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?”
says with a charming smile, whilst I simply smile politely, not wanting to cause a scene. “Excuse us,” I say politely before I lead us away,
as he guides me towards one of the larger oaks at the further end
did tell you no. I’ve made my decision, Atticus. Sebastian and I have
vanishes as he stares at me with eyes that
“I’m sorry, but I have never led you on, Atticus, what
can’t protect you.” He says, glancing around before
about? I frown but I don’t argue as someone else approaches us and pasting
its fullest I feel even more confident that it’ll
pursed in a pinched line, irritation clear on her face as she stares at me haughtily, making snide indirect jabs
too touchy-feely with Dad, but he is still distracted, not
guilty for the fact that he had pushed Mom away so she
be painful
you think you will manage, Zaia. Are you prepared for such a position? I’m worried you are biting off far more than you can chew.” Annette
I wasn’t sitting right beside her but when Dad had made to sit between us;
a spoonful of my chocolate cake. She rolls her eyes, picking up her drink. “Well, as long as you are
her breath, but I hear under. She looks me over, her eyes lingering on the henna
up my napkin, patting my mouth and nod. “Whenever you are,” I respond
as he looks out over the garden. We’re dining out in the open. The weather is good save
all know, recently I have made my daughter the head of my company and named her my heir. Today, I wish to announce that I am also
and although it’s not unheard of to have a female alpha,
has proved time 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
mind. But right now, he needs me, I stand up and move past Annette, placing a hand on my father’s arm.
me and gives me a small smile. “I present to
I look up at Dad. “You didn’t have to,” I whisper. He shakes his head. “I wanted to.” He replies quietly before he pulls
sure what he is thanking me for, but I hug him back. I know it’s a devastating hit, but I do hope he can come to
mom? “Well well well… look at this. I am hurt father, you are giving Zaia everything, but what about me?
years but is familiar as the morning sun, reaches my ears. I turn
than it used to be. It’s curled and frames her face, but what captures
mentioned she had
says, a frown crossing his
as she runs to
baby, where have you been… and you’re pregnant!” She says, cupping her
accusingly. “Dad said I am not allowed to set foot in this pack after what I did. I think he forgets that she is the one who stole
I had given you an order, why did you disobey by returning, if that’s
to address the latter part of her statement. “What?” Annette asks, shocked. “You refused to let me see her! You said that she’s the one who should come to us and
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Rd75r8LXXu6831nCkO6aEVfnLxiALNCsu16tERytrTSUF2Hkdxx+EEZylJGR44tCI3sB+thY1lk6kPlSYLV7ZpuM6LctN9aH+aXNB2qhRBNTlUaPS/tq5IlCUBajApHgyo9P9/2ecjO2VKscpFzgljHn1tzGgPiT3MMGf2zAEQecEvLUrp+dinhw6zV3GnkBo2mwa9Yd/vksSTQxxTDOUvVU/gsRaYGBGmdsWoTP7oK4SBX02IgOiAyIQsH5dy70Vk378rGDDfa1iDOPOnl5MsXUTKcgItVQqpp5U6BFavU5AJh/wTT0Kqw4KJPXIb++1o5p9Mh9WYKqgfVilFMVral4fnwFk9b1dNmXPGsQHU6yRfL72TN/17nZcnolLOD6Gpz3zrU510aT0iPGvdkuQN1UMB9D+noBij9//IqpPUzvSqcJ9cAjVl7GC0dBwtELpnyUlFEKDQ==
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