A Jealous Sister
ZAIA. The glimmering fairy lights and the lanterns twinkle in the night. The music is soft and soothing, the opposite of the storm that rages inside of me. I am still unable to fully process the information that Mom shared, and neither can Dad…
Mom decided to stay home. She had originally been extremely worried about facing Annette. and with what happened, she couldn’t do it and I can’t blame her. Since we moved here, both women have avoided one another at all costs.
Dad is greeting everyone, but his constant tugging at his tie and readjusting tells me he’s stressed. Right now, I could use Sebastian’s arms around me…
Wait, stop. Did I just say that? My cheeks burn as I step out into the open. A silence falls as all eyes turn to me and hopefully, the cameras catch everyone’s expressions…
My eyes find Atticus and he’s staring at me with an expression I can’t make out. Interesting… is it me or the symbol?
“Ms Zaia Toussaint.” Someone announces me and I gracefully walk down the steps. Atticus glances around before he swiftly crosses the garden and holds out a hand to me.
“Hey…” He says. I take his hand hesitantly, but instead of his normally charming smile, he’s looking me over with a tiny frown. “Hello, Atticus,” I say. “Are you alright? You look a little… shocked.”
He tenses before he shakes his head. “No, not at all. So shall we?” He offers me his arm and although I’m tempted to refuse, his reaction has intrigued me, although after Mom’s, nothing feels like a surprise anymore.
“Congratulations Ms Toussaint, it is a pleasant surprise to learn that you will head this pack. I hope our alliance will continue.” An older Alpha from an allied pack says.
“Thank you, Alpha Bruce,” I say politely, giving him and his Luna a grateful smile. “Will we perhaps see another alliance between you and Alpha Payne?”
smile, whilst I simply smile politely, not wanting to cause a scene. “Excuse us,” I say politely before I lead us away, taking a glass of wine from a passing waiter. Atticus
one of the larger oaks at the
you no. I’ve made my decision, Atticus. Sebastian and I
at me. Any spark he had in his eyes vanishes as he stares at me with eyes
his jaw. “I’m sorry, but I have never led you on,
mistake, Zaia. He can’t protect you.” He says, glancing
about? I frown but I don’t argue as someone else approaches us and pasting a smile on
moon at its fullest I feel even more confident that it’ll help Valerie. Dinner is almost over, and I’m almost
on her face as she stares at me
is still distracted, not noticing nor
pushed Mom away so she didn’t think
be painful
manage, Zaia. Are you prepared for such a position? I’m worried you are biting off far more than you can chew.” Annette murmurs the
wasn’t sitting right beside her but when Dad had made
taking a spoonful of my chocolate cake. She rolls her eyes, picking up her drink. “Well,
but I hear under.
up my napkin, patting my mouth and nod. “Whenever you are,”
as he looks out over the garden. We’re dining out in the open. The weather is
front, giving Dad their full attention. “As you all know, recently I have made my daughter the head of my
it’s
and time again that she is suitable for this position…” Dad says quietly. He’s not himself… I can see it in the way he’s talking. He’s distracted and upset. For Dad’s. emotions to show through, it’s obvious Mom’s secret has
right now, he needs me, I stand up and move past Annette, placing a hand on my father’s arm. He observes me for a
says quietly, he places his arm around me and gives me a
I whisper. He shakes his head. “I wanted
back. I know it’s a devastating hit, but I do hope he can come to terms with everything that has happened and doesn’t blame himself for the loss of his
am hurt father, you are giving Zaia everything,
sun, reaches my ears. I
than it used to be. It’s curled and
Sebastian never mentioned she had moved on. Maybe that’s why
Dad says, a frown crossing his
chair back as she runs to her daughter’s side and flings her arms around
Annalise baby, where have you been… and you’re pregnant!” She
She says, now looking at Dad accusingly. “Dad said I am not allowed to set foot in this pack after what I did. I think he forgets that she is
“If I had given you an order, why did
to let me see her! You said that she’s the one who
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Rd75r8LXXu6831nCkO6aEVfnLxiALNCsu16tERytrTSUF2Hkdxx+EEZylJGR44tCI3sB+thY1lk6kPlSYLV7ZpuM6LctN9aH+aXNB2qhRBNTlUaPS/tq5IlCUBajApHgyo9P9/2ecjO2VKscpFzgljHn1tzGgPiT3MMGf2zAEQecEvLUrp+dinhw6zV3GnkBo2mwa9Yd/vksSTQxxTDOUvVU/gsRaYGBGmdsWoTP7oK4SBX02IgOiAyIQsH5dy70Vk378rGDDfa1iDOPOnl5MsXUTKcgItVQqpp5U6BFavU5AJh/wTT0Kqw4KJPXIb++1o5p9Mh9WYKqgfVilFMVral4fnwFk9b1dNmXPGsQHU6yRfL72TN/17nZcnolLOD6Gpz3zrU510aT0iPGvdkuQN1UMB9D+noBij9//IqpPUzvSqcJ9cAjVl7GC0dBwtELpnyUlFEKDQ==
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