CATRIONA
Eliana’s transfixed expression worried me hence made me look like a bad guy. Now what on earth did I say to her. Where did Luciana come from in this conversation?
“How is it possible?” She asked, poking her eyes out of her skull.
“I…m…so.. so. rr. y”, I said to her, my apology barely heard because I was now scared, confused, and feeling stupid. The door was bust open and Sandra entered looking between the two of us with a plate of food in her hands. She rested the food on the table and then hastened to me. “What the hell did you do to her this time?” She barked at her, startling me. She turned to me, did she hurt you again?
Sandra, it’s not what you think. “I…”
Alpha forgave you from leaving the house. But you’re ordered to keep yourself away from Catriona. And you’re banned from crossing this wing. You will have your meals in your room. Sandra dragged me out of the room.
As the elevator went down, I turned to her. Did Jayden really forgive her? I asked. Mmmm, he mind linked me. She replied. That’s so great. I exhaled. Why would you say that when she almost killed you? She asked. Don’t judge me Sandra, I have my reasons here. She frowned at me, went silent, sighed and then started laughing. It made me feel good when I heard that Alpha almost snapped her neck. I was going to die with excitement when I heard she’s leaving this house forever. I knitted my brows. She gave me a gaze with a snort. Don’t judge me too. I have my reasons too. And one of the reasons is dislike. I dislike her.
Okay, let’s close the Eliana chapter. I have to talk to Jayden. I said. Alpha is not around. He’s out. Said Sandra. Where did he go? It’s getting dark. I asked, puzzled. How am I supposed to know? She questioned back.
It’s been days since I last saw Jayden having long sleeps or eating with his people in this house. He’s always here and there with his beta brother and his delter. I craved more of his time but I didn’t bother complaining though I urged to because I know it’s part of his duties. Something must be going on in this house. I don’t know what it is but my guts tells me he’s preparing his people for something big coming because everywhere I lay my eyes there are people in groups doing hard and bloody training. Also a construction going on outside the house which I came to know as the students dormitories but then a good number of new faces were added to the pack members and were given rooms in the house.
I sauntered back in the house and over to our room to get ready for meeting my brother and miss Oliver. Since yesterday she’s been very persistent with me to go see her for some reasons I will know when I get there. As I was walking past the kitchen, I got a glimpse of Pamela interrelating with the other girls, talking and laughing at the same time. Wish I was like her. When I tried to interact with the pack members they distanced themselves from me which made me not push them into liking me. Why is it so hard for them to like me, joke and laugh with me? Nearing the elevator Pamela shouted my name stopping me from entering the open elevator. She waved at me with a big smile. I waved and smiled back before heading up in my room.
I washed up, dressed up in a long sleeve maxi wrap dress and then swifted downstairs.
Sandra was already there dressed in tight jeans and a floaty blouse waiting for me with another vigorous beard man whom I came to know as Evan, Jayden assigned to watch over me outside the house. Jayden has been so strict with my moves and surroundings that he assigned Evan and Sandra to watch over my every move in his absence. We hopped in the car and hit the road….
We arrived in Gabriel’s territory and I got a smarting pain in my heart. As hard as I try to ignore that feeling, it just worsens in double. Breath Catriona, breath. You’re here to see your family. I self-talked before turning to sandra. I begged her to not make a scene with Gabriel’s people like last time just because of the Luna title.
Catriona how can I control myself when you’re not their luna. She said and I gave her a daring and dismissive look. I cleared my throat as I darted my eyes between her and Evan. Another thing, don’t you guys dare tail me like you do at Jayden’s house. Let me enjoy the time I have with my brother fully.
At least allow me to say hi to your grandmother. She exclaimed. Fine.
Marching to the mansion something shocking caught my eyes. I whirled my head to see Gabriel carrying a toddler while talking to an older woman whom I couldn’t see her face. Another thing that got me bewildered is watching him giving playful kisses to the toddler who giggled loudly. Wow, never in the world I’ve ever imagined this. I grumbled, still shocked. He looked thinner and trimmed off his hair bun into a buzz cut. What’s up with him? It’s like I don’t know him at all. He caught me looking at him. The way he looked at me it looked like I was a stranger to him. He kissed the toddler again and then turned his eyes to the woman.
My brother ran to me and I swung him up in my hands. Why are you so heavy? What are they feeding you? I asked playfully. I’ve missed you so much, big sister. He said after putting him down. He started bragging about how he likes it here. How he made friends and would love to introduce me to them. Ever since I brought them here my brother has been delightful. He’s never been this delightful and it makes me feel good. My brother tugged my hand to take me to meet his friends but Miss Oliver stopped him. How about tomorrow? My brother pulled a face. But why? He asked, pouting. Because your sister and I have something important to talk to. Don’t be disappointed because your sister is spending a night with you. Miss Olivier said to him and he was delighted. His friends called him out and he was gone. I followed him with my eyes with a wide smile on my face. I owe it all to Jayden. If it wasn’t him my brother wouldn’t have been here with me.
Miss Olivier sat me on a single couch in her room before sitting next to me with an intense glare. You’re scaring me, Miss Oliver. Is there something wrong?
Is it really over between you and Gabriel? She asked. Why are you bringing him now? I don’t want to talk about it. I said but my heart was drumming. I called you because of him. My instincts tell me you’re the one he needs.
Can we not talk about Gabriel please. I pleaded.
No child. I can’t Ignore him. He’s been so good to me and your brother. He’s going through a hard time and has no one to talk to. It’s been days since he last came out of his quarters. He hasn’t eaten anything since his mother and brother showed up. Go see him, child. He needs you.
Wait miss Oliver, was the Gabriel I saw outside is actually not Gabriel. I stammered.
Did you see him? Miss Olivier asked.
I did. And it felt weird when he looked at me like he was seeing for the very first time.
I’m not trying to be judgemental but his mother has a bad vibe. The animosity Gabriel has toward her didn’t seem to bother her.
Do you by chance know where his room is? I asked her not wanting to hear more. The gnawing pain on my heart was getting worse. She raised her brows. You’ve been his girlfriend and knew this mansion, but not his quarters. Miss Olivier asked. For some reason I didn’t. I replied.
Miss Olivier led me out of the room and we walked past the elevator, and into the mid-long hallway that goes directly to the second elevator. She pressed it open and motioned me to enter. I entered but she didn’t. This elevator is only electrified to only his quarters. She said.
It didn’t take much time when it stopped and the doors automatically opened. A waft of his scent filled my nostrils and into my bones making me shudder with both fear and exhilaration. I dawdled, drifted by his fragrance over to the closed twin doors. I hesitated for a minute but knocked over like four times. When he didn’t open I pushed it open only to be swayed up in the air by him.
I meant it when I said I don’t want to be bothered. He roared, tightening his grip on my neck. It’s me Gabriel. I choked out the words. I was wide-eyed when I saw how he looked, like he was possessed with evil spirits. The smell that was coming out of him was unpleasant. It was getting hard for me to breathe but I still forced the words out.
Calm down Gabriel, it’s me Catriona. It’s me, your pumpkin. He loosened his grip on my neck but didn’t let me descend because he drew me into his arms in an embrace.