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?”
“Excuse us,”
states as he guides me towards one of the
no. I’ve made my decision, Atticus. Sebastian and I have
at me. Any spark he had in his eyes vanishes as he
jaw. “I’m sorry, but I have never led you
can’t protect you.” He says, glancing around before he looks
else
feel even more confident that it’ll help Valerie. Dinner is almost over, and I’m almost
pursed in a pinched line, irritation clear on her face as she stares
touchy-feely with Dad, but he is still distracted, not noticing nor entertaining her. Not that he usually entertained
pushed Mom away so she didn’t think she reach out
can be painful
will 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 moment Dad is
look at the woman seated beside me and wish I wasn’t sitting right beside her but when Dad had made to sit between us; she had pushed herself in between. I
of my chocolate cake. She rolls her eyes, picking up
hear under. She
I pick up my napkin, patting my mouth and nod. “Whenever you
up and clinks his glass as he looks out over the garden. We’re dining out in the open. The weather is good
have made my daughter the head of my
of surprise flits through the room and although it’s not unheard of to have
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
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 move past Annette, placing a hand on my father’s
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
I whisper. He shakes his head. “I wanted to.”
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
look at this. I am hurt father, you are giving Zaia everything, but what about me? Am
have not heard for years but is familiar as the morning sun, reaches my ears. I turn slowly, as Dad lets go of me and we
looks almost the same as she once did. Her hair is shorter than it used to be. It’s curled and frames her
she had moved on. Maybe
Dad says, a
her chair back as she runs to her daughter’s side and flings her arms around her, breaking
where have you been… and you’re pregnant!”
set foot in this
an order, why did
clearly not wanting 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
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
The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!