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?”
not wanting to cause a scene. “Excuse us,” I say politely before I lead us
of the larger oaks at the further end
decision, Atticus. Sebastian
had in his eyes vanishes as he stares at me
after everything he has done?” he asks, clenching his jaw. “I’m sorry, but I have never led
protect you.” He says, glancing
but I don’t argue as someone else approaches us and pasting a smile on my face, Í
full moon at its fullest I feel even more confident that it’ll help Valerie. Dinner is almost over,
on her face as she
little too touchy-feely with Dad, but he is still distracted, not noticing nor entertaining her. Not
feels guilty for the fact that he had pushed Mom away so she didn’t think she reach out
can be
Are you prepared for such a position? I’m worried you are biting off far more than you can chew.” Annette murmurs the moment Dad is distracted by
at the woman seated beside me and wish I wasn’t sitting right beside her but when
knows I am capable.” I reply, taking a spoonful of my chocolate cake. She rolls her
hear
pick up my napkin, patting my mouth and nod. “Whenever you are,” I respond with
and clinks his glass as he looks out over the garden. We’re dining out in the open. The weather is good save for little bursts of
attention?” Dad says. The chatter dies down as everyone turns to the front, giving Dad their full attention. “As you all know, recently I have made my
of surprise flits through the room and although it’s not unheard of to have a
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
need to do this… maybe he’s even rethinking if he wants to make me his heir, and I don’t mind. But right now, he needs me, I stand up and
do apologise… it’s just… a moving moment.” He says quietly, he places his arm around me and gives me a small smile. “I present to you, the future Alpha of the Crystal Shadow Pack, Zaia
didn’t have to,” I whisper. He shakes his head. “I wanted to.” He replies quietly
him back. I know it’s a devastating hit, but I
you are giving
familiar as the morning sun, reaches my ears. I turn slowly, as Dad lets go
once did. Her hair is shorter than it used to be. It’s curled and frames her face, but what captures my attention is her swollen
surprise. Sebastian never mentioned she had
a
as she runs to her daughter’s
Annalise baby, where have you been… and you’re pregnant!” She says, cupping her
to return.” She says, now looking at Dad accusingly. “Dad said I am not allowed to set foot in this pack after what I did. I
“If I had given you an order, why did you disobey by returning, if
Annette asks, shocked. “You refused to let me see her! You said that she’s the one who should come to us and when she tried,
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Rd75r8LXXu6831nCkO6aEVfnLxiALNCsu16tERytrTSUF2Hkdxx+EEZylJGR44tCI3sB+thY1lk6kPlSYLV7ZpuM6LctN9aH+aXNB2qhRBNTlUaPS/tq5IlCUBajApHgyo9P9/2ecjO2VKscpFzgljHn1tzGgPiT3MMGf2zAEQecEvLUrp+dinhw6zV3GnkBo2mwa9Yd/vksSTQxxTDOUvVU/gsRaYGBGmdsWoTP7oK4SBX02IgOiAyIQsH5dy70Vk378rGDDfa1iDOPOnl5MsXUTKcgItVQqpp5U6BFavU5AJh/wTT0Kqw4KJPXIb++1o5p9Mh9WYKqgfVilFMVral4fnwFk9b1dNmXPGsQHU6yRfL72TN/17nZcnolLOD6Gpz3zrU510aT0iPGvdkuQN1UMB9D+noBij9//IqpPUzvSqcJ9cAjVl7GC0dBwtELpnyUlFEKDQ==
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