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?”
a charming smile, whilst I simply smile politely, not wanting to cause a scene. “Excuse us,” I say politely before I
annoyed.” He states as he guides me towards one of the larger oaks at the further end of
my decision, Atticus. Sebastian
Any spark he had in his eyes vanishes as he stares
jaw. “I’m sorry, but
a mistake, Zaia. He can’t protect you.” He says, glancing around before
else approaches us and pasting a smile
feel even more confident that it’ll help Valerie. Dinner is almost over, and I’m almost done
a pinched line, irritation clear on her face as she
little too touchy-feely with Dad, but he is still distracted, not noticing nor entertaining her. Not
know he feels guilty for the fact that he had pushed Mom
be
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 murmurs the moment Dad
at the woman seated beside me and wish I wasn’t sitting right beside her but when Dad had made to
capable.” I reply, taking a spoonful of my chocolate cake. She rolls her eyes, picking up
She mumbles her breath, but I hear
says quietly and I pick up my napkin, patting my mouth and nod. “Whenever
and clinks his glass as he looks out over the garden. We’re dining
have made my daughter the head of my company and named her my heir.
it’s not unheard of
quietly. He’s not himself… I can see
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
says quietly, he places his arm around me and gives me a small smile. “I present
up at Dad. “You didn’t have to,” I whisper. He shakes his head. “I wanted to.” He replies quietly before he pulls me into a tight embrace.
hug him back. I know it’s a devastating hit, but I do hope he can come to terms with everything
father, you
as the morning sun, reaches my ears. I turn slowly, as Dad lets go of
the same as she once did. Her hair is shorter than it used to be. It’s curled and frames
Sebastian never mentioned she had moved
a frown crossing his
up, knocking her chair back as she runs to her daughter’s side and flings her
been… and
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
an order, why did you disobey by returning, if that’s
not wanting to address the latter part of her statement. “What?” Annette asks, shocked. “You refused to let me
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Rd75r8LXXu6831nCkO6aEVfnLxiALNCsu16tERytrTSUF2Hkdxx+EEZylJGR44tCI3sB+thY1lk6kPlSYLV7ZpuM6LctN9aH+aXNB2qhRBNTlUaPS/tq5IlCUBajApHgyo9P9/2ecjO2VKscpFzgljHn1tzGgPiT3MMGf2zAEQecEvLUrp+dinhw6zV3GnkBo2mwa9Yd/vksSTQxxTDOUvVU/gsRaYGBGmdsWoTP7oK4SBX02IgOiAyIQsH5dy70Vk378rGDDfa1iDOPOnl5MsXUTKcgItVQqpp5U6BFavU5AJh/wTT0Kqw4KJPXIb++1o5p9Mh9WYKqgfVilFMVral4fnwFk9b1dNmXPGsQHU6yRfL72TN/17nZcnolLOD6Gpz3zrU510aT0iPGvdkuQN1UMB9D+noBij9//IqpPUzvSqcJ9cAjVl7GC0dBwtELpnyUlFEKDQ==
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