The scent of lavender shampoo still hung faintly in the air as Flora finished drying her hair, the rhythmic whir of the hairdryer finally falling silent. Tiredness tugged at her eyelids, and a comfortable silence settled over the house. They decided to call it a night.
Morning broke, painting the sky in soft hues of rose and gold.
Stella woke with a quiet determination. She slipped out of bed, careful not to disturb Flora, and began her daily ritual of tidying. The living room was surprisingly clear, Tyros wasn’t there anymore. His absence was a welcome relief, allowing her to work without worrying about disturbing his sleep.
The sunlight streamed through the large window, illuminating dust motes dancing in the air as she meticulously dusted the antique furniture.
With the living room sparkling, Stella moved to the kitchen, the scent of freshly brewed coffee already filling the air. She methodically organized the remaining groceries, carefully placing each item into its designated spot in the pantry. The rhythmic clinking of jars and cans provided a quiet soundtrack to her work. A sense of quiet satisfaction filled her as she surveyed her handiwork.
Suddenly, Flora appeared in the doorway, her eyes still slightly sleepy. “He’s not here?” she asked, her voice a soft whisper.
Stella, wiping down the counter, nodded. “Nope, didn’t see him in the living room. Probably out on one of his adventures with Brandon,” she replied, a hint of worry coloring her voice. She finished cleaning the kitchen, the silence punctuated only by the gentle hum of the refrigerator.
Flora poured herself a glass of water, the ice clinking softly against the glass. The exhaustion from the previous day’s activities was evident in her movements.
Stella followed suit, gratefully accepting the cool refreshment. The water was soothing against her parched throat.
“When will Theo come back?” Flora asked, placing her glass in the sink, a frown etching itself onto her brow.
Stella shrugged, a sigh escaping her lips. “He didn’t tell me.”
Flora’s brow furrowed. “Maybe he wants to surprise you!” she offered brightly, attempting to lighten the mood.
Stella stopped mid-step, her hand resting on the doorknob leading to the living room. The thought of a surprise, however, did little to alleviate her growing unease. “Dang! I don’t need surprises!” she retorted, a touch of frustration in her tone. She retreated to her room, the silence following her like a shadow.
Flora, understanding her friend’s need for solitude, joined her, offering a helping hand in tidying her room. The rhythmic rustling of clothes and the soft thud of books being put away filled the air as they worked together.
The aroma of simmering vegetables and herbs soon wafted from the kitchen, signaling the approach of lunchtime.
The insistent trill of Flora’s phone sliced through the quiet hum of the kitchen. With a sigh, she excused herself, the clatter of her chair against the tile floor a sharp contrast to the previous calm.
Stella, meanwhile, continued her methodical work, her movements precise and efficient. She was lost in the rhythm of her tasks, a quiet satisfaction settling over her as she completed each step.
Then, a shadow fell across the doorway. Stella looked up, startled, to see Theo standing there, a vibrant bouquet of sunflowers held loosely in his hand. His eyes, usually bright with mischief, held a depth of emotion that took her breath away.
“Theo?” she breathed, her voice barely a whisper.
Theo smiled, a slow, warm smile that reached his eyes and melted away the lingering tension. He approached her, extending the bouquet. “Yes, I’m here,” he said, his voice low and reassuring.
Stella took the flowers, the stems cool against her fingertips. The vibrant yellow of the sunflowers seemed to illuminate the room. “Flowers? Why?” she asked, her gaze lingering on the blossoms, a puzzled frown creasing her brow.
“You deserve them,” he replied, his gaze unwavering.
A slow smile spread across Stella’s face, chasing away the last vestiges of her earlier worry. “Thank you,” she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. She threw her arms around him, burying her face in his chest, the scent of his familiar cologne a comforting balm. The hug was long and tight, a silent expression of the relief and joy that swelled within her.
Just then, Flora, her phone call concluded, rounded the corner, her words catching in her throat. The sight that met her eyes-Stella enveloped in Theo’s embrace-stopped her dead in her tracks. She stood frozen, her hand still clutching the phone, a mixture of surprise and something akin to shock etched on her face.
Behind her, Tyros, oblivious to the charged atmosphere, bumped into her, his muttered apology lost in the sudden silence.
Brandon, too, emerged from the hallway, his eyes widening as he took in the scene before him. The quiet joy of the moment was shattered, replaced by a wave of unspoken questions and emotions.
Flora finally found her voice, the words tumbling out in a rush. “You came home!” she exclaimed, her voice a mixture of relief and astonishment.
Stella, cheeks flushed, immediately pulled back from Theo, creating a space between them. The sudden shift in atmosphere was palpable.
Theo chuckled, his eyes twinkling. “Yeah, I wanted to surprise her,” he explained, his smile directed at Stella, a hint of playful mischief in his expression.
Brandon, ever observant, his gaze lingered on the vibrant bouquet of sunflowers clutched in Stella’s hands, a silent acknowledgment of the unspoken emotions swirling in the room.
Flora, sensing the need to diffuse the charged atmosphere, stepped forward, her hand gently resting on Tyros’s arm. “We’ll wait in the living room,” she announced, her voice calm and reassuring. The subtle gesture, a silent invitation to give the reunited couple some privacy, was met with understanding nods.
Tyros greeted Theo with a warm smile. “Good to see you again!” he exclaimed, his voice genuine and friendly.
Theo returned the greeting with a nod, his eyes briefly meeting Tyros’ before shifting to Brandon. “Thanks, man!” he said, a genuine note of gratitude in his voice. He paused, about to continue, but Brandon cut him off, his voice a mixture of urgency and slight annoyance.
“Dad will be here any minute, and he wants me here too,” Brandon explained, his gaze fixed on Theo. The unexpected interruption shifted the focus, leaving the lingering tension between Stella and Theo momentarily forgotten.
Theo’s eyebrows rose in surprise. “Really?” he asked, turning his attention to Tyros, a question hanging in the air.
Stella, sensing the change in the conversation, stepped forward, her hand finding Theo’s. “Yeah, Alpha Raven is visiting today!” she announced, her voice bright, the initial awkwardness replaced by a shared excitement. The news, seemingly unrelated, yet perfectly timed, shifted the focus entirely.
Theo’s eyes widened slightly. “Oh, that’s why you’re cooking?” he asked, a dawning understanding in his tone.
Stella nodded, a smile playing on her lips. “I’ll help you then,” Theo offered, his smile warm and genuine. The offer was met with grateful smiles from the others.
Flora added, “Just call if you need anything,” her words a gentle reassurance.
Stella, her hand still intertwined with Theo’s, returned a grateful smile, the earlier awkwardness completely dissolved in the shared anticipation of their father’s arrival and the collaborative effort to prepare for it.
Flora and Tyros, their conversation seemingly concluded, strolled out of the kitchen, leaving Brandon lingering for a moment. He watched his brother and Stella, a subtle smirk playing on his lips. “Stella’s a good cook,” he commented, his voice low, a hint of teasing in his tone.
Theo, his arm now possessively around Stella’s waist, simply grinned. “I know she is,” he replied, his voice confident, his touch a silent declaration of his affection.
Brandon’s gaze, however, didn’t linger on the affectionate gesture; instead, it snagged on Theo’s hand resting on Stella’s waist. A flicker of something-perhaps a hint of envy or a subtle acknowledgment of his brother’s happiness-crossed his features before he quickly masked it. “I’ll wait in the living room,” he murmured, his eyes briefly meeting Stella’s before he turned and left the kitchen.
Once alone, Stella resumed her work, the rhythmic chop of her knife a counterpoint to the silence.
Theo, however, couldn’t resist voicing his thoughts. “I really hate my brother,” he blurted out, a mixture of exasperation and affection coloring his voice.
Stella, unable to suppress a laugh, playfully swatted his arm. “Both of you hate each other!” she teased, her voice light and amused.
The tension eased, replaced by a comfortable familiarity.
Theo, leaning against the counter, watched her work. “What are you cooking?” he asked, his curiosity piqued.
Stella gestured towards her iPad, the recipe displayed brightly on the screen.
Theo peered over her shoulder, his eyes scanning the complex instructions and ingredient list. “Oh! That’s a hard one!” he exclaimed, a mixture of admiration and slight apprehension in his voice.
Stella, sensing his slight hesitation, met his gaze with a confident smile. “Do you trust me?” she asked, her tone playful yet reassuring.
Theo’s eyes softened. “Of course, I trust you,” he replied, sealing his words with a quick, tender kiss on her cheek.
The air crackled with unspoken affection as they worked together, their movements synchronized, their laughter a cheerful melody in the kitchen. They were nearing the end of their preparations when the sound of approaching footsteps announced the arrival of Alpha Raven and Elder Remus.
Stella, ever the gracious hostess, immediately moved to greet them, Theo smoothly following behind her. “Nice to see you, Alpha Raven!” She greeted their father, her smile warm and welcoming.
Alpha Raven, his eyes scanning the immaculate kitchen and the neatly arranged living room, expressed his admiration. “Thank you! Wow! Your house is so neat!” he exclaimed, his voice filled with pride.
Theo, ever quick with a comment, added, “She likes to do the chores, Dad,” his voice laced with a mixture of affection and teasing.
Alpha Raven, his eyes crinkling at the corners, turned his attention to Theo. “When did you get home?” he asked, his voice a low rumble.
Theo responded with a casual wave of his hand. “Earlier!” he replied, his gaze briefly shifting to Elder Remus, a respectful nod accompanying his greeting. “Good day, Elder Remus!” he added, his tone polite yet confident.
Elder Remus, a man of few words but keen observation, offered a brief but meaningful comment. “I heard you’re doing your job well,” he stated, his voice carrying an undercurrent of approval.
Theo’s smile widened, a hint of pride evident in his expression. “I’m inspired while doing my job,” he replied, his gaze softening as he looked at Stella, a silent acknowledgment of the source of his motivation.
Stella chimed in. “We almost finished cooking,” she announced, her voice carrying a note of quiet satisfaction.
Alpha Raven nodded, his attention shifting to the comfortable arrangement of the living room. “Then we’ll wait here,” he declared, settling onto the sofa with a contented sigh.
Flora, ever the helpful one, immediately rose from the couch. “I’ll help you, Stella!” she offered, her words punctuated by a decisive action.
Stella, however, quickly hushed Flora with a quiet whisper directed at Theo. “You should stay here,” she instructed, her voice barely audible above the murmur of conversation.
Theo, understanding her unspoken request, simply smiled and nodded his agreement.
Stella and Flora returned to the kitchen, the rhythmic clinking of utensils resuming its familiar rhythm.
“You’re getting better, huh!” Flora commented, her voice filled with genuine admiration.
Stella, a hint of pride in her eyes, nodded. “Of course! I got my mother’s skills,” she replied, her tone both confident and slightly humble.
Meanwhile, in the living room, a different kind of conversation unfolded.
Theo, turning his attention to his father, voiced a subtle complaint. “You didn’t tell me you wanted a meal with us,” he observed, his tone more inquisitive than accusatory.
Alpha Raven, his gaze shifting to Brandon, responded with a knowing smile. “Of course, I always want to see the improvement you’ve made with Stella,” he replied, his words laced with subtle pride and a hint of amusement.
He then turned his attention to Brandon, his youngest son, his voice carrying a note of gentle inquiry. “How about you, Brandon?” he asked, his tone expectant.
Brandon, however, remained aloof, his response sharp and dismissive. “Please don’t include me in your conversation,” he muttered, pointedly looking away.
Theo, unable to resist a jab at his brother, commented, “He’s not doing great!”
Brandon’s gaze snapped back to his brother, his expression a mixture of annoyance and defiance.
Alpha Raven, sensing the potential for a sibling squabble, intervened with a warning. “Guys, don’t start!” he cautioned, his voice firm but laced with a touch of weariness.
“We’re done!” Flora announced, her voice carrying across the room, breaking the quiet hum of conversation. She gestured towards the dining area, a subtle invitation to move to the next phase of their gathering.
Stella began serving the food, her movements graceful and precise.
Theo immediately joined her, their teamwork a silent testament to their comfortable familiarity.
Once the food was served, a comfortable silence settled over the table as everyone began to eat.
Remus, his eyes twinkling with pride, complimented his daughter. “You did great, honey!” he said, his voice filled with genuine admiration.
Stella, unable to suppress a playful smirk, replied with a confident, “I know, Dad!” The exchange was lighthearted, yet it spoke volumes about their close bond.
As the meal drew to a close, Theo rose from his seat, his movements smooth and deliberate.
Alpha Raven, his curiosity piqued, inquired, “Where are you going?”
Theo, his eyes sparkling with mischief, responded, “I’ll get my finest wine.” With a confident stride, he disappeared from the dining area.
Alpha Raven, shaking his head with a fond smile, commented, “Theo really likes to collect wines.”
Elder Remus, his voice laced with amusement, replied, “He got it from you!”
Alpha Raven chuckled, a silent acknowledgment of the shared trait.
Theo returned shortly, carrying a bottle of wine, its label gleaming under the soft light. He expertly opened the bottle, the soft pop a subtle punctuation to the quiet conversation. He poured a generous glass for his father, offering it with a respectful gesture. “You should taste it first, Alpha Raven!” he suggested.
Alpha Raven, accepting the offering with a nod, raised the glass to his lips.
The others watched as Alpha Raven savored the wine, his expression a mixture of appreciation and enjoyment. “It tastes good!” he declared, his voice carrying a note of genuine satisfaction.
Theo, his face beaming with pride, nodded, then turned his attention to Stella, pouring her a glass with a gentle hand.
“Thank you!” she murmured, her eyes sparkling with gratitude.
“My pleasure,” he replied, his smile warm and genuine. He then poured a glass for Elder Remus, completing the first round of servings. He passed the bottle to Tyros, inviting him to pour himself a glass.
However, before Theo could return to his seat, Brandon’s voice cut through the quiet. “You should pour our glasses too!” he pointed out, his tone a mixture of playful teasing and a genuine desire for a glass of wine.
Theo, acknowledging the oversight with a chuckle, replied, “You’re right!” He then moved to Tyros’s side, politely asking, “May I?” before taking the bottle and pouring glasses for himself and his brother.
“Thank you!” Flora said, her voice light and appreciative as she raised her glass of wine.
Theo, having filled everyone’s glasses, returned to his seat, a satisfied smile playing on his lips.
Stella, however, shook her head, a mixture of amusement and exasperation evident in her expression as she watched Brandon. His subtle, almost imperceptible smirks were not lost on her.
Leaning close to Stella, Theo whispered conspiratorially, “He’s doing anything to make me mad!”
Stella, understanding his frustration, simply nodded, her eyes mirroring his amusement. “You need to calm down,” she advised gently, her touch reassuring on his hand.
Theo, his gaze softening, smiled at her. “Of course, your father’s here,” he murmured, his voice laced with a hint of playful defiance, his hand tightening slightly on hers.
The comfortable intimacy between Theo and Stella, however, was momentarily interrupted by Alpha Raven’s voice. “I just want to ask something, Stella,” he said, his tone serious yet gentle.
Stella, instantly attentive, responded immediately, “Yes, Alpha Raven?”
Alpha Raven’s question, however, caught Stella off guard. “Is Theo treating you right?” he asked, his gaze searching her face.
Stella froze for a moment, the unexpected question momentarily silencing her. After a brief pause, she replied, her voice steady, “Yeah, he’s so kind to me.” Her gaze shifted to Theo, a silent affirmation of her words.
Brandon, however, couldn’t resist a smirk, his amusement evident as he watched Stella’s affectionate gaze towards Theo. “What a nice show!” he muttered under his breath, his voice barely a whisper.
Tyros, catching his best friend’s subtle mockery, shot him a warning glance. “Chill,” he whispered back, his tone firm yet quiet.
The lighthearted banter, however, was abruptly interrupted by Alpha Raven’s next statement. “I heard Daisha will leave our land,” he announced, his voice carrying a note of concern.
The sudden shift in conversation drew everyone’s attention to Brandon.
Elder Remus, clearly surprised, voiced his confusion. “Leave?” he questioned, his brow furrowed in concern.
Brandon, his demeanor shifting to one of uncertainty, shook his head. “I didn’t know anything about that,” he replied, his voice hesitant, his denial laced with a hint of unease.
“He ended his relationship with Daisha,” Theo stated, his voice calm yet firm.
Elder Remus, visibly startled, abruptly stood from his seat, his chair scraping against the floor a jarring sound in the sudden silence. “What?” he exclaimed, his voice sharp with disbelief and a hint of rising anger.
Stella, sensing the escalating tension, quickly moved to her father’s side, placing a comforting hand on his arm. “Dad!” she cautioned, her voice laced with concern. Her gentle touch, however, did little to quell the storm brewing within her father.
Elder Remus turned his attention to Brandon, his gaze intense, his voice demanding. “You did what?” he thundered, his words laced with accusation.
Alpha Raven, sensing the potential for a major conflict, intervened, his voice firm yet measured. “Remus, you need to calm down,” he warned, his words carrying an undercurrent of authority.
Elder Remus, however, was not easily appeased. His anger, fueled by a mixture of concern for his daughter and a simmering resentment towards Brandon, flared up again. “Are you playing with my daughters, huh?” he challenged, his voice dangerously close to a shout.
Brandon, visibly shaken, immediately shook his head, his denial a desperate attempt to mitigate the situation. “It is not my intention-” he began, but his explanation was cut short.
“Then what?” Elder Remus demanded, his patience clearly exhausted.
Stella, stepping between her father and Brandon, intervened again, her voice firm yet controlled. “Dad!” she insisted, her gaze fixed on her father, her words a plea for calm. Then, turning her attention to Brandon, she added, her voice carrying a quiet but unwavering authority, “You should leave now.”
Brandon, his gaze lingering on Theo for a moment, a silent exchange of unspoken emotions passing between the brothers, finally turned and left, the unspoken tension hanging heavy in the air. A barely audible “Damn you!” escaped his lips, a frustrated whisper directed at his brother.
Elder Remus, his anger still simmering but his resolve wavering, announced his departure. “I will go home now! Sorry, Alpha Raven!” he said, his voice strained but laced with a hint of regret.
Stella offered her apologies as well. “Sorry for the mess, Alpha Raven!” she said, her voice sincere.
Alpha Raven, however, responded with unexpected humility. “It’s fine! I’m the one who should apologize here,” he said, his gaze softening as he looked at Stella.
Stella, shaking her head in disagreement, knew that the evening had taken an unexpected and unsettling turn. “You don’t need to apologize, Alpha Raven!” She insisted, her voice gentle yet firm.
Theo, sensing her need for reassurance, placed a comforting hand on her arm, his touch a silent expression of support. The gesture, however, was quickly followed by Theo’s own suggestion that it was time for their guests to leave. “Let them go home, Stella,” he murmured, his voice low and persuasive.
Tyros, ever the amiable one, echoed Theo’s sentiment. “Yeah, we’re leaving now,” he said, offering Stella a reassuring smile.
Flora, ever affectionate, embraced Stella warmly before departing. “Bye, Stella!” she said, her voice filled with warmth.
Alpha Raven, sensing the unspoken desire for the evening to conclude, announced his own departure. “I will also leave now,” he said, his voice carrying a note of understanding.
Stella, nodding in agreement, watched as her father and their guests departed, the sound of their retreating footsteps a gradual fading into the quiet of the evening.
Once they were alone, Theo turned his attention to Stella. “I’ll clean the table, and you should rest now,” he suggested, his voice soft and caring.
Stella, however, was reluctant to simply rest. “But-” she began, but Theo gently cut her off.
“No more buts! I’ll do the cleaning alone,” he insisted, his tone firm yet gentle.
Stella, sensing his determination, could only offer a resigned, “Fine!” She retreated to her room, leaving Theo to his task.
Alone in her room, Stella lay on her bed, her mind replaying the events of the afternoon. She shook her head in disbelief, the unexpected turn of events still lingering in her thoughts. “How did Theo know about that?” she wondered aloud, her gaze fixed on the ceiling, the question echoing in the quiet room.
After a few minutes, unable to remain idle, Stella emerged from her room, seeking an update on Theo’s progress. “Are you done?” she asked, her voice soft as she approached him.
Theo, startled by her presence, looked up, a smile instantly brightening his features. “Almost!” he replied, his tone cheerful.
Stella, wanting to help, offered, “I’ll help you-” but Theo gently stopped her again.
“I can do this alone, Stella! Thank you,” he said, his voice firm yet laced with gratitude.
Stella could only nod, her heart warmed by his consideration. “You already did the cooking, so let me do the cleaning,” he added, finishing his task with a quiet efficiency that spoke volumes about his thoughtful nature.
The two of them moved to the living room, the soft glow of the setting sun casting long shadows across the floor.
Theo turned on the television, the sudden illumination brightening the room. “Should we watch a movie?” he asked Stella, his voice soft and gentle.
Stella, her eyes already drifting towards the screen, nodded. “Sure, it’s been a long time,” she replied, a hint of weariness in her tone.
Theo began browsing through the available options, his fingers deftly navigating the remote control.
After a brief discussion, they settled on a romantic comedy, a choice suggested by Stella, the lightheartedness a welcome contrast to the earlier tension. For a couple of hours, they were lost in the unfolding story, the laughter and romance on screen a temporary escape from the complexities of their lives.
As the credits rolled, Stella turned to Theo, her voice laced with gentle concern. “You should rest now, Theo,” she said.
Theo, his eyes still slightly glazed from the movie, nodded in agreement. “Just wake me if you need something,” he replied, rising from the couch, stretching his limbs with a contented sigh. “I’ll just sleep for a moment,” he added, before quietly slipping into his room, closing the door softly behind him.
Stella, deciding to enjoy a little more alone time, settled back on the couch, resuming her movie-watching. Her thoughts, however, drifted from the screen, her mind preoccupied with planning dinner. Then, a familiar voice cut through her reverie.
Stepping outside, Stella saw her sister, Daisha, standing on the porch, a large duffel bag slung over her shoulder. “Hey, where are you going?” Stella asked immediately, her voice laced with surprise and a hint of concern.
Daisha’s response, however, sent a jolt of unexpected news through Stella. “I’m going to live outside our land now,” she announced, her voice calm yet firm.
Stella froze, the unexpected revelation momentarily stealing her breath. “So it’s true,” she murmured, more to herself than to Daisha.
Daisha, noticing her sister’s stunned silence, asked, “What?”
Stella, her voice still slightly shaky, asked, “Are you leaving because of Brandon?”
Daisha, however, laughed, a lighthearted sound that seemed out of place given the circumstances. “Of course not! I just want to explore a lot of things,” she replied, her laughter echoing in the quiet night.
“Like what things?” Stella pressed, her curiosity piqued.
Daisha, patting Stella’s shoulder, changed the subject. “Are you going to miss me?” she asked, her eyes searching Stella’s face.
Stella, unable to articulate her feelings, remained silent for a moment, her expression a mixture of surprise, concern, and a touch of sadness.
Finally, Stella voiced her concern. “You need to be safe there,” she said, her voice laced with genuine care.
Daisha, nodding in agreement, hugged her sister tightly.
The embrace, brief yet heartfelt, spoke volumes about their sisterly bond.
After a moment, Daisha pulled away, her voice carrying a note of finality. “I will go now,” she said.
Stella, offering a weak smile, replied, “Bye!”
Daisha returned the farewell, and with a final wave, she turned and walked away, leaving Stella standing alone on the porch, the unexpected news settling heavily upon her.