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?”
politely, not wanting to cause a scene. “Excuse us,”
me towards one of the larger oaks at the further end
Atticus. Sebastian and I have patched things
me. Any spark he had in his eyes vanishes as he stares at me with eyes that now look
has done?” he asks, clenching his jaw. “I’m sorry, but I have never led you on, Atticus, what
He says, glancing around before he looks
is there to talk about? I frown but I don’t argue as someone else approaches us and pasting a smile on
and with the full moon at its fullest I feel even more confident that it’ll help Valerie. Dinner is
pursed in a pinched line, irritation clear on her face as she stares at me haughtily, making snide
a little too touchy-feely with Dad, but he is still distracted, not noticing nor entertaining
fact that he had pushed Mom away so she didn’t
be
still wonder how you think you will manage, Zaia. Are you prepared for such a position? I’m worried you
at the woman seated beside me and wish I wasn’t sitting right beside her but when
Dad knows I am capable.” I reply, taking a spoonful of my chocolate cake. She rolls her eyes, picking up her drink. “Well, as long as you are confident,
like a fool.” She mumbles her breath, but I hear under. She looks me over, her eyes lingering on the henna before she shakes her
and I pick up my napkin, patting my
the garden. We’re dining out in the open. The weather is good save for little bursts
full attention. “As you 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 naming her the future
of surprise flits through the room and although it’s not unheard of to have a
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 Dad’s. emotions to show through, it’s obvious Mom’s secret
doesn’t 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 move past Annette, placing a hand on my father’s arm. He observes me for a moment before looking
moment.” He says quietly, he places his arm around me and gives me a small smile. “I
whisper. He shakes
I know it’s a devastating hit, but I do hope he can come to terms with everything
I am hurt father, you are giving Zaia everything, but
ears. I turn slowly, as Dad lets go of me and we both look at
the same as she once did. Her hair is shorter than it used to be.
mentioned she had moved on. Maybe
Dad says, a frown crossing
as she runs to her daughter’s side
where have you been… and you’re pregnant!” She
set foot in this pack after what I
you an order, why
her statement. “What?” Annette asks, shocked. “You refused 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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