Sarah pov
Alessia, stirring up more trouble, muttered as she brushed past me. What infuriated me more was her disdain for me.
“Can you show some respect?” I snapped, my nails digging into my palms while the pack worker continued to massage my foot.
“Alessia, don’t make a scene. I’m tired of the constant arguments between us,” I said, frowning.
“You must enjoy it, considering how you see yourself in my family. My brother, Alpha Ethan, has moved on, and I don’t understand why you’re still here, especially knowing he has a mate and doesn’t want distractions from someone like you,” she replied hoarsely, her gaze sharp and threatening.
My anger flared, and I felt heat rise to my face. The pack worker paused, sensing the tension in the air.
“How dare you!” I growled, my voice low and threatening. “You have no right to comment on my relationship with Alpha Ethan or his mate.”
Alessia smirked, her eyes shining with malice. “Oh, I have every right. You’re just a shadow of the past, holding onto memories that mean nothing now. Ethan has moved on, and so should you.”
My fists tightened, nails digging into my skin. The pack worker discreetly stepped back, sensing the rising conflict.
“Get out,” I hissed, my voice shaking with fury. “Leave this house and don’t come back.”
Alessia smirked, but a flicker of doubt crossed her eyes. “You can’t boss me around. I’m the Alpha’s sister.”
Hearing about Ethan’s mate stung, and I knew Alessia was trying to get under my skin, but it still hurt.
“Fine,” I replied, venom lacing my words. “I’ll talk to Ethan. He’ll decide what to do with you, even if you are his sister.”
Alessia’s smile wavered, and for a brief moment, I caught a glimpse of fear in her eyes. She quickly concealed it, pivoting sharply and striding out of the room.
As the door slammed shut, I exhaled a shaky breath. My heart raced as I turned to the pack worker, who regarded me with concern.
“Resume the massage,” I instructed, trying to maintain a steady voice.
Yet, my thoughts were already racing, strategizing my next steps. I refused to let Alessia disturb the delicate balance I had established within the pack.
Just as I started to unwind, a gentle knock at the door broke the silence.
“Come in,” I called.
The door creaked open, revealing Ethan, who scanned the room before locking eyes with me.
“Is everything alright?” he inquired, his brow knitted in worry.
I paused, uncertain about how much to disclose. But before I could answer, Alessia stepped in behind him, a mischievous grin on her face.
“Alpha,” she said, her tone overly sweet, “I believe we need to talk about your childhood friend’s… conduct.”
Ethan’s expression hardened, his gaze sharp. A chill ran down my spine as I realized that Alessia was engaging in a far more dangerous game than I had first perceived.
“What behavior?” Ethan inquired, his tone steady yet inquisitive.
At that moment, I realized the real conflict was just starting.
“Alpha Ethan, your sister is being disrespectful; I think you should teach her some manners. Alessia, your sister is lacking in etiquette.”
Alessia’s grin widened, her eyes sparkling with malice. “Oh, your dear friend here can’t seem to handle the fact that you’ve moved on. She’s been making snarky remarks and creating tension within the pack.”
Ethan’s gaze shifted toward me, his face unreadable. “Is that true?” he asked, his tone even.
I felt a wave of anger. “That’s not what’s happening, Ethan. Alessia has been provoking me, trying to create chaos.”
Alessia’s expression faltered, but she quickly regained her composure. “How dare you!” she hissed, her voice dripping with venom. “You’re just trying to manipulate Ethan, as you always do.”
Ethan’s eyes narrowed. “Can you both stop acting childish?” he growled, his voice demanding attention. “Alessia, apologize to our guest.”
Alessia’s eyes flashed with defiance, but she reluctantly muttered an apology.
“Sorry.”
Ethan turned to me. “Can you clarify what’s been happening?”
I took a deep breath, attempting to steady my racing thoughts. “Alessia has been making snide remarks about my being here, suggesting I’m a distraction for you and your mate.”
Ethan’s expression darkened. “Alessia, that behavior is unacceptable. You will show respect to our guests.”
Alessia’s expression contorted with anger, yet she appeared to be restraining herself. I perceived that her outburst held deeper implications than were immediately apparent.
At that moment, Ethan’s companion, Harper, entered the room, her gaze sweeping over the charged atmosphere.
“What is occurring here?” she inquired, her tone gentle yet commanding.
Ethan recounted the details of the confrontation, omitting no significant points. Harper’s attention focused on Alessia, her demeanor disapproving.
“Alessia, your conduct is troubling,” Harper remarked. “We will address this matter privately.”
Alessia’s complexion drained of color, and for an instant, I detected a flicker of fear in her eyes.
As the tension began to ease, Ethan turned to me. “Shall we step outside?”
I acquiesced, trailing him out of the room.
The brisk evening air enveloped us as we made our way into the garden.
“Ethan, what is going on with Alessia?” I inquired, my voice scarcely above a whisper.
Ethan’s expression grew troubled. “I am uncertain. She has been behaving oddly since you… arrived.”
“I will confront her about her behavior,” he stated, prompting me to nod in agreement.
Ethan’s gaze bore into mine, intense and unwavering. “I will uncover the truth. However, I need you to be more amicable towards her.”
I nodded, a chill coursing through me. “I will be amicable.”
Ethan’s jaw tightened. “I will not allow her to provoke you.”
“Very well, I will remain by her side; perhaps she is experiencing some form of distress,” I replied with a smile.
“Thank you, Sarah. I know I can rely on you. Just be cautious of anything Alessia may say to you.” With that, he embraced me tightly.