Harper pov
“Where is Ethan?” I wondered, trying to catch a hint of his scent in the air. My thoughts raced as I got out of bed. Perhaps he was having a good time with Sarah. I quickly turned to check the wall clock-6:00 AM, and he was still not in the room.
“Oh no!” I exclaimed, hurrying out of the room. As I neared the living room, I was met with loud laughter that echoed in my ears.
I paused halfway down the stairs, watching them. They looked so happy, claiming to be best friends or childhood pals. I gripped the railing tightly, my heart racing with uncertainty.
“That’s how she acts; I will never like her, ” a sneering voice behind me said, causing me to nod in agreement without thinking.
It was Alessia. I turned to her, my expression troubled.
“Don’t worry, my brother won’t let you down,” she said, placing a warning hand on my shoulder.
I forced a smile, trying to dispel the unease churning in my stomach. “Thanks, Alessia. I’m just anxious because Ethan and I had plans this morning.”
Alessia’s grip on my shoulder tightened. “You shouldn’t be. Ethan can take care of himself. Besides, Sarah’s not a threat.”
I raised an eyebrow, unconvinced. “Really?”
She nodded confidently. “Absolutely. They’ve been friends since childhood. It’s just nostalgia.”
I wanted to trust her, but the laughter and whispers between Ethan and Sarah left me feeling uneasy.
As I made my way down the stairs, Ethan noticed me and gestured for me to come over. “Hey, why don’t you join us?”
Sarah greeted me with a warm smile, which only heightened my sense of being an outsider. “Good morning! We were just reminiscing.”
I took a seat next to Ethan, striving to appear casual. “What’s so amusing?”
Ethan draped an arm around my shoulders. “Just some old tales. Sarah was sharing her experiences from her trip to Europe.”
Sarah’s eyes glimmered with excitement. “Indeed, Ethan is updating me on his recent projects.”
As Alessia passed by, she leaned in and whispered, “Keep an eye on her.”
“You should really stop whispering in her ear; it’s too early for that,” Sarah remarked, casting a warning glare at Amelia, their eyes locked in a silent confrontation.
“Can we all just cut the drama? We haven’t even had breakfast yet, and you’re already at each other’s throats,” Ethan interjected, his unease palpable. I could sense his simmering anger, and I felt a pang of jealousy towards Sarah, especially since Alessia disapproved of her.
Ethan’s attempt to diffuse the situation was met with an uncomfortable silence. Sarah continued to hold my gaze, a subtle challenge evident in her expression. I maintained my composure, keeping my face neutral.
Sensing the rising tension, Alessia spoke up, “Breakfast sounds like a wonderful idea, Ethan. I’ll start preparing for it.”
Sarah’s sweet smile broke the standoff. “That’s very generous of you, Alessia. I’d be happy to help.”
Ethan let out a sigh of relief. “Excellent. Let’s concentrate on food, rather than… whatever this is.”
As we made our way to the kitchen, I leaned towards Alessia and said, “I appreciate your support.”
Alessia replied quietly, “Someone needs to keep Sarah in line.”
Sarah, catching the exchange, raised an eyebrow. “In line? Do you think I’m some sort of beast?”
I let out a forced chuckle. “Just ensuring you don’t take anything that isn’t yours.”
Alessia laughed softly, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder. “Let’s maintain a peaceful atmosphere, shall we?”
Yet, the tension remained, akin to a lingering whiff of smoke.
During breakfast, the conversation flowed, but an undercurrent of unease persisted. Alessia and I shared knowing looks, while Ethan attempted to lighten the mood.
Sarah, apparently unaware, spoke animatedly about her forthcoming art exhibition. Ethan listened with keen interest, which stirred feelings of jealousy within me.
Noticing my discomfort, Alessia discreetly nudged me beneath the table. I responded with a grateful smile.
As breakfast came to an end, Sarah pushed her chair back. “Thank you for the hospitality. I think I’ll head to my room now.”
“Must you announce your departure? Can’t you just leave quietly?” She muttered under her breath, a sentiment I wholeheartedly agreed with.
I stifled a giggle, continuing to eat, as Sarah walked away, disregarding Alessia’s comments.
It is evident that Ethan, the alpha, disapproves of Alessia’s recent comments directed at Sarah, yet it seems inconsequential. My own feelings towards Sarah are similarly negative; her presence in the pack mansion only intensifies my disdain for her.
Ethan’s expression hardened, clearly disapproving. “Alessia, that was unnecessary.”
Alessia merely shrugged, showing no remorse. “Someone has to keep her in line.”
I averted my gaze, wishing to avoid escalating the situation. Ethan’s eyes remained fixed on me, as if searching for my agreement.
“Alessia is merely looking out for our interests,” I interjected, attempting to ease the tension.
Ethan’s demeanor softened slightly, though his tone remained resolute. “I understand that, but we cannot mistreat Sarah. She is facing significant challenges.”
Alessia scoffed. “You place too much trust in her, Ethan.”
Ethan’s jaw tightened. “My intention is to assist her. That is the essence of being part of a pack-loyalty and support.”
A heavy silence enveloped the room, filled with unexpressed feelings.
As we concluded our breakfast, Ethan stood up from the table. “I will check on Sarah to ensure she is adjusting well.”
I observed his departure, grappling with a blend of guilt and animosity.
Alessia leaned closer, her voice low. “You must discuss Sarah with him. He is too emotionally involved.”
I nodded, a sense of resolve building within me.
“Alessia, please clear the table. I need to take a bath, as he will likely come to our room to check on a few things, and I wish to speak with him.”
Alessia complied, collecting the remaining dishes. “Best of luck. You need to make him understand.”
I offered a wry smile. “That is certainly easier said than done.”
As Alessia departed with the dishes, I began to tidy the table, my thoughts racing in anticipation of the forthcoming discussion. How would Ethan respond when I voiced my concerns regarding Sarah?
I made my way to our room, the sound of running water drowning out my anxious thoughts. Once in the shower, I allowed the warmth to alleviate my tension.
Just as I was rinsing off, I heard the door open. “Hey, I figured I would find you here,” Ethan remarked, his tone calm and soothing.
I peeked out from behind the curtain. “Hello. Please come in; I need to talk to you.”
Ethan’s eyes glimmered with curiosity. “Sounds serious.”
I nodded, water cascading down my hair. “It is.”
Ethan settled onto the bed, his demeanor attentive. “What’s troubling you?”
I inhaled deeply, the water still flowing. “It’s about Sarah. Alessia and I have some concerns.”
Ethan’s expression shifted to one of caution. “What kind of concerns?”
I stepped out of the shower, wrapping a towel around myself. “Her sudden appearance… I don’t know much about her.”
Ethan’s jaw tightened. “I’ve told you, she’s in trouble. I want to help her.”
I moved closer, my voice soft. “I understand, but what if she is manipulating you? What if she isn’t who she claims to be?”
Ethan’s gaze sharpened. “You’re starting to think like Alessia.”
I placed my hand gently on his knee. “No, I’m thinking like someone who cares for you.”
His expression softened, and his voice dropped to a whisper. “I appreciate that. But I need you to have faith in me.”
I searched his eyes for reassurance. “I do trust you, Ethan. But please, exercise caution.”
Ethan leaned in, his lips brushing against mine. “I will. For us.”