Melody
I watched as Dorian reunited with his sister and they both hugged each other excitedly. Estrella wouldn't stop crying and Dorian didn’t stop wiping her tears. His care for Estrella was genuine just like he is.
“Come on, let's go.”
Dorian took Estrella and they moved to leave the port without acknowledging Derek.
“Brother, this is Derek. I guess you already know him since he is your friend too.”
Her introduction was lengthy but I was able to make out the part where she introduced Derek as her friend. I mean how is that even possible?
Derek has never left Mallory for as long as I’ve known him and now Estrella said he is her friend. Like how in the goddess' name did that happen?
If this is a lie, Derek wouldn’t stay quiet. I know him that much.
However, what I do not seem to understand is how they became acquainted. I just find it hard to understand. Besides, Derek never befriends ladies not even his fiancee. This makes me wonder why Estrella is saying that he is her friend and he didn’t refute.
I found it strange.
Could Derek be using Estrella just to get to Dorian?
But how did he know who she was?
“I do not know anyone by that name,” Dorian sneered and moved to leave but Estrella made him stay back.
“You probably didn’t see him well,” Estrella insisted. “It’s Derek, your friend,” she emphasized.
Her emphasis only got Dorian more pissed. He squinted his eyes and looked at Derek. “I don’t keep friends.”
That is true.
Dorian doesn’t keep friends. The only people I’ve seen around him are his beta and Zeta. He keeps his distance even from the council elders. Which is why I can’t quite wrap my head around the news of his acquaintance with Estrella.
“But….
Estrella paused as she noticed the sudden change in Dorian’s mood and countenance.
“It’s okay, Estrella. Your brother is only mad at the moment. He’ll come around soon enough.”
Derek’s comment earned him a low growl from Dorian and he turned to look at him but he managed to keep his anger at bay.
“Won’t you welcome us in, Dorian,” Malcolm spoke, coming to Derek’s rescue.
“Forgive me, Mal. I was overwhelmed by happiness after seeing my long-lost sister, hence, I didn’t acknowledge you.” he passed by me and went toward Malcolm.
“It’s okay, I completely understand.”
All three of us could understand the meaning behind Malcolm’s words but Estrella didn’t as the lady seemed overjoyed that Dorian finally spoke to her guest.
“Welcome to Dark Flame,” Dorian pointed forward as he motioned them toward the pack-house.
Just as thought, Dorian didn’t take the guests to his house which should be more comfortable for their stay. Instead, he brought them to the pack-house.
“Malcolm, please come with me,” Dorian said moving forward immediately. “Meanwhile,” He turned, such that his gaze fell on Derek. “The other guests can make themself comfortable over here,” Dorian left the room but stopped after walking forward. “I’ll ask the maids to show you to your room.
Without having to say it out loud, Derek knew that Dorian was talking to him. He tried to protest but got Dorian’s scrutinizing gaze.
“This isn’t your Palace, Your Royal Highness,” Dorian’s voice was full of mockery. “If you want to stay here, then you have to enjoy my hospitality.”
Dorian didn’t seem interested in wanting to know why Derek was in Dark Flame. Instead, he acted like he didn’t care.
Derek didn’t utter a word in response to all of Dorian’s words. He chuckled and nodded in agreement.
“Good,” Dorian nodded satisfactorily. “Remember, My Pack, My Rule.”
Without looking back, Dorian left the Magnificent pack-house and returned to his house which was only a few meters away from the pack-house.
“You will stay here,” Dorian said as he opened the door to the first room on the left wing of his mansion.
“It’s nice thank you,” Malcolm smiled. However, I could tell that he had something in his mind but he was stopping himself from saying it.
He didn’t seem impressed or happy.
“I appreciate the honor you gave me, Dorian. But I’m sorry, I can't stay here.”
Dorian didn’t look surprised. He looked like he had anticipated that.
“But why?” I asked, even though I had a faint idea of why he said that.
As far as I’ve known Malcolm he will stand by Derek.
“I took a vow to always stand by him always and also protect him.”
“You know he is safe here in my pack.”
Dorian is right and so is Malcolm. However, after everything that Derek has done, I still do not know why Malcolm chose to stay loyal to him. I mean the man has hurt my family a lot. Yet, They can’t leave his side because of the vow they all took.
“That might be true, but I just can’t leave him by himself.”
Even though I want to get mad at Malcolm for his dedication towards Derek, I know that he is only fulfilling his duty towards Mallory.
Malcolm’s response made Dorian give up trying to change his mind.
“I’ll arrange for your comfort,” He said and turned to order some maids to arrange more things for Malcolm. Then, he led the way to the pack house.
I was itching to speak to Malcolm because I wanted to know why he came all the way here.
“You can stay here,” Dorian said and immediately left the room after making sure that everything needed for Malcolm’s comfort was brought in.
I trudged behind him, choosing to give Malcolm some time to rest but Malcolm stopped me. He took my hand and squeezed it, sending reassuring waves through me. I felt my nerves relax at his touch.
However, Malcolm’s hawk eyes shouldn’t be underestimated. He looked at me as if he could read all I had hidden in my heart and he smiled before taking my hand.
“He is here for you.”