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 politely, not wanting to cause a scene. “Excuse us,” I say politely before I lead us away, taking a
of the larger oaks at the further
my decision, Atticus. Sebastian and I have patched things
eyes vanishes as he stares at me with
he asks, clenching his jaw. “I’m sorry, but I have never led you on, Atticus, what I do
a mistake, Zaia. He can’t protect you.” He says, glancing
to talk about? I frown but I don’t argue as someone else approaches us and pasting a smile on my face, Í step forward to
fullest I feel even more confident that it’ll help Valerie. Dinner is almost over, and I’m almost done with having to sit
in a pinched line, irritation clear on her face as she stares at me haughtily, making snide indirect jabs
but he is still distracted, not noticing nor entertaining her.
pushed Mom away so she didn’t think she
can be
still wonder how you think you will manage, Zaia. Are you prepared for such a position? I’m worried you are biting off
me and wish I wasn’t sitting right beside her but when Dad had made to sit between us; she had
need not worry, Luna. Dad knows I am capable.” I reply, taking a spoonful of my chocolate cake. She rolls her eyes, picking
reply simply. “Trying to look like a fool.” She mumbles her breath, but I hear
Ready?” Dad says quietly and I pick up my napkin, patting my mouth and nod.
out over the garden. We’re dining out in the open. The weather is
attention. “As you all know, recently I have made my daughter the head of my company and named her my heir.
and although it’s
I can see it in the way he’s talking. He’s distracted and upset. For Dad’s.
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
quietly, he places his arm around me and gives me a small smile. “I present
have to,” I whisper. He shakes his head. “I wanted to.” He replies quietly before
know it’s a devastating hit, but I do hope
am hurt father, you are giving Zaia everything, but what about me? Am I not your
ears. I turn slowly,
looks almost the same as she 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
mentioned she had moved
a frown crossing his
responds. Annette stands up, knocking her chair back as she runs to her daughter’s
goddess, Annalise baby, where have you been… and you’re
forbidden 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 think he forgets that she is the one who stole my boyfriend! I was with Sebastian King before she came
you an order, why did you
her statement. “What?” Annette asks, shocked. “You refused to let me see her! You said that she’s
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Rd75r8LXXu6831nCkO6aEVfnLxiALNCsu16tERytrTSUF2Hkdxx+EEZylJGR44tCI3sB+thY1lk6kPlSYLV7ZpuM6LctN9aH+aXNB2qhRBNTlUaPS/tq5IlCUBajApHgyo9P9/2ecjO2VKscpFzgljHn1tzGgPiT3MMGf2zAEQecEvLUrp+dinhw6zV3GnkBo2mwa9Yd/vksSTQxxTDOUvVU/gsRaYGBGmdsWoTP7oK4SBX02IgOiAyIQsH5dy70Vk378rGDDfa1iDOPOnl5MsXUTKcgItVQqpp5U6BFavU5AJh/wTT0Kqw4KJPXIb++1o5p9Mh9WYKqgfVilFMVral4fnwFk9b1dNmXPGsQHU6yRfL72TN/17nZcnolLOD6Gpz3zrU510aT0iPGvdkuQN1UMB9D+noBij9//IqpPUzvSqcJ9cAjVl7GC0dBwtELpnyUlFEKDQ==
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