Eliza's POV
Alpha Theron?
I didn't know whether to smile or cry at the sight of him. He bowed and kissed my hand. I was in shock because I had not been expecting to see him.
"Theron, what brings you here?" I finally opened my mouth and uttered some words. He glanced at my brother and back at me, a glint of happiness in his eyes.
"Princess, I wanted to offer you my congratulations on rejecting the wretched Alpha brothers. I came late to the ball last night and stayed in the guest suite. I heard all about what had been happening and wanted to make sure that you were okay before I returned to my own pack.
I took a deep breath, trying to process the sudden turn of events. "Thank you, Theron," I said, calm and composed. "I...I didn't expect to see you here."
He smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I know. I apologize if I startled you. But, like I said, I wanted to ensure you were okay. I did not get a chance to see you at the ball."
I felt a flush rise to my cheeks as I remembered the embarrassing scene I'd made. "I just needed some air," I said vaguely.
Theron nodded sympathetically. "I understand. But I also wanted to congratulate you on rejecting the alpha brothers. You deserve so much better than to be treated like a pawn in their game."
I raised an eyebrow, surprised by his words. "You're not...siding with them, are you?" I asked cautiously.
He laughed, a low, smooth sound. "No, princess. I'm not siding with them at all. I think they're a bunch of fools for not recognizing the value of a strong and independent woman like yourself."
But before I could respond, my brother intervened, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Ah, great. Because nothing says 'respect' like a stranger showing up uninvited and hitting on my sister."
Theron's smile faltered, and he turned to face my brother. "I mean no disrespect, prince," he said calmly. I'm simply trying to show my appreciation for your sister's bravery. I am far too old for your sister, and I am certainly not hitting on her."
I rolled my eyes at my brother's antics, but Theron's words pierced my spine. Brave? Was that what he thought of me? And what did he mean by "appreciation"?
"So what's this about then?" my brother asked.
"I heard about Morgan being arrested," he smirked. They had never gotten along, and I couldn't help but wonder what the reason for that was.
"Why did you and Creek never get along? I don't remember Creek attacking your pack or vice versa."
Theron's expression turned thoughtful, and he leaned against the wall, his eyes never leaving mine. "Ah, well...it is rather complicated. You see, Morgan and I never really got along because we were too alike, in a way," he said, his voice low and reflective. "We both came from the same background, with the same drive to succeed. But we approached things differently, and that created tension between us."
I raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the revelation. "What do you mean?" I asked.
Theron shrugged. "I mean, Alpha Morgan is all about power and control. He believes that's the key to success and is willing to do whatever it takes to get ahead. But I...I believe that true strength comes from within. You can't just bully or manipulate your way to the top."
I felt a surge of admiration for Theron's words. He spoke directly to my soul, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of connection.
"But it's not just that," Theron continued, his eyes glinting with intensity. Alpha Morgan has a problem with stealing women who are not his." He growled, and a shiver ran down my spine. What did he mean by that?
"He was only ever with Luna Lara?" I was even more confused now.
He raised an eyebrow and shook his head. "They were not fated mates. Lara was my fated mate, and he made her reject me for him. That's why we never got along."
I felt a surge of emotions as I listened to Theron's words. I couldn't believe that Alpha Morgan had done something so hurtful to him and Luna Lara. Clearly, Theron still carried a lot of pain and anger from the past.
I looked at my brother, who watched the scene with fascination and concern. He seemed to be trying to process what was happening, but I knew he was also trying to keep his emotions in check.
"Theron, I'm sorry," I said, feeling a sense of compassion for him. "I had no idea."
He nodded, his eyes still fixed on mine. "You didn't know, and that's why I'm here. And to make sure you're okay."
I felt a shiver run down my spine as he spoke. It was as if he was saying that he cared about me and was willing to do whatever it took to protect me.
My brother cleared his throat, breaking the spell. "Look, Theron, we appreciate your honesty, but we need to get back. Our father won't be impressed with Eliza standing around like this."
"Of course, Prince Alex." Theron nodded, but before leaving, he turned back to me. "Remember, princess, you deserve someone who will treat you respectfully and kindly. You don't deserve someone who will manipulate and control you."
With that, he turned and left, leaving us stunned.
My brother looked at me, his eyes searching for answers. "What just happened?" he asked.
I shook my head, feeling like I was still trying to process the events of the past few minutes. "I think we just got a glimpse into Theron's past," I said.
My brother nodded thoughtfully. "And it seems like Alpha Morgan has some serious issues."
"Alex, what do you think will happen?"