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?”
cause a scene. “Excuse us,” I say politely before I lead us away, taking a glass of wine from a passing waiter.
me towards one of the larger oaks
did tell you no. I’ve made my decision, Atticus. Sebastian and I
eyes vanishes
jaw. “I’m sorry, but I have never led you
He says, glancing around before he looks down.
there to talk about? I frown but I don’t argue as someone else
I feel even more confident that it’ll help Valerie. Dinner is almost over, and I’m almost done with having to
pinched line, irritation clear on her face as
touchy-feely with Dad, but he is still distracted, not noticing nor entertaining her. Not
fact that he had pushed Mom away so she
be painful
worried you are biting off
her but when Dad had
reply, taking a spoonful of my chocolate cake. She rolls her eyes, picking up her drink.
I reply simply. “Trying to look like a fool.” She mumbles her breath, but I hear under. She looks me over, her eyes lingering
up my napkin, patting my mouth and nod. “Whenever you are,” I
stands up and clinks his glass as he looks out over the garden. We’re dining out in the open. The weather is good save for
dies down as everyone turns to the front, giving Dad their 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 Alpha of
flits through the room and although it’s not unheard of to have a female alpha, it
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 Dad’s. emotions to show through, it’s obvious Mom’s
I don’t mind. But right now, he needs
me and gives me a small smile. “I present
shakes his head. “I
know it’s a devastating hit, but I do hope he can come
this. I am hurt father, you are giving Zaia everything, but what about me? Am I not your
not heard for years but is familiar as the morning sun, reaches my ears. I turn slowly, as Dad lets go
there. She looks almost the same as she once did. Her hair is shorter than it used to be. It’s curled
in surprise. Sebastian never mentioned she had moved on. Maybe
says, a frown crossing
responds. Annette stands up, knocking her chair back as she runs to her daughter’s side and flings
baby, where have you been… and you’re
Mother, but I was 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
order, why did
statement. “What?” Annette asks, shocked. “You refused to let me see her! You said that she’s the one
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
The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!