"I don't think we have anything aside from work to talk about, Alpha." I stubbornly kept up my formal behavior.
"Oh we do have a lot to talk about and you've been running away from this discussion ever since you arrived but no more. As regards respecting your personal space, I would but unfortunately I can't, it's difficult to resist my mate, especially when she's looking this gorgeous." Zephyr said and his words sounded like needles to my ear.
I practically lost my cool when he shamelessly called me his mate.
"How dare you?" I questioned under my breath.
"How dare you call me your mate? I'm not your mate, you fool. You rejected me four years ago after mercilessly assaulting me and though it was extremely difficult to forget about it, I moved on. I'm pretty sure you did as well, you've always been such an offish person. You never cared about me in the past so I wonder what's changed now." I fought back with a confident front but deep down, I was trying my best not to break down.
No matter how hard I try, this is the only topic that makes me unable to control my emotions and that's why I hate discussing it but if there's anything Zephyr seems to enjoy, it's opening old wounds.
Why can't he just behave civilly with me and let me do my work here so I can quickly return to the Kizmet Pack?
Zephyr sighed before speaking. "I know that there's no excuse for what I did in the past but I sincerely feel guilty for it and I would like to atone." He said and I clamped my hands into fists.
"Do you think this is a joke?" I questioned tautly, trying to hold back a tear that was threatening to fall.
He seemed confused for a bit but I didn't let him reply before continuing.
"My life is not a game and I won't let you toy with my emotions. What you did to me is utterly unforgivable because although the physical injuries have healed a long time ago, the trauma was so severe that it almost ended me but when you and everyone else asked for forgiveness, I decided to forgive you all. Isn't that enough? What more do you want for me? Why can't you just leave me alone? You've ruined my life in the past, I almost died both physically and emotionally because of you but I survived and now you suddenly want to return to my life, but why?
Is it because you didn't succeed in destroying me the first time so you wish to continue from where you left off?" I asked and he shook his head continuously.
"No, that's not it." He denied but I had no reason to believe him and I wasn't going to even if there was.
"The truth is finally out. You've finally found out that I'm innocent and that I didn't kill your father so what more do you want from me? Why won't you just leave me alone? What are you punishing me for this time?" I questioned, unable to hold back anymore, tears were beginning to fall down my cheeks even against my own will.
"You're misunderstanding me, I really don't….." He began but was interrupted by someone.
"Alpha, there you are. Please come with me to the party, everyone's waiting." The lady said and I saw disappointment flash through Zephyr's eyes before he stormed into the party. I've told myself never to fall for any word that comes out of his mouth.
I turn my back once more, finally ready to leave when the same lady stops me.
"And where do you think you're going, Miss Evelyn? You're our special guest and you certainly can't miss the party. I apologise for Alpha Zephyr's belated arrival. I'm sure he must have been caught up with important work, please come with me." She requested and I had no choice but to follow her back into the party.
Aargh!!!
So much for escaping.
As I got back into the Hall, I just went straight to a corner while the Alpha took center stage to open the party. As he went on with his boring speech, much of which I purposely zoned out on, my parents approached me.
They complimented my looks and thanked me for agreeing to attend the party. Well, it's not like I was even given a choice.
They told me that tolerating Zephyr's whims for the meantime would be essential so I could get my work done without anyone ever finding out a thing about Nevaeh. Their words encouraged me a bit and helped to lighten my mood.
I told them that I was willing to exercise as much patience with Zephyr as possible, so that I would get what I want.
They encouraged me and left while I stood there, still feeling mildly uncomfortable.
No matter how much I try to convince myself that I don't hate Zephyr, I still can't feel at ease when I'm near or around him, especially when he's close to me and believe me, it's not the good kind of tension.
His touch feels like a searing fire brandishing me every single time, reminding me of the terrible past which I long to forget and if only he knew this, I'm sure he would keep his distance.
Besides, I'm a mated She-wolf and I'm even pregnant with my mate's child but unfortunately, I can't tell him that, because he is clearly unstable. I don't want him to create chaos in my life.
Zephyr's finally done with his speech and the party is in full swing. I suddenly feel very hungry and I can feel the movements in my stomach.
"Sometimes I wish you had been the wolf and I, the girl. You clearly don't know how to take care of yourself and our baby. Do I have to tell you this, every time? I understand what you're going through right now, handling human emotions can be tough especially in your sort of situation but I really don't think that's enough reason to starve our child." Tara scolded and I twirled a loose curl nervously.
I had been so upset about attending this party that I had forgotten to eat anything this afternoon. Well, thankfully it is a party so there's food.
I head towards the buffet table which is luckily not too far from where I stood. Upon arriving there, I was immediately enthralled by the mouthwatering light food and snacks that filled the table. I sigh and look around, feeling a bit embarrassed. No one is watching me, everyone is just having a good time but I still feel nervous because this is usually not my style.
I just take a plate and quickly serve myself. I only take a little food before going to take a seat not too far from the table. I start eating the food and I'm pleasantly delighted at how delicious it turned out. Eating really helped to calm me a bit but little did I know that my anxiety wasn't actually stemming from the fact that Zephyr is in the party, it was a forewarning for the terrible thing that was going to happen next.
Something I would never have expected.