Theo nodded, a subtle gesture of agreement. “But we can start now, Dad,” He suggested, his voice carrying a hint of impatience.
Alpha Raven, however, shook his head, his expression firm but not unkind. “We should wait for them,” he said, his gaze shifting to Flora, a flicker of surprise in his eyes. “Oh, you’re here, Flora,” he added, his tone a mixture of polite surprise and genuine warmth.
Flora’s bright smile illuminated her face as she addressed Alpha Raven. “I came with Stella,” she announced, her voice confident and clear.
Alpha Raven returned the smile, his gaze assessing both women with a discerning eye. “It’s nice to see you here,” he said, his tone warm yet authoritative. “Don’t be shy, Flora. Get what you want.”
Flora, emboldened by his words, nodded with newfound confidence. “I will, Alpha Raven. Thank you,” she replied, her voice expressing both gratitude and a quiet determination.
Their exchange was interrupted by the arrival of Brandon and Daisha, their entrance a subtle shift in the dynamic of the gathering.
Brandon, ever the diplomat, offered a quick apology. “Sorry for keeping you waiting,” he said, his voice smooth and practiced. He settled into the seat opposite his brother, his gaze lingering on Theo for a moment, a silent acknowledgment of their complex relationship.
Daisha, however, was more direct, her apology cutting through the polite pleasantries. “We’re sorry, Alpha Raven,” she said, her voice carrying a hint of deference.
Alpha Raven waved off their apologies with a graceful gesture. “It’s fine,” he said, his voice calm and reassuring. “Have a seat.”
Daisha settled into the seat opposite Stella, her presence a subtle challenge to the existing dynamic.
As the maids served the lavish brunch, a silent testament to Alpha Raven’s wealth, Stella’s attention was drawn to the meticulous service. She thanked the maid who served her, a simple gesture that spoke volumes about her character.
“You’re welcome, Ma’am Stella,” the maid replied, her smile genuine and warm.
Emboldened by the maid’s kindness, Stella turned to Alpha Raven, her voice carrying a newfound confidence. “Can they eat with us, Alpha Raven?” she asked, her gaze unwavering.
Remus, ever the cautious one, made a subtle attempt to restrain his daughter, but his efforts were rendered unnecessary.
Alpha Raven, intrigued by Stella’s boldness, raised an eyebrow. “You mean the maids?” he asked, his voice a low murmur that hinted at his amusement.
Stella nodded, her determination unwavering. “If you don’t mind,” she added, her voice firm and clear.
Alpha Raven smiled, a genuine expression of approval. “Of course,” he said, his gaze sweeping over the assembled group. “Have a seat.” His instruction to the maids, delivered with quiet authority, was met with a chorus of smiles directed at Stella, a silent acknowledgment of her unexpected act of kindness.
Daisha, ever observant, leaned towards Stella, a subtle smirk playing on her lips. “How kind of you, my sister,” she murmured, her tone laced with a mixture of admiration and a hint of playful mockery.
Stella, however, remained unfazed, her composure undisturbed by her sister’s teasing.
The clinking of silverware against china punctuated the relative silence as they began their meal.
Alpha Raven, with a subtle shift in demeanor, steered the conversation towards the purpose of the gathering. “I heard Stella has approved our decision, Remus?” he asked, his voice carrying a note of polite inquiry that belied the underlying weight of the matter.
Remus, ever the loyal and supportive father, nodded with a confident smile. “Yes, Alpha Raven,” he replied, his voice brimming with pride. “I know my daughter will never disappoint me.”
Daisha’s smirk widened, a subtle expression of both amusement and perhaps a touch of envy.
Alpha Raven, however, surprised them all with his next words. “Actually,” he said, his gaze fixed on Stella, “I had faith in Stella. I know she’s a kind woman.”
Stella, touched by his unexpected words of support, offered him a genuine smile, a gesture of gratitude and perhaps a touch of shared understanding. “Thank you for your appreciation, Alpha Raven,” she replied, her voice soft yet firm. “I know you’re kinder than I am,” she added, a touch of self-deprecating humor in her tone.
Alpha Raven, clearly taken aback by her humility, raised an eyebrow. “And you’re being humble now,” he chuckled, his amusement evident.
The shared laughter that followed was a testament to the unexpected connection forged between them.
Alpha Raven’s words hung in the air, a subtle shift in the conversation’s tone. “I’ve already prepared the house you’ll be sharing,” he announced, his gaze lingering on Stella for a fraction of a second longer than necessary.
Theo’s smile, quick and genuine, was directed squarely at Stella, a silent acknowledgment of their shared future. “We’ll visit when we have time,” He replied, his voice carrying a note of quiet confidence. He addressed his father with respect, but his eyes, filled with a tender affection, were fixed on Stella.
Alpha Raven nodded, his expression a mixture of approval and paternal concern. “You better put a lot of things there,” he said, a playful admonition laced with genuine warmth.
Stella, touched by his concern, offered him a grateful smile. “I appreciate all your efforts, Alpha Raven,” she said, her voice sincere.
The meal concluded, the lingering conversation a testament to the close bonds within the family. A bottle of champagne was opened, the celebratory bubbles a fitting accompaniment to the momentous occasion.
Theo, with a gentle grace, helped Stella pour her drink, his touch lingering for a moment longer than necessary, a silent declaration of his affection.
Remus, ever practical, steered the conversation towards the logistics of their move. “When are you planning to move in?” he asked, his voice carrying a hint of gentle curiosity.
Alpha Raven’s nod confirmed the unspoken question hanging in the air.
Theo, his gaze unwavering on Stella, answered with a quiet certainty. “Stella’s decision will be my decision,” he said, his voice a low murmur that spoke volumes about the depth of his commitment.
Flora, unable to contain her joy, watched the tender exchange between Stella and Theo, a wide smile illuminating her face. She was genuinely happy for her best friend. “I’ll visit more often,” she announced, her voice brimming with enthusiasm.
Stella, her heart overflowing with happiness, nodded eagerly. “You’re always welcome,” she replied, her voice filled with warmth.
Daisha’s question hung in the air, a deliberate provocation laced with a hint of playful antagonism. “How about me? Am I welcome there?” she asked, her smirk directed at Stella, a subtle challenge veiled in a lighthearted tone.
Stella, however, met her sister’s gaze with unwavering composure. “Of course,” she replied, her voice warm and genuine. “You’re my sister.”
Brandon, ever the peacemaker, intervened before the playful banter escalated. He gently took Daisha’s hand, a gesture both reassuring and restraining. “Daisha will appreciate your kindness,” he said, his tone both conciliatory and subtly admonishing.
Stella, understanding the unspoken message, remained silent, her expression a mixture of tolerance and quiet amusement.
Another bottle of champagne was opened, the celebratory bubbles a fitting backdrop to the unfolding drama.
Stella, enjoying the festive atmosphere, raised her glass in a silent toast.
Flora, ever watchful, leaned in, her whisper a gentle reminder. “Don’t get drunk,” she cautioned, her tone affectionate but firm.
Stella, already displaying a newfound maturity, nodded with a knowing smile. “Of course,” she replied, her eyes twinkling. “I know my limits now.” She winked at Flora, a silent acknowledgment of their shared history and unspoken understanding.
The departure of Alpha Raven and Remus created a subtle shift in the atmosphere. The maids began clearing the table, their efficient movements a silent counterpoint to the lingering conversation between the remaining siblings.
Theo, his gaze fixed on Brandon, broached a sensitive topic. “Why didn’t you invite Tyros?” he asked, his voice carrying a hint of unspoken tension.
Brandon, his expression carefully neutral, offered a measured response. “It wasn’t my event,” he said, his voice even and controlled. “I didn’t have the right to invite anyone.”
Theo nodded, his expression unreadable, but the unspoken question lingered in the air, a testament to the complex dynamics between the brothers.
Daisha’s sudden appearance, her hand resting lightly on Brandon’s shoulder, created a subtle shift in the atmosphere. “Are we going to stay here for a while?” she asked, her voice soft, but her gaze sharp and observant.
Brandon, his attention already elsewhere, responded without looking up. “Are you going to work now?” he asked, his tone matter-of-fact.
Daisha nodded, her eyes lingering on Theo for a moment before she turned back to Brandon. “Yeah, I need to go,” she said, her voice carrying a hint of reluctance. A silent plea, perhaps, for a moment of connection, a shared understanding. She turned to Theo, her request unexpected, a subtle attempt at bridging the gap between the siblings. “Can you tell my sister I’m happy for her?” she asked, her voice barely a whisper.
Theo, his gaze unwavering, offered a gentle smile. “You can tell her yourself,” he replied, his voice calm and reassuring.
Daisha nodded, her expression a mixture of gratitude and a hint of unspoken regret. She glanced at Brandon, a silent farewell, before turning to leave.
Stella’s return from the bathroom, accompanied by Flora, marked another shift in the dynamic. They settled back into their seats, the quiet hum of conversation resuming. Stella, noticing Daisha’s absence, turned to Brandon. “Where’s Daisha?” she asked, her voice carrying a note of casual inquiry.
“She went to work,” Brandon replied, his attention already elsewhere.
Flora, her eyes sparkling with mischief, announced her surprise guest. “I told Tyros to come,” she said, her voice brimming with a playful energy.
Tyros’s arrival, laden with cases of beer, created a palpable shift in the atmosphere.
Stella, however, remained resolute. “No,” she said, her voice firm, her gaze fixed on the tempting beverages. “I’m not drinking today.”
Theo, his eyes meeting hers, offered a gentle challenge. “You can drink, Stella,” he said, his voice low and persuasive. Their gazes locked, a silent exchange of unspoken desires and unspoken promises.
Stella’s sudden closeness to Theo, her whispered confession of nausea, created a palpable shift in the atmosphere. Her head nestled against his, her vulnerability evident, her breath warm against his ear. “I might throw up,” she whispered, her voice barely audible above the gentle hum of conversation.
Brandon, ever observant, couldn’t suppress a smirk, his gaze lingering on the pair, a mixture of amusement and perhaps a touch of envy in his eyes.
Tyros’ hand, resting heavily on Brandon’s shoulder, broke the spell. “Chill,” He murmured, his voice low and reassuring.
Brandon, startled from his contemplation, looked away, his smirk quickly fading. “I know,” he mumbled, his gaze shifting to the unfolding scene before him.
Theo, his eyes filled with a tender concern, offered Stella reassurance. “Don’t worry, I’m here,” he said, his voice a gentle balm against her anxiety.
Stella, however, was not easily placated. “No,” she protested, her voice firm despite her obvious discomfort. “You’ve already done so much for me.”
Theo, undeterred, persisted. “Come on,” he said, his voice laced with a playful challenge. “I know you want to drink.”
Stella, her resolve weakening, took a deep breath, her shoulders slumping slightly. “Fine,” she conceded, her voice a mixture of resignation and reluctant acceptance.
Theo, with a decisive gesture, summoned the maids, his instructions precise and efficient.
Tyros, seizing the opportunity, began opening the beers, his movements confident and practiced. He handed Stella her drink with a playful wink. “Let’s celebrate, guys,” he announced, his voice brimming with a boisterous enthusiasm.
Stella, accepting the beer with a grateful smile, offered a quiet “Thank you.”
The clinking of glasses, the shared laughter, marked the beginning of a celebration, a moment of shared joy and camaraderie.
Flora, her gaze fixed on Tyros, seemed content to observe the unfolding scene.
Brandon, however, remained fixated on Stella and Theo, his expression unreadable, his thoughts a mixture of amusement, curiosity, and perhaps a hint of something else, something deeper, something he couldn’t quite name.