nia?¡± Ezra called softly.


    I nced up at him, not minding my face¡¯s state. ¡°I swear, I don¡¯t know what is happening. I didn¡¯t do anything. I can¡¯t remember anything.¡± I wailed.


    ¡°Shhh, it¡¯s okay. We will talk about thister. Where is your phone?¡± I stared, confused. He sighed. ¡°You know what? Don¡¯t worry about that. Right now, I need to get every essentials from your house. If Gael is still the same person with his anger, he might raze down the house, and you lose everything there. I will track your phone. Is there anything hidden far away that you might need? Tell me its location.¡±


    I couldn¡¯t respond as the words had gotten stuck in my throat. Ezra inhaled deeply and caressed my hair before quickly exiting the car. I sat still, just staring into space. Everything that happened just now feels like a movie. I have a feeling Gemma did something to me. Why can¡¯t I remember anything from when I hugged her? I pped my head in anger. My stupid self will forever remain as it is. I always give myself away easily, even in the face of danger.


    Gemma must have done something to me. But how? I didn¡¯t even ept the drink she offered. Is there a chance that I walked into the room myself andy with someone I don¡¯t know? I kicked my feet, feeling frustrated. The car door opened quickly, and a breathless Ezra got in. He threw the bag in his hand to the back seat. I blinked slowly.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± I asked meekly.


    Ezra sucked his teeth while keeping his eyes on the road. ¡°We have to get out of the pack house premises immediately. Just as I had suspected, Gael is on a rampage now, and he is smashing everything at the clinic. The house will be next.¡±


    His response made me gulp in difficulty, and I turned my head to see from the rearview mirror like a scene in an action movie. Fire jutted out of nowhere, and something burned. Ezra looked at his side mirror and exhaled.


    ¡°I wanted to believe this might be some prank or Gael had the wrong drink. But seeing him burn something, no doubt he caught you in an ufortable situation.¡±


    My eyes watered again, ¡°I am still confused as to what this situation is all about, Ezra. I can¡¯t even ce the face of the supposed man I cheated with. I don¡¯t understand what¡¯s happening to me.¡±


    Ezra said nothing and kept driving after what felt like a long enough distance from the pack house; he parked on the side of the empty road and held my gaze. ¡°I love you, and I love Gael, Nia. And I am very sure he didn¡¯t imagine what he saw. He must have seen it clearly for him to have be aggressive. Talk to me, what happened? Or better still, what do you remember.¡±


    The tears fell uncontrobly, and I felt I might go blind if I kept up with the continuous water flow. ¡°Gael had left me in the room after one of the guards came to get him that the party had started. I stayed back to talk to Perry, and the discussion continued on my way to the hall. I was about to get in when I bumped into Gemma.¡±Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Gemma?¡±


    I nodded slowly, ¡°yes, she said she needed to talk to me and seek forgiveness.¡±


    He scoffed, rubbing at his face. ¡°don¡¯t tell me you believed her and shared a drink with her.¡±


    ¡°Not at all. I remembered what happened thest time and refused Gemma¡¯s drink offer. We only went back to the hallway to talk. She told me how sorry she was and her attempt to start a new life on a new te. I thought Gemma was mending her differences with everyone she must have offended.¡±


    ¡°That crazy witch. If she truly is sorry, her family should be the first set of people she would apologize to. What is it with every one of these mentally unstable people and false apology?¡± He sounded frustrated. ¡°I apologize for cutting you short. What happened then? Was there any contact?¡±


    I searched my head again and then remembered. ¡°Yes, she asked that I hug her. And that was thest thing I remembered.¡±


    Ezra gasped as he pulled off his seatbelt and exited the car. Like a sh, he was by my side of the vehicle, and he opened it, cing both of his hands on my shoulder. He leaned towards me, smelling my breath. ¡°Fuck!¡±


    I panicked at the concern in his tone. ¡°what¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°She made you sniff the Night spice. It¡¯s all in your breath. I need to get you ice-cold water before you start to hallucinate.¡± He exined rapidly.


    I didn¡¯t get to say anything as he went back to the driver¡¯s side and drove recklessly towards the nearest caf¨¦. Everything happened so fast that my hazy brain struggled topile everything simultaneously. Ezra returned with the coldest ss of water I have ever had.


    ¡°Listen, Nia. You have to chew on this ice to save the rest of your brain. The night spice will not only distort your memory; it will freeze a part of your core, and you start to hallucinate. If you said you both met when the council members were giving their epistles, then you are a few minutes close to losing it. Please, for all its worth, chew on it as hard as you can. Let your entire body take it in. It will onlyst for a few seconds.¡±


    Despite my hesitation, I know better that I need my memory in check. I took the freezing ss from Ezra and put the four ice cubes in my mouth. Ezra was wrong about the effect going away in a few seconds. I couldn¡¯t feel my mouth for the next five minutes. We stayed quiet while I struggled to get together, and he rubbed my back slowly to calm me.


    I sniffed back a tear when my body fell back in ce. ¡°How did I get here? What is this night spice that I have never heard of?¡±


    My question hung in the air when Ezra¡¯s phone rang loudly. The both of us exchanged a look when the caller ID came up. I nodded at Ezra to pick up. He did begrudgingly.


    ¡°You had better have an exnation working its way up your throat right this minute!¡± Perry bickered into the receiver.

 Chapter 77 The next step

    NIA¡¯S POV


    ¡°What the fuck is wrong with you, Ezra? I have been calling for ages, and you haven¡¯t answered my calls. There is Nia, too, who wouldn¡¯t respond to my texts or calls. She shouldn¡¯t have hung up on me when Gemma came to meet her. Is she okay, or must I wear a bloody mourning dress? But before that, you had better barricade that entire pack, or else I will raze it down while I haunt Gemma¡¯s fucking ass down!¡± Perry rambled on in one breath.


    Ezra mmed his head against the car seat. ¡°You also know about her meeting with Gemma? Trouble has been on the rise since then, Perry.¡±


    ¡°What? Where is Nia? Where is she?¡± She yelled.


    ¡°She is here. Say something, Nia.¡± Ezra urged.


    I couldn¡¯t form a sentence. Everything seems to be happening so fast, and my chance of understanding it seems to pass off every second. ¡°I am sorry,¡± I whispered.


    Perry scoffed loudly into the receiver. ¡°why are you sorry, baby? Talk to me, Ezra; what¡¯s going on?¡±


    ¡°Listen carefully, Perry. Nia isn¡¯t in the best mind to answer your questions now. After Nia met with Gemma, she can¡¯t seem to remember anything else. Gael caught Nia in bed with another man, and he was so furious that he ordered her immediate leave from the pack house.¡±


    ¡°Good riddance to bad rubbish. I already knew Gael wasn¡¯t the right one for her.¡± She hissed.


    ¡°Can you not be insensitive right now, Perry? Nia needs us now, and you need to put your sentiments aside. From what I gathered, Gemma made her sniff the night spice.¡± Ezra exined.Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°What the fuck is night spice?¡± She asked.


    ¡°How does it work?¡± I also asked, finally finding my voice.


    Ezra inhaled and exhaled. ¡°The night spice is a deadly sleeping poison, and it mostly works on werewolves. When sprayed on the body like perfume, it works most by hugging your intended victim; the minute they sniff it, that¡¯s the end for them. The victim will fall into a deep sleep for as long as thirty minutes. The only problem is that the after-effects are dangerous to the brain. But I am d we have gotten that out of the way.¡±


    Perry made a finger-snap sound from the other end. ¡°Now I remember. It¡¯s one of the poisons Uncle Ezekiel possesses in his garden. He always warns us to stay clear of it. Don¡¯t you think that rifies why Gemma has ess to such dangerous stuff?¡±


    ¡°Can you all be clear in your exnation, please,¡± I begged, sounding helpless.


    ¡°I am so sorry, Nia. Gemma had you in the hug. She must have nned her strategy well, just in case you wouldn¡¯t ept a drink. I am confident the n was to drug your drink if you had one. She was all out to get you trapped.¡± Ezra exined.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you exin to Gael what happened?¡± Perry asked. ¡°He should know what his little bitch was up to.¡±


    I pulled at my hair. ¡°Gael didn¡¯t try to hear me out and ended up-¡± I wanted to mention the p but held back on it. The look in his eyes when he did it proved that he didn¡¯t mean to. As angry as he was, he held himself back. I saw the struggle despite the heat of the moment.


    Perry coughed, ¡°What did he do?¡±


    ¡°He had her banished from the pack. I have to get her out of here before Gael wakes up and starts from where he finished tonight. The clinic is on fire.¡± Her brother replied.


    ¡°So typical of Gael to jump to a conclusion without trying to find the truth. Until when will he keep acting like an asshole?¡± She hissed.


    ¡°You can¡¯t me him. If I knew Gemma well enough, she must have made everything look so real that anyone, not just Gael, would have believed it. I am just concerned about Nia. Do you think that man touched you?¡± Ezra asked in a solemn voice.


    I wrapped my arms around myself protectively. ¡°I don¡¯t think so. But I can¡¯t be certain.¡±


    ¡°Get her to a hospital right now, and after that, drive her to the airport. She stays with me.¡± Perry said.


    ¡°Stay on the call then. I will do that now.¡± Ezra said, kick-starting the car.


    Tonight seems to be the longest I have had in ages, and it feels like it has no intention to end soon. My entire life yed out like an actual movie as Ezra smuggled me into the hospital. The news of the healer cheating on the Alpha has spread through the pack. It¡¯s what everyone seemed to be talking about when we arrived. Ezra called in a favor with his doctor friend, and she was the one who locked me up in a room without the other people knowing and had me checked.


    I felt exposed as she went back and forth, nodding at whatever theputer showed. I am an ordained healer, and I can¡¯t even seem to save myself in this situation. It is such a shame that I ended up this way. After what felt like forever, the doctor rounded up.


    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± Ezra asked impatiently.


    ¡°She is fine. Aside from the trail of sleeping dose in her bloodstream, there isn¡¯t forceful pration. I am sure she is fine. Just ensure she gets enough rest; she looks exhausted.¡± The doctor exined.


    My racing heart went calm at the result of the test. At least Gemma was thoughtful enough not to get me raped. Ezra thanked the doctor, and we were off again. Our feet didn¡¯t touch the ground until we returned to the car. Perry was still on the phone, and her brother told her everything we heard.


    ¡°That¡¯s enough for tonight. Make Nia board the ne as soon as possible, Ezra. You don¡¯t have anything to worry about, Nia. Ezra will make it clear to Gael, and you will be free of the usation. For now, you need to be far away from there. That would help Gael¡¯s anger fizzle out. I love you, see you soon.¡± Perry said, sounding tired.


    I sniffed back a tear, ¡°I love you too.¡± I replied. The phone went dead, leaving me with my thoughts and Ezra. ¡°I am so sorry for ruining your party. Today was supposed to be all about you. But I couldn¡¯t keep to myself and had to get involved.¡± I mumbled, feeling pitiful.


    Ezra snickered. ¡°stop talking nonsense. I enjoyed my party to an extent, and it was bing a burden. I know this is a lot for you, Nia. But I need you to stay strong. I will make sure Gemma pays for what she did to you. Gael will learn the truth, and you both will be back together like nothing happened. I am sorry you are on the harsh receiving end. Gael is probably hurting, too.¡±


    I rested my head against the window. ¡°he sure is. It is my fault. I never should have trusted Gemma. That was my mistake. I shouldn¡¯t have gotten close or even responded to her in private.¡±


    ¡°You are a good soul, Nia. It¡¯s no surprise that people fool you easily. But that doesn¡¯t make you stupid, and it is not your fault that these evil ones have no shame. You don¡¯t have to beat yourself up for that. Trust the Moon Goddess to settle everything. It would help if you got some sleep. Our drive to the airport will take a while. I need to get some stuff ready for your move. Please rest.¡± He urged.


    I nodded as I folded my arms. With tears lingering in my eyes, I shut it tightly. I hope tonight is all just a nightmare, and when I wake up, I will find Gael next to me, holding up his beautiful smile to say good morning.

 Chapter 78 The Combat

    GAEL¡¯S POV


    I groaned as I tried to move my cramped body from the cold floor. It took me a few minutes to get where I was. I hissed in contempt when I realized I was lying on the floor of Nia¡¯s room. I winced in pain as I attempted to stand up while resting on my hand. In my ragest night, I smashed everything in the clinic.


    I cut myself deeply. Still, that didn¡¯t stop me from burning up the entire greenhouse and only for my pitiful self to return here and cry helplessly. I am trying hard not to believe Nia would hurt me like that. But the more I try to be in denial, the more the image fills my head, reminding me that it did happen and I wasn¡¯t hallucinating.


    A proof of it is my wounded palm, the ashes of the greenhouse, and the ruins of the clinic. Crawling to the table where a bottle of whiskey sat pretty, I poured myself a ss and downed it in one go. It burned my chest painfully. I didn¡¯t mind it. The one I experienced yesterday is worse than this one right now. I just hope she has left for good, or I willmit a grievous sin against the Moon goddess by killing her chosen one. But I guess I would be doing her a favor to kill someone who is such a waste of creation.


    Gemma, who has every room to cheat on me, never did. The one person I decided to change for chose to make a fool of me. I will never forgive Nia, not in this life or after. I hope she rots wherever she finds herself. The door creaked open, and Ezra walked in.


    I raised the ss drowsily.


    ¡°Hey there, Beta Ezra. Want some?¡±


    He stomped towards me, snatching the ss from my hand. ¡°What do you think you are doing, Gael? Shouldn¡¯t you try to be in the right mind to figure out what is going on? Why did you let your anger go off the roof and burn the greenhouse? You do know how important it is to the members of the pack. Until when will you stop being so self-conceited?¡±


    ¡°What!¡± I eximed, standing up. ¡°What the fuck did you just say? Am I acting self-conceited when I am the one who just got cheated on? Do you know how wrecked my heart is right now?¡±This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Did you bother to affirm the truth with Nia before sending her off? Did you have to humiliate her like that? Gemma is the one behind this. You should know Nia better. She would never cheat on you!¡±


    Giving him a once over, I burst into a fit ofughter. ¡°Are you crazy? Is that how much you hate your cousin? You couldn¡¯t stand her and decided she would be the best person to use. I am not stupid or blind, Ezra. I know what I saw. Stop being an asshole by dragging your innocent cousin into this. If not for her, I wouldn¡¯t have known that bitch was cheating on me. She would have had enough time to get dressed and return to me with that innocent look she tries to keep. But I guess you are being defensive of her because you are probably fucking her too. I should have known.¡±


    ¡°What did you just say?¡± He questioned.


    ¡°You heard me right, you bastard. I am sure you are bedding her whenever I am not looking.¡± The minute the sentence rolled out of my mouth, I felt a hard punch on my nose, causing me to back up against the wall in pain. ¡°Have you lost your mind?¡± I growled, urging my wolf to the surface. I attempted to get back at him, but my body wouldn¡¯t let me. I am so exhausted that my limbs can¡¯t hold the ground well.


    ¡°Be grateful to the goddess that you are the Alpha, and I greatly respect you. Suppose you were just my friend. I will make you regret saying that shit to me.¡±


    ¡°How dare you!¡± I bellowed, and we wrestled. I was swift to grab the whiskey bottle, and I aimed it at him. The bottle hit his head and shattered, causing him to lose his bnce. Ezra groaned in pain.  ¡°If you every that filthy hand of yours on me ever again. I will have you rot in the dungeons.¡± I gritted.


    Ezra touched his bleeding forehead. ¡°Go fuck yourself! You never did deserve her anyway. I will pray to the goddess that you hate yourself for every day of your life starting from now on. For all the pains and humiliation your undeserving ass has caused her. I hope you end up in hell!¡± He cursed, storming out of the room.


    I gasped for breath as something pulled at my heart tightly. It was the first time in my adult life that I engaged in physicalbat with Ezra. He is always the patient one. But right now, I¡¯m not concerned about whatever he must have been in the past. I can¡¯t trust anyone now, not after Nia¡¯s betrayal. Everyone is probably lying to my face, and I am stupid enough to take in everything they say.


    Tears weighed heavily on my eyelids. I wiped at it angrily. I didn¡¯t even cry this much when my mother died. Why should I bother myself with someone as irrelevant as Nia? What was I expecting of a half-breed? She is most likelyughing hard right now at my gullibility. I hit my head against the wall persistently with my eyes closed. Just then, I felt someone hold my head in ce. I opened my eyes, and it turned out to be Gemma.


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± I asked, shaking my head off her hold.


    ¡°Why are you doing this to yourself? The chaos that happened yesterday has spread through the entire pack. I just had toe down here to see if you are okay. But I understand if you don¡¯t want me here. I will leave then.¡± She said, attempting to stand up.


    I pulled her back, causing her to fall against me. ¡°You can stay. I apologize for speaking rudely.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to be sorry. It¡¯s not like I expected you to be all friendly with me. Anyone in your shoes would do the same thing. But I must say, I didn¡¯t expect someone like Nia to do something like that. She looks too innocent to get involved in such a shameful act.¡±


    I scoffed, resting my arms on my knee. ¡°We all got fooled by how the fucking half-breed looks. Despite being caught red-handed, Nia still denied it and insisted that she didn¡¯t know the man. How then did they get together on the bed if truly she didn¡¯t know him? It¡¯s the audacity for me. She could have just admitted to her guilt. She should be d that I didn¡¯t go totally off on her.¡±


    ¡°Did you have her sent out of the pack?¡±


    ¡°Anyone would be wishing for death should harbor her in their homes. I already said my piece yesterday. I won¡¯t hesitate to burn those who go against my order alive.¡±


    ¡°That means we no longer have a healer.¡±


    ¡°And there is no pandemic anymore, and anyone who is too sick to get treated by the doctors. Should head to the neighboring packs to get treated. I am never allowing a healer in this pack ever again. For as long as I reign.¡± I hissed.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay.¡± Gemma consoled me, stroking my hair. ¡°I just need you to know that I will always be here for you. Whenever you need me.¡±


    Her words seemed to strike me differently. I held her gaze, and my eyes fell on her lips. Throwing caution to the wind, I grabbed her face hungrily, kissing her passionately. Laying her on the ground, I tore at her clothes quickly. It should be enoughpensation for my growing anger. Both Ezra and Nia can go to hell for all I care.

 Chapter 79 No Evidence

    AUTHOR¡¯S POV


    Gemma giggled to herself as she made her way into the house. The n worked beyond her expectations. She didn¡¯t think Gael would fall back into her arms so quickly. It goes to show how fickle his love for Nia must have been. She was probably just a new me that wouldn¡¯t have taken long for it to burn out. But then, he had the intention of proposing to her. At first, Gemma had been worried that he might be lenient with Nia when he saw her in bed with Zac because of how crazy in love he seemed to be with her. It made her so happy that Gael was returning to his usual self.


    All throughst night, she couldn¡¯t get a wink of sleep due to how excited she was. She would have chosen to wait out her visit to Gael, but then she heard about his furious burning of Nia¡¯s greenhouse. That was her cue to strike the rod when it was still very well hot. Humming a tune to herself, she hopped into the house. Gemma halted in her steps abruptly when Ezra stood in her way with a strange look in his eyes.


    ¡°What is it?¡± She queried.This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°You tell me,¡± Ezra growled. ¡°I see you have finally gotten what you wanted. Your pitiful self is back with a man who considers you as nothing short of a yfield for him. There is no use trying to feel sorry for you. You obviously will end up in ruin.¡±


    Gemma red her nose. ¡°What are you talking about, and what gives you the audacity to talk to me like that.¡±


    He kissed his teeth, feeling his hands itch at the urge to strangle his cousin. It had taken him so much repeated patience mantra to get his acts together and not attack her. ¡°I know about the night spice you drugged Nia with. It¡¯s fine if you want Gael back so bad. Did you have to risk Nia¡¯s life too? How far can you go to get what you want? Your parents raised you better, but youck the basic requirements for a better person.¡±


    Gemma bites down on her lips. She had wanted to deny knowing about it at first, but judging by his reaction, Gemma could tell he must have gone to Gael to report her, and he didn¡¯t believe him. If anything, she knows that Ezra wouldn¡¯t see the truth ande to her first. Also, he had his head bandaged. He probably engaged in a scuffle with Gael and got beat.


    ¡°Since you know, what will you do?¡± She questioned with amusement in her eyes. ¡°you have no evidence to prove that I had a hand in it. Gael doesn¡¯t believe your cock-and-bull story. What were you expecting? Do you think I was going to sit back and watch that good-for-nothing tramp take away the one I have sacrificed my young age for? You have got to be kidding me. You all are stupid to think that of me. I am Gemma, and nobody else is like me. I will forever get what I want, either by hook or crook. So you had better get that straight in your empty skull. And if you must know.¡±


    She drawled, caressing her exposed chest. ¡°I just had a long, hot fuck with Gael. I made him feel so good with my constion that he went straight to bed. My handsome baby needs me now more than ever, and I will always be there for him. As for you and Nia, go fuck yourself. And I hope she dies wherever she finds herself. That is what she gets for thinking too good of herself.¡±


    Ezra gritted in anger and grabbed her forcefully by the arm. Ezekiel, who had been listening in on the conversation from the stairs, cautioned him. ¡°Let her go right this minute, Ezra!¡±


    Gemma mocked him with her eyes. ¡°Yeah, let me go. You won¡¯t be able to do anything even if you try so hard. So get your filthy hands off me.¡± She sneered, yanking her arm from his grip.


    Ezra ruffled his hair, feeling frustration creep up his neck. He held his uncle¡¯s gaze for a brief second before storming out of the house. Gemma cackled loudly and flipped her hair. She felt victorious. Smiling lightly at her father, she made her way up the stairs.


    ¡°What exactly is it that you want with Gael so bad?¡± Ezekiel asked calmly with his hands folded to the back. He had heard everything and how Gemma shamefully boasted about what she did to the healer and her escapade with Gael. It made him feel ashamed to even talk to her.


    She halted in her tracks and turned to look at him. ¡°A dreame true. I dared to reach for something your cowardly self couldn¡¯t dream of having. Watch me closely as I be the Luna of the Sunset pack. It¡¯s either me or nobody else.¡±


    He huffed in sadness, feeling his hands shake. ¡°You are such a waste of sperm and eggs. I knew you wouldn¡¯t be a useful child. But I hoped ceaselessly that the goddess would be kind enough to pity your mother, who went through a hard time to get pregnant with you. We tried to give you as much love as we could offer. Still, your sorry self had to choose the path to distraction. Listen, I¡¯m not concerned with whatever you do with yourself. This stupid dream of yours will be nothing when Gael realizes that you fooled him.¡±


    ¡°He would never find out!¡± She gritted, ring hard at her father.


    ¡°If you say so. Just keep these words of mine in mind for the sake of curiosity and wanting to know how this life of yours will end. I will let you live under my roof. But be sure to note that when things go south for you, you do not have a home here. I would rather live childless than be forced to live the rest of my life with the sorry case of a child like you. Mark today¡¯s date and be expecting your day of doom.¡±


    She chewed on her tongue in a bid to keep the tears away. Gemma didn¡¯t want to break down in front of him. ¡°I have always known you hated me. You wish that I was a male. It¡¯s such a shame that I came as myself and wanted something different from the life you chose for yourself. Who needs your house anyway when I can live in the pack house? I promise you when I be the Luna. I will have this house demolished, and you will live on the streets with your proud ass!¡±


    Ezekiel snickered, ¡°We would see how that works out. Until then.¡± He mused, walking past her.


    She stomped as she watched her father¡¯s receding. Gemma let out an ear-piercing scream.

 Chapter 80 Trying to forget

    NIA¡¯S POV


    ¡°You don¡¯t mean it!¡± Perry yelled into the phone. Even though it was on speaker, she still seemed to be having difficulty hearing because she kept mumbling curses.


    Ezra kissed his teeth on the other end. ¡°I am so pissed right now. I confronted Gemma, and she affirmed it to my face. I am mostly disappointed in Gael; it hasn¡¯t even been twenty-four hours, and he already moved on with her. Forgive me for saying this to you, Nia. But it is best to forget about the Sunset pack and move on with your life. You deserve better than this. Trying to love a damaged person like Gael was aplete waste of time. He and Gemma deserve each other.¡±


    ¡°I am taking a flight to the pack this minute!¡± Perry uttered.


    I sighed, feeling exhausted. ¡°You will do no such thing. Do you intend to go beat Gemma up and then end up behind bars? There is no need for us to bring ourselves so low.


    ¡°I sincerely appreciate your help, Ezra. I am so sorry for the inconvenience. I promise to repay you soon.¡± ?


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to thank me, Nia. I will do anything to protect you over and over again. What I was hoping you could do for me is to live for yourself from now on. I know you are very hurt presently, but don¡¯t me yourself. It¡¯s obvious now that everything was a trap since Gemma admitted to it. Gael has made up his mind not to believe you. Do all that you can to forget him. He wasn¡¯t worth your presence in the first ce. I am sorry you had to go through this to realize that.¡±


    I hummed in response. ¡°Thank you, Ezra. I will talk to youter, bye.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t hang up yet. I need to tell you something.¡± Perry said quickly. She snatched the phone off the table and ran to the room. She was shutting the door behind her.


    I curled up on the couch and stared nkly at the wall. I practically wept all through the flight down to New York. The ne didn¡¯tnd until the early hours of the morning. Perry had been thoughtful enough to give me a safe sleeping pill. I wouldn¡¯t have caught a wink of sleep. I thought I would keep crying when I woke up. Instead, my eyes felt dry. Almost as if I had exhausted all the liquid my body could remit. I woke up a few minutes ago when Ezra¡¯s call came in.


    It¡¯s such a shame that Gael moved on so quickly. I don¡¯t know what hurts me the most, Gemma setting me up, or Gael didn¡¯t give me the benefit of the doubt. It didn¡¯t take long for him to humiliate me, just like when he had despised me so much for being a half-breed. Who was fooling? How would someone go from hate to love so quickly? He must have been ying me from the very beginning. And my gullible self, as usual, fell for it without hesitation. Gemma must be having a goodugh right now.


    It must be what Perry meant by Gael¡¯s fickle emotions. It seems like too short of a time to get over someone you im to be so in love with. I guess I was too trusting and weighing other people¡¯s hearts with mine. It¡¯s obvious now that no one cares about how you feel as long as whatever happens ends up in their favor.


    I blinked slowly as the dry tears pricked at my tired eyes. Why do I need to cry for someone who doesn¡¯t care about me? I wonder what would have be of me if Ezra hadn¡¯t been pleasant. Everyone who saw me didn¡¯t bother to extend a hand of help. They were either scared of what Gael would do to them. Or every one of them is just in hypocrites who take delight in the misery of other people? My life seems to always end up with no direction. Just when I thought I was getting it together, it crumbled in just one night.


    I looked around the room filled with Perry¡¯s paintings. It feels so strange but, at the same time, weing. At least Perry does know how to paint. I can¡¯t do anything else aside from house chores. It is the human world, and they wouldn¡¯t need a healer. Whatever ability I possess only works in the packs. I am of no use to anyone here. The tears that, I thought, had ceased came back with full force this time.


    Perry stepped out of the room and rushed towards me. ¡°Hey, why are you crying? That asshole doesn¡¯t deserve your tears, Nia. Please.¡± Perry pleaded.


    I sniffed, wiping at the tears. ¡°It¡¯s not just about Gael. Don¡¯t you think I am cursed? Why does everything keep going south for me? I thought my life had settled and everything I ever wanted was finally in my hands, only for the wind to take it away in one night. I have faced betrayal from everyone that I hold dear to my heart. First, it was my adoptive family, and now Gael. What have I done to deserve this.¡±Original from N?velDrama.Org.


    Perry cleaned my face with the tip of her sweatshirt. ¡°You didn¡¯t do anything, Nia. You only associate with the wrong people. You are a wonderful being, Nia. Don¡¯t let anyone tell you otherwise.¡±


    ¡°What would I do now? I have no one here except you.¡±


    ¡°And you think I am not enough?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not what I meant.¡±


    ¡°Then you don¡¯t have to put any meaning to it. I am fine with you being by my side. We will get you a jobter on, but for now, you need to focus on healing from all these messy times. I know you are a happy person. There is no need for you to feel used or dumped. You were lied against and treated brashly. You are the victim, but don¡¯t let that be your identity. Likewise, you have to rise above water. Both Gael and Gemma aren¡¯t deserving of your tears. It will only weaken you. If you aren¡¯t too tired, I want to show you New York at night. I am sure you will love it.¡±


    I smiled weakly. ¡°I don¡¯t think I am up for it.¡±


    ¡°I knew you were going to say that. But I have no intention of taking no for an answer. So you have no other choice but toe with me. Moreover, we would die of hunger if we didn¡¯t step out of this house. I have been eating out because I am too busy to cook, and most importantly, I can¡¯t cook to save my life.¡±


    ¡°Then you are lucky because I am a bit of a chef.¡± I grinned proudly.


    Perry pped in excitement. ¡°Now that is the Nia that I know. We would go grocery shopping and eat out, then walk back home after buying out a junk spot.¡±


    Iughed heartily, ¡°are you sure that is anywhere near healthy?¡±


    She shrugged, ¡°we only live once. Eat healthy or not; it all ends six feet under the ground. So why not live a little? Let¡¯s get out of here and feel the essence of life for an hour.¡± She giggled, dragging me with her to the room.


    Even if I do intend to brood, Perry will ensure that the mission fails. And sincerely, I am d she is the person to call me back to life.

 Chapter 81 Dear Brother

    NIA¡¯S POV


    Perry has always been full of surprises. She pulls stunts on me that I thought I had seen until now. Before She headed out this morning to make a painting delivery, Perry told me a guest wasing over and instructed that I make whoever it was feel at home. I thought it might be one of the new friends she made. Only for the doorbell to ring, and I found Kingston by the door smiling at me. I didn¡¯t know she had his contact. She must have searched through my phone because I can¡¯t remember giving her the contact.


    ¡°Can Ie in?¡± He asked.


    I snapped out of my thoughts, flushing in embarrassment. ¡°Oh, pardon me, please. I am so sorry. Pleasee in. What would you like to drink? I wasn¡¯t expecting to see you. I don¡¯t know what you might like.¡± I rambled nonstop.


    Kingston chuckled and halted the continuous talk. ¡°since when were you ever ufortable in my presence? Can you quit acting up and sit with me? I am not a stranger; when I want to take any refreshment, I will ask for it. Come,e and sit down. You look tired.¡±


    I swallowed hard and did as told. I am so going to wring Perry¡¯s neck out. It¡¯s been a week since I arrived here, and it has been good and less bothersome. But it appears she has ruined it now. ¡°I am sorry, this is a surprise. I didn¡¯t know she contacted you.¡±


    ¡°She didn¡¯t think I would show up too. Perry had contacted me on my socials and told me you were here. I have been searching for you like crazy. It was such a relief to find out that you are fine. I was so worried, Nia. If anything, I should be the first person you would call if you find yourself in trouble. Why did you have to shut me out?¡± He asked, sounding very pained. ?


    I stared in guilt. I observed Kingston¡¯s features, and I must admit he has be more handsome and has this attractive aura. His wolf scent smells unique. It might be as a result of his interaction with the humans. Perry smells the same, and I do like it. I sighed heavily.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t think you would want anything to do with me. Not after I turned you down like that.¡± I muttered, bending my head.


    ¡°I am still your brother, whether you like it or not. I admitted my feelings because I didn¡¯t want to have any regrets. I was hurt, yes, but I still love you very much, and thest thing I would want is to see you hurt.¡±


    ¡°But you became distant and didn¡¯tmunicate much with me.¡±


    ¡°That was because I didn¡¯t want you to feel ufortable. And I also don¡¯t want to be pitied by you. I already sorted my feelings, but you haven¡¯t. That was me being considerate of your feelings. I am sorry if I gave off the wrong vibe.¡±


    Kingston has always been one to put his heart on his sleeve. I can tell his sincerity with just one look at his eyes. I feel so happy to see him again without thinking about it for too long. I jumped at him, hugging him tightly. Tears flooded my eyes, and I didn¡¯t hesitate to let it out.


    ¡°I have missed you so much. It felt like I would never get to see you again and tell you just how much you mean to me and that it wasn¡¯t my intention to hurt you. I am so sorry, Kingston.¡±


    He wrapped his arms around me calmly. ¡°It¡¯s okay, dewdrop. I miss you too. Forgive me foring sote.¡±


    ¡°You arrived just in time,¡± I assured. We remained like that for a few seconds, and I didn¡¯t want it to end. But I know it is only appropriate to put a bit of distance between us to avoid unnecessary sparks flying. I moved away from Kingston quickly. ¡°Sorry for invading your space.¡±


    He flicked my forehead in his usual yful manner. ¡°I am warning you, stop talking to me like a stranger. You have always loved to invade my space. What¡¯s stopping you now?¡±


    I blushed profusely as the memories of my childhood came back. Since Kingston was the only one who allowed me in his space, I would sneak up on him every night in his room to rant about how my day went and how scared I was to sleep alone. I always end up in his arms until I fall asleep. By morning, I will find myself back in my bed.


    ¡°Whatever, I knew my presence always stressed you,¡± I mumbled.


    ¡°But I can¡¯t remember meining.¡± Heughed.


    ¡°How did you know?¡± I asked, not wanting to extend it.


    His face morphed into a slight frown. ¡°Caleb had called me the next day after the incident to tell me that the Alpha banished you, and he begged that I find you. We all know you have no one outside the pack. I tried to call you, but your line wasn¡¯t going through.¡±


    ¡°I switched the phone off. I didn¡¯t think I might get a call from you.¡± After Ezra had found it and handed it to me, I switched it off immediately. For some reason unknown, I hoped Gael might try to reach me.


    ¡°That sent me into a panic mode. Without you picking up your calls, I wouldn¡¯t be able to find you. So, I posted your picture on my page and pleaded for anyone who knows your appearance to help find you. To my delight, your friend Perry sent me a DM saying she is with you. I was surprised she didn¡¯t ask me any questions.¡±


    ¡°I talk about you to her every time. She knows you very well. I didn¡¯t know you went that far to find me. I am so sorry for the stress.¡±


    Kingston held my hand, patting it gently. ¡°Knowing you are well is all that matters to me, Nia. There is no need to be sorry. It was no stress at all. Trust me.¡±


    I nodded slowly, ¡°aren¡¯t you going to ask me what happened?¡±N?velDrama.Org ? content.


    He shrugged, ¡°No, that is because I trust you. Alpha Gael is a well-known asshole. So there is no need to bother your pretty head about him. I am d you are here now. A ce where I can get to protect you, and you also get to live freely. That reminds me, I brought you something.¡± He said, reaching inside his pocket.


    I gasped when he handed over the locket I had with me eleven years ago when I had met the Hayes family. Taking it from him, I stared at it in awe.


    ¡°Where did you find this?¡±


    ¡°I was shocked myself when I stumbled on it. It was in the box that contained my high school things. I don¡¯t know how it got there.¡±


    ¡°Mindy must have hidden it away. I couldn¡¯t find it suddenly, and that was after she mocked me for always holding on to it preciously. Thank you so much, Kingston. It means a lot to me.¡± I sobbed.


    He caressed my hair slowly. ¡°you will be shocked to hear this. But there is an inscription on the back of the locket. It appears to be a family heirloom.¡±


    My eyes fluttered as I turned the locket around. Inscribed on the back of the locket in fine writing was Omar Reed. My memory of my actual family is a bit distorted, and I can¡¯t seem to remember much about the times we were together except for my parent¡¯s death. But then Omar sounds familiar.


    ¡°What is this?¡±


    ¡°Your father¡¯s name. Do you know what this means?¡± I shook my head in response. ¡°You have an actual family, Nia. And I can help you find them.¡± He stated, holding up a very bright smile.


    I inhaled slowly, not sure what to say in response. Kingston was quick to catch on to my relief. ¡°There is no need for you to brood so much on it. I was asking. Why don¡¯t I take you out to watch a movie? It¡¯s been a while since I spent quality time with you.¡± He proposed.


    My face brightened at the offer. ¡°I will love that?¡± I replied.


    ¡°Go change then.¡± He grinned.


    Like a little child, I squeaked and ran towards the room. Avoiding my reality is how I want to live in the meantime. It is best that way.

 Chapter 82 Finding her family

    NIA¡¯S POV


    My eyes fluttered as I adjusted it to the early morning light. I nced around the room, feeling out of ce. No matter how much I try to get the thoughts of my present condition out of my mind, it keeps haunting me. On mornings like this, Gael would sleep soundly next to me. Things have changed now, and I wake up in my bed alone.


    Every day, I stare at my phone, hoping he would send me a text or put a call through after realizing his mistake. As much as I wished for it, I know it wastes time. He had already made up his mind and wouldn¡¯t attempt tomunicate. I have never felt this way towards anyone before. The mere thought of him makes my heart ache. I wondered why we became close in the first ce if we would end like this. The humiliation stuck to my body like glue.


    I must admit to Perry and Kingston¡¯s kindness. Both of them make me feel like I have nothing to worry about. Kingston, exceptionally, has returned to ying his older brother¡¯s role. I feel ashamed of myself for thinking so low of him. He is nothing like his parents, and I am happy I found a family in him.


    Ever since he came by here the first time, he ensured to see me at every one of his breaks to keep mepany. I haven¡¯t gotten any jobs yet because of the high demand. That would help take my mind off countless things. I wouldn¡¯t need to spend my entire day wishing and hoping Gael would show up at my doorstep like the romantic books have expressed many times.


    Curling up against myself, I blinked rapidly to keep the tears away. I don¡¯t like how vulnerable I be every time to someone who doesn¡¯t care about me. It seems wrong to cry over Gael. I hope he and Gemma live happily. It is probably the goddess¡¯s n. There is someone out there who is better for me. Or better still, something more fulfilling. I would instead focus on myself to be more confident than lean on someone to be happy.


    Huffing, I got up from the bed and headed to the living room. Perry was in the kitchen making coffee. ¡°Good morning,¡± I mumbled.


    ¡°Morning, girl. How was your night?¡± She asked, looking up at me. ¡°did you even get to sleep at all?¡±Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.


    I sucked my teeth, pulling out a chair to sit. ¡°I wanted to get the sleep so bad. But I couldn¡¯t stop thinking.¡±


    She kept mute and made another cup of coffee, handing it to me. ¡°I know how you must be feeling. It¡¯s difficult to take in a betrayal from the one you trusted with the whole of you.¡±


    The tears almost rushed to my eyes. ¡°Did Gael ever love me? Why couldn¡¯t he give me the benefit of the doubt? He stared at me like I was some trash. I still remember those eyes vividly. Like I fool, I hope every day that he would call me and beg for us to get back together. It¡¯s almost a month now, and still no news from him. I want to forget about him so badly, but I find myself asking Ezra whenever he calls how he is doing. I am so dumb.¡±


    Perry snorted. ¡°Do you feel any better after referring to yourself as dumb? There is no crime in loving someone. Many of them are just assholes that don¡¯t deserve that much affection. However, it would help if you looked on the brighter side. You have a clean conscience. You know for certain that all you did was love him dearly. That shows you are a better person than he would ever be. Gemma didn¡¯t steal anything from you, and she was just a tool to show you the kind of person Gael truly is, no matter how much he tries to fool you.¡±


    ¡°I am not sure about me being a good person. Considering all the bad things that have happened to me, I must have done something horrible in my first life to face all these bad things.¡±


    ?


    She chuckled, ¡°Baby, life never promised a smooth ride. Think about it: bad things happen to good people many times. The only way to live and feel fulfilled is to ept one¡¯s situation and make the best of it. I was having a thought about the locket you said Kingston found. If he is willing to help you find your father¡¯s family, why don¡¯t you let him? It is the human world, and since your father was a human, he would have few of his family members alive. Probably, this was why the goddess needed to pull you out of the sunset pack. Seize the opportunity and find them. Do it more to avoid any regrets in the future. Trust me that is the best you can do to honor your father¡¯s memory.¡±


    I stared down at the cup, breathing slowly. ¡°I have temporary amnesia from my childhood with my real parents, Perry. I only remember faint memories of all that happened before my father¡¯s death. It means I have nothing except the locket to prove that I am my father¡¯s daughter. What if they don¡¯t believe me, and I make a fool of myself? I doubt if I would ever recover from that.¡±


    ¡°Do you know the problem you have, Nia? It¡¯s that you overthink. Stop overthinking and analyzing the oue of what you haven¡¯t started. We are still not certain we will find your paternal family. It is us just trying our luck. So, stop worrying constantly over something you cannot control and let fate take its course. Put a call through to Kingston, and let¡¯s see what happens from there.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure about this?¡± I asked again, still not confident.


    ¡°Do you have anything to lose?¡± Perry inquired, taking a sip of her coffee. I shook my head in response. ¡°Then do it. Don¡¯t let anything stop you. If, after everything, you don¡¯t find your family. You and I will change our names and be siblings by paper. After that, we would live the rest of our lives together with loads of cats to take care of.¡± She grinned.


    ¡°Ew, your lifetime dream is so boring.¡± I teased.


    She looked unfazed, ¡°like you have anything to top that. We would do as I suggested.¡±


    Iughed lightly. ¡°Alright, I will call Kingston. I hope this ends well.¡±


    ¡°me me if it doesn¡¯t. Please, let¡¯s be positive.¡±


    I scoffed yfully, heading back to the room to call Kingston. ¡°Alright. Be positive, Nia.¡± I retorted.

 Chapter 83 The Luna

    GAEL¡¯S POV


    ¡°Good morning, baby. How was your night?¡± Gemma whispered in my ear. I couldn¡¯t help but feel irritated by the sound.


    Sucking my teeth, I shrugged her off. When I sat up, my backbones made a crack. My body feels like that of an aging werewolf. For the past three weeks, all I have indulged in is drinking and snapping at anyone who dared to speak to my face. It irritates me more that Ezra chose to keep his distance from me; he only mentions something when it is about the pack.


    It is the maximum time we have spent not talking to each other, which is why I have also made up my mind to toss him aside. Gemma is the only one who has stayed true to me.


    Sometimes, the thought of Niaes to mind, but I have refused to let that get to me. She isn¡¯t relevant, and I don¡¯t care about wherever she might be. I know that Ezra must have helped her out and that alone is enough to charge Ezra for treason. I am only being professional by not mixing the matters of the pack with my business.


    I groaned inwardly, feeling unsettled. I wouldn¡¯t say I like everyone thates to sight now. An urgent meeting will be held this morning with the council members. I wonder what it is they intend to whine about. But before then, I need to take a long run in the woods; only then can I afford to listen to anybody aside from myself.


    ¡°Is everything okay, Gael? Did I do something wrong?¡± Gemma¡¯s question brought me back to the present.


    I sniffed, rubbing at the back of my neck. ¡°I am okay. I need some time alone. Can you leave the room, please?¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± She responded without arguing and headed out of the room. I must say that the distance between myself and Gemma did her a lot of good. She never would have agreed to leave on a politemand like that. Instead, Gemma would throw tantrums and use me of disrespecting her.


    It is what I was telling Ezra. I knew she would someday act more mature, and just like I predicted, she has gotten to that point. Times like this are always the best moments to gloat. But he will only look me dead in the face. Ezra knows how to keep malice when he chooses to. One of the fair reasons I hate him. He is always doing things to get on my precious nerves.


    I headed to the closet and changed after brushing my teeth. I will take a bath after the run. It felt like forever since Ist shifted. My wolf howledzily. So much for being an Alpha. How is it to be heard that the supposed Alpha feels too heavy to break into a run? It took me about ten minutes to get my body back in order. I didn¡¯t hesitate the moment, and I could go at my usual pace. I circled the woods wildly like something was after me.


    All I could think about was Nia. Every moment we shared in the woods, and the garden made me feel weak. Did she leave with her lover? I never should have let her off so easily. I should have made her beg for her life and confess to me who the bastard is. The only reason I can find reasonable enough for her to have cheated on me is if her supposed lover looks better than me or fucks her better than I do. I don¡¯t know if I would have felt better than this if she had confessed the truth to me. But I must admit, she is stubborn and determined.


    Despite my insistence, she kept iming to be innocent. Pausing abruptly in my run, I let out a frustrating howl that had the woods in a shiver. I hate that I keep thinking about her. It vexes me that everything revolves around her. We haven¡¯t been together that long, so why is it so hard to get her off my mind? I can¡¯t keep on like this. I might lose my mind.


    I headed back to the main house to get dressed for the meeting. Ezra was the first to arrive when I got there. I would usuallyeter when everyone was seated. But I found myself rushing through my dress to get here to see him.


    Ezra mumbled a cold greeting as I walked past him. I didn¡¯t respond to get a reaction from him. But he didn¡¯t bat an eysh and kept looking through the file in his hand. I bite down hard on my lips, not wanting to say something that I might regret. Suppose an apology is what Ezra is expecting from me; it is a shame that he wouldn¡¯t be getting it. I am not going to bring myself down to such humiliation.


    The awkward silence was filled with mumbles when the members arrived. They all looked shocked to see me. I must be ater for them to have such facial expressions. I hissed, sitting up. The meeting began in full swing, and just five minutes into it, I realized again for the umpteenth time why I hate council meetings. They pick on my very nerve.


    Omega Harold, as usual, being the voice of the council, got up and cleared his throat. ¡°Good morning, Alpha Gael. We have a request to make of you, which concerns both the council and pack members. It¡¯s time you get a Luna. You are almost thirty, and tradition demands that no Alpha should stay this single for long. After that, you can then proceed with conceiving.¡±


    I scoffed, kissing my teeth. ¡°Everyone of you in this room is so pretentious that it annoys the shit out of me. It is funny that none of you have taken the initiative to ask me what went wrong at the party or why I haven¡¯t been in the best moodtely.¡± I was expecting some response, even if it was fake. Instead, they stared nkly at me like I wasn¡¯t saying anything extraordinary.


    ¡°With all due respect, Alpha Gael, that is your business. You didn¡¯t tell us when you shared a bed with her. So it doesn¡¯t concern us what must have gone wrong between you two. What is most important to the entire pack is the need for a Luna.¡± Omega, Harold said, and Ezra let out a chortle.


    I red at him. ¡°I doubt if you know this, but the Luna has some major duties to perform for the betterment of the pack. We need you to act on it as soon as you can before the next full moon.¡±


    ¡°Are you giving me an ultimatum?¡± I queried.


    He blinked innocently, to my annoyance. ¡°Is that what it sounds like? Who am I to give you an ultimatum, dear Alpha? I am rying the people¡¯sints to you, and as council members, we must ensure everyone is pleased on both ends.¡±


    Clenching my fist tightly, I felt like punching out his guts. ¡°What do you all need a Luna for? What you want is an heir and nothing else.¡±


    ¡°Well, we don¡¯t want a bastard. Any royal child born out of wedlock is considered a bastard.¡± Another council member infused.


    I have gotten to the peak of their rudeness. I mmed the table hard in anger. ¡°Guards, get these two old men out of my sight and lock them up!¡± I ordered, pointing at Omega Harold and the moron who couldn¡¯t keep his opinion to himself. ¡°Is there anyone else willing to say something?¡± I questioned as the guards dragged the older men away. They didn¡¯t even try to plead with me.


    ¡°Since you are on a roll, you might as well lock me up because I won¡¯t stay quiet,¡± Ezra yelled. Of course, I should have known that he would open his mouth. ¡°This is bullshit, Gael!¡±


    ¡°You lost the right to call me by my name. Repeat one insolent word or draw up an attitude, then you will see what I am capable of.¡± I hissed, making my way out.Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 84 Be the Luna

    AUTHOR¡¯S POV


    Gemma burned a hole into Gael¡¯s back as he stomped through the garden, cutting down every nt in his way. Even though he would never admit it, she can tell that many things around remind Gael of Nia. It¡¯s her delight that he attempts to destroy everything that does so. But then, it¡¯s bing more of a menace.


    The only time Gael pays her attention is when he intends to have sex, just like before. The difference between now and then is that he no longer has concubines. However, she would have preferred if he had his concubines around.


    Just a few days ago, she caught him having an orgy in his study. It was so disgusting to see, and he was dead drunk. Despite everything, she must keep her head up and not forget the goal. Clearing her throat, Gemma stered a smile and walked towards him. She kept her rxed demeanor expression on; that seems to be the catch for Gaeltely.


    ¡°Is everything okay, Gael?¡± She asked in a low tone.


    Gael turned to her, staring as if she was some stranger. ¡°Do I look okay to you? What are you still doing here? I thought you left.¡±


    She scratched the back of her neck, chuckling awkwardly. ¡°I just thought you might need me around.¡±


    ¡°No, I don¡¯t. I have a handful of womening through tonight, and I don¡¯t need your sulky self to ruin the mood for me.¡± He replied, turning his back to her.


    Gemma red her nose and wished she had enough guts to punch him so hard that he ended up kissing the ground. But she did well to keep her calm. ¡°Alright then. Call me when you need me. Do take care.¡± She mumbled, making a move to leave.


    ¡°How long do you intend to keep up with this submissive attitude?¡± Gael asked all of a sudden.


    She paused and turned to him. ¡°what do you mean?¡±


    ¡°I know you too well, Gemma. You wouldn¡¯t even let me be with my concubines in peace, and here you are, agreeing to me having another orgy withoutining. I see how much you bullied my concubines. What has gotten into you all of a sudden? A new life or what?¡± He snorted.


    Smacking her lips, she held his gaze. ¡°Because I am madly in love with you that I don¡¯t know what to do anymore. If acting oblivious to the things you do will keep you by my side, then I am fine with it. I wish there were some other way around this. But there isn¡¯t. The heart wants what it wants.¡±


    ¡°Hmmn.¡± Gael hummed in response. ¡°Anyway, get ready to be the Luna. I can¡¯t think of any other person, and I am too exhausted to be bothering myself about that. The pack members want a Luna, and since you have been here the longest, you undoubtedly deserve it. It would be best if you left now, though. I will let you know the things you will need to doter on.¡±


    Gemma couldn¡¯t believe her ears as she nodded and walked away. It took her a while to interpret his words. She kept reying it in her head again and again. Her dream was finallying to form. If Gael wasn¡¯t drunk when he said she would be Luna, the rest of her years would be great! She was giggling to herself as she drove home.


    Gemma couldn¡¯t hide her excitement. She hummed a tune to herself and juggled her shoulder at the tune. On entering her room, Gemma was too engrossed in herself and failed to notice Zac¡¯s presence.


    A loud gasp escaped her lips when she saw him. ¡°What the hell are you doing here? How did you get in?¡± She questioned.


    Zac folded his arms with a displeasing look. ¡°Is that what bothers you? Me breaking into your room, or why am I here?¡±


    She gulped, squaring her shoulders while avoiding his eyes. ¡°Well, both. You startled me.¡±


    ¡°I have always known you to be cold. But did you have to stoop this low? You couldn¡¯t care less what bes of me after helping you execute your supposed n. It¡¯s been almost a month, and you still haven¡¯t thought it wise enough to learn about my welfare. What if the Alpha caught me?¡±


    She rolled her eyes and sat on the single couch. ¡°Don¡¯t be so dramatic. You didn¡¯t get caught, at least. You know what, baby? Forget whatever anger you might have stored. Guess who will be Luna? Me.¡± Gemma giggled excitedly.


    Zac scoffed, ¡°Does it make you that happy?¡±


    ¡°Very happy. Do you know how long I have been dreaming of this moment? Now, we could wield as much power as we want.¡±


    ¡°We? Do I look like a bum to you?¡±


    ¡°Pretty much,¡± Gemma whispered under her breath.


    ¡°What did you say?¡± He growled.


    She stood up quickly and approached him. e on, baby. Why are you getting worked up all of a sudden? I thought we already discussed this. You will always be my man. Gael is just a stepping stone to bing the most feared in the pack. Do you think I will let him live for long?¡±


    Zac pped her hands away. ¡°You are delusional if you think Gael is someone you can easily eliminate. That man has no ounce of regard for anyone. I heard he has been locking the council members up for rebuking him. Why would you want to be near a man like that?¡±


    Gemma had a dreamy look in her eyes. ¡°that is someone who knows the power he possesses and wields it quite well. I will always be Team Gael every day. That¡¯s the person I want to be.¡±


    ¡°What bes of me then? You know how much I feel about you, Gemma. Why do I feel like I am not involved in your ns?¡±


    ¡°Can we not do this right now, Zac? I never would have had another chance with Gael if you didn¡¯t help me out. I owe it all to you, and I don¡¯t take what we share for granted. Let¡¯s enjoy all of this while itsts.¡±


    He ruffled his hair, ¡°I thought this was just about you getting revenge on Gael for leaving you. Why are you hellbent on squeezing yourself back into his life? Let¡¯s forget about all of this and continue with our life. Your parents agree with us anyway, so what else are you looking for?¡±


    Zac sounded frustrated, and he had been thinking about Gemma¡¯s sudden change of ns. He only agreed to mess with Gael and the healers¡¯ rtionship because he felt that would be enough for Gemma to assert her revenge, and they got to live their lives. But it seemed he was very mistaken, and she had no intention of backing down anytime soon.


    Gemma exhaled, feeling exhausted. ¡°we talked about this, Zac. I told you what I want. You don¡¯t expect me to dump all that now that I am close to achieving my aim.¡±


    ¡°Wait a minute, did you go back to sleeping with him?¡±


    She swallowed in difort and held up a tight smile. ¡°B¡­baby, what are you talking about?¡±


    Zac sucked in a breath, ¡°it was fine when you chose to shuffle between the both of us. But now, after swearing to me that you would make sure to put an end to whatever is between you. You still went ahead to fuck him?¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t promise to stay away from Gael.¡±


    ¡°Are you saying I am making this up? Before we went ahead with the n, you swore to me while we had sex.¡±N?velDrama.Org ? content.


    ¡°Come on, I was intoxicated by pleasure. Why would you take my word for it when we were both in a different realm? Can we stop talking about this already, baby? I promise I haven¡¯t had sex with Gael this week. Come here.¡± She teased, reaching for him.


    He pped her hand off. ¡°I am not a pushover, and you will not turn me into one. When you return to your bloody senses, you know where to find me.¡± Zac snorted.


    Gemma rolled her eyes when he mmed the door on his way out. She would never understand his obsession with Gael. Shaking off Zac¡¯s whiny self, she fell into the bed,ughing to herself and envisioning her reign as the Luna.

 Chapter 85 Finding Her Family

    NIA¡¯S POV


    My heart thumped as I stared at the envelope in my hand. Kingston kept his promise to help find my father¡¯s family if they were still alive. I wasn¡¯t sure how I would feel about it if we saw someone. But I found myself getting anxious from the moment Kingston told me he was on it.N?velDrama.Org ? content.


    Now Kingston helped find them; I feel scared that they might not want me. No one wanted me as a werewolf. What reason do the humans have to ept me? I know they are family, but people can be peculiar.


    The sound of my phone ringing jolted me out of my reverie. I smiled weakly at the caller ID. ¡°Hey, Kingston.¡±


    ¡°Hey, you too.¡± He replied in aughing tone. ¡°Why do I feel like you are still staring at the letter instead of opening it?¡±


    I nced around the room to be sure he wasn¡¯t there. ¡°How do you know?¡±


    ¡°I know you quite well, Nia. Also, I got a notification they delivered it. In that envelope, there are copies of your father¡¯s educational certificates and pictures of him growing. Thedy I was in contact with decided to do it the old-fashioned way. I guess she didn¡¯t doubt the locket picture I sent her. You might find all that you need to reach out to them.¡±


    ¡°Why did they have to send it through post when we could have talked on the phone?¡±


    There was a slight pause on the other end. ¡°I really can¡¯t answer that, but from what I know, your family wants you to decide without feeling pressured. It¡¯s up to you to decide if you want to ever meet with your father¡¯s family or keep to yourself. They know many years have passed, and you have never been in contact. That alone makes them a bit doubtful. It shows how respectful they are as people for not wanting to impose the blood rtion on you. I have had a long chat with thedy, and her name is Kylia Reed, your father¡¯s sister. She sounded very nice and polite. I hope when you are done going through the envelope¡¯s content, you will get to talk to her.¡±


    As always, I already have tears welled up in my eyes. ¡°I don¡¯t know how else to thank you, Kingston. I appreciate the help so much. I will let you know when I check through.¡±


    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s talkter tonight. My day would be a bit busy. Is Perry home?¡±


    ¡°No, she went to attend a workshop.¡±


    ¡°Okay, say hi to her. Take care.¡± He said, and the line went dead, leaving me alone with my thoughts.


    I walked back to the living room, harmed with the envelope. The longer I stare at it, the more my tummy twists anxiously. What if I am disappointed by the content of the envelope? What happens then? I yearned so much for a family that would love me dearly. I had that vision with Gael. I daydreamed about when we would start our little family while assuring myself that I would love each of our children as my life depended on them.


    Unfortunately, things went how they went, and I am back to square one. I wonder how burdensome I would have felt without the savings I had gathered over the months of working as the healer. There was no need to spend it, so I saved it all.


    If Ezra hadn¡¯t taken the initiative to get my ID card, phone, and everything he thought might be essential for my survival that night. My money and everything I worked for would have gone up in mes. Even if I forgive Gael, I will never forget how he didn¡¯t take a moment to think of what would be of me if he sent me out without actual clothes on. I thought he loved me enough to stand by me. That is what I know about love. You stick to the side of your person no matter what. People have betrayed me many times, and I fear going through that again with this family of mine.


    ¡°Stop overthinking and open it.¡± My wolf urged.


    I inhaled deeply and opened the envelope. I was shocked at the first picture that came into sight. It was a picture of my parents and me when Mum birthed me. I can¡¯t remember seeing that picture, but it was around the house before we ran away from the pack. The picture excited me, prompting me to check for more. My father¡¯s school certificates were there, as Kingston said. He was an archeologist who graduated from an Ivy League school in New Haven. My father¡¯s family is from New Haven.


    No wonder he was so vast in his knowledge. Now that I think about it, his course of study must be why he became an avid fan of adventure, even though it did lead to his untimely death. I hope he never had regrets until his death. But who was I kidding? His life would have shed in front of him, and he would have wished never to have met my mother or birth me. The mere thought of what was my reality made me feel deted.


    What is the essence of looking for his route when he died because of me? At the same time, I am curious to find out all about him. I only have fragments of my mother¡¯s memory because her family didn¡¯t give me the chance to get close to them. They were the reason for my misery in the first ce. I sifted through the rest of the papers and saw other pictures of me growing over the years. It feels so surreal.


    Every year I celebrate my birthday, my father sends a picture to the family. They stopped sending when I clocked nine, which seems surprising. My mum and dad didn¡¯t die until I was eleven. But then I remember not celebrating much of my tenth birthday because of Mum. She had fallen ill then, and nothing felt normal again. I looked behind the picture to see if there was anything on it. Just as I expected, Kylia had penned down a short note. She does have a very impressive handwriting.


    It wrote, ¡°Dear Nia, I know it is strange we are meeting like this for the first time in decades. But I hope when you get to see this, you will be interested in meeting with me. Please give me a call.¡±


    Her contact information is below. I stared nkly at it for more than ten minutes. If not for anything, I would like to know why I never heard about this side of the family until now. I want to know why they didn¡¯t seek me when my pictures stoppeding in. I bet there is no harm in finding out who I am. I have had awful betrayals in the past. I doubt if my next experience will be any worse. Summoning courage, I picked up my phone and dialed the number. For a second, I hoped she wouldn¡¯t answer it. But it connected on the second ring.


    ¡°Hello, I am Nia.¡±


    ¡°I know who you are. I am Kylia Reed, your father¡¯s sister.¡± Said the angelic voice on the other end. ¡°Thank you so much for choosing to call.¡±


    ¡°Can we meet?¡± I asked meekly.


    ¡°Whenever you want to. I am up for it!¡± She replied.


    I hesitated for a moment; she sounded too enthusiastic, making me unsure of the decision I was about to make. ¡°Is it okay if I think about the supposed day and get back to you?¡±


    ¡°Take your time, Nia. I am going nowhere. I will be awaiting your call.¡± Kylia mused.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± I mumbled, ending the call.


    It felt like something was stuck in my throat as I leaned into the couch. I need to go on a run to avoid passing out. It is a lot to take in. Picking up my phone, I got my running shoes and headed out. There aren¡¯t many woods around here to shift, so I will make do with my legs for now. That should get me back to a bnced state of mind.

 Chapter 86 The Orgy

    GAEL¡¯S POV


    I coughed from sleep, and my eyes red open. I sat up, feeling lost. I scratched the back of my eyes to be sure of where I was. Nakeddies littered the entire room. I rolled my eyes at the sight-another wasted night with strangers.


    For some reason, I can¡¯t keep any of them as my concubine. They don¡¯t interest me that much. I am much more keen on having different women to myself. I know there is something I keep trying to find among them; none of them is like her. They all try hard, but nobody can ever beat her perfection. And I hate that it hase to this. I want to forget everything that might be a fragment of her memory.


    Still, like a haunted mind, it keeps returning to me. I pushed past thedy who rested on me. I got dressed and stepped out. It¡¯s just a few minutes past midnight. I remember yelling at Gemma when she tried to help me up after drinking myself into a stupor. I don¡¯t feel sorry for that, and she knows better than to pull me away from fun. I was enjoying my time, and she intended to ruin it.


    I never liked walking in the garden; my mum loved it, and that kept me away. I want to stay away from it now that I have shared memories with Nia here. Instead, I find myselfing at every chance I get to be alone.


    Inhaling, I sat on one of the benches, staring at the clear sky. I wish Nia nothing but horror for breaking my heart and making a fool of me. I want to know if there is a way for me to find out how she might be doing. Probably, her heartbreaking story will mend mine.


    ¡°Get a grip on yourself.¡± I hissed.


    Nia isn¡¯t any of my business again. I shouldn¡¯t waste my energy on someone as irrelevant as her. Turning my back quickly, I headed to the main house. I rubbed at the back of my neck to keep the cold out. Remembering that the girls were still there, I got angered and stormed the room.


    Putting on the light aggressively, I yelled. ¡°Get the fuck out, every one of you!¡± They were a bit reluctant, and few were still very asleep. The sight of them makes me want to yell and curse at them. Everything annoys me, and I want to be alone.


    ¡°Wake up and leave right this minute. I don¡¯t care wherever you all end up; leave here.¡± I growled as I watched them scamper around.


    They took the next order more seriously, and within two minutes, I was left alone in the room. Falling face down into the bed, I felt my insides burn painfully. Nia would regret ever doing this to me. I won¡¯t forgive her in this lifetime or the next.


    ¡°Gael! Gael!¡± I heard someone call my name while shaking my shoulder.


    I shrugged the person off. ¡°Leave me alone!¡±


    ¡°Get up, man! What is wrong with you?¡±


    I jolted at the familiar voice. Opening my eyes to see Ezra, I struggled to sit up. ¡°Is it morning, or am I dreaming?¡±


    Ezra raised a brow, folding his arms. ¡°It¡¯s noon, and you have kept us waiting like a bunch of morons in the meeting hall for over three hours.¡±


    I coughed out, looking around quickly. ¡°What do you mean, it¡¯s noon? I just slept not too long ago.¡± I said, reaching for my phone.


    My head ached at the slight movement. It felt like I had just fallen asleep. I remembered sending thedies out andying on the bed. The sleep must have evaded me when I wasn¡¯t expecting.


    ¡°Can you get up and attend to the people waiting on you?¡± He asked again.


    ¡°What? I thought you weren¡¯t on talking terms with me. Why are you suddenly acting like you care?¡±


    ¡°Me? Did I give you that notion? I am only doing what I need to do as the Beta. Nothing more. Don¡¯t get too ahead of yourself.¡± He stated with a straight face.


    ¡°Leave then,¡± I ordered, getting up.


    ¡°How long will it take you to get ready?¡± He inquired, looking unfazed by my attitude. It¡¯s so easy for him to decide to act cold.


    ¡°Whatever I decide on is none of your business. As my Beta, you ought to do as told and wait up for me until I arrive.¡±


    Ezra stared briefly before bowing his head slightly and walking away. I gritted my teeth, feeling my nerves pick up yet again. I made my way to the bathroom and got dressed. Halfway through, I changed my mind and decided I wouldn¡¯t attend the meeting. I asked one of the guards to tell them that, and I returned to my study. Just as I had expected, Ezra returned with an angry look, which amused me.


    ¡°Say what it is bothering you.¡± I requested.


    He gulped, ring his nose at me. ¡°You need help, I hope you know that?¡±


    ¡°Why are you telling me? Do you intend to help?¡± I mocked.


    ¡°Our differences aside, Alpha Gael. There is no need for you to act like an asshole. You are the Alpha of this pack, and you need to act like it. What is wrong with you? Do we have to walk on eggshells around you? Why are you dragging us into your business.¡±


    I kept my face glued to the documents in front of me. I am not going to let myself be bothered by Ezra.


    ¡°Leave my office, Ezra.¡±


    ¡°No, I won¡¯t. Until you do what is necessary and apologize to the elders.¡±


    ¡°And if I don¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°You might need to lock me up because I will be a major pest in your life.¡± He said firmly.


    ¡°What the hell is your problem, Ezra? What do you want from me? Can¡¯t you see how much pain I am in? As my friend, shouldn¡¯t you support me? You barely know this half-breed, and you don¡¯t mind ruining decades of friendship for a two-year-old one.¡±


    ¡°So she is the half-breed now? You no longer know her name.¡±


    ¡°I only keep the names of those who matter to me in mind.¡±


    He shook his head, ¡°I don¡¯t know how you expect me to support you when you have chosen to be blinded by your rage. I won¡¯t y that pity party with you, Gael. I will always be your friend, but only when you learn to be more logical and open-minded towards others. You expected the betrayal. Despite how happy you were, something inside of you craved chaos to happen so that you could prove to everyone why you should keep your heart guarded. You know in your heart of heart that she would never do that sort of thing to you. She loves you deeply, and you will never get anyone to love you that way ever again. Not even your mate, that is, if she returns. Do whatever pleases you.¡±


    ¡°Of course I will. It is what I n to do. You and Nia can jump in the sea and drown. I will not be anybody¡¯s pawn ever again. This heart wouldn¡¯t be left unguarded in this lifetime. Say anything you want about me. It won¡¯t change anything.¡±


    ¡°I hope you enjoy the rest of your miserable life, then.¡± He hissed, heading to the door.


    ¡°You will regret this,¡± I swore.


    Ezra turned to look at me with amusement in his eyes. ¡°Right back at you, my man.¡±Original from N?velDrama.Org.


    Biting down on my lips hard, I growled loudly. Everyone will regret ying me this way; I will ensure it.

 Chapter 87 Meeting Her Family

    NIA¡¯S POV


    ¡°Why do you look so pale?¡± Perry asked in a worried tone. ¡°It¡¯s okay if you don¡¯t want to meet with her anymore. We can always reschedule or forget about everything.¡±


    I stared at my pale face in the mirror. I look like someone who has seen a ghost or is about to. I couldn¡¯t sleep a wink all night after I finally decided to meet. I have had so many negative thoughts so far, wondering if she might have had a particr picture of me in her head, and she ended up getting disappointed. Or, probably, I am the one who ends up breaking into a run. For someone driving from New Haven to see me, I believe she would have some expectations. I don¡¯t want to ruin it for her, so I must keep face.


    I shake my head, feeling woozy. My body hasn¡¯t been in the right state for days now, and I think it is myck of sleep. ¡°If I don¡¯t meet her today, I might pass out. I have been too anxious for this moment. I must get it over with.¡±


    Perry sighed, making her way towards me. She massaged my shoulders slowly. ¡°Don¡¯t let yourself be bothered too much. Remember we talked about this? You don¡¯t have to do anything if you feel pressured. Just know that you will always have a home here.¡±


    I held her gaze in the mirror. I don¡¯t know what I did to deserve Perry. She has consistently proven herself to be my guardian angel. I wonder what would have be of me without her and her brother. Turning around quickly, I embraced her tightly.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± She asked, chuckling.


    ¡°Thank you so much, Perry. I don¡¯t know what I would have done without you. Your love for me is surreal. I am extremely grateful.¡±


    ¡°E, get off me.¡± She drawled, holding me back. ¡°haven¡¯t you heard that I don¡¯t like hugs?¡±


    I snickered and held her to myself again. Sheughed in my hold. ¡°Do I look like I care about your rules?¡±


    ¡°I should have known loving you would lead me into trouble. It would help if you got going now. I heard the car horn. Your ride is here.¡±


    I inhaled deeply. ¡°How do I look?¡± I asked, feeling very nervous.


    ¡°Beautiful,¡± Perry stated.


    Picking up my bag, I stepped out of the house quickly before I changed my mind and ended up going back to bed. Throughout the ride, I tried topose the right words to say. Nothing came to my head. I hope I won¡¯t flop. The chosen restaurant seemed very ssy. I don¡¯t think my monthly pay as a healer would be enough to cover it. It¡¯s a perfect five-star space. Stepping in, I realized that there weren¡¯t any other people to sit aside, two women and the waiters. Did these people reserve the entire space? That would be unbelievable. Just then, the younger one among the women hurried towards me. I can tell that she is Kylia.


    ¡°Nia? Is this you?¡± She eximed, lifting me off the ground to my amazement. ¡°oh, my God, mama. She looks so much like Omar.¡±


    The older woman, who appears to be in her sixties, walked towards us. She had kind eyes, and I could see my father in them. ¡°My beautiful baby. I am so sorry it took us this long.¡± She mumbled, teary-eyed.


    My words seem to have gotten stuck in my throat. Nothing came out in response. That didn¡¯t faze them, as they only ushered me towards the table.


    ¡°Did you reserve the entire space?¡± The first sentence I would make was to satisfy my curious mind. Every so often, I say the wrongest things ever.


    Kylia chuckled lightly, ¡°Well, technically, I guess. My husband owns this ce, and he didn¡¯t mind that we had our little family reunion here. I hope you arefortable with it?¡±


    I nodded slowly. ¡°Pardon my manners, please. I am Nia Hayes.¡±


    ¡°Forgive us, too, foring at you like that. I am Kylia Reeds, and this is your grandmother, Catelyn Reeds. It is so nice to see you, Nia. I never thought we would be able to see this day.¡± Kylia said.


    Catelyn reached for my hand and patted it lovingly. ¡°I know you have many questions to ask us. Please take your time. We aren¡¯t in a rush, and I hope you are not too. It is like a dreame true. Seeing you right now feels like I am seeing my son again. When I didn¡¯t hear from him for over a decade, I knew something was wrong. Even though we knew where the pack was, we couldn¡¯t just barge into the hostile environment. Omar warned us to stay clear. I wish I had never listened to him and searched for you sooner.¡±


    ¡°You tried to find us?¡± I questioned in shock.


    She nodded, ¡°Yes, after I didn¡¯t hear anything from your father for a year, through the help of a close friend from the sunset pack. We got to ask around about your family. We learned about your mother¡¯s demise and how you left the pack with your father. We searched everywhere, but nobody imed to have seen you both.¡±


    Kylia chipped in. ¡°We only thought it was best to follow his heart. Maybe we should have refused his love interest. Your father was so crazy about your mother that he was on the verge of breaking ties with us before our mother decided her son¡¯s happiness mattered the most. Also, when we met your mother, we had no other choice. She was such a sweet soul.¡±


    ¡°ina sure made our boy happy,¡± Catelyn added.


    ¡°He had always been reckless, so we weren¡¯t surprised that he left the family¡¯s holistic medicine production business to study archeology. But when he found your mother, everything changed. It was weird that his lifetime mate was a werewolf. Things went smoothly over the years, especially when you were born. For some reason known to the both of them alone, we couldn¡¯t see them individually. Instead, we had your baby pictures to feed on. That seemed fair enough. Until everything went south, we didn¡¯t hear from any of you again until this very moment.¡± Her eyes watered. Kylia handed her a tissue to dab at the tears.


    I feel very clueless about how to respond to them. The information doesn¡¯t feel enough, but I know it is explicit. Maybe I wanted to hear them say they abandoned me so I could yell angrily at them. They didn¡¯t do anything wrong to me, and I intend to me them so severely. I have mixed feelings. Nothing seems to make sense, and my breathing is bing quite ufortable.


    My wolf kept struggling to the surface like something in my body chased it away. I coughed in difort. ¡°can you please excuse me for a minute? I will visit the restroom.¡± I said, hurrying to get away. But I didn¡¯t make it far before copsing against the table behind me unintentionally, and my body went limp.     I felt Kylia¡¯s arms around me as she helped me up. ¡°oh, my goodness. Are you alright?¡± She asked with a worried look on her face.


    ¡°Please help her back to the chair.¡± Catelyn joined in, too.


    I waved a dismissive hand, holding onto the top of the chair. ¡°No, I am sorry to have scared you. I missed a foot.¡± I lied. My heartbeat has gone up to a scary height. I don¡¯t know what happened, but it seems like there is something strange going on in my body.


    Kylia didn¡¯t look convinced as she still held me in ce. ¡°are you sure? You look too pale. Do you need to get to the hospital?¡±


    I raised my shaky hands and patted my face. ¡°Oh, don¡¯t mind my face. I appear pale when I am excited. Just give me a minute.¡± I said hurriedly and limped my way towards the restroom. From the way my leg hurts. I must have hit it against the table.


    Opening the restroom door, it felt like pure bliss. I have never been this delighted to be in the four walls of a restroom before. I walked gingerly towards the wash basin and stared at myself in the mirror. I do look like an acting ghost ready to be cast. Turning on the faucet, I sshed the water on my face.


    When I looked up, it was still the same. I have been feeling different for almost two weeks now. And my breathing had doubled, and I felt tired in no time after getting involved in a task. It¡¯s almost like my body is weakening as each day passes.


    Smacking my lips, I inhaled profoundly, reminiscing on the things my supposed aunt and grandmother just told me. I don¡¯t know how I feel about all of this yet and from how my body is acting. There is no assurance that I will be able to keep up with whatever they still have in store to say. Even though the most thoughtful thing to do is wait until we have exchanged all the past happenings in each of our lives. But I am too fagged to continue. I think it is best to leave it until another day.


    I paused abruptly again. I can¡¯t just up and leave. Thedies drove down here from miles away. No matter what, I have no choice but to sit still and be as polite as possible.


    I stared down at my hand, and the skin looked light like no life was in it. I need to get myself checked. It is so shameful that, as a healer, I can¡¯t figure out what is going on with my body. It might be how my mother must have been feeling when she fell ill. Dabbing at my face again as a bit of color returned to it. I eased myself quickly and returned to the table. The two women had a distressed look on their faces.


    ¡°My dear, are you alright?¡± Catelyn asked.


    ¡°I must have said something to upset you. Forgive me, please. I sometimes run my mouth without knowing.¡±


    Mumbling an apology, I gulped down the water in the ss before me. Humming in satisfaction, I chuckled lightly. ¡°I promise, Mrs Kylia, you didn¡¯t say anything wrong. It is just unfortunate that I am feeling a bit down. My body feels different, and it is acting up. Let¡¯s continue.¡±


    ¡°No, that won¡¯t be happening. Your body needs rest.¡± Catelyn said.


    ¡°Oh, no. It¡¯s fine. I will be fine. You both came from a far distance, and It would be unfair to have it all go to waste.¡± I insisted.


    Kylie smiled gently. ¡°You are such a sweet girl. Don¡¯t worry, honey. We don¡¯t mind staying back here for another week. Whenever you are ready to see us, we will be too. Let me drop you at home.¡±


    I sighed, feeling bad. ¡°I am sorry this had to end like this. You don¡¯t have to drive me home. I will fare just fine.¡±


    Catelyn shook her head, ¡°Well, I am sure your aunt will insist. So you have no choice but to agree to it. Moreover, that will let Kylia know where you are staying, and I hope you don¡¯t mind.¡±


    ¡°Of course, I don¡¯t,¡± I replied, relieved they were not offended.


    The drive home was lovely, and it felt like I had known Kylia for a very long time. She is a good conversationalist, too. She always has something to talk about. I was surprised to meet Perry at home. She would have left for an exhibition or go on her usual outings.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t expect you to be back so soon.¡± She said upon my entry.


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t expecting to see you at home.¡± I retorted.


    ¡°Well, I guess our expectations are both wrong.¡± She joked.


    Iughed weakly, settling my heavy self on the couch. ¡°you have got jokes. Is there something to eat? For some odd reason, I am feeling starving.¡±


    Perry snickered, making her way to the kitchen. ¡°I ordered a burger. Would you like to have it?¡±


    Making a cute face, I nodded slowly. ¡°I would love to.¡±


    She handed it to me and ced a water bottle next to me. ¡°Why aren¡¯t you saying anything? I expect you will have many things to tell me about your outing.¡±


    I held my breath as I chewed. Swallowing hard, I let it out at the same time. ¡°I wish I had something to share. The woman just gave me the tea when I felt hazy, and we had to reschedule. I think I might be sick. At the same time, maybe I was just anxious.¡±


    Perry stayed quiet and kept her eyes on me. ¡°Truth be told, you have been looking very different for a week now. Not only does the paleness of your skin seem absurd, but also you eat quite a load of food. Are you pregnant?¡±


    My eyes rounded like saucers as a loose lettuce stuck in my throat. I coughed out in difort, gulping down the water hurriedly. ¡°Do you n to kill me?¡± I inquired in a coarse voice.


    She folded her arms, not taking her eyes off mine. ¡°you act like there isn¡¯t a chance you might be. All we have to do is check to be sure you aren¡¯t. It¡¯s no big deal.¡±


    My racing heart began again, and now I am bothered. I have tried not to think about Gael and ept that he is one of those who were fated to hurt me. Having a whole piece of him for the rest of my life sounds very scary. I don¡¯t know what I might do if that is the case. I shake my head stubbornly.Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°There is no need for that. I am sure this is probably just my reaction to the new environment. I will be fine in no time.¡± I said.


    She didn¡¯t say anything and went into the room. Perry returned in less than a minute, handing me a small long packet. ¡°here, open it up and pee on it.¡±


    ¡°What is this?¡± I asked, reading the content. ¡°A pregnancy test kit?¡±


    ¡°Yes. There is no harm in checking. We need to know on time, just in case you need a doctor for any health issue.¡± She said. I let out a hot breath and stared long at it. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I will be with you in the bathroom.¡±


    Swallowing hard, I gave the test kit onest look. It won¡¯t kill me to try, so I might as well do it now. Standing determined, I headed to the bathroom with Perry on my tail. Taking out the kit, I peed on it as instructed and waited patiently. She announced the time was up and held it for a few long seconds.


    Perry thinned her lips and stared softly at me. ¡°You are pregnant, Nia!¡± She announced.

 Chapter 88 She is pregnant

    NIA¡¯S POV


    ¡°You know I am still amused that a healer like you doesn¡¯t know that she is carrying a child,¡± Perry noted, keeping her eyes on the road.


    I rested my forehead against the car window. We are just returning from the hospital, where Perry insisted that I get a thorough checkup and register for an antenatal. It turns out I am five weeks gone.


    ording to her words, she intends to take no chances regarding my health. I wish there were a way for me to turn back the hands of time and forget that I ever met Gael. What will I tell my child when they ask about him? How shameful will it be to admit that their father banished me out of the pack because he concluded that I cheated? Even though I am innocent, they will never forgive me for being the cause of their father¡¯s absence.


    ¡°Nia? Nia?¡± Perry called out, shaking me. I heard her calling, but my mind was too slow to respond. ¡°What are you brooding on?¡±


    I sighed, feeling heavy at heart. ¡°What is there to not brood on? Why do I have the cruelest fate? Do you know how hard it has been for me in the past months? I have tried hard to be positive and forget about all that happened at the pack. But I can¡¯t. Everything reminds me of Gael. I love him so much, Perry, it hurts. I can¡¯t seem to get over that dreadful look in his eyes. The hate that radiated from his pores had every one of my insides burning that night. Just when I was beginning to ept my cursed fate, I fell pregnant. How exactly am I supposed to move on from this? What do I do?¡± I gasped as the tears rushed to my eyes.


    Perry parked the car right and reached for my hands. ¡°You don¡¯t have to do anything, Nia. I am here for you. Don¡¯t ever call yourself cursed because you are not. It isn¡¯t the end of the road; I can assure you of that. There is nothing wrong with you. It is just the way life works. It doesn¡¯t pick sides. Just because you are going through a bad patch does not mean it is over for you. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. This pregnancy is a gift from the goddess. It signifies that she loves you and will always look out for you. The child will be your lifelongpanion; you can trust me. I promise to be here, trust me.¡±


    I sobbed, bowing my head. ¡°I don¡¯t know what I did to deserve you. Thank you, Perry.¡±


    She caressed my hair. ¡°Don¡¯t worry too much. Let¡¯s sort it all out one step at a time. Are you hungry?¡±


    My belly rumbled shamelessly in response. Perryughed loudly. ¡°I thought so. What should I order for you?¡±


    Scratching my neck shyly, I shrugged. ¡°Well, a jumbo box of burgers and fries will do for me.¡±


    ¡°The doctor said to avoid greasy eats.¡±


    ¡°Just this one time. It¡¯s okay to cheat the code.¡± I mumbled, raising a finger.


    She shook her head,ughing. ¡°We are almost home. I will make the order now.¡±


    When we parked in front of the house, Kingston was also dropping from his car. He rushed towards us, panting heavily. ¡°I rushed down here as soon as I heard.¡±


    Without holding back, I rushed to him and embraced him tightly. He is the second person I can trust, and I just felt that it would be the most appropriate thing to do to let him know about my present condition. I texted him at the hospital before my checkup.


    Kingston pressed my head against his chest gently, not saying a word.


    ¡°You two should quit the reunion out here and take it inside,¡± Perry suggested.


    I chuckled dryly against Kingston¡¯s chest. ¡°She does have a point. Pardon my manners ande in.¡± I said. He nodded and followed suit.


    Perry excused us and made herself scarce when we stepped into the house. Kingston and I stayed quiet, not saying much to each other. For one, I don¡¯t know where to start yet, and being unable to piece everything together just yet makes me quiet.


    ¡°How are you feeling?¡± Kingston asked, breaking the silence.


    I sighed tiredly, leaning further into the couch. ¡°I wish I could exin it. I am not very proud of this. I guess you must be disappointed in me.¡±


    ¡°What? Why would I be? Please don¡¯t think like that. I am more concerned about how well you are taking all of this. You did nothing wrong. That asshole that calls himself Alpha Gael is the one to me. There is no need to be hard on yourself. You have done very well holding strong for such a long time. From now on, I want you to be reliant on me. You have me to take care of you, and I am sure Perry is too. Please, all that matters now is your health. I am concerned with you and the child meeting with no resentment.¡±N?velDrama.Org ? content.


    I sniffed back, the tears making their way to my eyes. ¡°Thank you so much, Kingston, for always being so amazing.¡±


    He patted my knee, ¡°there is no need to thank me. As your brother, I must care for you. Have you told your aunt and grandmother?¡±


    My cheeks flushed at his question. I haven¡¯t gotten used to the terms just yet. Both of them had called at different times just to be sure I was okay. I still intend to hold that conversation with them and maybe run some medical tests to be sure we are indeed rted. I have read books that made mention of rtive fraud. Even though the pictures are there, I still want to be very convinced.


    ¡°Why are you hesitating?¡± Kingston asked, breaking into my thoughts.


    ¡°Will it be bad for me to seek a DNA test before epting them as my family? I don¡¯t mean to be rude. I don¡¯t want to get hurt anymore. My memory has fizzled out. I am not sure if I truly remember what I looked like years ago or if those people in the pictures are truly the parents I spent the first ten years of my life with. It¡¯s all so burdening that I fear trusting anyone else.¡±


    ¡°I understand you, dewdrop. It¡¯s okay for you to want to be sure. From the look of things, you obviously wouldn¡¯t want to talk to them yourself since I reached out to Kylia first. I will ask for something of hers, and we canplete the test.¡±


    My eyes shined brightly. ¡°Do you mean that?¡±


    He chuckled. ¡°you know I will do anything for you. Moreso, you need many hands on deck in your state. So I will indulge in everything that would enable you happiness. I wish my parents were more loving. They should be here for you when you need them the most.¡±


    An invisible string pulled at my chest at the reminder of my adoptive parents. I am just d Kingston knows nothing about what happened between the rest of the family and me. He would be very hurt, and that would break my heart. ¡°It¡¯s all good. With you and Perry by my side, there is no need to worry about anything.¡± I grinned.


    ¡°That¡¯s the spirit.¡±


    The doorbell rang, and Perry rushed out, making for the door. With two packages in hand, she raised it with her bag on the door. ¡°Who is hungry?¡±


    A wide smile breaks out on my lips. I don¡¯t think I have ever been this delighted to see food. ¡°Count me in!¡± I boomed happily.

 Chapter 89 Demands of a Luna

    AUTHOR¡¯S POV


    Gemma blinked back the tears that stained the back of her eyes. She watched as the council members grumbled their dissatisfaction regarding Gael¡¯s decision to make her the Luna. Gemma wouldn¡¯t have expected them to say anything and suspects her father might be behind the brutal refusal. With her arms folded, she stared nkly at the wall while trying to tune out their voices. Gael, on the other hand, seems to be unsure of what he is saying, as he keeps raising his voice without making an exact point.


    ¡°Enough!¡± Ezra bellowed, mming his hand on his table. He looked exhausted.


    Ever since he became the Beta, it has been from one troubled discourse to the other. It¡¯s almost like they don¡¯t have an Alpha. ¡°Please, that is enough argument for a day. We have been at this for over two weeks, going back and forth like children. Let¡¯s end this and meet again after two weeks. I guess seeing each other every day to talk about the same things has resulted in the irritation we all are feeling. Let¡¯s end it here.¡±


    He looked towards Gael to see if he might be against the order. But as it had been for the past weeks, Gael had his eyes glued to his phone. He is disinterested in whatever is happening. The rest of the council members grunted as they rolled out of the meeting hall. Ezra pulled at the root of his hair, feeling anger race through his veins. He might resort to resigning if things continue this way. It is hard enough that he has to put up with Gael¡¯s rude ass every blessed day. His wolf growled in difort.


    ¡°Alpha-¡± Ezra called out but was cut short by Gael¡¯s raise of hand.


    Gael turned to Gemma. ¡°I am sure you heard them. You aren¡¯t their ideal, Luna. All you have to do is get pregnant. They would have no choice then but to ept you.¡±


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you the Alpha? How can you be so rxed with letting people like that make decisions for you?¡± Gemma queried, finally finding her voice.


    He raised a brow, ¡°Have you gone mad? How dare you question me? Do you think being the Alpha is all about me? I have a responsibility to live up to, ensuring I am not just obsessed with my partner, but the rest of the pack has to feel the same way. The Luna has responsibilities, and only an empathic one can do that.¡±


    ¡°Are you saying I am not a kind person?¡± She questioned, feeling a piece of herself fall off.


    Gael scoffed, ¡°Don¡¯t y victim, Gemma. It doesn¡¯t suit you. I know you have changed now and trying to be better. But it will be hard to convince the rest of the others who have seen you do what you do. I never wanted to marry you solely because you will make all of my hard work go to waste.¡±


    Clenching her fist, Gemma red her nose at him. ¡°what changed then? If you don¡¯t want me to be Luna, why pick me?¡±


    He shrugged, ¡°Life happened, and you turned a new leaf. I could work with that. Don¡¯t worry about any of those wrinkled men. They have no other choice but to ept you. Get ready for tonight; I am getting you pregnant.¡± Gael chuckled dryly and stumbled out of the hall. He appears drunk, which was due to the excess alcohol he hadst night.


    Ezra, watching the two converse, pped his hands in amusement. ¡°wow! I must say that was quite a scene to watch. Is this what you strived so hard for? Not only were you tossed aside by the people who watched you grow. The one you want to have so badly sees you as a tool to get what he wants. Such a shame.¡±


    Gemma got up and raised a shaky finger at him in threat. ¡°Don¡¯t you ever open that stupid mouth of yours to talk to me in whichever way you, please? I do have a goal: never to be a puppet like you. You should be ashamed for serving someone the same age as you.¡±


    He snorted, ¡°You are the perfect description of delusional. Get your facts together, baby. You need help. Anyway, good luck in getting pregnant. I hope you both can achieve that soon. Or your days in the pack house will be reaching its end.¡±


    She kissed her teeth, feeling a surge of anger bounce through every path of her body. Gripping the top of the chair tightly, she rxed when the idea clicked.


    A smile broke out on her face. Why did she ever bother about all of the threats? When it is no doubt a blessing in disguise. She rubbed at her belly slowly. Even though she had been sad about it, it just made sense that it happened this way. She had been hellbent on getting rid of it the minute she was aware. After putting a text through to Zac, he didn¡¯t reply to her message.Original from N?velDrama.Org.


    Gemma had broken the news of her pregnancy to him. There was no doubt of who the father was judging by the number of weeks gone. She had no ns to keep it at. First, Zac¡¯sck of response also determined her to eliminate it. Today was her appointment before Gael insisted she join the council meeting. With this, she wouldn¡¯t have to worry about getting pregnant just in time for the next council meeting.


    Her marriage with Gael will work out. She was patting her belly in delight. She headed out of the hall just in time when her phone rang. Her heart raced when the caller turned out to be Zac. She nced around the hallway and returned to the meeting hall while trying to think of the right thing to say to him.


    ¡°What was that message about?¡± Zac questioned the moment the line connected.


    Gemma gulped as she nervously straightened her head. ¡°ah, ah! I finally made you talk to me. I thought I had to send you something triggering to get your attention.¡± She said, chuckling awkwardly.


    There was a long pause on the other end. ¡°there are many things that you have said to get my attention. None of it has ever involved a pregnancy prank. Why will you use that all of a sudden?¡± He asked.


    ¡°Why do you always have to take everything so seriously? It is obvious you still don¡¯t want to talk to me. It is fine. Do whatever pleases you. Bye!¡± She yelled, hanging up.


    That should keep him away. From this moment on, Gael is the father of her unborn child and no one else.

 Chapter 90 Moving on

    NIA¡¯S POV


    ¡°Are we opening this or not?¡± Perry asked impatiently.


    I am just as anxious to open the letter, but then I am scared of the result. What if it¡¯s not something that I would like? Many questions keep running through my head, and I am not very sure of the response that I want.


    Kingston huffed, ¡°I think I will do you the honor. If we keep staring at it, it won¡¯t open itself.¡± He says, snatching the letter from the table.


    With one hand rubbing at my growing belly and another in my mouth as I chewed off the nails. I exchanged a nervous look with Perry. Kingston read through the content patiently before looking up at us.


    ¡°You are rted to Kylia and Catelyn, 99. 9%.¡± He announced.


    A loud gasp escaped my lips, and I thought my heart would rip out. I have a family. An actual biological family! It is unbelievable! Perry snatched the letter from him and read through it quickly.


    ¡°Oh, my goodness! It¡¯s all true. You have a family, girl!¡± She hollered.


    ¡°How are you feeling?¡± Kingston asked.


    I blinked back the tears and looked up at them. ¡°I am overwhelmed. I know a part of me wanted this. At the same time, I wasn¡¯t sure; somehow, I had a feeling I might be disappointed. So, I tried to stay neutral. To think I have always had them all this time.¡±


    Perry giggled. ¡°This is the perfect time the goddess wants you to know. You see that you leaving the Sunset pack was all for a reason. And you don¡¯t need to be sad about it.¡± She said quickly when my face fell. ¡°This is a happy moment. Try your best to bask in it, please.¡±


    ¡°Is Kylia and Catelyn aware?¡± I inquired.


    ¡°Of course, thedies received the letter too. I am d we are over this. What remains is to live freely and let your mind be at peace.¡± Kingston advised.


    I hummed in response, not saying anything. It¡¯s a lot to take in, but at the same time, I feel very much at peace. My life will take a different turn from now. My child will have plenty of caring people around them. I was initially concerned, but as it is, the best way to live is to let things y out on their own.


    ¡°Everything looks settled now; I am thinking of starting something with my savings,¡± I said.


    Perry reached for the bowl of popcorn next to her; we had been watching a movie when Kingston arrived. Her mouth full, she said, ¡°Why not hold on until you put to bed?¡±


    ¡°I will be bored out of my mind then. I don¡¯t want to be too rxed and end up having regrets. I know things aren¡¯t the same herepared to where Ie from. But then, I want to do something.¡±


    ¡°Then you can be my assistant,¡± Kingston interjected.


    I turned to him in surprise. ¡°How?¡±


    He shrugged, ¡°Well, mypany has been on my neck to get an assistant to help sort my paperwork while I handle the practicals, but I have been quite reluctant. They wanted me to choose my assistant since I wasn¡¯t eager to ept anyone from them. I didn¡¯t want to have my work shared, and I wanted to be so busy and have nothing to worry about. But with you here, I guess my worry days are over.¡±


    I smiled heartily at him, ¡°You are such a darling, Kingston. I am not sure just yet, but I will think about what I would like to do and keep you posted.¡±


    ¡®¡±That would be nice. Please work with me. I can keep a closer eye on you that way.¡± He grinned. ¡°I should leave now. I have a Zoom meeting in an hour.¡± Kingston said, waving at us as he made his way out.


    ¡°You smite that young man, my darling,¡± Perry noted, shaking her head.Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be like that. Kingston is my brother.¡± I retorted.


    She didn¡¯t look convinced. ¡°Of course, he is your brother in love.¡±


    Iughed lightly, ¡°You are such a mess. I will pretend not to hear you. Can we get on with our movie now?¡± Perry didn¡¯t get to respond when the doorbell rang again. She nced back at me. ¡°did Kingston forget something?¡±


    ¡°I will have to check.¡± She replied, heading to the door. A short gasp and an excited tune rolled out of her mouth simultaneously. ¡°Hello, you must be Nia¡¯s aunt; the resemnce is top-notch.¡± Perry hollered.


    I stretched my neck and stood up. I wasn¡¯t expecting any of the women so soon. Kylia walked in with her arms spread out to hug me. ¡°Oh, my darling. How are you?¡± She inquired, embracing me.


    My shoulder tensed at first, then rxed as I held onto her. It feels so good; I can¡¯t remember thest time I got this much warmth of a hug. ¡°I didn¡¯t know you woulde,¡± I said. ¡°I hope the drive wasn¡¯t stressful?¡±


    Kylia waved a dismissive hand, ¡°it was no stress at all. The excitement fueled me just enough. Mum would have followed suit, but I had to stop her. We didn¡¯t want to appear too clingy simultaneously; the thought of leaving all of this until tomorrow wasn¡¯t too appealing. I am sorry to have arrived unannounced.¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s alright. I was concerned that you might be angry at me for requesting a DNA test.¡± I said, feeling apologetic


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to be like that. Anyone in your shoes would have thought that way, too. I am all so delighted that our family number is increasing.¡± She replied.


    I smiled, ¡°where are my manners? Mrs Kylia, this is Perry, my best friend, and she owns this ce.¡±


    ¡°Can you not be so formal with me? Call my aunt; I am, after all.¡± Kylia mused. ¡°It is so nice to meet you, Perry. Thanks for all you do.¡±


    ¡°I am the most happy to meet you. Nia deserves to know she belongs somewhere. Thank you for showing up.¡± Perry said.


    ¡°I wish you met Kingston before he left,¡± I muttered.


    ¡°That must be the one who brought us together. I want to meet Kingston, too. He is such a fine young man. But I am hoping we will be able to gather together next week. It¡¯s Mum¡¯s seventieth birthday thising week, and for the first time, she would like to celebrate it. We never celebrated her birthday since my brother¡¯s absence. With you now, she feels alive. Also, that will let you know your family home and everything else that matters. I hope you will be avable to Perry.¡±


    Perry didn¡¯t hesitate to reply. ¡°I am avable. All I have to do is take a few of my work materials and enjoy the blissful vacation.¡±


    ¡°I am sure you will fall in love with the ce. There is much more greenery view there than here, and the food is to die for.¡± Kylia replied.


    It¡¯s amusing to see the fun things without asking if I am okay with it or not. Perry turned to me with a twinkle in her eye. I finally got the attention. ¡°you don¡¯t mind going, right? It would be nice to see a new ce.¡±


    I rolled my eyes. ¡°Do I have a choice?¡±


    ¡°No, you don¡¯t.¡± She replied, giggling.


    I wanted to say something, but I found myself smiling all for no reason. It sure feels good around here.

 Chapter 91 Gemma鈥檚 pregnant

    GAEL¡¯S POV


    My eyes lingered on the words of the paper. I nced up at Gemma, whose face looked a bit different. I noticed the pace at which she breathed and the odd scent her wolf emitted. I know I should be excited, considering this is the news that the entire pack has been waiting for. I can¡¯t seem to feel it. Nothing feels appealing to metely. I want to bury my head in the sand and note out again.


    ¡°This is nice. I will inform the council about it, and we will proceed with the wedding.¡± I said with low enthusiasm.


    Gemma¡¯s face fell. ¡°but you don¡¯t look too happy.¡±


    Her words seem to irritate me all of a sudden.


    ¡°How else am I supposed to act? Jump around and howl because you are pregnant? It isn¡¯t my first, you know.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean by that? It¡¯s not your first, but it¡¯s mine. Shouldn¡¯t you at least show great concern?¡± She retorted.


    I gripped the bed sheets tightly. ¡°One more disrespectful word from you, and you will be sleeping in the cell with that thing inside of you. Do you think I can¡¯t make more if I choose?¡±


    ¡°Why are you being rude to me, Gael? What did I do wrong?¡±


    I kissed my teeth in disgust. ¡°Your presence in my life is what you did wrong.¡±


    ¡°But you asked me toe back.¡±


    ¡°Technically, I didn¡¯t. And I don¡¯t want to have this conversation. If you have nothing else to say, get dressed and leave. The maids will take care of you and respond to your needs. Don¡¯t show me your face until I ask you to.¡± I ordered, yanking off the duvet from my body. I made my way to the bathroom.


    Staring at myself in the mirror feels very strange. It¡¯s almost like I am not the one. My beard has overgrown, and my hair covered half of my face. I have been living like a pure loser for weeks. Nothing interests me, and I am more like a walking dead. And I wouldn¡¯t say I like every bit of it. Immersing myself in work isn¡¯t even that easy. I have to keep struggling to focus. It¡¯s driving me up the wall.


    Moving stealthily, I stepped out of the bathroom with a determined mind. I feel heavy because it has been a while since I ran in the woods. Shifting into my wolf, I ran just halfway and stopped when I reached the spot where I had seen Nia naked for the first time. I can¡¯t remember if I told her about it. I have been meaning to let go of the memory. But like a gue, it sticks with me. She is such a sponge. Her absence is just the same as her presence.


    Giving up on the run in frustration, I returned to the room, entered the bathroom again, and stared at myself. I know it is unhealthy for me to keep doing stupid things repeatedly. It isn¡¯t me. There is no way I would have fallen so deep for Nia and could not control my emotions. Every passing day feels like my soul is fading away. Anger wed at me suddenly, causing me to his spitefully.


    Turning away from the mirror, I washed up and headed for the study. To my surprise, Ezra seemed to have been waiting for me. I felt happy just seeing him, but I remembered our differences and shut my excitement down.


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± I questioned.


    He closed the book in his hand and tilted his head. ¡°We have a problem.¡±


    ¡°As long as it has nothing to do with finding a healer. We have nothing to worry about then.¡±


    ¡°It is indeed something to worry about. Rumors are flying around the pack, and we must make it die. I have called the media management team. But we need you to chip in your thoughts before going ahead.¡±Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°If you have already made the decision. Whye to me again?¡±


    ¡°It would be wrong not to carry you along. Everyone is using you of negligence. The children of the elders you locked unjustly have voiced their displeasure on how cruel you are. You are being mocked and said to have lost your power. You know how those these things work. Someone must have started it to cause mischief.¡±


    I scoffed in irritation. ¡°how am I so sure you didn¡¯t do that?¡±


    Ezra bit down on his lips and held my gaze. ¡°Do I look like a petty person to you? Probably you wouldn¡¯t mind doing that. But I can assure you it is not my way of doing things. So be rest assured that I know nothing about it.¡±


    Gritting my teeth, I stayed quiet, toying with the pen on the table. ¡°do you think making Gemma Luna is a bad idea?¡± I asked, letting loose of my ego. ¡°I don¡¯t care about whatever anyone says. But she is carrying my child now. It will be wrong not to make it official before she puts to bed.¡±


    The silence was deafening, and for a moment, I thought Ezra had stepped out without me knowing. I nced up, our eyes met, and he had a twinkle in his; aside from that, I couldn¡¯t read any emotion on his face.


    ¡°Why did you take Gemma back in the first ce?¡± He asked.


    I shrugged, ¡°is there supposed to be a reason?¡±


    ¡°Well, to my understanding, you needed a recement so bad, and you must have missed how recklessly you both y around. A part of you was very conscious of what you were doing. So, it will be up to you to decide what is best for you.¡±


    ¡°I always knew seeking love in rtionships was a total waste of time. I don¡¯t know why I got carried away. There is no other way to it as it stands. I will get married to Gemma whether the council agrees to it or not. I feel she will be more reasonable when she has a child to look after. Many women be thoughtful after their first child. You can leave now.¡± I said.


    He didn¡¯t even hesitate for a second. ¡°Yes, Alpha.¡±


    Even though he said nothing wrong, I am still pissed. How hard is it for him to sympathize with me? I am not a fan of a pity party, but he is the closest person to me. That¡¯s the least I should expect from him. Leaning into the chair, I shut my eyes, feeling tired, zoning out the draining thoughts. I should get some sleep instead. That would make me feel much better.

 Chapter 92 Reasonable Kid

    AUTHOR¡¯S POV


    Ezra ran through the woods angrily. His furs stood alert as he moved at an rming speed. No matter how much Ezra tries to keep Gael¡¯s predicament out of his mind. Ezra finds himself worrying so much about it. Nothing seems to be working out, no matter how much he tries. It pushes him to believe the Beta position might not be for him and that Ezra is an impostor. Panting heavily, he stopped and made a U-turn back to the house.


    Times like this are when he starts to regret not living his life outside of Gael¡¯s world. It¡¯s stressful for him to see his best friend every day and not be able to have a normal conversation with him. Still, he wouldn¡¯t change his mind until Gael returned to his senses. What would be the essence of their friendship if they can¡¯t be sincere with one another? Ezra prays to the goddess daily to help his friend realize his mistake and make amends before it is toote.


    On getting to his room, his phone rang loudly, getting his attention. A smile broke out on his face at the caller. Answering the call, he sounded throaty. ¡°Today is surely reaching a good end. Did you miss me? Is that why you are calling?¡±


    Perry snickered on the other end. ¡°You wish. I just called to be sure I still have a living rtive.¡±


    Laying on his back on the bed, Ezra chuckled. ¡°You missed me then.¡±


    ¡°Whatever. Believe anything at your peril.¡±


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t concern you what I choose to believe. All I know is that you miss me. How are you doing, and how is Nia? It¡¯s been a while since I heard from her.¡±


    There was a long pause before Perry finally cleared her throat to say something. ¡°We are both fine, thank you. How are you doing, too? I hope your new position isn¡¯t depriving you of good sleep?¡± She teased.


    ¡°I am doing quite well; thanks for your concern. As regards Nia, I feel like you both are hiding something from me. And I am sure Nia wouldn¡¯t do that if you had not told her to do so. Sometimes, I wonder if you are my sister or the devil¡¯s advocate. Talk to me about what is going on. I am worried as it is.¡±


    Perry huffed in resolve. ¡°Nia found her father¡¯s family.¡±Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.


    Ezra sat up hurriedly, his eyes rounding like saucers. ¡°You don¡¯t mean it. Where do they stay?¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t be sharing that information with you.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Why not? You wine and dine with the enemy. He is your best friend, and I am sure he will return to his senses someday. Gemma wouldn¡¯t be able to hide her real self for too long. After that, I know the next thing he would do is to look for Nia through you. I feel at peace knowing she has somewhere else to run to if my ce bes insecure.¡±


    ¡°I feel betrayed. I was the one who made Nia feelfortable when Gael was an ass. I helped her get out of the pack alive.¡±


    ¡°I am indeed grateful for your help, and Nia is too. But for her peace of mind, she must be alone without many people knowing. Please understand her, Ezra. She will let you in on it when she is ready. Trust me.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s alright. I really can¡¯t force Nia to do what she doesn¡¯t want to in the first ce. I take it that she needs to heal from the whole mess. I will call herter on. How are you doing, though? I miss you.¡±


    ¡°Well, I don¡¯t miss you. And I am doing just great, and my paintings are making waves. I am contented.¡±


    ¡°You just had to ruin the moment with your dumb ego. I guess this conversation is over then if you don¡¯t miss me. Bye.¡±


    ¡°Such a brat. Bye!¡± She hollered, ending the call.


    Ezraughed to himself as he stared at the screen. Hearing from his sister makes him feel a bit better from a few minutes ago. As troublesome as Perry might appear, she lights up everywhere. He would have to leave the pack for a few days to visit New York. He is pretty worried about Nia. Even though they are not giving anything out, he feels bothdies are hiding something from him.


    Ezra inhaled profoundly, and his belly growled hungrily. Ezra dragged himself from the bed and went to have a clean bath first before heading downstairs to eat. His uncle, Ezekiel, was in the living room reading a newspaper. Ezra motioned to one of the maids to make him something to eat before going to sit with his uncle.


    ¡°Mind if I join you, sir?¡± He asked.


    Ezekiel looked up at him with a small smile. ¡°I will appreciate that. Please take a seat. How are you doing, son?¡±


    ¡°I am okay,¡± Ezra replied. ¡°How is your health? It¡¯s been a couple of days since Ist saw you. The aunt said you have been ying golf.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I love how busy it keeps me from reminiscing on my bothersome life. I heard of Gael¡¯s recent shenanigans. How are you coping with it?¡±


    He exhaled in exhaustion, ¡°Truth be told, uncle. I am tired. I feel swarmed. Ever since that day, we had the party, I haven¡¯t been able to bask in the hot of bing Beta. At this point in my life, I am thinking of dropping the position and doing something more productive with myself. Gael isn¡¯t helping matters, making enemies with the people he is supposed to serve. It¡¯s getting to me so bad. I can¡¯t tell how long I can hold up anymore.¡±


    ¡°You have to, Ezra. You have to stay strong for your friend. If you leave him, he will be alone and exposed to danger. No one wille to save him. They will leech on his weakness. Gael might try to act all solid every time. But I can assure you he is very soft at heart. It doesn¡¯t fair much without his backbone, and that is you. I am saying this because I know what my daughter is capable of. The minute she realizes that you have turned your back totally against your friend. She will take advantage of that and use it to her gain. Keep drumming the truth in Gael¡¯s ears until he listens. That is your most important duty as the pack¡¯s Beta and the Alpha¡¯s best friend. He needs you now more than ever.¡±


    ¡°Who will care for me if I sacrifice this much for him.¡±


    ¡°It will all be worth it in the end. Don¡¯t doubt it. Most importantly, I trust you. You have always been a very reasonable kid, Ezra. I am very confident that you won¡¯t fail this time around, too, just as you have handled situations sessfully in the past. Don¡¯t let anything hold you back. Stay strong.¡±


    ¡°Thank you for your words, uncle. I do appreciate it.¡±


    ¡°You are always wee.¡± Said Ezekiel.


    ¡°Your food is ready, Beta Ezra.¡± The maid called out to him.


    Ezra gasped in delight. He had forgotten about the food. But one rumble from his belly, he jolted up to get it fed. Food first, then Gael cane after.

 Chapter 93 The Dinner

    NIA¡¯S POV


    At first, I thought I was dreaming when the luxurious car parked in front of the house to pick Perry and me up. Then I learned it was for Aunt Kylia¡¯s husband. I would love to meet him. The mere thought of him feels luxurious. The ride to New Haven was filled withughter as Perry told stupid jokes that had my underbelly aching after it all. I couldn¡¯t get enough of the view. New Haven is a beautiful ce.


    I can imagine how much fun my father had growing up here. I would love to experience something like that. My soul feels very essible, and I can run in the woods without worrying about getting seen. I am pretty d that I made it out of the Sunset pack. I never would have gotten the chance to see the world around me. It¡¯s all so full of warmth.


    The house is on a different level of elegance. It looked like a mansion even though it was not as much as the pack house. But there is an embracing warmth to it. On entering the living room, it filled me with warmth. ncing up at the ceiling, I have never seen such an enormous chandelier. It¡¯s beautiful and glorious in its silver ornaments.


    Catelyn rushed towards us, holding up her signature smile.


    ¡°Hello, beautifuldies. Wee. It¡¯s so nice to have you here.¡± She grinned, pulling me and Perry into a bear hug.


    ¡°Happy birthday in advance, ma¡¯am.¡± I smiled.


    Catelyn tapped me on the shoulder lightly. e on, don¡¯t be formal. I am your grandma now. Feel free to call me Granny. And that applies to you too, Perry.¡± She said.


    Perry chuckled loudly. ¡°You have a beautiful house. And that ride outside is topnotch.¡±


    ¡°You have your aunt Kylia¡¯s husband to thank for the ride. It is a shame you won¡¯t be meeting him this week. He is on a business trip in California.¡± Catelyn said. ¡°Make yourself at home. I will show you to your rooms. You can leave the bags behind. The maids will handle it. How are you feeling now, Nia?¡±


    My eyes fluttered as I wasn¡¯t expecting the question just yet. I have been getting the How are you feeling questiontely, and I can always tell there is more to it than they let on. And I end up responding casually.


    I nodded with a small smile. ¡°I am okay.¡±


    ¡°That is good to know. I wasn¡¯t sure what you both might like, so I thought your rooms should be next to each other. If you do mind, please don¡¯t hesitate to let me know.¡± Catelyn mused, pointing at each door.


    I pped my hands in excitement. ¡°This is great, granny. Thank you very much.¡±


    Perry hummed along. ¡°It is perfect.¡±


    ¡°I am d you both like it. You both should freshen up and rx. Dinner ister, but I will ask the maid to bring refreshments.¡± Said Catelyn. ¡°I will excuse myself now.¡±Original from N?velDrama.Org.


    Watching her leave, we turned to each other and giggled shamelessly. One would think we were homeless beforeing down here. They ran into each room, which was just as weing as the entire house. The bed felt like feathers. I could spend the rest of my life here. All of the negative thoughts disappeared immediately.


    Everything that surrounds me is calm. A knock came from behind the door, and I called for whoever it was to go in. A maid asked which bag was mine and another with a tray filled with appetizers. My grandmother is a good host.


    I smiled while I unpacked. I intend to use the week I will be spending here. Someone opened the door again, and I didn¡¯t need to ask who it was; I could smell Perry even if she were miles away. And right now, she is hoping to sneak up on me. I stood straight and turned to her abruptly.


    She let out a shocked gasp. With a hand on her chest, she red her nose. ¡°why would you turn to me like that? Do you intend to send me into shock?¡±


    ¡°Did you care to have a deep thought on why it might be wrong to sneak up on a pregnantdy? You got what you deserved.¡±


    ¡°Whatever!¡± She red in her usual way, throwing herself into the bed while stealing from my fruit te.


    I shook my head, ¡°you never keep your hands to yourself.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t help it when it looks edible and yummy.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you have yours?¡± I bickered.


    ¡°I do, and that still won¡¯t stop me from eating yours.¡±


    I sighed in exhaustion. ¡°It¡¯s useless arguing with you. You will always win. So, tell me, what do you think so far?¡± I asked eagerly.


    Perry sat up. ¡°I think it is amazing. It¡¯s a shame you got deprived of this life. I envy your father, and he grew up well.¡±


    I looked around, nodding. ¡°That must be why my father moved freely to find his happiness. I wish it didn¡¯t have to end that way. But then, what do I know.¡±


    ¡°What about you? Do you feel at home?¡± Perry asked.


    I sniffed, intertwining my fingers. ¡°I am enjoying it so much that I am almost feeling guilty. Thoughts like maybe I don¡¯t deserve this keep ying in my head. I feel like an imposter. All of this belongs to my human father. I am only half-human. How long will their affectionst? So much thought and many other things.¡±


    ¡°The problem is that you overthink things a lot. Why not just enjoy this moment? If anything goes amiss, we can always return to our maximum cubicle.¡± She joked.


    Iughed heartily, ¡°You are such a mess. I have meant to ask, what were you discussing with Ezra the other day?¡±


    She suddenly looked ufortable as she scratched the back of her hair. ¡°I don¡¯t know how you will feel about this, but I only did it in good faith, I promise. For me, I think it is best if Ezra doesn¡¯t know much about what is happening to you right now. He might y nice towards you, but his loyalty will always lie with his best friend. And that doesn¡¯t mean Ezra is a bad person. I would jump loops for you, just like he would, too. I am sorry if I crossed the line.¡±


    Her sincerity brought tears to my eyes. I am so undeserving of Perry. She looks out for me like I am her flesh exactly. I don¡¯t know what I would have been able to do without her in my life. I guess the goddess had topensate me one way or the other.


    Reaching for her hand, I patted it.


    ¡°Do you think there is any way you will ever get to cross the line? Everything you have done so far, you did it for my good. I would be an ungrateful being not to notice that. If you didn¡¯t persuade me enough, I probably wouldn¡¯t be here right now. You have been a great friend, and I hope to keep you by my side until the end of time. Thank you so much, Perry. Also, I know Ezra means no harm. He is a wonderful friend, too. I guess it¡¯s okay to keep things on a lowkey for now, just until we know for sure what we intend to do next.¡±


    ¡°I agree to that. You don¡¯t need any Gael negativity in your life right now.¡±


    ¡°Sure,¡± I mumbled absentmindedly. Whenever Gael¡¯s name pops up, it gives me an unexinable shiver. I hate that he has this much effect on me. ¡°I need to freshen up and sleep for a few minutes.¡±


    ¡°Same here. See you at dinner.¡± She cooed, racing out.


    Shaking my head at her receding, I chuckled to myself. Perry is such a delight to watch.     *******************


    Grandma Catelyn¡¯s birthday was of plenty of mouthwatering dishes to pick from and just twenty people in attendance, which included myself and Perry, the birthday girl herself, and my aunt Kylia with her eight-year-old son. The rest of the people are staff of the house and their holistic medical center, plus a few of her neighbors. Despite the small crowd, one can see the happiness on their faces. They are genuinely happy for Catelyn.


    My dad¡¯s absence must have taken quite a toll on the entire family. To a proper extent, I am d to be a source of joy to them all. Everyone wanted to see me, and they keptmenting on my close resemnce to my dad. I got the chance to see the entire house and take a long journey through the pictures of my father when he was young. I also had a picture with the whole family as a baby.


    Aunt Kylia said that was the first andst time they visited New Haven as a family. My eyes lingered on the picture for so long that, for a second, I thought it hade alive. I tried to imagine how that moment must have felt for them. Were they happy and proud to have birthed me? I really can¡¯t say. But then, it¡¯s all in the past, and a new day hase. Like Perry always says, it¡¯s best to live in the moment. I shifted in my chair, feeling a bit of difort and the urge to pee.


    I am nine weeks gone already, and it feels like I have a full wolf baby inside me. Maybe it is because the child belongs to an Alpha, or I am prone to give birth to a unique baby. It¡¯s almost like it enjoys resting on my dder at every opportunity. Or maybe it is how many pregnantdies feel, but for some reason, I keep imagining my child to be everything like their father. Another thought of Gael made a sad feeling wash over me. I don¡¯t know how long I intend to keep this up.


    I got up on my feet. I went to ease myself and walked to the back of the house where the greenhouse, garden, and clinic were. It turns out that my father¡¯s family are modern-day healers because the goddess didn¡¯t ordain them like I was. However, curiosity and love for humanity made their generation find better ways to help humans live peacefully. Now I know where I got my talents, not just my mother. I was born for this.


    The garden has many scented and healing herbs, tended to with extreme love. It¡¯s a beauty to behold. The sight of it takes me back to the Sunset pack. I didn¡¯t realize how much I missed it until now. I enjoy helping people regain their feet and seeing them smile genuinely again. It¡¯s all I live for.


    ¡°Are you that happy to see them?¡± Catelyn asked from behind.


    I blushed profusely, ¡°they are all just a beauty to behold. I can¡¯t help but get lost in it.¡±


    ¡°Perry told me you were the ordained healer of your pack.¡±


    I snickered, ¡°Perry sure has a big mouth. Well, I was, and now I am not anymore.¡±


    ¡°Would you like to see the greenhouse? It harbors the more sensitive herbs. They need protection at all costs. The ones nted out here are wild.¡± She suggested.


    ¡°I would love to,¡± I replied joyfully.


    Even though I have only been here for two days, it feels like I belong here. ¡°Wow!¡± I eximed on entering the greenhouse. The smell alone is soothing, and the cordial arrangements of each nt bed show how organized my grandmother is.


    Catelyn giggled, ¡°I know you love what you see. This space is my sce whenever I get in my feelings and miss your father.¡±


    ¡°What was he like?¡±


    ¡°Wholesome. Your father is the son anyone will wish for. He made my life worth living. He was helpful and thoughtful. Omar would light up an entire house just by his presence. He respects everyone and loves just as much. Omar has always been an explorer, but your father killed his desire to stick by me and his sister after his father got swept away by a huge storm on the sea. I had to beg him to follow his heart when I realized how much he sacrificed to stay with us. Even though I lost him, I am d he was genuinely happy through those years.¡±


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you worried that I am half werewolf?¡±


    ¡°Aren¡¯t we all the same? Just because you are a werewolf, does it change how you see others around you? Your father knows that, and I am aware, too. Our blood runs inside of you, and that is enough. I am not going to love you less either way. I have loved you since you came into our lives, and I will still love you. Do you know how he died?¡±


    I gulped hard. Even if I don¡¯t remember much, I will never forget that cold day a rogue wolf tore my father apart. It can¡¯t erase it in my memory. But I am not stupid to tell it to the mother as it is. ¡°I really can¡¯t remember now. But he died peacefully, you can be sure of that. I guess the burden of his wife¡¯s death got to him.¡±


    Catelyn smiled weakly. ¡°He loved her very much. It¡¯s no surprise he fell weak along the way. I am confident he didn¡¯t mean to leave you all alone.¡±


    I nodded in agreement. ¡°My father sure didn¡¯t. He was a protective one until the very end.¡± I replied, trying to shun off the image guing my vision.


    We both stayed quiet, staring into space, and she cleared her throat. ¡°I know you might feel choked. But do you mind if I go baby things shopping on your behalf? I didn¡¯t get to do that for you. I would love to do it for your child.¡± said Catelyn.


    I tucked my loose hair behind my ear shyly. ¡°thank you very much, I don¡¯t mind.¡± I paused, biting my lower lip. ¡°Why aren¡¯t you asking me about it?¡±


    ¡°First of all, you are not a child. You are a full-grown adult who knows what is best for her. Also, we just met. It would be dumb of me to meddle in your business without precaution. Please take your time and feel free to talk to me whenever you wish to.¡±


    My eyes watered, ¡°thank you.¡±


    ¡°Why are you thanking me?¡±


    ¡°For not judging me.¡±


    She spread out her arms, embracing me gently. ¡°I would never do that. We all have stories to tell. Anyone who judges the other is nothing short of a hypocrite. Don¡¯t doubt yourself for anyone. As long as I live, I will always have your back. Trust me.¡±


    Freeing myself, I hugged her again. It does feel like home.

 Chapter 94 Cold Blooded Murderers

    AUTHOR¡¯S POV


    Perry bites down on her nails anxiously as she stares at Nia¡¯s back. She looked happy,ughing at something her cousin said. She took a quick look at her phone again. How is she supposed to break the news to her friend, knowing this is the time Nia needs her the most? At the same time, the offer is something she has wanted all her life, and it would be an excellent push for her growing career.


    ¡°Is everything okay?¡± Kylie asked, standing next to her.


    Perry turned abruptly, almost twisting her ankle, causing Kylia to hold her in ce. ¡°I am so sorry, and I didn¡¯t mean to startle you.¡±


    She chuckled awkwardly. ¡°No, it¡¯s fine. I was in my head, and it made me slip.¡±


    ¡°Why do you look so tensed? Please, is something wrong with Nia? Your eyes keep going back to her.¡±


    Perry let out a frustrated sigh. ¡°I am worried, and I feel like a bad friend. But I need this. I wasn¡¯t expecting the offer toe so soon.¡±


    ¡°What are you talking about?¡±


    ¡°There is this art exhibition tour in Europe that I applied for long before Nia came to stay with me. I just got an email now that I have been there, and the ticket is ready. So I am due to leave by the end of the week, and I will be gone for three months.¡±


    Kylia smiled widely. ¡°But that is good news. Why do you look so bothered? I am sure Nia would be happy for you.¡±


    ¡°Yes, she would, and I know she won¡¯t admit it, but it would be hard for her to be all alone.¡±


    ¡°Is it because she is pregnant?¡±


    ¡°That and because she has been through a lottely and needs people around her. There is Kingston, but he wouldn¡¯t be able to live in the same space as she does. I am worried she would be lonely with me going away.¡±


    ¡°If you want her around someone so bad, she can stay here. Mum will love thepany even though she doesn¡¯t say much. I know the loneliness gets to her after a long day at the clinic, and the staff have all retired for the night. I try my best to show up from time to time. But it is not easy juggling the business, looking after my family, anding down here. I think they will be best for each other.¡± Kylia suggested.


    Perry nced at Nia again. ¡°It won¡¯t be easy to convince her. She dislikes it when someone treats her like a child. She thinks I am trying to make a project out of her as much as I try not to. I find myself bing extremely worried about her. Aside from my brother and dead parents, Nia is someone that I hold dear to my heart. If anything happens to her under my watch, I will never forgive myself.¡± She mumbled.


    She sniffed back the tears in her eyes. Kylia ced aforting hand on her shoulder. ¡°Don¡¯t you think you are doing too much to yourself? She is your friend, and she loves you too. I am sure Nia is aware of how much you care for her. You don¡¯t have to doubt that. Talk to her and express your worries. If she still insists on living by herself, it is fine. We would all respect her decision and ensure to be present as much as possible.¡±


    ¡°She might refuse it.¡±


    ¡°Then it¡¯s fine. There¡¯s no need to feel bad about it. Let Nia make the decision herself.¡±


    Inhaling deeply, Perry mumbled a thank you and made her way towards Nia. ¡°Hey.¡± She called out softly.


    Nia looked up, grinning. ¡°hey, girl. Have fun?¡± ?


    She looked around, nodding. ¡°It¡¯s more than fun. There is so much to eat and do. How about you?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s the best time of my life.¡±


    ¡°I am d you feel that way. Can I talk to you for a minute?¡± Perry requested.


    Nia squinted her eyes when she noticed the stiffness in her friend¡¯s tone. ¡°Is everything okay? You don¡¯t look much like yourself.¡± She said, following her to where there wasn¡¯t anyone standing.


    She cleared her throat and held Nia¡¯s gaze.


    ¡°I have a request to make of you, Nia, and I hope you won¡¯t overthink it and just do as expected.¡±


    ¡°What is this about?¡±


    ¡°So, I got invited to Europe for a three-month exhibition tour.¡±


    Nia gasped excitedly, jumping at Perry and hitting her with her small bump. ¡°That is such good news. Why, then, do you look so sad?¡±


    ¡°That is because I am worried about you. I will be gone for three months, and my heart will be in turmoil knowing you will be in the house all by yourself for so long.¡±


    ¡°But Kingston will always be there to check on me.¡±


    ¡°Kingston won¡¯t be enough. You are pregnant. Since the day I knew you had a little one growing inside you. I have been reading books about the things close rtives need to take note of to help the journey go smoothly. And you are a half-breed. Anything can happen. Being pregnant alone puts you at stake.¡± She reaches for Nia¡¯s hands.


    ¡°I am not trying to scare you. I want you to be in safe hands. Stay here with your newfound family, and I promise you that the moment I arrive, I will be taking you back home with me. Please.¡±


    Nia blinked slowly, trying to process everything Perry said. She held her gaze and could see the sadness written in her eyes. Moments like this are the reason Nia feels she doesn¡¯t deserve Perry. Her love for her is unconditional. Even though the situation is a happy one for her, she still worries about her friend. Nia reached for Perry¡¯s cheek and stroked it with her thumb.


    ¡°You have done a lot for me, Perry. Your happiness is solely mine, too. I don¡¯t know what I would do without you. And I know that the house won¡¯t be the same without you in it. First, I am so proud of this new feat of yours. I trust that you will go ces. As for staying here, it doesn¡¯t sound like a bad idea. I can continue my healing spree here with the holistic clinic. Myself and Catelyn have bonded, and we have quite a lot inmon. Three months shouldn¡¯t be too much to spend here and get to know my new family more. Moreover, what can happen within three months? I will dly wait for you to return.¡±


    Perryughed as she pulled Nia into a tight embrace. ¡°Thank you so much for understanding me. Now I know there is someone to look after you.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry about me. I will be fine. When are you due to leave?¡±


    ¡°The end of this week.¡±


    ¡°That means you can spend the next few days with me.¡±


    ¡°Of course. I will go a day before departure


    to have your things sent here. I wouldn¡¯t pack too much, either. Will do some shopping when I get there.¡±


    ¡°I am going to miss you.¡±


    ¡°I will miss you more,¡± Perry mumbled, caressing her hair. Nia¡¯s belly growled in protest, and sheughed. ¡°someone is hungry again.¡±


    Her face flushed. ¡°I wish I could help it. Do you mind?¡±


    Chuckling loudly, she held her hand, leading the way. ¡°Not at all.¡±


    *******************


    ¡°Is that so? So you won¡¯t being back?¡±


    Kingston said into the phone receiver, squeezing his face.


    Nia coughed on the other end. ¡°I am sorry. I know you offered me a job. But I think this is where I should be. It¡¯s just for the next three months until Perry returns.¡±


    ¡°Come on, you don¡¯t have to be sorry. What matters is you being fine where you are. Is it okay if Ie to visit you sometime?¡±Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I would love that.¡± She replied excitedly.


    ¡°I wille around then. Take care of yourself and say hello to your family on my behalf. Bye.¡± He muttered, ending the call.


    Caleb cleared his throat, crossing his legs. ¡°You are still not over her.¡±


    Kingston eyeballed him. ¡°what do you mean? How would you know that from just one call? Moreover, she is my sister. I have always loved her and will keep loving her.¡±


    ¡°You know it is beyond that. You can¡¯t even pay attention to another female. Your closest female colleague gives you all the signs of wanting you in a deeper sense, and for some reason, you have chosen to be closed up with your feelings. I don¡¯t think any sane person would be so nice to keep baking different pastries and bringing them to your doorstep at different times if they aren¡¯t head over heels in love with you.¡±


    Sucking his teeth, Kingston turned away from his brother and stared nkly at hisptop screen. His brother is correct, but he has no intention of admitting it. It is hard for him to keep approaching Nia like his heart isn¡¯t breaking at the thought of him never getting the chance to be the only one in her life. Now that she is pregnant, he has to keep a distance to avoid taking advantage of her vulnerable moment, but he can¡¯t me his heart for still desiring her. It was hard for him to tame it to ept that Nia would never harbor any feeling towards him that was different from that of a sibling.


    Caleb stared at his brother for a long while. He feels pained that Kingston keeps hoarding his pains to himself and refusing to share. Kingston isn¡¯t at fault. It¡¯s not like they shared the best rtionship back in the pack. It surprised him that Kingston didn¡¯t turn him away when he had left their parents and came knocking on his door without prior notice. Calen felt terrible for bringing up the issue, so he apologized.


    ¡°I am sorry. I didn¡¯t mean to stir up your emotions.¡± Caleb mused.


    Kingston looked at him in surprise. ¡°Did you just apologize?¡±


    ¡°W-what?¡±


    He scoffed out augh. ¡°You have never admitted to your wrongdoing, Caleb. It is always about you.¡±


    Caleb snorted, ¡°what do you even mean by that? I am not that bad, you know. And like I said before, I have been able toe to my senses with the help of Nia. Now, I know better than to be an absolute nuisance and make others miserable.¡±


    Kingston hummed in pride. ¡°It is so relieving to hear that you are on the right track. I knew you weren¡¯t much of Nia¡¯s friend. But you were the one who told me about the trouble she went through also since you both have an understanding now. Why did you tell me not to inform her about your arrival? It¡¯s been a month now.¡±


    He looked away in difort. ¡°There is no reason to remind Nia of the things she went through. I am fine wishing her well from afar.¡±


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t sound like a good enough reason to me. What does telling have to do with looking from afar?¡± He pestered.


    ¡°Can we not talk about this?¡±


    ¡°We have to. You started the talk about Nia, and I have been curious about what suddenly changed. Nia spent ten years of her life with us, and you never for once acted nice towards her, even though she has never been rude to you. You always sided with our parents without bothering to find out who was wrong. Majority wins is your mantra, remember?¡± Kingston pressed on.


    Caleb pulled at his ear in frustration. ¡°That is enough! I know I was an asshole in the past, but everyone does deserve a second chance. Why are you being so judgemental?¡±


    ¡°You know I am not! You are hiding something from me. Just because I pretend unaware doesn¡¯t mean I don¡¯t pay attention.¡±


    ¡°Please, Kingston. Let¡¯s not talk about this.¡± He pleaded in frustration.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you just tell me what it is?¡±


    ¡°If I tell you, you must promise to keep cool and not meddle. It happened months back, and everyone has moved on. Especially, Nia. Even if she does love you and might be interested in being with you, she wouldn¡¯t want to because of all that happened. Anyone in their right frame of mind wouldn¡¯t stay so close to their enemy.¡±


    Kingston¡¯s wolf rose to the surface. He could fully sense that something horrifying had happened back home. ¡°Tell me what happened right now!¡± He ordered.


    ¡°The reason I can¡¯t go to see Nia, even though I am so anxious, is that everyone except you signed a court order to stay away from her and never cross Nia¡¯s path.¡±


    ¡°How? Why?¡±


    ¡°Our mother tried to kill her. She would have died if Nia didn¡¯t have a poison antidote among her healing potions.¡±


    His eyes fluttered in shock. ¡°What? Mum, did what?¡±


    ¡°I am sorry. Nia made me promise not to tell you. I guess she didn¡¯t want you to turn cold and me yourself. That would have hurt her more. I had to respect her decision. Mum had no remorse for what she did. Mom justified her actions because Nia was beginning to look her in the face. Mum imed it was what she deserved for being ungrateful after everything they did to nurture her. Nia didn¡¯t want to involve the Alpha and have her locked up, so we were made to sign the order. I came to my senses then and realized how blinded I had been all these years. Our mother is evil and nothing more. I never did fancy Nia, but I would never have wished for her to be dead.¡±


    Tears rushed to Kingston¡¯s eyes as he held his chest, feeling suffocated. He has always heard about evil stepmothers. But never did it ur to him that his mother would harbor that much hatred towards an innocent orphaned child that she took in of her own free will. Kingston feels more betrayed that he wasn¡¯t aware and shamelessly lusted over the poor girl, not knowing what his family had done. He staggered to his feet, feeling his body sway weakly.


    Caleb rushed towards him. ¡°what¡¯s wrong? Are you having difficulty breathing? Do you need some air?¡± He questioned.


    Kingston yanked his arm away from his brother¡¯s hold and growled viciously at him. ¡°Don¡¯t you every that hands on me again!¡± He warned.


    Making his way to the door, Kingston mmed it shut in anger and began running like someone was after him. All he wants is to be far away as much as he can from the people he calls family who have turned cold-blooded murderers.

 Chapter 95 The Sassy Luna

    AUTHOR¡¯S POV


    Gemma giggled to herself as she stared pridefully at her growing bump. She sure makes a beautiful pregnantdy. Rubbing at the belly, Gemma hummed in satisfaction. If she knew this was all it would take to get Gael to feed out of her palms, she would have done it earlier. Even though Gemma has to admit that he has been colder towards her, she doesn¡¯t mind dealing with his excesses as long as she remains the Luna.


    Many days, she wants to strangle him or feed him with poison whenever he treats her like trash. However, she constantly reminds herself of what the exact goal is. Their wedding ising up in the next three weeks, and she must ensure it goes as nned. She will be the most beautiful bride, and no one will forget about the wedding. It would be the talk in all packs. Checking her phone, she gasped at the time.


    ¡°You fool! Why didn¡¯t you tell me I waste for my fitting?¡± Gemma yelled at the maid kneeling by the door.


    ¡°I am sorry, mydy. You asked me not to say a word to you when I entered.¡± The maid mumbled in a defeated tone.


    She hissed spitefully. ¡°Shut that thing you call a mouth. How in the world are you enved people trainedtely? You are sozy, and all you do is eat and gossip. I will ensure you are tossed out of here when I be the Luna. I don¡¯t need people like you around me. Get out now!¡± She yelled at the top of her voice.


    The maid scrambled out and almost fell t on her face. Gemma cursed under her breath and sat on the edge of the bed, staring nkly into the mirror. It is when Gael is supposed to show up for her more and pamper her for carrying his child. What kind of soon-to-be father gets so distant? She never would have imagined someone like Gael being love-struck. He has always acted cold, and now he is sulking all because of an insignificant girl like Nia. If only he knows how pathetic he looks. He would probably fix up and stop acting like a loser.


    Gemma¡¯s phone rang, cutting her long thought short. She kissed her teeth in anger at the phone screen. Answering the call, she growled. ¡°Why are you calling?¡±


    ¡°We need you toe around for your fitting, ma¡¯am.¡± The designer spoke rigidly.


    ¡°Is that the appropriate way to address your Luna?¡±


    ¡°Technically, you are not the Luna yet. And it would be treacherous of me to refer to you as that. Please, Miss Gemma. I would have delivered it to the packhouse, but the fitting is necessary before final checking.¡±


    Gemma clutched the bedsheet hard, and it annoyed her how polite and rude the designer sounded simultaneously. Every one of them will regret ever looking down on her. Once she bes Luna, they all have no choice but to worship the ground she walks on. By then, she would have shown them who the true boss is. Making her way out of the room angrily, she almost bumped into Gael. Comporting herself, she smiled a bit too widely at him.


    Gael furrowed his brows and turned up his nose like someone disgusted. ¡°Why does your scente off so brazen?¡±


    ¡°W¡­ what?¡± She gasped in shock


    He smacked his forehead and moved to the side, away from her. ¡°just move.¡± Gael hissed and walked away.


    Tears lingered in her eyes, and her heart raced faster. Gemma mumbled a promise to herself to never forgive everyone who the people who humiliated her. They would have to pay with their life or career. Forgetting everything, she smiled her way through to the car and got rid of the negative thoughts until she got to her destination. Not only was the dress she ordered morous, but it cost an arm and a leg. For a moment, she thought Gael might get angry at it. But he didn¡¯t say anything and just signed the cheque.


    The fitting went well, and after standing for too long, she felt tired. The doctor had instructed her to go for frequent runs in the woods. However, she feels toozy to involve herself in what she considers a hectic exercise. Before she was pregnant, one would hardly see Gemma shift and run. Everything stresses her out except shopping and making other people¡¯s life miserable. Shutting her eyes as she leaned into the couch. She rxed into it, enjoying the peace that surrounded her.


    Just then, the door to the dressing room opened abruptly, and a familiar wolf scent wafted through her nose. Opening their eyes slowly, Gemma groaned in despair. ¡°Can this day get any worse? What are you doing here, mum?¡±


    Danie clenched her fist tightly, and without hesitating, she pped Gemma hard across the face.


    ¡°How dare you?¡± Gemma bellowed.


    Her mother pointed a shaky finger at her. ¡°That is what you get for being such an irresponsible child. Ever since you began this mad rave of wanting to spend the rest of your life with a man who cares nothing about you, I knew something was wrong with your head. How long do you intend to keep this rubbish up? And now I hear that he wants to make you Luna?¡±


    She let out a scoff and chested out. ¡°Why? Are you scared to mention his name? He is your Alpha, after all, and can have you sentenced to life imprisonment if he chooses. I am sure you must have heard of what he did to the others who opposed it. I already made myself clear from the very beginning, and I am sure you and that husband of yours aren¡¯t deaf. Gael is the person I want to spend the rest of my life with, and I don¡¯t care what anyone says. As you can see, I am carrying his child.¡±


    Danie felt tears rush to her eyes, but she held herself together. Watching her only daughter rot away all for nothing makes her heartbreak. ¡°If it is about the pregnancy. You don¡¯t have to marry him because of it. Your father and I are more than capable of looking after you both. Please return home, Gemma, and stop dragging this family in the mud with your stupid decisions.¡±Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I guess that is the way you see me, a disappointment. I¡¯m not surprised; not everyone will envision your dream like you do. Your husband already asked me to leave his house and never return. I did as told, and you still came to look for me. The next time you invade my privacy this way, I will have the pack guards teach you a bitter lesson. You can have the ce to yourself!¡± Gemma huffed, storming out.


    Danie¡¯s legs weakened as she watched her daughter receding. wing at the couch, she screamed in frustration. Gemma¡¯s train will lead to apparent ruin, and no one can stop her.

 Chapter 96 Goodbye

    NIA¡¯S POV


    Iughed lightly at a joke Catelyn made. She is such a goofy person. At first, I was bothered that I might miss Perry¡¯s presence, but with my grandmother, there is nothing to be bored about. She always has something to say, and her rtionship with the staff is something to emte. Even though she pays their sry, she still ensures to bond with them without feeling superior. Also, everyone in New Haven and beyond can attest to the good works of the medical center.


    As regards my pregnancy, she is up on her toes every day. It turns out that Perry had handed her a long list of the possible reactions a pregnant she-wolf might encounter when pregnant. Catelyn took it to heart and has been monitoring my diet and pushing me to do mini-exercises.


    I have much to learn from her, and I am d I can do so easily. It¡¯s been a week since Perry left for Spain. It¡¯s not the same without her, but it isn¡¯t all that bad. Kingston said he would being today, and I can¡¯t wait to see him. He is why I am here in the kitchen with my grandmother and the head cook, Natalie, her best friend, to make him a sumptuous meal.


    ¡°Kingston sounds like a good kid.¡± My granny said. ¡°I have never met him before, but we spoke twice on the phone. And your aunt won¡¯t keep quiet about how handsome and responsible he is. I am more eager than you are to see him.¡± She admitted.


    I giggled, chewing on a cucumber. ¡°I am sure you both will kick it off with ease. Kingston is lovely, as Aunt Kylia said. He knows the right things to say and how to act without being told. It is what makes him so special.¡±


    ¡°Who is he to you again?¡±


    ¡°My adoptive brother.¡±


    ¡°I should thank that family for caring for you so long. We should all meet to eat dinner soon.¡± She said.


    I shifted ufortably on the chair. I haven¡¯t exined my situation back at the pack to my grandma. And I don¡¯t think I am ready to have the discussion just yet. As I searched my head for a perfect response, one of the maids announced Kingston¡¯s arrival. I have never been so happy to see him as I am at the moment. Knowing Catelyn, she would not mention the topic again untilter.


    ¡°Kingston!¡± I called out in excitement, embracing him. He turned stiff in my hold. ¡°Is everything okay?¡±


    Kingston nodded as he held up a stiff smile. ¡°I am doing just fine. It¡¯s nice that you are adjusting to your new environment quite well.¡±


    I raised a suspicious brow. ¡°Are you sure you are okay, Kingston? You don¡¯t seem much like yourself.¡±


    ¡°I am fine. You probably think so because we haven¡¯t seen each other yet.¡±Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.


    The urge to probe him further gripped me, but then I changed my mind. e on in. I want you to meet my grandmother.¡± I said, dragging him along with me.


    She had already stepped into the living room, smiling brightly. ¡°Hi, granny. Meet Kingston, my brother. Kingston meets my grandmother, Catelyn.¡±


    Kingston held out his hand to shake her hand, but she pulled him to her chest instead. ¡°I have been meaning to meet you for so long. It is so nice to put a face to the name finally. How are you doing? Wee to our humble abode.¡± She said, smiling brightly.


    He nodded with a grin. ¡°Thank you for inviting me. It¡¯s nice to meet you, too. Nia wouldn¡¯t stop talking about how much you do for her. Thank you.¡±


    Catelyn waved dismissively, ¡°You don¡¯t have to thank me for carrying out my duty. She is my granddaughter, after all. I have you and your parents to thank for taking her in and helping her survive.¡±


    Kingston looked towards me with sad eyes, and I could tell that something wasn¡¯t right.


    Chuckling awkwardly, I pulled his hand again. ¡°How about you continue cooking Grandma while I show him around the house.¡±


    She pped her hands excitedly. ¡°That would be perfect. Please excuse me. Make yourself at home, Kingston. See you at lunch.¡±


    ¡°She is bubbly,¡± Kingstonmented while staring at her receding.


    I rubbed at my belly absentmindedly, ¡°Yeah. Do you mind taking a walk with me?¡±


    ¡°Not at all.¡± He mused. ¡°This ce is nice. It is your setting exactly.¡± Kingston noted.


    ¡°Is something on your mind? It¡¯s almost like you want to tell me something, but you aren¡¯t certain how to say it.¡±


    ¡°Your bump looks nice in that dress, and you make a pretty pregnantdy.¡± Hemented, trying to avoid the conversation.


    ¡°Holding back won¡¯t help you, Kingston. Talk to me.¡± I insisted, ¡°Is something wrong at your workce? Did I do anything wrong?¡±


    His eyes watered suddenly, and he cursed under his breath. ¡°That is exactly where the problem lies, Nia! You have never done anything wrong. Still, these horrifying people think it is okay to harm you and get away with it.¡±


    ¡°What are you talking about?¡± I asked in confusion.


    ¡°You do know what I am talking about. How could you hide the truth away from me, Nia? Why would you keep something as heartbreaking as that to yourself? Here I was, thinking that you didn¡¯t care about how I felt after you rejected me. I didn¡¯t know you were battling with your life after my mum poisoned you. It would help if you never had kept that from me. I don¡¯t deserve to be in your presence. Not after everything they did to you. I feel so ashamed looking into your eyes right now.¡±


    I huffed, ¡°You weren¡¯t supposed to know about it. How did you find out?¡±


    ¡°Caleb told me he has been in New York for weeks. I wondered why he wouldn¡¯t try to visit you or at least hear from you on the phone, considering how concerned he is about you. I got tired of his flimsy excuses and nagged him to speak. None of us deserves to show our faces in front of you, Nia. I am so sorry.¡± He sobbed, digging his foot in the ground.


    I reached for his shaky hands, wishing I could see Caleb and p some senses into him. I know how sensitive Kingston is. That is why I didn¡¯t want him to find out in the first ce. ¡°You don¡¯t have to be sorry for something you know nothing about, Kingston. You are my brother, nheless. No matter what happens, you will always hold a ce in my heart.¡±


    He wiped off the tears that rolled down his face.


    ¡°You don¡¯t get it. How am I supposed to live with myself or face you now and then when I know my mother wanted to take your life? No matter how much you try to make it seem like it¡¯s not a serious matter, it is to me. I only came here to say goodbye.¡±


    My mouth was wide agape at his announcement.


    ¡°What are you talking about? You can¡¯t just end everything between us because of that. I need you in my life more than ever.¡±


    Kingston shook his head stubbornly. ¡°No, you don¡¯t need someone like me in your life. I would only end up bringing you trouble. If there is something, I know quite well about my mother. It is her vengeful spirit. Now that she knows you are out of the pack and away from the Alpha¡¯s protection. If she learns we are close, she mighte after you again. If anything happens to you, Nia. I will never be able to forgive myself.¡±


    Sniffing, he reached for both my hands. ¡°I need you to be happy from now on. Enjoy these precious moments with your newfound family, and never doubt yourself. Forget everything about the Hayes family. You wouldn¡¯t have had to go through this much pain if not because of us. On behalf of every one of us, I apologize to you from the depth of my heart. Have a good life, Nia. I do hope in the afterlife, if there is something like that, we will meet on a more neutral ground. I would love to be the man of your dreams, then. Thank you for everything.¡±


    He didn¡¯t wait for me to respond to him before walking away. I stared at his receding, feeling a piece of me go with him. I wanted to call him back, but my words stuck in my throat. I felt my legs wobble, and I found myself falling deeper into the ground. The tears flooded my eyes like a closed-up dam just getting its first opening after so long. I teared up.

 Chapter 97 The Perfect Sibling

    NIA¡¯S POV


    ¡°I feel so awful, Perry.¡± Imented to my best friend.


    Perry flipped at her hair while adjusting the scarf around her neck. ¡°I am still surprised that Kingston would decide without hearing from you. Is there a chance anyone would carry that much guilt with them even when they aren¡¯t the offender?¡±Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    I sniffed, feeling my swollen eyes. ¡°Kingston is like that. I knew that was bound to happen, so I insisted he didn¡¯t know. There was a time when his younger sister had bullied his intended girlfriend in high school. Kingston felt so bad that he kept apologizing for years until the girl left the pack for college. Do you think he woulde back to me?¡±


    Her face fell, ¡°I would be stupid to reassure you on something like that. If Kingston is like anything you have described, then I doubt you will see him around anytime soon.¡±


    ¡°I think I have his house address and that of his workce. I will leave early tomorrow to go find him.¡±


    ¡°No, don¡¯t do that. Give Kingston enough time to himself. It must be a lot for anyone to learn that their mother is a murderer. It¡¯s not just about you, and it is that burning reality that would never exceed him. Let him be for a while. He loves you too much just to let you be by yourself. Don¡¯t tell me you have been crying over that and stressing you and the baby?¡±


    I sighed. ¡°I just couldn¡¯t control myself. I didn¡¯t feel this heavy when Kingston asked me out and turned him down. What if he does something to harm himself?¡±


    ¡°No, he wouldn¡¯t. Stop worrying yourself for nothing. Where is Grandma Catelyn?¡± She asked, changing the topic.


    ¡°She should be around the house somewhere. I have locked myself in since Kingston left. I wasn¡¯t sure I would be able to reach you. I am d I got to talk to you. How is Spain?¡±


    ¡°Amazing!¡± Perry bellowed with a bright smile stering her face. ¡°It is like a dreame true for me. After you give birth, you and I will travel here and have the best times of our lives. But before that can happen, I will need you to be healthy. I am sure Kingston would want that, too. Just give him some time. Things would work out at their own pace. Come on now, you must have gotten the olddy worried for nothing. Go find her and assure her everything is fine.¡±


    I nodded my head in agreement. It is probably the best time to open up to Catelyn. She has been nothing short of understanding and amodating since I came here. I have always heard that older people are pretty nosy. But she has kept her calm until the end and given me the time to process whatever I intend to share with her.


    ¡°Alright, Perry. I will talk to youter. Bye.¡± I waved.


    ¡°Bye, my love. Kisses to my baby in there.¡± She said, pointing at my bump.


    I chuckled. ¡°I am sure my baby is listening. See you.¡±


    The call ended, and everywhere went silent at once. I was staring at my puffed face in the mirror. I made my way out of the room after sshing a bit of water to keep the redness away. Catelyn was seated on the armchair that I have learned is her favorite in the house knitting. She looks at peace doing the task. I envy how she quickly gets around her day despite her age. She nced up at my footstep.


    ¡°Oh, my darling. You are out now. Natalie, can you help me with the avocado smoothie I made for Nia, please.¡± She requested, smiling at me.


    I blushed shyly, taking the filled ss from Natalie. I took a long sip hungrily, and it tasted like heaven. I can¡¯t believe I starved myself for thest two to three hours. ¡°Thank you so much for this, granny. It tastes great.¡±


    ¡°You are wee, my darling. Anything for you. Are you ready to eat now?¡±


    I shook my head, ¡°Not yet, thank you. Granny, I want to apologize for the stress you had to go through in preparing a meal for Kingston. I promise to eat as much as I can.¡±


    She waved a dismissive hand. ¡°I figured something must havee up.¡±


    ¡°Something ensued between us and¡­¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to tell me, Nia, if you don¡¯t want to.¡± She said, cutting me short.


    I moved to the edge of the couch eagerly. ¡°I want you to know. You should know. You must have thought my adoptive family was nice to me because of my rtionship with Kingston. However, that isn¡¯t the case at all. I am a real-life Cindere. The only difference is I am only rted to them by paper. Kingston was the only nice person among them, and before I came down here, I had survived taking poison.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± She eximed in shock. ¡°how did that happen?¡±


    I stared down at the floor like something was intriguing on it. ¡°My adoptive mother poisoned me. She seemed to hate that I had amassed the courage to talk back at her and refuse to be bullied by her. She came nicely, and I fell for the sham, thinking she cared.¡±


    ¡°I am guessing Kingston is just finding out about this.¡±


    ¡°Yes, and he thinks our closeness would only harm me more. I know you might think he is right to say that. But I can assure you that Kingston is nothing like that. He is an amazing person who haspassion. I don¡¯t want to lose him this way for something he knows nothing about. He never should have found out.¡±


    Catelyn cleared her throat and held my gaze. ¡°He was going to find out sooner orter, and his reaction toward the incident has nothing to do with you. If he cared about you, he would return to be by your side and be ready to protect you. That was what your mother did for your father when she found out that your father¡¯s life was in possible danger at the pack. She held a solid stance, and nobody dared to mess with him again. I know you have been through a lot, Nia. And you cherish every rtionship you have. But sometimes you have to leave people to learn on their own. Let your mind be at rest.¡± She assured.


    I watched her in awe. How she can handle my revtion calmly without overreacting or saying something odd surprises me. ¡°You are such an awesome person, granny.¡± Iplimented.


    She chuckled, ¡°Why would you say that?¡±


    ¡°I am amazed at how you get to handle things without overreacting. That is something that I haven¡¯t been able to learn so far.¡±


    ¡°With time, you will catch on with it. You see, your father¡¯s life story made me realize that as a living thing, all of our experiences, be they good or bad, are what make us. There is no need to feel ashamed about it or hold grudges. That is how we win against life, and that is by not ying the victim. You are a strong youngdy, Nia. I see how intentional you are about your ability. The people at the clinic talk about how sweet you are. Despite everything you have been through, you still keep yourself together. Don¡¯t let anything bother you from now on. Just be sure to live happily. And I hope I can see you through halfway before myst days alive.¡±


    I sniffed back the tears that flooded my eyes as I knelt in front of her and hugged her tightly. ¡°don¡¯t say something like that. You will make me cry.¡±


    ¡°The truth is your pregnancy hormones are the ones making you cry, not me.¡± She mentionedughing. I joined in, too, and leaned further into the embrace. It¡¯s all thefort I need right now.

 Chapter 98 The Revelation

    AUTHOR¡¯S POV


    Zac walked into the pack house with a pretty determined expression. The more he did his calctions, the more angered he became. Zac feels foolish for letting himself fall stupidly for someone like Gemma. He would have forgiven her if she left him with a broken heart. Instead, she picked up a dagger and aimed for his heart directly without mercy, shattering it to pieces and leaving no remnants behind.


    For the past few weeks, he tried to forget about her and mind his own business. But the rumors kept reaching him, and he realized it would be stupid of him not to do anything to reform the situation. Zac had called Gemma tirelessly, but she missed every one of them and didn¡¯t bother to return the call. Now that he is here at the same ce that she has turned to the North Pole, ever busy. Zac wants to know what excuse she would have this time.


    Entering the hallways, he redialed her, and still, there was no response. He wasn¡¯t sure where she would be strictly, and to keep his identity intact for the time being, he didn¡¯t want to ask around for her, too-knowing the history of the pack house and their love for rumors. His presence would reach Gemma before they get to meet, and Zac wouldn¡¯t be surprised if she asks that he gets tossed out of the pack house.


    He was beginning to feel frustrated when there was no sign of her on the third floor. When he was about to swallow his pride and ask one of the maids about her, Zac saw Gemma in the middle of the hallway reprimanding a maid. She looked so furious, but that didn¡¯t matter to Zac; all he could see was her pregnancy bump. Her dress almost concealed it; however, it presented itself beautifully.


    ¡°Gemma?¡± He called out, hastening his steps towards her.


    Gemma¡¯s eyes rounded like saucers when she looked up to see who was calling her. She was so shocked to see him that she began to hup persistently. Zac rushed to her in concern.


    ¡°Are you okay? Do you need water?¡± He asked worriedly.


    She pped his hands away and ordered the maids to leave. Searching around the hallway quickly, Gemma grabbed Zac by the hand and pulled him into a room without confirming which room it was.


    ¡°Have you lost it? What are you doing here?¡± She rebuked in a hushed tone.


    Zac held up a straight face, folding his arms against his chest. ¡°If you had picked up your phone, you would have known why I am here. But you enjoy your time here too much and do not care about anyone outside it.¡±Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    Gemma kissed her teeth, cursing under her breath in annoyance. She had blocked his line before when his calls kepting in persistently. Zac went ahead to call her with a different line nonstop. She felt he would get the message that she didn¡¯t want to speak to him. But it appears he didn¡¯t get the cue.


    ¡°If you aren¡¯t so dumb. You will realize I intentionally ignore your calls because I don¡¯t want anything to do with you anymore. Whatever it is you think we shared is all over. I leveled up already. I shouldn¡¯t be your type.¡± She huffed, giving off an attitude while folding her arms.


    Zac scoffed with augh, to her surprise. ¡°do you know what your actual problem is, Gemma? You think too highly of yourself. Yes, call me a fool for loving you and doing whatever you want. But then, I am just like every other man. Maybe they aren¡¯t as dumb as I am. I mean that I won¡¯t be the first nor thest to be used by a woman like you. I had started losing interest when your ambitions looked too shady. I will not force you to be content with the life I can offer you. But you know what, Gemma? I will not allow you to take what is rightfully mine and give it to someone else. That is never happening.¡±


    Her feet faltered, but she quickly called herself to order. ¡°what did you just say?¡±


    ¡°You heard me right; don¡¯t y dumb with me. That pup in your belly is mine, and I would be damned if you think I am going to sit back and watch you give it freely to the Alpha. That will never happen.¡±


    She gasped dramatically. ¡°What sort of treacherous words are you spitting out? How can youy im to the heir to the throne? I don¡¯t know what sort of weed you are on. But this child belongs to Gael and no one else¡¯s.¡±


    ¡°You are delusional If you think you can fool me. I still have the message you sent as regards the pregnancy. Calcting it to this time, it matches correctly. You met with Gael a while after that, so how is the baby his? You were already pregnant before you had sex with him. Which implies that the child is mine.¡±


    Gemma wanted to keep ying unaware, but then she suddenly felt fearless, demeaning what he might do to her. If the matter gets dragged on for too long, she would have to find a way to get rid of him. Putting up a defiant pose, she sneered at him.


    ¡°So? What if I did? It¡¯s my belly, after all. I would decide what I want to do with it, and you have no right toy im.¡± She hissed.


    Zac blinked in disbelief. For a brief moment, he hoped she would be remorseful and try to persuade him to understand her reasons. But who was he fooling? Someone like Gemma cares nothing about others except herself. Clenching his fist tightly, he gritted his teeth, causing his veins to pop out.


    ¡°You are such an ungrateful bitch! I can¡¯t believe I let myself get lured into this stupid mess. Do you think you would have ever gotten a chance back into Gael¡¯s life if I didn¡¯t help set Nia up?¡±


    ¡°Shut your mouth.¡± She growled.


    ¡°Oh, no, I won¡¯t. If you think I will go down without a fight, then you are mistaken. I will fight tooth and nail to bring you down to your knees. Every day, my conscience haunts me for what I did to the Alpha and healer. You know in your heart of the heart that the Alpha has not been the same without the one he loves. You ruined their happiness because of your greed. I never should have done it. To make matters worse, your shameless self couldn¡¯t even check on me to be sure I didn¡¯t get caught. Gael was ready to tear me apart that day, but did you make that any of your business? No. Your father was right to have disowned you. I would hate to have a child like you, too.¡±


    With a shake to hand, she pointed at him with a vile look. ¡°You don¡¯t know what I am capable of, Zac. If you do anything stupid, I will end you. I won¡¯t hesitate to put an end to your miserable life. Nobody, I repeat, neither you nor my father can stop me from achieving my goal. I will be the Luna and rule everyone here. I will be the most feared Luna to exist, and if to achieve that, it means some of you have to die or be far away, I would do it repeatedly. Do you think I want to carry the child of a durd like you? I hope the cub you put inside me is worth the months sacrificed to carry it. All the same, it gave me an easy ticket to get Gael to hasten up the wedding. So, Zac, if you want to keep breathing. Stay out of my way.¡±


    His heart ached as he stared at her. ¡°You won¡¯t get far with this. I promise you.¡±


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you watch me then? We would get to see if I would get far or not.¡±


    ¡°How far do you think you can go?¡± Gael¡¯s cold voice bellowed from the entrance of the bathroom! The both of them froze on the spot.


    **********************


    GAEL¡¯S POV


    The silence that enveloped the room was deafening. A pin drop would make a loud noise. I can almost hear the heartbeat of each person.


    ¡°G¡­ Ga¡­ Gael, you are here.¡± Gemma stuttered, her eyes darting around quickly; she must be trying to figure out the perfect lie to say to escape the situation. ¡°B¡­baby, you wouldn¡¯t believe this crazy man; he is trying to use me of setting Nia up. I can¡¯t believe that half-breed would go this far to get her way back. Both of them are trying to make me look like the culprit. He is the one you have been searching for. The half-breed¡¯s lover.¡± She said it so quickly that one would think her mouth was on fire. How quickly she could conjure the lie in less than twenty seconds.


    My heart raced at full speed as I walked stealthily towards them. For some unknown reason, this morning, I found myself in this room after spending the long night getting fucked by two pretty foreigners. I wonder where the guard in charge of my frivolities finds them. Sleeping inte, I eventually dragged myself to the bathroom to clean up, only to hear some voices, and when I listened in, one turned out to be that of Gemma. I have never felt this much stupidity in my entire life before. Gemma took me on a wholesome ride.


    Calming my nerves, I sat on the couch, crossing my legs and staring at them to wring their necks. I cleared my throat.


    ¡°so, I heard some things while in there, and I just want to know if I had heard correctly.¡± I pointed at the guy. Now that I look closely at him, he sure seems quite familiar. ¡°You were asked to set Nia up?¡±


    Gemma sucked her teeth, e on, baby. No one set them up. Both of them cheated and are just finding a way to garner pity from you by using me wrongly. You need to call the guards in to get him arrested.¡± She mumbled, attempting to walk towards me.


    ¡°If you take one more step forward. I will have you taped to the wall and whipped until your voice is lost.¡± I said sternly.


    She got the message and stepped back. I returned my gaze to the man. ¡°I heard everything, but I need the clear information. What exactly happened? And what is your rtionship with Nia and Gemma? I won¡¯t lock you up, so you don¡¯t need to worry.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare!¡± Gemma gritted.


    The young man looked away and held my gaze. ¡°I feel ashamed of my actions, Alpha Gael. I didn¡¯t expect that you would find out like this. I just felt cheated and needed my child back.¡±


    ¡°I heard that too. So the pregnancy Gemma is carrying isn¡¯t mine.¡± I stated, feeling something tug painfully at my chest. Still, I maintained a calm demeanor. I must be sure of the truth even though I can already piece everything together.


    ¡°I am Zac, and I have known Gemma since high school. For some reason, she insisted on wanting to be with you even when the both of us were together. She wanted to get back at you for moving on with the healer and nned that we set her up.¡±


    I pulled at my hair frantically as the image of that day returned to me. I can¡¯t believe this; no wonder Nia looked so confused that night. I stared at my shaky hands. My stupid self didn¡¯t hesitate to p her across the face because I was angry. I gulped hard, trying to calm my disrupted nerves.


    ¡°What did you give her, and how did you encounter one another? I know Nia; she wouldn¡¯t have taken any edible from anyone.¡± I was confident about it because of the poison saga that happened months back.


    ¡°Gael, don¡¯t listen to this bastard. He is lying to you.¡± Gemma sobbed.


    The man hissed in contempt. ¡°I know I will get punished for this, but I don¡¯t care anymore. I want to forget about all of this as much as you do. I have had enough of being your puppet. Whatever happens after this will give me a clearer view of my life. Gemma approached the unsuspectingdy with a peace offering and hypnotized her with the night spice.¡±


    My head rang a bell at the mention of the dangerous sleep poison that can lead to death if not correctly handled. Like a possessed demon, I moved towards Gemma and gripped her by the neck, tightly holding her against the wall.


    ¡°How dare you bitch! How could you? You nned on killing her, didn¡¯t you? How do I even know she is still alive? What did I ever do wrong to you?!¡± I yelled in her face, feeling my hands weaken, and I dropped her to the ground.


    She coughed while scratching the floor. Gemma scoffed in irritation. ¡°And here I was thinking you might be worried about the pregnancy more.¡±


    I raised my leg to give her an unforgettable kick, but I refrained. ¡°Why should I care about that when I never tried to attach myself to it in the first ce? Even though I didn¡¯t think you would cheat. I still wasn¡¯t going to waste my emotions over you or anyone else.¡±


    ¡°Then you shouldn¡¯t feel hurt about me cheating. You did it multiple times, which is not like you love me. I only returned the favor.¡± She red.


    ¡°One more word from you, and I will send you into aa,¡± I warned.


    Gemma hissed, ¡°You are pathetic, Gael! Just admit it. Do you think you can be a good person? You have never been indepthly concerned about me. I was the sex ve you could call on anytime you liked. So you think I will sit back and watch you live happily with your Cindere, and I end up being aughing stock. You have got something elseing. Be thankful to the goddess and your dead parents who are keeping watch over you. I had ns to end you the moment we got married. Because of what use is a disabled Alpha after all.¡±


    ¡°Thank the goddess. I found out on time, then. You choose this life for yourself. I told you many times to leave, but you forced yourself on me. You can¡¯t me me for something you saw yourself!¡±


    ¡°Well, I guess I did good by sending the one you truly love to whatever hell she might be in now!¡±


    ¡°Gemma!¡± I bellowed, swinging my legs this time without caution. Fortunately for her, it didn¡¯t get to hit her; instead, itnded on her partner¡¯s stomach in crime. I hissed in contempt. ¡°This is perfect, just perfect. The bond must be powerful. I will ensure you both end your love story in the confines of a dark room.¡±


    Her lover went on his knees quickly. ¡°Please, Alpha Gael, you can punish me all you want, but not her. Please think of the growing pub inside of her. Please, Alpha.¡± He wailed, holding onto my leg.


    ring my nose, I kicked him off me. ¡°Do I look like I care? She will pay for this, and that is a promise.¡±


    Stomping my way to the door, I yelled out to some of the guards to throw the offenders in the dungeon, and they came in immediately. As they dragged them away, Gemma kept her face straight. She doesn¡¯t feel remorseful for what she did.


    I couldn¡¯t me her, of course. I was the fool who doubted my woman from the beginning and ended up being a shadow of myself. I haven¡¯t been helpful, except making a mess of everything. How do I show my face to everyone who has nurtured me since the death of my parents, and I ended up making a fool of them because I couldn¡¯t control my emotions? And there is Nia, whom I have disappointed time and time again.


    Kneeling on the plush rug, I covered my face with both palms, crying from the depths of my belly. It is all my fault, and I deserve everything. The goddess is punishing me for trying to act more intelligent than she is.


    I want to end it! The tears flowed, making me more helpless, and this time, I didn¡¯t try to run from it. Instead, I sumbed to the weakness, letting it sway me.

 Chapter 99 The Reflection

    AUTHOR¡¯S POV


    Ezra ran down the stairs, chuckling at how it made him feel. It¡¯s been a while since he had such childish moments to himself that it makes him feel free again. Most importantly, he was feeling very proud aftering across some posts of his sister and her artworks making waves around the world.


    Ezra feels d she was stubborn enough to follow through with her dreams and not listen to him, who was only venting from a ce of emotions.


    Standing by the foot of the stairs with his back turned, he held his phone, scrolling through it to dial Nia. Just then, Ezekiel and Danie rushed down the stairs together, and it seemed they were arguing. Ezra stood still on the spot, not wanting to get himself involved.


    ¡°You can¡¯t do this, Ezekiel. No matter what she did, she is still our daughter, and now she is pregnant. We need to help her.¡± Danie wept.


    Ezekiel yanked off her hand. ¡°Don¡¯t touch me. I told you, and I am sure Gemma also remembers my warning vividly. I said the moment all of this backfires, she would carry the cross on her own, and I would be damned to sacrifice my time and money to save someone as reckless and thoughtless as Gemma. She wanted the fame, and now she got it. What is so wrong with that? Everyone should be allowed to have fun when they want to. I already epted that I don¡¯t have any biological child, and it¡¯s okay. I can always adopt. Moreover, I have my brother¡¯s children to look after. They are more than enough.¡± ?


    Danie pulled at her hair and hit her husband in the chest in frustration, falling to her knees. ¡°Please, honey. I am begging you. I will lose my mind if we end up losing our only daughter. I promise to never ask for anything else once we sort this out. Please!¡±


    ¡°Stop embarrassing yourself, Danie. You know how I am when I make up my mind. If nothing, Gemma took that part of me; she never goes back on her decision. I am also not going to bring down my pride for her sake. So, let¡¯s do each other a favor and forget all this is happening. Let Gemma pay for her crimes. I don¡¯t know where I went wrong to have birthed such a demon-infested girl. But then it¡¯s all good. I have epted my fate withoutint. Please excuse me.¡± He said, walking past his wife towards the front door.


    Danie punched at the nearest couch and looked around. When she saw Ezra, she ran to him. ¡°please, Ezra. You are the new Beta. Please save your cousin. I know she hasn¡¯t been very nice to you. All the same, getting locked up shouldn¡¯t be the next thing to happen to her; help me, please.¡±


    Ezra furrowed his brows in confusion. He has no idea what is going on. ¡°It¡¯s okay, aunt. Let me talk to Uncle first. Please excuse me.¡±


    He escaped her quickly and went to find his uncle. Ezekiel was by his garden staring down at the night spice nt that he couldn¡¯t get rid of on thend, no matter how many weed-killing chemicals he bought. It seems like for every attack, ites down stronger. Ezekiel blinked back the tears that stained his eyes when he heard Ezra¡¯s footsteps behind him.


    ¡°I often wake up at night and wonder what I did wrong. Did I hurt someone in my past life so badly that they couldn¡¯t forgive me and thought the best revenge was to get through with my daughter? I reflect on thest two decades and check for any mistakes I must have made while nurturing her. Her mother and I went through hurdles to give birth to her. And now it feels like our greatest mistake. I feel too ashamed to face anyone in this pack. I have failed everyone.¡±


    Ezra kicked at the grass. ¡°why would you me yourself for something like that, uncle? Children many times don¡¯t reflect the personalities of their parents. They are beings with individual minds and would decide on what they want for themselves by themselves. It is not your fault, and you can¡¯t take the me no matter what. You raised Perry and I; we are a living testimony of the kind of parent you are.¡±


    He turned around, ¡°How about you admit that fear was why you both couldn¡¯t act as you wanted? My Gemma enjoyed everything she wanted without restraint. That must have been my mistake.¡±


    ¡°Come on, uncle. Is it still not toote to change a situation that doesn¡¯t seem befitting? We all have our reflection moments. Someday, Gemma might have that too. But I still don¡¯t understand what is going on. Where is she?¡±


    ¡°Well, Gael found out the truth about what she did to the healer, and it also turns out that the pregnancy she imed is Gael¡¯s is actually for Zac, and I am still very much confused at that information. Anyway, the Alpha has locked her up; Zac was also her aplice. I got the call from the head guard as he was concerned.¡±


    Ezra blinked as he took in the information. That means if Gael has discovered the truth, he must be in a wreck with his emotions now. As much as he wants to sympathize with his uncle over the present state of his cousin, Ezra can only think of Gael. ¡°Gael must be shattered.¡± He mumbled.


    Ezekiel nodded in agreement. ¡°He would be after realizing that the one he sent away is the sincere one. It would have him in a disruptive state of mind. I wish I could have told him the truth from the beginning. But he wouldn¡¯t have believed me and thought I was trying to sabotage my daughter. It¡¯s funny how crazy everything is right now. You both aren¡¯t on good terms, but he would need you right now. If Gael is anything like his father, he would be a total mess as we speak, and the only one that can bring him out of it would be someone he trusts so much.¡±


    ¡°Why would he need me? It¡¯s not like we have been close to friends in thest few months.¡±


    ¡°So, do you intend to watch him wither away?¡±


    The question struck Ezra on a different level. He knows he will never be able to forgive himself if anything happens to Gael. Ezra cursed under his breath before he exhaled. ¡°I should go to him, uncle. I will see youter.¡± He said quickly, rushing off.


    Ezra kept imagining different scenarios as he drove down to the packhouse. Ezra picked up his pace after parking his car and headed to the study first, but Gael wasn¡¯t there. That made his heart race; checking his chamber, he wasn¡¯t there either. Ezra bites down on his lips anxiously. Just then, he asked one of the guards if he had seen the Alpha anywhere. Luckily, one remembered the room Gael was in.


    Ezra made his way into the room only to meet bottles of liquor littering the floor. He almost let out a sigh of relief until he saw Gael¡¯s head hanging into the toilet bowl with his arms stretched out, looking lifeless. Ezra¡¯s phone slipped from his hand as he yelled out in horror.


    ¡°Gael!¡±


    ***********************************


    GAEL¡¯S POV     At the loud call of my name, I raised my head slowly to see Ezra looking down at me with fear written all over his face. He looked funny. ¡°W¡­ why do you look sad like you just found my dead body? Or am I dead?¡± I mumbled in a low tone.


    Like a bat to a ball, he smacked my head from behind so hard I saw stars rolling over my head briefly. ¡°You asshole, I thought you were dead.¡±


    I struggled to get up, but I couldn¡¯t. I have a cramped leg now. I have been here since yesterday, hoping to drink myself to death. ¡°I also thought I would be dead. Your voice must have brought me back to life.¡± I joked dryly.


    ¡°You dickhead. Why were you sitting on the floor like that?¡±


    ¡°I felt the urge to puke, so to save myself the stench and the cleaners the stress, I went to sit near the bowl. I am a pathetic person. The least I can do is not mess up my environment.¡± I said weakly.


    Ezra couldn¡¯t hide the disgust on his face. ¡°You are pathetic.¡± He said, dumping me into the couch while he sat on the bed after picking up the bottles.


    ¡°I am sure you must have heard what happened for you to show up here. You pity me, don¡¯t you?¡± I teased drunkenly.


    He scoffed, ¡°What is there to pity? You are your destruction. I am only here to do my duty as the Beta?¡±


    ¡°And not my friend?¡± I pressed on.


    ¡°Can you just stop already? You need to get into the shower, eat well, and get a nice rest. The pack needs their Alpha to be in a sound mind to rule them.¡±


    ¡°I am sure they would prefer someone else far from me. What sort of Alpha treats everyone around him shabbily? You know Gemma was right. I do deserve everything that happened to me.¡±


    ¡°No, you don¡¯t. Nobody deserves to be lied to and made a fool of.¡±


    ¡°Come on, don¡¯t be too nice. How else do you think the goddess would have gotten back at me if not this? All through the years, I made the poordies sad, enjoying them for myfort and not bothering about how they might be feeling. It has always been about me. When I thought I would escape my past, it caught up with me most unexpectedly. Because of my kind of person, I couldn¡¯t trust Nia for a brief second and try to prove her innocence. We indeed see a reflection of ourselves in people we have affection for. I didn¡¯t even wait for the day to end before jumping at Gemma. It¡¯s no wonder she had me fooled. I never deserved Nia; the goddess wanted to teach me a lesson.¡±


    ¡°So what now? You are just going to give up?¡±


    I inhaled as the tears welled up in my eyes again. What response am I supposed to give? Ezra was right about me having a dark thought to bring the happy moments to an end. I never really believed that true love and affection existed. My father imed my mother was the bane of his existence, yet he didn¡¯t hesitate to cheat on her. I was too selfish to let Nia go from the beginning and admit my truth to her. I guess I did her a favor, helping her move on. I can only hope that she is fine wherever she finds herself.


    Clearing my throat, I sat up. ¡°Do¡­do you happen to know where Nia might be?¡± I stuttered.


    Ezra cut me a re; he didn¡¯t even try to act discreetly about it. ¡°That is a lot of guts from you. Have you forgotten that night so soon? If you have learned the truth, then you must know that Gemma had her intoxicated with night spice, and as the Alpha, I am sure you know what the most dangerous poisons are. You have no right to ask about her, and I am not sorry to say that. It would help if you forgot all about her now. Whatever you shared ended a long time ago. There is no way to rekindle it.¡± He stated firmly.


    I swallowed in difort, feeling the words hit me differently. It is my new reality; the only thing I feel d about is the fact that I didn¡¯t get to love another person¡¯s child as mine. I might murder in the end.


    ¡°I hope it¡¯s not toote for us, though?¡±


    He snickered, eyeballing me. ¡°You make it sound like we are lovers.¡±


    ¡°Aren¡¯t we, you bastard.¡± I retorted. ¡°To think I have missed you so much.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, right.¡± He snickered.


    I sighed with my head bowed. ¡°I mean it, Ezra. I wanted us to resolve our differences, but my ego was always getting in the way, and I wanted to prove you wrong. The regrets are only beginning to set in slowly. I am not saying I will change overnight. But I want to be a better version of myself. I have probably lost the chance of getting a woman to love me like Nia did. Still, I want to be a better friend and Alpha. I won¡¯t be able to do that without you next to me. I am so sorry for using you wrongly, then. Nothing came over me; I was only being my stupid self. I do deserve it, Gemma.¡± I huffed.Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    ¡°Only someone like her can bring me to my knees. The yer has gotten yed, and I am ready to atone for my sins. I apologize once again, Ezra. I am so sorry. Please.¡±


    I begged sincerely, feeling my throat itch. That is the longest word of apology I have ever said to anyone in my entire life. But with how things are going right now, I might be doing much of it since I have made up my mind not to die anytime soon. The best thing to do is to suck it up and learn to live.


    Ezra sighed, ¡°Do you know how painful it is to have an insensitive friend? Someone who doesn¡¯t care much about what others say or feel and is more obsessed with himself. You had me feeling like trash that day. I often reflected on the things you said just in case they were true. However, I realized that you were an annoying pest, which triggered me even more. It made me wonder. Why is he doing this? I couldn¡¯t understand it. At a point, I was d you didn¡¯t end up with Nia and got what you deserved by getting back with Gemma. I know I shouldn¡¯t have thought that I was just angry. No matter what happens, no one deserves to be toyed with.¡±


    ¡°Karma was only at y. I saw it, but I refused to acknowledge it. Gemma was silently lethal, but it didn¡¯t matter because I was getting everything I wanted. Maybe not everything in the literal sense. I should have known her forgiveness seemed too soon. But she had myself and Nia fooled; why didn¡¯t you get drawn by her sudden change of heart?¡±


    ¡°That is because there are some things you are unaware of, like¡­.¡± He paused halfway, shaking his head. ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry about that. It is nothing serious. Let¡¯s forget about it.¡±


    I squinted my eyes suspiciously but eventually gave up. There can¡¯t be anything more surprising than the ones I have heard since yesterday. ¡°it¡¯s all good. I think I owe the council members an apology.¡±


    ¡°Yes, you owe them that big time,¡± Ezra hesitantly admitted.


    ¡°You just always have to hit the nail on the head, you annoying piece of shit!¡± I cursed.


    ¡°You are not remorseful if you curse out so freely like that.¡±


    I let my tongue out at him. ¡°Whatever! I need to run in the woods. My bones feel like they need some stretches.¡±


    ¡°I agree to that. A run and a good bath. You reek.¡±


    I snort, inhaling deeply. I have no idea how the following days would go. But I am d that I got my best friend back.

 Chapter 100 Far from Home

    GAEL¡¯S POV


    I inhaled deeply for the umpteenth time. I have been glued to the clinic building, staring at it like I expect some miracle to jump out. I still can¡¯t believe that I ruined a good thing all by myself. I was considering how hard it was to give in to my feelings. I should have calmed down. Nia must hate me right now, wherever she is. At least I am rest assured that she got out of here safely.


    I had razed the greenhouse to the ground. All of Nia¡¯s hard work over the months of being the healer, my anger, brought them all to waste. Not only did I use her of something she didn¡¯t do. I cheated on her again. I was the one who mocked our rtionship. Nia has never shown any sign that she was going to disappoint me. How did I not see that? I miss her every day. Before I learned the truth, any reminder of her only made me angry, and with a few fucks here and there coupled with limitless alcohol consumption. I get over it all.Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.


    But now, the pain is so evident that I can feel myself fading away each passing day. Meeting with a fantastic soul like that of Nia is an opportunity that I will never be able to get again. Maybe it has been ordained that I would die alone. Nia was my second chance mate after tossing my actual mate to the side for a flimsy reason. I am aplete mess. I guess I do need therapy. My parent¡¯s past haunts me like it is mine.


    All day long, I have thought of the best way to get back at Gemma, but then I realized that she would have to deal with what she did, and that feels like the best punishment to give to someone. It is why I asked that she and her lover be freed only on the condition that Gemma never step foot in the pack house ever again and the lover gets banned from the pack for the next five years.


    At least I learned the truth before I became entangled in a marriage with her. Many of the other packs would have heard, and that would bring the Sunset pack a terrible name. I can still deal with the rumors of a failed rtionship, not an actual marriage. It was one of the reasons my parents stuck to each other and ended up dying to prevent rumors from spreading about them.


    I thought I would be able to escape the same mistake as them. But it turns out that I am my parent¡¯s child. My mistakees in a different version. I threw my head to the back, letting the morning sun burn my face. I want to start afresh and discover a new me. I have had a lot of thinking to do. Even though I know it would be hard. But I will try to live right as expected. It is the least I can do for the good people of the pack who have been putting up with me over time. In light of that decision, I will apologize to everyone at the pack council meeting today.


    That is something that I rarely do, but my ego shouldn¡¯t get in the way of making a public apology. If I can handle the one behind closed doors, I can do this too! The news will spread in no time. Sometimes, I feel like technology is just a burden to the members of the Sunset pack. They spread news faster than the inte will ever do. Chuckling to myself, I kicked at the floor.


    ¡°What is so funny?¡± Ezra asked next to me.


    I groaned loudly. ¡°How did you find me?¡±


    ¡°What? I only came to remind you that the meeting is about to start. You shouldn¡¯t bete.¡± ?


    I snorted, knowing that wasn¡¯t the entire truth. I don¡¯t know what it has been with Ezra for the past few days. He almost worries that I might do something stupid, so he tries to monitor me closely. As funny as it might sound, it is getting to me.


    ¡°There is no need for you to be this alert,¡± I mumbled, walking towards the main house.


    He blinked like he was unaware of what I was saying. ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°I am not going to attempt suicide. I am not my father.¡± I stared nkly.


    Ezra coughed simultaneously, getting a grip on himself. He red at me. ¡°Why would you say something like that?¡±


    ¡°Because it is the truth. The former Beta must have told you about the times my father tried to end it when he got overwhelmed with depression. I won¡¯t be doing that; I feel like that is a cowardly act on his part. We might have some hereditary major depression. I would register to see a therapist. You can back off now. I think I was much better when you didn¡¯t try to meddle every time.¡± I sneered.


    He paused in his tracks. ¡°Uncle didn¡¯t exin it like that to me. Have you ever felt suicidal?¡±


    ¡°Not that. I often feel dead inside, and I don¡¯t want to put up an excuse. But it was one of the reasons I began gathering concubines, to feel alive. But I must admit, I felt the most alive with Nia. Now that she is no longer here, I will have to seek another way out without going back to my old ways.¡± I admitted and kept walking. He joined in, too.


    ¡°Was that why you found it hard to believe that Nia was a real deal?¡±


    ¡°It felt surreal; I hardly thought loudly about it. But it lingered at the back of my mind. It must be why I wanted to marry Nia on time, to get the thoughts to die. The truth is, I need to get help and ensure that I am sane enough to give love and worthy enough to ept it.¡±


    ¡°Sounds like a hard task,¡± Ezra admitted.


    ¡°Will take long, but I might be ready,¡± I stated, opening the door to the meeting hall. All of them had a skeptical look on their faces as they rose to greet me. I must have been a total terror towards them in thest few months for them to be this alert. ¡°Please take your seats.¡± I urged.


    ¡°Is there a reason you called for an impromptu meeting, Alpha Gael?¡± Omega Harold asked in a stern voice.


    Yeah, I deserve that. Nodding my head, I folded my hands to the back. ¡°Yes, I came to apologize to you all.¡± The surprise was evident on their faces as they exchanged different looks. ¡°I know it sounds strange, but I apologize for my awful attitude. I have no excuse for being irresponsible. But I hope you will understand my situation and not take it out on me. I promise to be more reasonable from now on. Thank you all for putting the pack first and taking a stand. I hope we will keep working together to improve the pack.¡±


    They shared a knowing look and began to p, including Ezra. Omega Harold cleared his throat, ¡°Alpha Gael, it wouldn¡¯t be right for us not to acknowledge that we knew how much hurt you were going through. Love would have us losing our minds. All the same, it is a delight to have you back. Also, thank you for forgiving Gemma. Elder Ezekiel would have lost his mind if his daughter was locked up.¡±


    I nodded slowly. ¡°It¡¯s the least I can do. I caused the misunderstanding. And-¡± I said with a wince as I felt a sharp pain strike through my chest.


    ¡°Are you alright?¡± Ezra asked, leaping from his chair.


    ¡°Y¡­ yeah, I guess¡­¡± I didn¡¯t get to finish my sentence when it struck again, and this time, my legs gave way to the ground. Ezra seems to have flown next to me. I raised a hand to say something and let out a painful yell when the pain hit too hard this time.


    Before I could take the help rendered to pull me up, my body went limp, and darkness swallowed me whole.     ******************************     AUTHOR¡¯S POV


    Gemma bowed her head slowly, looking like a little child caught stealing candy. Her brain cell seems to have finally gotten a grip on the situation surrounding her. Even though it has been two days since her release from the dungeon, she can¡¯t step out of the house because of the snide remarks many people keep passing on about her. She didn¡¯t think it would be so hard for her to go back to her usual life. But she was being delusional, especially with the big bump she had on her. She nced to her side and rolled her eyes at Zac sitting beside her.


    ¡°Why are you here?¡± She asked in a low tone.


    ¡°Your father called me here. I don¡¯t want to be anywhere near you either if that is what you intend to say.¡± Zac replied, looking away from her.


    Ezekiel walked cautiously towards them and sat down. He had asked for them to speak in the study because he didn¡¯t want his wife to eavesdrop on what he intended to say. Knowing Danie, she would be totally against it. His eyes lingered on Zac for a while as he thought hard about where to begin.


    ¡°Can I ask you a question? Zac and I want an honest answer.¡± He stated.


    Zac gulped hard, ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°When you asked your father to help set up a meeting with Gemma through me. You already knew her, then?¡± Ezekiel asked.


    The young man nodded slowly. ¡°Yes, I just thought that was the best way to show Gemma how serious I was with what we shared. But she had other intentions.¡±


    Ezekiel wanted to say something else, but he thought against it. ¡°I don¡¯t have much to say. It is the one favor I am going to render, Gemma. And the only reason is because of the child she is carrying.


    Whether you intend to admit to it or not, Gemma, you have be aughingstock in the entire pack. And no one wants to hang around you. Not after they heard about your attempt on the healer¡¯s life. You have so much guts taking such a risky move. I won¡¯t drag this for too long. So I am going to ask you, Zac. What ns do you have for her? I heard the child is yours.¡±


    Zac looked towards Gemma and scratched the back of his head. ¡°I am due to leave the pack and handle my father¡¯s business. As it stands, I won¡¯t be returning here anytime soon. I love Gemma sincerely, but I can¡¯t seem to understand her affection towards me; it was one of the reasons I chose to keep my distance from her. However, I am ready to take responsibility for both the mother and the child. If she is willing.¡±


    ¡°She is still my daughter, no matter how hard it is for me to admit to that fact. I have no intention of making her responsibility yours. I want to know if you would be owning up to your responsibility as the baby¡¯s father. I have already bought a house in the same city where your father¡¯s business is, and that¡¯s where you will be staying, Gemma. If you decide you don¡¯t want it, I will sell it and have my money back. To save you and the innocent child¡¯s future humiliation, I think it is best you leave and start afresh where you aren¡¯t known. You will settle in no time since it is a human world, and you have always been more of an inactive werewolf. You won¡¯t miss much of the activities. With Zac being close by, you would have someone to check in on you regrly. When you get there, decide what you intend to do to earn. Let me know, and I will take care of it.¡± Ezekiel said.


    Silence settled in the room as both men stared at Gemma, expecting her to say something. After what felt like a long minute, she raised her head with tears in her eyes. ¡°What does Mum have to say about this?¡± She asked her father.


    He didn¡¯t get to respond as Danie walked into the study herself. She had been searching for her husband and had unintentionally eavesdropped on their conversation. ¡°I support your father, of course. You need to leave the pack, and it would be best if you don¡¯t stay in other neighboring packs. I doubt if you would cope there. So go to somewhere not so familiar to you. Maybe you will get to learn about life differently.¡±


    ¡°Mum.¡± Gemma whimpered in a shaky tone. ¡°you know I have never lived away from you two. Why would you do this to me?¡±


    Danie scoffed. ¡°You should have thought about that before you got obsessed with your shallow ambition for someone who felt very confident about living at the packhouse. It would help if you weren¡¯t scared to live by yourself. Thank you for opening my eyes to see that we did try as parents. You were the one who chose to be a tyrant.¡± She said, fighting back the tears that made their way to her eyes.


    Ezekiel motioned for his wife toe to him. He didn¡¯t expect her to agree to his decision because he knew how hard it was for her to leave Gemma alone. ¡°I am counting on you, Zac, to do what is right. She would be due to leave this week. I wish you all the best.¡± Without sparing his daughter a nce, he took his wife by the hand and left.


    ¡°I am sorry,¡± Zac whispered when they were left alone.


    Gemma hissed spitefully, ¡°Of course you are. Isn¡¯t this what you wanted?¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°You have always wanted me to yourself, and now you have me.¡±


    He scoffed before rising to his feet. ¡°You are really out of your mind. What do I look like to you? I am only concerned about you because of my child. You don¡¯t have to be by their side after you give birth. I will handle it. For the sake of your parents and, like your father said, our innocent child. That is the only reason I Intend to put up with you. You lost your chance with me a long time ago. We are never getting back together. I only want my child. It¡¯s best if you start packing now. I am not a fan of sloppiness.¡± Zac sucked his teeth and walked out.


    Gemma felt goosebumps rise as she stared at his receding. The door mmed shut, and she jolted, causing more tears to roll down her face. Gemma didn¡¯t realize her lonely state until this very moment. She gripped the edge of the chair tightly, letting the tears fall freely with regrets pouring in and crippling her.

 Chapter 101 The Call

    AUTHOR¡¯S POV


    ¡°How is that even possible? Aren¡¯t you supposed to be concerned about caring for him first!¡± Ezra bellowed into the phone receiver angrily before ending the call. ¡°What the hell?¡± He yelled.


    Ezekiel exchanged a nce with Omega Harold and exhaled slowly. ¡°Calm your nerves, Ezra. You won¡¯t sort this out if you keep getting angry at everyone you speak to.¡±


    He gasped for breath, scrubbing his face roughly. ¡°What do you expect me to do, uncle? It¡¯s been two weeks since he has been lying there and unmoving, and his body is beginning to peel and redden at the same time. How is it that none of the medics will check on him? Not even the damned doctors who get paid huge bucks of money cane through.¡± Hemented.


    Gael¡¯s fall during the pack council meeting had escted into something more severe than expected. They all thought he must have been exhausted from too much drinking and not having enough food inside of him. However, when he became conscious, his eyes were the only thing moving about and not his limbs. The pack doctors have run several tests on him, and they still can¡¯t tell what is going on.


    Ezra realized the illness might be concerning the disease the pack had dealt with months back. So, he reached out to the healers from other packs. Three of them came by, and they promised to return, but they never did. Reaching out to the others, but none responded to him, raising his frustration. Gael seems to be dying with each passing second, as his breathing lessens every day. Whatever is wrong with him moves at a breakneck pace.


    ¡°This is a serious matter. Many people are beginning to spread rumors about what might be up with him, and we still haven¡¯t figured out what to tell them yet. You know how unreasonable pack members can be when they hear something is wrong with the Alpha.¡± Omega Harold said.


    ¡°They can all go to hell.¡± Ezra hissed. He stared at his friend again, and tears pulled in his eyes. It sounds almost impossible that Gael, who hardly falls ill, is lying on the bed looking lifeless.


    ¡°From the look of things, we have run out of options, and the only one who cane to our rescue, ording to the other healers, is no one else but the former healer of the pack,¡± Ezekiel stated. ¡°Being the ordained healer of the pack, she is the only one who would know what to do to bring him back to life.¡±


    ¡°We can¡¯t call out to Nia. What am I supposed to tell her? Gael has hurt her. Do you think she would want to save such a person? Also, currently, I have no idea where she stays. Perry made me promise not to talk about anything rted to Gael to Nia.¡± Ezra said.Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    Omega Harold said, ¡°We must do whatever it takes to get to her. You know now that we are on a blocked road, and if Nia is our only option, we do not mind going on our knees to plead with her. Gael can¡¯t die. He is the only heir to the throne. You know what would be of the pack if anything happens to him.¡±


    ¡°I¡­ I can¡¯t.¡± Ezra mumbled, feeling choked.


    ¡°I am sure you don¡¯t want him to die, son. We don¡¯t need her toe back here against her free will. We would take Gael to her wherever she is in the world. We desperately need her help, and doing anything to get it is our only way out now.¡± Ezekiel interjected. ¡°I will have to speak to Nia myself if that is what it would cost. We have to save, Gael.¡±


    ¡°She might not feelfortable if you talk to her, Ezekiel. Let Ezra handle it. She is your friend, after all, and if she has a good heart, she wouldn¡¯t mind doing it for the sake of a life being at stake. Let her know she is ourst chance to restore his health.¡± Omega Harold mused.


    Ezekiel got up and patted Ezra on the shoulder. ¡°We would leave you to it then. Let¡¯s go, Harold.¡± He called out.


    After both men left, Ezra stared at his phone screen for a long time. As much as he knows Nia wouldn¡¯t hesitate to talk to him, he doesn¡¯t want her to think he is leveraging their closeness. To avoid bing nosy, Ezra stopped asking about her whereabouts and instead checked on her asionally. With this new situation, he has no idea how to present it to her. If it were up to Perry, she wouldn¡¯t mind leaving Gael to die. Summoning courage, he dialed Nia¡¯s line. She picked on the second ring and breathed heavily into the receiver.


    ¡°Hello, Nia. Are you okay? You sound quite tired.¡± He said.


    She chuckled on the other end, ¡°Don¡¯t mind me; it is how I sound these days. How are you doing, Ezra? It¡¯s been a while since I heard from you.¡±


    He shifted from one foot to the other. ¡°I am fine, just been busy with the pack duties. I have something important to share with you, Nia, and I am very anxious to tell it to you. But I am at a crossroads as it is. And I need your help.¡±


    There was a slight pause on the other end and some movement. ¡°What¡¯s going on, Ezra? You know you can talk to me.¡±


    ¡°This is going to be a hard one, Nia. It¡¯s why I am unsure how to tell you.¡± He pressed on.


    ¡°Whichever way you intend just to say it.¡± She urged.


    Ezra exhaled loudly, ¡°All right, here it goes. Gael has been down for two weeks, and we have contacted every healer known in all the packs; none of them seem to have a way out to heal him. It seems familiar, like the disease that gued the pack months ago. He is dying, Nia. You are our only option.¡± There was a long pause on the other end, ¡°Nia, are you there?¡± He asked.


    Before he could get a chance to call out her name again, the line went dead. Ezra cursed under his breath loudly and stormed out of the room in anger. He knew that was going to be a dead end.

 Chapter 102 The Holistic Center

    NIA¡¯S POV


    My breath hitched as I stared at the phone, and  I tossed it aside. It felt like it had spikes all over it. When Ezra mentioned Gael, all that I could think of was that night that heid his hand on me and had me pushed out of the pack half-naked. I ced a hand on my belly and held the couch tightly with the other one as I tried hard to catch my breath. Catelyn rushed towards me hurriedly and ordered someone to bring me a ss of water while she rubbed my back slowly. ?


    ¡°Calm down. Calm down.¡± She repeated while lifting the ss of water to my mouth. ¡°What in the world just happened? You were chatting happily on the phone, who was it? What did they tell you? You know what, I think you need some fresh air. Someone help me.¡± Catelyn said, helping me up with two other maids.


    The moment the evening breeze hit me, I felt a bit better. I leaned carefully on the bench I sat on. I inhaled and exhaled slowly. I didn¡¯t realize how much effect the remainder of Gael has on me until now. I kept quiet and just kept looking forward. Catelyn held my hand and just sat with me.


    ¡°Are you feeling better?¡± She asked after ten minutes passed. I turned my head to her with tear-filled eyes. Her hand went up to my face immediately, wiping the tears off. ¡°oh, my baby. What happened?¡±


    Crying my eyes out, I finally took a breather. ¡°I am confused. And I don¡¯t even think I am the person they need. What if something goes wrong and he dies? I will never be able to live with myself.¡±


    ¡°What is this about?¡± Catelyn questioned again.


    I just remembered now that she knows nothing about what happened between me and Gael.


    I sighed deeply and held her gaze. ¡°It¡¯s the father of my child.¡±


    ¡°Is the bastard bothering you? Do you need me to have him arrested?¡±


    I chuckled dryly. ¡°Gael is too frail to be arrested.¡± I mumbled. ¡°you know, I never thought I would be hearing from him again so soon. It just made my heart skip, and the pregnancy hormone, too, didn¡¯t help.¡±


    ¡°Do you want to talk about it?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s embarrassing. I would never have thought the man who ims to love me would act like that. I always considered him a reasonable person even though we started on the wrong foot.¡± I don¡¯t want to go into the details of how I became a member of the packhouse in the first ce. ¡°He is the Alpha of the sunset pack.¡±


    Catelyn gasped, ¡°Does this mean you are carrying an heir to the throne?¡±


    I nodded slowly, ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°What happened then?¡±


    ¡°His bittered ex-girlfriend set me up. She drugged me to sleep, and I found myself next to a strange man. He saw us and was enraged. He wouldn¡¯t even hear me out and had me sent out of the pack with just my underwear on.¡± I shivered at the memory, feeling hot tears roll down my cheeks.


    ¡°I was shocked at his behavior. He acted monstrous that night. Fortunately, Perry¡¯s brother was more sensitive to my predicament and took me away from the guards ordered to throw me out. With the siblings¡¯ help, I found my way to New York. You know how the rest goes.¡±


    ¡°That bastard!¡± Catelyn gritted, clenching her fist.


    ¡°How dare he call you again after all he has done?¡±


    ¡°Ezra is the one who called. He says Gael is sick at the moment and might lose his life.¡±


    ¡°Aren¡¯t there healers in the packs? They should reach out to one of them.¡±


    ¡°They already did, and none could help out. ording to Ezra, I am their only option left. And as a healer, I am not supposed to turn an ailing person away. Moreover, I don¡¯t want to step foot into the pack.¡± I sniffed.


    Catelyn patted my hand gently. ¡°Don¡¯t let yourself get forced to do what you don¡¯t want to. Your baby daddy should have thought hard and long before pushing you out into the streets. I can¡¯t believe they mistreated you in that damned pack. What can a harmless girl like you do to them that causes every one of them to be so insecure? Anyway, it is their loss. You don¡¯t need to burden yourself with their problem. The universe will understand that you must make that hard decision for your good.¡±


    ¡°And what if I want to treat him? Won¡¯t I look like the world¡¯s best fool? I know something for sure: Perry would call me a fool. She has warned me to never associate with Gael or anyone from the Sunset pack ever again.¡±


    She let out a shortugh, to my surprise. ¡°Do you think anyone can make that decision for you? Perry is only just being a regr friend. Every friend will say that because they must protect the one they love. But in the end, it is up to you to decide on the path your life will tread. You don¡¯t have to feel stupid if you make mistakes; we humans consider it as being ourselves when we make mistakes. After all, you are half-human. If you want to treat him, so be it. You have to set your boundaries. Do whatever will help you sleep at night. You are too heavily pregnant to have a restless night.¡± She joked. ?


    I sniffed back a tear, chuckling. ¡°You always know the right thing to say.¡±


    ¡°I try my best. Come on, you need to eat dinner now. I can hear your belly growling.¡± She said, and I followed suit, not arguing.


    Later at night, after brooding hard for close to an hour, I decided to carry out my duty as the ordained healer and nothing else. There must have been a reason why the goddess chose me to hold down the position, so I would do my best to save him with the goddess¡¯s help. Picking up my phone, I dialed Ezra.


    ¡°You can bring him over. I will send you the address. It¡¯s going to be a long journey.¡± I mused.     ********************


    When I contacted Ezra, I didn¡¯t think they would arrive the next day. I was shocked when his call came in, and he told me they hadnded at the airport and were on their way to the house. I couldn¡¯t sit still since then, and my hands kept shaking at every move. I can¡¯t seem to hold still. What would be of me when I see him? I don¡¯t want to bother my grandmother with my raving thoughts.


    She is attending to a few of her patients at the medical center. I should be able to handle whatever this is by myself. But then I need to talk to someone before I lose my mind. I decided to dial Perry. I wasn¡¯t sure if she would pick, but I had to try. She answered the call on the second ring.


    ¡°Hey, mama. I was just about to call you. How are you and my godchild doing?¡± She asked, moving around on the spot.


    I inhaled profoundly, knowing this would be a long talk. ¡°We are fine.¡±


    ¡°Why does your voice sound so distant? Is everything okay?¡±


    Standing up, I stepped out the front door and began pacing the entrance with the phone pressed tightly to my ear. ¡°Ezra is on his way here with Gael.¡± I let out the bombshell, feeling my heart race.


    Perry kept mute for a few seconds. ¡°What? How is that possible?¡±


    ¡°It is because I gave out the address to Ezra.¡±


    ¡°What the hell, Nia? What has gotten into you? Do you know what that would cost you?¡±


    ¡°Listen, Perry. Gael is not well. He needs me. I mean, he needs a healer. They aren¡¯ting here to rekindle anything. It¡¯s for his health, and after that, they would be gone, I can assure you that. Trust me on this, Perry. I didn¡¯t have anyone to talk to, so I had to contact you.¡±


    She blew a raspberry into the receiver. ¡°I do trust you, Nia. It¡¯s Gael I do not trust. And I will never forgive him for putting you through so much. But who am I to condemn a sick person? Do you think it is serious?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know yet. But Ezra and Gael would be here soon. Can you stay on the phone with me until they arrive? That is if you aren¡¯t too busy.¡±


    ¡°Even if I were busy, I would never be too busy for you. You know I will always have your back. I would be back soon, and a month is all left.¡±


    ¡°I have missed you so much, and I have much to show you around here.¡± I giggled, forgetting my current predicament in the meantime.


    ¡°Oh. I can tell that you are having fun. It makes me so happy that we decided to have you stay.¡±


    ¡°Yes, and I have you to thank for that. I wouldn¡¯t have decided on it on my own.¡±


    ¡°You still could have refused. It was all you. How is the medical center?¡±


    ¡°Blissful. It feels like I am back at my greenhouse. Granny lets me handle all of the nts and a few of the patients who don¡¯t mind somebody else checking on them.¡±


    ¡°I am so d that you are doing well.¡±


    ¡°Do you think we can stay in New Haven? There are just about enough rooms here.¡± I suggested.


    ¡°I don¡¯t mind if it¡¯s free.¡± She giggled.


    Iughed along, but myughter was brought to an abrupt halt when the gate opened, and an unfamiliar car drove in. I know it¡¯s not my aunt; it can only be Ezra and Gael. ¡°They are here,¡± I whispered.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Ezra just arrived,¡± I repeated.


    Ezra stepped out and rushed to the side where Gael was probably seated. I didn¡¯t think the illness was that serious until he was helped into a wheelchair by the driver and Ezra. Gael looked lifeless. All of the grudges I held against him flew away with the air as I ended the call and rushed towards them.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t say it was this serious,¡± I said to Ezra while pointing him toward the medical center.


    There was no need to start making introductions. Gael looks like he is a few hours away from death.


    I prepared the herbs in the processor and injected Gael with just about enough to keep him hydrated and wake him from his unconscious state. For forty minutes, all I could think about was bringing him back to life. Not even my protruding belly could stop me. My body seemed to have garnered extra energy in the process. I didn¡¯t leave his side until his breathing became steady and his eyes no longer looked faint.


    Ezra had a panicked look on his face when I stepped out of the room. ¡°How is he?¡± He asked anxiously.


    I smiled weakly, ¡°he will be fine. He is stable now, and you don¡¯t need to worry anymore. In the next five days, he will return to his feet with his skin as new as ever.¡±Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Are you serious? Can I see him now?¡± I nodded in response, and he hugged me tightly. ¡°Thank you so much, Nia. Thank you.¡± He mumbled before rushing to the room.


    Catelyn walked towards me. ¡°You should take a seat. How is he now?¡±


    ¡°Better than he was when he arrived some minutes back. I didn¡¯t think it was that serious.¡± I replied.


    ¡°I must admit that the sight of him took me aback. You have done well.¡± Shemended.


    Ezra, join us just in time. His face looked more rxed than when he arrived. ¡°I am so rest assured now that he would be fine. Thank you, Nia.¡± He said.


    ¡°You have thanked me enough. Ezra meets my grandmother, Catelyn Reeds. Granny, this is Perry¡¯s older brother, Ezra.¡±


    Catelyn stretched her hand to him with a bright smile. ¡°it is so nice to put a face to the name finally. Nia talks about you a lot. You don¡¯t need to worry about your friend. He hase to the right ce and will be better soon.¡± She assured.


    ¡°Thank you, ma¡¯am.¡±


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you show your friend to the house, Nia? He looks tired. I will join you when I finish up with my rounds. It¡¯s nice to meet you again, Ezra.¡±


    ¡°Nice to meet you too, ma¡¯am.¡± He replied, waving at her. I guided him out of the center as we walked towards the main house. ¡°This reminds me of your clinic back at the pack house. So your father¡¯s mother is a doctor.¡±


    I shrugged, ¡°I guess that exins why I was ordained an actual healer. She runs more of a holistic center where other methods can make a person better aside from the actual medical methods.¡±


    ¡°She is a human healer then.¡±


    ¡°You can say that.¡± I giggled.


    ¡°So, this is why you decided to keep me in the dark,¡± Ezra mumbled, pointing discreetly at my belly.


    I hummed in response, ¡°I just didn¡¯t want anyone to think I was trying to get their attention.¡±


    ¡°When did you find out?¡±


    ¡°A month after I arrived here. And I am five months gone now.¡±


    ¡°I am so d that you finally found happiness, Nia. You deserve it, and thank you so much for allowing us here. I know it¡¯s your secret abode. I promise that as soon as he gets on his feet, we will leave.¡±


    ¡°I thought Gemma would be here with him. She is probably the Luna now, I guess.¡± I know I am not supposed to be concerned about it. But I couldn¡¯t help but be curious.


    ¡°My uncle and the leader of the Omega n will hold the pack down until our return. As for Gemma, I doubt if she is still anywhere near that pack. Gael found out the truth just before the doomed wedding. They would have been married now if the truth didn¡¯te out. He knows you didn¡¯t cheat on him.¡±


    I blinked slowly, not sure how to react to the news.


    ¡°Oh, I see. Good for everyone. Come on, let me get you something to eat. You look like you need the rest.¡± I invited opening the door.


    It¡¯s best to forget that we had that discussion; I don¡¯t want to put my hopes up all for nothing.

 Chapter 103 What to do

    GAEL¡¯S POV


    My body felt heavy. After such a long time staring into space like a zombie, I finally became conscious of my environment and myself. The first person I saw was Nia, and I thought I was dreaming until I grabbed her hand, and it turned out to be true. She had yanked my hand off her and warned me never to touch her again. I did as told and kept my hands to myself.


    Ezra informed me that she had saved me from the clutches of death when she could have refused. I will forever be grateful for that. But I can¡¯t seem to wrap my head around that he agreed for us to leave the minute I could move around by myself. It is the sixth day of us being here, ording to him, and we will go today. I don¡¯t think I am ready to do that just yet.


    The door opened, and for a second, I thought it was Nia. It was Ezra; to my disappointment, since the day I had held her hand, a lovely olddy had been the only one attending to me. Nia must be avoiding me at all costs. I don¡¯t me her; no one will forget such a horrifying night so easily. Every time I remember, I find myself cringing at the thought.


    ¡°Hey, big man. You ready to go home.¡± He grinned widely.


    ¡°No,¡± I replied sternly, sitting up with a grunt.


    ¡°Why? Do you still feel any difort? Let me know so I can get Dr Reed to check you.¡±


    ¡°So even if there was something, Nia won¡¯te to see me?¡±


    ¡°She has done her job treating you, and we had an agreement. Why would shee? If you were in her shoes, would you have shown yourself? You are hale and hearty. I have healing potions to seal off the unusual disease, so you have nothing to worry about.¡±


    I sniffed, keeping my butt glued to the bed. ¡°I don¡¯t think you heard what I said before. I am not going home. Not until I talk to Nia.¡±


    ¡°Are you crazy? I am sure you heard correctly the instruction she gave that I dly agreed to for the restoration of your health. Do you intend to make a fool of me?¡±Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I would be considered the most foolish person to ever exist on Earth if anyone discovered I blew this second chance. Have you forgotten that I gave up on ever finding her or seeing Nia again? Now that the goddess has brought me here, the best I can do is use it well. You can return to the pack. All I need is my card to sort myself out. My point is just in case it is not clear to you yet. I am going to see and talk to Nia. I don¡¯t care how long it would take.¡±


    ¡°Are you being like this because she is pregnant?¡± He questioned.


    Myshes fluttered as his words sank in. ¡°Nia is pregnant?¡±


    ¡°You didn¡¯t know? I thought that is why you are insistent on staying back.¡±


    ¡°No, I didn¡¯t even know that. Nia had her back turned to me that day. I am just expressing how much I want to seek her forgiveness, that is all. Oh, my goodness.¡± I gasped in disbelief. ¡°She is carrying my baby.¡±


    Ezra huffed, pulling at his hair. ¡°Nia wouldn¡¯t like this when she finds out.¡± He said.


    ¡°I am not going to stay put right here. Is there another way to ess this ce besides the main house?¡±


    ¡°Yes, it is just the same as the clinic back at home. There is a main door where the patientse in through. Only the house members get to take the private gate here.¡± Ezra exined.


    ¡°That is good enough. I will take it from here.¡± I said with a hopeful smile. I will do everything it takes to take my woman back home with me, even if that would involve me adjusting to the lives of the humans.


    ¡°How long do you think you can hold up? Don¡¯t forget you have a pack to rule.¡±


    ¡°I still have to try my best no matter what. I still love Nia. I know I haven¡¯t been sincere over time, but I mean every word now. I would do whatever it takes to make her notice me.¡±


    ¡°Listen, Gael. I am not trying to discourage you, but then I have a sister, and I can assure you that if Perry had gone through the same thing you put Nia through that night, I would have you beheaded before you could get close to my sister. Forget about her being pregnant; what if she still refuses to get back with you after everything you say?¡±


    ¡°Then I will take it all in good stride. I want Nia to hear me out. I need to share my thoughts with her and, most importantly, apologize for being a dick. I know this might be a lost cause, but I will try for both of our sakes. I need to rectify my actions. Please understand me, Ezra. I want to make a change that starts with acknowledging my past mistakes. I also need to thank her for saving me.¡± I said.


    ?


    He gave me a suspicious look. ¡°Don¡¯t try to y funny. If Nia gets hurt again, you will have me to contend with, and I mean it.¡±


    ¡°You have nothing to worry about,¡± I assured.


    He sighed loudly. ¡°All right, let¡¯s get you settled then. I need to return to the pack as soon as possible. With you staying back here, I have a lot on my hands to deal with. Let¡¯s go before we get thrown out. We don¡¯t have much fans here.¡±


    Standing up, I walked by his side, and on our way out of the building, we bumped into the olddy looking after me after Nia warned me off. She smiled brightly at Ezra and only gave me a brief nod and a stiff smile. ¡°You are leaving, Ezra. It¡¯s so nice to meet you.¡±


    Ezra hugged her briefly. ¡°Thank you so much for your hospitality. I appreciate it. I would say hello when Perry returns from her trip.¡±


    ¡°We would love to have you. Have a safe trip back home.¡± She gave me an almost cold nce before walking away.


    ¡°I thought we had a thing going while she treated me. What¡¯s with the sudden attitude?¡± I asked Ezra as we headed to the car.


    He snickered. ¡°Doctor Reed is Nia¡¯s grandmother. I hope you can connect the dots.¡±


    ¡°Grandmother? How is that?¡±


    ¡°Well, thanks to you throwing her out. She got to find her father¡¯s family. Remember, she is a half-breed.¡± I could sense the mockery in his tone.


    ¡°Do you always have to be so stupid?¡± I inquired, kissing my teeth. He onlyughed, making a silly face.


    I rolled my eyes and sat in the car. From the corner of my eyes, I could see Nia peeping from the house window. We would get to see again. I will make sure of that.


    **************************


    NIA¡¯S POV


    Nurturing Gael back to life and seeing him move around, looking as healthy as ever, is one of the most soothing experiences I have had in a long while. As much as I feel very reluctant to admit it, I was pretty excited throughout the four days I spent checking up on him. I had to stay back and have my grandmother handle his health when he held me in a bid to talk to me. At that moment, I wasn¡¯t sure about what I wanted, which prompted me to shun him.


    My wrist tingled for days before I finally shook off the longing thought. When Gael got discharged, I had mixed feelings seeing him leave. Just when I thought it was over and our paths would probably never cross each other again.


    Two days after his discharge, Gael began visiting the medical center daily and waiting for me to talk to him. I thought he would give up by the third day when he realized I didn¡¯t want to speak to him. I had to stop visiting the medical center to avoid him. I even called Ezra, and he said Gael was adamant about not returning until he got to talk to me.


    It¡¯s been almost a week, and he is still here, always showing up in the most visible spot between the medical center entrance and the house. Whether I turn left or right, I must see his face. It¡¯s beginning to affect my concentration. I can no longer go a day without thinking about him, and this must have been his intention. I thought my harsh words were enough to turn him away, but he seemed adamant.


    ¡°Do you need me to bounce him out? I know I shouldn¡¯t since it¡¯s not like he is trespassing, but if it makes you ufortable, we must do something about it.¡± Catelyn said behind me while she knitted.


    ¡°The problem here is he needs to rest as much as he can after going through such rigorous body transformation. Yet, he keeps exposing himself to the cold to see me.¡± I said with concern while stretching my neck. It¡¯s a Sunday, yet he still came by.


    ¡°Would you see him then?¡± She suggested.


    ¡°No!¡± Perry yelled from the other end. I had ced her on a video call so she could see Gael while I stood at the window. ¡°Why do you need to see him? He would only flood your mind with those awful memories. I think you are fine this way; don¡¯t let him get into your head.¡±


    My grandmother cleared her throat when I returned to the couch. ¡°I know I have little knowledge about what ensued between you both. But I don¡¯t think an unrepentant man would stand outside ady¡¯s window for days to talk to her. He has be a close pal of the older patients, bringing them goodies so that he would have a reason to hang around, and they already took a liking to him. My hands are tied to send him away because he isn¡¯t bothering anyone in any way. Even though he knows


    Nia might never hear him out, but he persists. I would advise you to think it through. Make up your mind if you want to talk to him or not. Either way, you are the only one that can make him leave. I think you also need to move on.¡±


    Perry blew Raspberry into the phone. ¡°I hate to say Granny Catelyn is right. It won¡¯t resolve until you tell him how you truly feel about everything. The closure is much needed. It would have been better if you never saw each other.¡±


    I inhaled deeply and leaned into the chair. Throwing my head to the back, I rubbed slowly on my bump. That doomed night memory returned to me; the distant look in his eyes haunted me and sent cold shivers down my spine. What confuses me the most is how he moved from being so loving to such an unapproachable person.


    At the same time, I can¡¯t tell what I would have done if I was in his shoes. Still, it doesn¡¯t give him the right to do what he did to me. However, I am pretty curious to hear what he has to say. Maybe it is the tingling feeling I feel whenever I remember him. I can¡¯t tell.


    On second thought, I think of waiting until he loses his patience and leaves for the pack-that way, we never get to meet again. But the realistic question is: what do I want?


    ¡°What if he is only here because of the baby?¡± I mumbled.


    ¡°Then you will only find out when you talk to him. You have every right to decide on what is best for you.¡± Catelyn said. ¡°For humans, it is considered very healthy when one is curious about what happened to them, which is what brought about closure. Many times, it only leads to regrets when one forcefully finds it. However, yours is different because it is at your doorstep. Seize the chance, or you might curse yourself for being a coward. I know you want to; courage is all that you seek.¡±


    ¡°Just put an end to it, Nia,¡± Perry added.


    I inhaled slowly, feeling my eyes water. I don¡¯t know what scares me the most. Realizing that Gael is only here for the child will break me apart. I want to y cowardly until the end and send him off. For someone who moved on so quickly with Gemma the minute I left the pack, his love for me isn¡¯t as much as mine. That alone is a big red g for me. Gripping the couch tightly, I gathered courage and headed out of the house, walking with determination to meet with him.


    As I neared where he sat with his back, my legs became very weak. What if I end up stuttering in front of him? He might end up mocking me to my face and remind me just how soft at heart I am. Gulping hard, I ignored the excitement of my wolf at the sight of him and cleared my throat.


    ¡°What do you think you are doing?¡± I said in a distant tone.

 Chapter 104 Destined Lovers

    GAEL¡¯S POV


    Her voice had my heart racing when it settled in my ear. I turned around to see her, and everything that tightened in my chest loosened up immediately. I dusted off the invisible dirt on my trousers and held her gaze shyly. I have never been this tongue-tied in front of ady before. Nia has a way of pulling so many unfamiliar emotions inside me. She looked impatient, eyes darted everywhere, refusing to focus on me.


    ¡°I am sure you heard me the first time. What do you think you are doing showing up every day and making everyone ufortable?¡± She questioned.


    I yed with the tail of my hair and swallowed in difort. What the hell is wrong with me? I have rehearsed many things to say to her with my wolf, and I felt confident until two minutes ago that I knew how to bring her back to me. I tried to open my mouth, but everything seemed stuck in my throat.


    Nia scoffed with a glint of disappointment, ¡°What was I expecting? Now that you have seen me, you should leave and nevere back here. We had already gone our separate ways thest time we saw months back. So, if you don¡¯t want me to have you arrested for trespassing, leave this instant.¡± She ordered, turning her back away.


    ¡°N¡­ Nia!¡± I yelled like a fool. What the fuck is wrong with me? She stopped in her tracks. ¡°Please, we have to talk!¡±


    She faced me with a zing rage in her eyes. ¡°is this some joke? Oh, I see. You are here for the pregnancy. I hear all that matters to an Alpha is an heir to your throne. But news sh. This baby is mine and mine alone. Get that into your head and leave now when I am still nice.¡±?


    ¡°Baby, listen¡­¡±


    ¡°I am not your baby!¡± She retorted, stomping her feet.


    ¡°Fine. Nia, listen, please. I am not here for the pregnancy; don¡¯t get me wrong, it is not like I do not care. But you matter most to me right now. Nia, I am not here to justify my actions, and I know I deserve never to get close to you again.  I wish I dared to stay away and not meddle in your life again. But I believe this is a second chance granted by the goddess. I have made many stupid mistakes, and letting you out of my life was the biggest one I would regret forever as long as I live.¡±


    She didn¡¯t respond, so I continued, not wanting to lose any chance I got. I fell to my knees. I tried to hold up her gaze, but she was shocked to see me in such a position.


    ¡°I am sorry, Nia. And if I have to say that a million times, I would as long as you forgive me. I was a nuisance till the very end. I didn¡¯t stop to think of the things we shared to know that you will never do something like that to me. I let my rage blind me to see the truth right in front of me. I made a hasty decision, and I regret it. Please, Nia, allow me to make things right with you. I promise to do whatever you want. I am even on a journey to get better. I registered with a therapist, and I will be starting my sessions soon. I need you to seal this journey I just embarked on. Please, Nia. I love you so much, and I didn¡¯t realize it until I lost you. I want you back; my life is nothing without you in it. Please.¡± My eyes watered, and I could no longer keep the emotions bottled.


    ¡°You are so delusional to think the goddess is involved in this rubbish.¡± She kissed her teeth loudly.


    ¡°You can go to hell for all I care, Gael. You knew how much I struggled to find my ce in that pack. Not only did I get thrashed by the nobles, but even the enved people didn¡¯t hesitate toy their hands on me. I persisted and tried to live my life. You came to me, baring your heart out, making me feel like the only one you will ever love. You remember all the things you did to me before then. I am still shocked that I fell for someone like you. I shouldn¡¯t have been surprised when you did what you did. It didn¡¯t even take you too long before you pulled Gemma back into your bed. Didn¡¯t Ezra tell you she knew about the setup?¡±


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t thinking straight.¡± I defended.


    ¡°Of course you weren¡¯t. The actual truth is you miss the wildlife you had always lived before I stepped into your life. You thought good riddance to bad rubbish when you tossed me away like trash. Now you are back because you got yed. If you think I would be foolish enough to take you back, then you are joking. As you can see, I have a good life here. Go live yours too and never step foot here again. Or else I will be sure to keep my promise. Don¡¯t test my patience, Gael. I am no longer that caring, Nia.¡±


    ¡°Nia, please,¡± I begged, teary-eyed.


    Nia crouched low despite her giant belly and looked me in the eye with extreme spite. ¡°Read my lips, Gael, if you remain here for one more minute. You will be shocked by what I am capable of doing. I would rip you apart if I had to. Stay away from my family and I. Do you get that?¡±


    She walked away from me without sparing me a nce. I felt my insides freezing from the way she spoke to me. I have never seen her hold such a mean look before. I sat on the grass, feeling helpless. I guess this is it. It is all over, and I missed the chance to be happy and make things right in my life a long time ago. I wish it didn¡¯t have to end like this. There is no way I am going to heal from this heartbreak that I brought to myself.


    I dragged myself up with difficulty; the tears kept flowing ceaselessly, and I didn¡¯t try to stop it. I walked back to my car and headed home. Nia was the only reason I stayed in a foreignnd, and I would do it repeatedly if I had to. But it¡¯s all toote now. I don¡¯t know how I got to the airport driving so mindlessly. Ezra already had the private jet in ce for whenever I decided to return home.


    As the ne raced up into the air and the city of New Haven became smaller from my view, reality dawned on me that I was never seeing the love of my life again. Like a child, I held onto the window and cried.     ***************


    TWO WEEKS LATER


    AUTHOR¡¯S POV


    Catelyn watched Nia closely as she stabbed at her food. She always has an appetite, but for the past week, she seems unable to eat right. It¡¯s all because of that handsome devil, Gael, who made a mockery of her affection. She can finally affirm that her granddaughter still has hidden affection towards him. And it breaks her heart to see that she can¡¯t do anything to help her. She didn¡¯t want to get involved before, but from the look of things, someone has to do something, or Nia¡¯s health will be in danger.


    Clearing her throat, she took a sip of water. ¡°Why are you so down?¡± She asked.


    Nia sighed heavily and dropped the spoon like she had been waiting for the perfect moment. She can¡¯t seem to get rid of Gael¡¯s words to her thest time they met. He didn¡¯t sound convincing enough to her when he presented his case, and that was just enough to get her angry.


    ¡°I don¡¯t just get it.¡± She began. ¡°He didn¡¯t have a single good excuse to give for being an asshole. He only kept apologizing.¡±


    ¡°Would you have forgiven him if he weaved a couple of excuses for you?¡± Perry, who had been quiet all through the breakfast, asked. She got back three days ago and already feels frustrated with Nia¡¯s unlikely attitude.


    Nia pped the table, ¡°No, never. I am better off without him, and we would not be talking about him ever again.¡± She hissed, storming upstairs to her room.


    ¡°She is not better off without him,¡± Perry mumbled.


    Catelyn sighed, rubbing at her wrinkled forehead. ¡°We can¡¯t leave her like this. She is pregnant and needs to be healthy both physically and emotionally for her to see the month through. What do we do?¡±


    ¡°She cries herself to sleep every night. It is so annoying.¡± Perry groaned. ¡°If I knew, I would return to meet a wrecked-looking Nia. I would have stayed back in Spain.¡±Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    ¡°You would be surprised to know your presence has helped brighten her. She often stands like a zombie, lost in thought and unmoving.¡±


    ¡°This is bad.¡±


    Kylia stepped into the house with shopping bags in hand, moving their attention away. She neveres by the house empty-handed, and everything she purchases is for the newborn¡¯s arrival. Perry rushed to her in excitement.


    ¡°Hey there, my favorite aunty. You are a breath of fresh air. What did you get me?¡± She questioned in excitement, taking the bags from Kylia.


    Kylia giggled, flicking Perry¡¯s nose. ¡°I am your only aunty; there is no way I wouldn¡¯t be your favorite. However, I am sorry to disappoint you. There is nothing in there for you. It is for my beautiful babies, who are due to arrive soon. So get your hands off it. Where is Nia? How are you doing, mama?¡±


    Perry threw her arms out, pouting. ¡°Forget whatever I said the other time. You are a killjoy.¡±


    ¡°That is right,¡± Catelyn added, joining them in the living room.


    Kylia stood with her arms akimbo, observing the women. ¡°what is happening? Why does everyone look so gloomy?¡±


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you ask your niece?¡± Her mother replied.


    ¡°She wouldn¡¯t tell us what is wrong with her; maybe she would be nice enough to tell you.¡±


    She huffed, ¡°I have also been trying to make her talk. But she keeps denying that there is anything wrong with her. I guess we have to believe whatever she says.¡±


    ¡°We all know how much Nia enjoys food. Lately, she doesn¡¯t even eat half the te.¡± Perry mused.


    ¡°Okay, that is worrisome,¡± Kylia added.


    ¡°I was thinking of something though. Why not call Ezra to affirm how the other one is doing.¡± Catelyn suggested.


    Perry snickered, ¡°he is probably fine and living his best life.¡±


    ¡°I doubt that. If Gael and Nia love each other so much, they might have a mate bond that pulls their emotions together even if they are apart.¡± Said Catelyn.


    Perry gasped in surprise. ¡°You know about the mate bond?¡±


    ¡°Of course, her only son was mated to a werewolf. She would know about it. Moreover, it¡¯s not much different from one¡¯s soul mate as humans.¡± Kylia said.


    Catelyn hummed, ying with her finger. ¡°I have a feeling it is destiny for them to be together. And if my instincts are right, then we have something to do. So Perry, call your brother.¡± She instructed.


    Even though she was a bit hesitant, Perry had no other choice but to dial her brother. Ezra picked up the second ring, and she put the phone on speaker.


    ¡°Hey, brother.¡±


    Ezra yawned tiredly into the receiver. ¡°How are you, pumpkin?¡±


    ¡°I am okay. Why do you sound so tired? Had Gael been overworking you?¡± She asked.


    ¡°I would have preferred if he did. That young man has been a walking dead since he returned to the pack. It feels like he became reclusive to everything around him. I have tried everything I can to cheer him up. I did warn him not to get his hopes up. Now that the cold truth has hit him, he can¡¯t seem to cope with it. I don¡¯t know what to do. I wish there were something I could do to help him. It is the first time I have seen Gael look this helpless. He wasn¡¯t even like this when he lost both parents. I am worried something might go wrong.¡± He mumbled, sounding helpless.


    Thedies exchanged a knowing look. Catelyn shifted forward to speak to the receiver. ¡°I am guessing we all have a part to y here. Nia is nothing to write home about, too. So, are you ready to do anything for your friend¡¯s happiness?¡±


    Ezra coughed lightly, ¡°Yes, of course. What do you need me to do.¡±


    ¡°Okay, here is the n. Listen carefully.¡± Catelyn mused in a very soft tone to prevent Nia from hearing.


    ¡°That is a perfect n,¡± Ezra mumbled after hearing them out.


    ¡°Are you sure you can make it?¡± Kylia asked him.


    ¡°Trust me, Aunt Kylia. I know just the right words to say.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s make it a date then.¡± Catelyn said with a wide grin on her face.

 Chapter 105 Happily Ever After

    NIA¡¯S POV


    I yawned for the umpteenth time tiredly. I don¡¯t know why everyone in the house is suddenly interested in camping thiste evening. I haven¡¯t been sleeping well for days, and just when I thought I would get the best of sleep today, I got dragged out of bed without my consent.


    ¡°I thought you said the ce is not far from us. Why are we driving out of New Haven?¡± I asked Perry, who was seated next to me in the car. ¡°Moreover, why did Grandma and Aunt Kylia go before us when we could have just gone together.¡±


    Perry shrugged, staring at her phone. ¡°They didn¡¯t want to disrupt your siesta.¡±


    I snorted, ¡°You disrupted it.¡± I retorted rudely.


    ¡°Really Nia? Is that what we deserve for wanting to make you feel better?¡±


    I blinked guiltily. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to sound like that.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡± She muttered, turning her face away from me.


    I sighed tiredly, knowing I hadn¡¯t been on my best behaviortely, and it was all because I couldn¡¯t seem to get a grip on myself. I am having so manyplicated thoughts, wishing I had acted otherwise. It keeps dawning on me every passing day just how much I miss Gael. But there is no way I would resort to begging him toe back to me. Not after I already told him off. I won¡¯t lie; Gael was sincere. But I couldn¡¯t bring myself to give in so easily. I thought it would make me look weak. Now, I worry that my child would have to hear different stories of how the parents went apart. I hope this feeling will leave me soon. I am too stressed as it stands now.


    The car finally stopped at a botanical garden, which looked like a massive expanse ofnd. My wolf made a satisfied howl; spaces like this will enable one to run at their free will without any fear of being sighted. It¡¯s been a while since I had a run in the woods. On leaving the car, Perry and I walked towards a shed with a baobab tree surrounding it. It makes it look warm and cozy. It¡¯s rare to see this kind of tree around here. I have always seen them drawn in books. Lovers would have an excellent time here.


    Settling into the wooden bench, I inhaled the cool air. ¡°Where are Granny and Aunt Kylia? I thought they would be here?¡± I asked Perry.


    She looked around quickly, ¡°they should be somewhere around here. Just stay put while I look for them. You have nothing to worry about. It is safe.¡±


    I chuckled lightly, ¡°Like you will ever bring me anywhere unsafe before. You love me too much to put me in danger.¡±


    ¡°I am d you know that.¡± She grinned, running off.


    I waited patiently and brought out my phone to scroll through my media pages. I have been trying some herbal mint productiontely, intending to clear any throat infection. As much as I might be an herbal healer, I would like to be a modern one who can make candies and juicy smoothies from the most unexpected herbs. Engrossed with my phone, I heard footsteps making their way close to me. My heart raced, and my guard went up with my wolfing to the surface.


    The steps don¡¯t sound like that of Perry or anyone familiar, and it has to be a stranger. The sound became closer, causing me to stand up to maintain defense. Just when I attempted to jump at whoever it was, not caring about my big belly. Gael raised his hands in surrender.


    ¡°Sorry, I didn¡¯t mean to startle you.¡± He said, protecting his face with his hands. They are more important to him than any other part of his body.


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± I questioned with a frown and a wave of anxiety at the same time.


    He put down his hands and blinked like he didn¡¯t know it was me. ¡°You are here. What are you doing here?¡±


    I hissed, returning to my seat. ¡°I just asked you the same thing. It can¡¯t be a coincidence.¡±


    ¡°It isn¡¯t. Ezra had told me we were taking a vacation out of the pack, and when we got here, he told me to walk down here and wait up for him while he gets something real quick.¡±


    I bit down on my lips when it dawned on me that we just got yed. I scrolled through my phone to dial Perry, but she didn¡¯t pick up. ¡°Perry isn¡¯t answering her phone. She brought me here. Why don¡¯t you try calling Ezra?¡±


    He did the same, and the call didn¡¯t connect. ¡°it¡¯s obvious they had it all nned out. They want us to be alone.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to be alone with you,¡± I stated, fixing my jaw stubbornly.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. We don¡¯t have to. There is a choice to make. If we don¡¯t take a stance now, everyone will y this kind of trick on us again. We can either decide to sort out our differences or pretend not to see each other until they both return to get us. I don¡¯t know my way around here, so I would wait on Ezra.¡±


    ¡°Same here,¡± I mumbled.


    Gael walked gently towards me and sat on the other end of the bench, ensuring to keep his distance. I will make Perry pay for fooling me like this. His smell wafted into my nose, and I wanted to embrace him so severely. I miss him, but then I am not sure it is a feeling I am supposed to have.


    ¡°H¡­ how are you?¡± He asked, breaking the long silence.


    ¡°Good, I guess,¡± I replied, not looking at him. I folded my shaky hands to keep him from noticing.


    ¡°Well, I haven¡¯t been fine. I can¡¯t seem to do anything without thinking about how much we would have done together if I hadn¡¯t messed things up. But let¡¯s not discuss the past. I hope you are fine, though. I learned that pregnancy takes quite a toll on the body. I must admit, though, you look so beautiful with the belly.¡± He said.


    I gave him a side look to see his reaction, but he was staring straight at a tree, which meant he meant the words and wasn¡¯t trying to impress me. I blushed profusely, turning my face away. ¡°You look stressed.¡±


    ¡°I haven¡¯t been sleeping well. And I doubt if I would be doing so anytime soon.¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t your therapist rmend a way out?¡±


    ¡°She did. But none of it seems to work.¡±


    My ears perked at the gender of his therapist. ¡°Your therapist is a she?¡±


    ¡°Yes, her name is Skr. And Skr is good at what she does. I feel rxed every time I am with her.¡±


    I scoffed in distaste, ¡°Oh? She makes you feel rxed. So typical of you.¡± I red at him, and he turned to look at me just in time. I swallowed hard as I could not look away anymore.


    He chuckled dryly, ¡°What are you thinking? I already left that life, Nia. Moreover, Skr is fifty-five years old. You are unbelievable.¡± Heughed this time, showing off his fantastic set of teeth.


    I rolled my eyes. ¡°Whatever.¡±


    ¡°I miss you though. I miss you every day, and I wish you would believe me. But I doubt if that is ever going to happen.¡±


    I pouted, ¡°Why not? I thought you said you love me.¡±


    ¡°And I always will. But I want you to love me back just the same. It would help if you weren¡¯t nice to me for the child¡¯s saketer. I want your actual affection.¡±


    ¡°So you think I don¡¯t love you anymore?¡± I pressed further, feeling my insides melt at the innocent look in his eyes.


    ¡°I don¡¯t doubt that you still love me. Something I havee to realize is that people would love and still walk away from someone for their peace of mind. The reason I ran from love was to avoid getting hurt. I saw what it did to my parents. And it was more disgusting to find out that my dad was cheating on the same woman he imed he would move the universe for. It just sounds absurd to me. I considered him a hypocrite, especially because my mother died not too long after the entire mess. When I saw you on that bed with the strange man, I couldn¡¯t think straight. All the dark monsters within me returned, whispering things to me. I thought I had healed from the family trauma. My reaction wasn¡¯t about you. I guess it was all the anger I buried inside of me that should have been directed at my father. I am sorry once again, Nia. Believe me. I am sincerely sorry. That is why I have resorted to getting help. Anything to help me live a good life, I am up for it.¡±


    I blinked slowly, staring down at my swelling feet. ¡°I couldn¡¯t get my mind off you since that day. I thought about how else I could have resolved the issue without sending you out of my life. At the same time, my broken heart kept bleeding. I wouldn¡¯t feel this much towards my mate if he epted me. Even without you being present, I still feel your touches, which is crazy. I know I might regret this, but I want to live by loving you even if you might end up being a poison.¡± I said, holding his gaze.


    Gael stared in utmost shock. ¡°did you mean that?¡±


    Iughed, ¡°I have spent thest two weeks thinking about everything. I was the happiest when we were together. I want to give you the benefit of the doubt. If you break my heart again, I must ept my mistake.¡±


    ¡°I promise not to do anything to hurt you ever again.¡± He mused, moving close to me.


    ¡°Hold on. You will have to promise that whatever happens between us, you will be patient to have it resolved before jumping to a conclusion.¡±


    ¡°I swear on my life, baby. I am going to make this work no matter what. I promise to be your shoulder to lean on.¡± He grabbed my right hand and kissed it softly. ¡°Does this mean you wille back home with me?¡±


    I grinned mischievously, tilting my head. ¡°I haven¡¯t thought about that yet.¡±


    Gael finallyughed, reaching for my second hand, and he looked me straight. ¡°I don¡¯t mind whatever it is you decide on. As long as you are back to loving me.¡±


    ¡°I never stopped loving you. I just hated you for a little while.¡± I rubbed his fingers gently and held on to his hands as if he would disappear any minute if I ever let go.


    Gael cupped my face in his palm and kissed me lightly. ¡°I am going to be a good boy from now on.¡±


    I giggled, ¡°I trust you would.¡±


    As if possessed, he lifted me off the ground, taking note of my belly before twirling me around whileughing loudly. Today, I made the best decision of my life.


    **********************


    EPILOGUE:


    NIA¡¯S POV


    I couldn¡¯t resist theughter that rumbled out of my belly as I sighted Gael and our boys preupied with themselves like they were the only ones existing in the world. Ryan, Ronan, and Romeo are so obsessed with their father that sometimes I get jealous. But then I am happy at the love they share. It reminds me of how much my dad loved me. Today is our triplet birthday, and despite the many people who havee to see the Sunset Pack¡¯s princes for the first time, they seem unbothered by them and more interested in hanging around their father.


    ¡°Hey there, dewdrop,¡± Kingston called out with a gift box in hand.


    I spread out my arms, hugging him tightly. ¡°finally, someone who pays me attention.¡± I whined.


    He chuckled, ncing over at Gael and the boys. ¡°Oh, I see what you mean. They are at it again.¡±


    ¡°I am telling you. None of the boys would let anyone carry them except him. And he isn¡¯t ready to let them go either.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s the bond between a father and son. I¡¯m sure they are all trying hard to get his attention.¡±


    ¡°They would never let him have one. They all want him.¡±


    ¡°How are you doing, though? I see you are glowing differently.¡±


    I blushed shyly, rubbing at my growing belly. ¡°It¡¯s not my fault; Gael wouldn¡¯t keep his hands off me.¡±


    ¡°Any sane man will do the same,¡± Kingston whispered,ughing.


    I pped his arm yfully, ¡°Stop it. Where is Perry?¡±


    He looked around quickly, ¡°I can assure you we walked into the field together. I need to find her. She must be up to something with Aunt Kylia. I will never understand those two. Give me a minute to go find her.¡± He said, running off.


    I smiled to myself as he left. I am so d he is back in my life as my brother. A year ago, he and Perry had bumped into each other at one of her art exhibitions. They got talking and seemed to find a peculiar interest in each other. Now they are dating. I don¡¯t know how else to thank Perry, and I returned with my man and brother all because of her.


    With Gael taking his therapy sessions quite seriously, he is beginning to let go of the family baggage that he carries with him. I am so d I decided to get back with him.


    Not to forget my newfound family. Catelyn and Kylia are a blessing in disguise. I looked around the field and found my grandmother with former Beta Ezekiel at the dessert table. I wonder when she developed a sweet tooth. But it¡¯s nice to see she is having fun.


    After introducing our sons to everyone else in the pack, we held a private party in the garden with only close family and friends. Only the ones who matter the most to me are worthy of seeing my children¡¯s first celebration.


    I pouted tiredly; Gael insists I stay here because I am pregnant. I would have loved to defy him, but I am pretty tired. I am only in my early second trimester, and the constant exhaustion has me in stitches. One would think I have never been pregnant before.


    ¡°What¡¯s on the mind of our favorite Luna?¡± Perry drawled as she sat next to me with her eyes looking funny.


    ¡°Are you stoned?¡± I asked, shaking my head in disbelief.


    Sheughed like someone who is indeed high. ¡°it¡¯s a discovery, baby. You would have loved it if you weren¡¯t pregnant. Aunt Kylia does.¡±


    ¡°If I were her husband, I would have you both thrown out,¡± I said, looking towards Kingston, who seemed to be having difficulty getting my aunt a drink. ¡°Is she that high?¡±


    Perry snickered, ¡°No, she just insists on having a ss of vodka, which Kingston is against.¡±


    Iughed heartily. If I didn¡¯t know better, I would think Kingston and Aunt Kylia are rted. He is always on the lookout for her.


    Ezra walked towards us, smiling brightly. ¡°Might I take shade with the beautifuldies?¡± He asked, sitting down.


    ¡°You wouldn¡¯t even wait for us to respond. Typical of you.¡± His sister reasoned.


    ¡°I was praising Nia, not you. I wonder how Kingston copes with your ugly face.¡± He retorted.


    Perry let her tongue out at him. ¡°You are just jealous.¡±


    ¡°Why would I ever be jealous of an ugly face? I don¡¯t have that much time to waste.¡± Ezra mocked. The both of them will never grow up.


    Gael came to join us withboys trailing behind him, trying to catch up with their short legs. That¡¯s enough of you two. How do you intend to teach the children to act better when you don¡¯t know better.¡±


    ¡°He started it,¡± Perry whined, pointing at her brother. Her face suddenly morphed into a bright smile whenone of the boys came to her side. She picked up Romeo, who seemed to be her favorite among the triplets.


    Ezra picked up Ryan while Gael carried Ronan. ¡°They look so identical that I can hardly identify them,¡± Ezra said.


    ¡°Ryan, Romeo, and Ronan.¡± I pointed at the boys respectively.


    ¡°Wow. It looks like magic! How do you do it so effortlessly?¡±


    ¡°You are just dumb, big bro. You live in the pack more than I do, and I can recognize them.¡±


    Ezra let out a loud groan. ¡°If I weren¡¯t trying to be a good godfather, I would have whipped your ass! You bitch!¡±


    ¡°Words!¡± I cautioned him.Original from N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°So much of a good godfather.¡± Perry stuck out her tongue at him.


    ¡°I will end you today!¡± Ezra passed me Ryan while Perry handed Romeo to Kingston, who was cut off from his intended statement. Ezra went after his sister while threatening to deal mercilessly with her.


    ¡°Careful, my love!¡± Kingston called out to Perry before walking away against


    Iughed, throwing my head to the back. Gael sat next to me with his hand around the chair, and he leaned towards me.


    ¡°Hey, baby.¡±


    I shifted a bit from him. ¡°I see you finally have my time.¡±


    He held up his signature smile. ¡°Are you jealous?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t I have a right to be?¡±


    ¡°You do. And I love it.¡± He cooed, trying to reach me to kiss my lips. I avoided him.


    ¡°Don¡¯t do that. The kids.¡± I warned, blushing.


    ¡°Then we can go in and leave them with the aunts. No one will notice.¡±


    ¡°Of course they would. Stop it, Gael.¡± I giggled, hitting him weakly. ¡°Let¡¯s do all of this when we are alone. Not now. We need to be here for our family and friends.¡±


    At my words, he inhaled deeply and nced around proudly. ¡°I can¡¯t believe all of these people are for me. And I have that all thanks to you.¡± He mused, kissing me. ¡°Thank you so much, baby. For putting up with me. I promise to keep doing all I can to be a better husband, father, friend, and Alpha.¡±


    ¡°I know you will do just great. Thank you for being amazing this past year. I couldn¡¯t have asked for more. I love you, baby.¡±


    ¡°And I love you more.¡± He replied, caressing my hands. We nced at our boys before looking back at the family surrounding us.


    The goddess was indeed looking out for me, after all.


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