Chapter 6 Five
Howard.
I saw the glimmer of hope in Nora’s eyes. It made me almost break out of character and laugh it out. She’s so weak and easy to be toyed with. I know my kiss gave her a glimpse of hope that I’d never see myself putting an effort to.
My hands fall off her cheeks as I looked into Nora's eyes, her face illuminated by the soft glow of the moonlight. I could sense her anticipation, the hope shining through her gaze. But deep inside, I felt no flicker of love for her, only a seething resentment for the false impression I had allowed to flourish.
I have seen the way Nora's eyes sparkled whenever we were together, mistaking my charm for something deeper, something profound. It disgusted me. She was naive, easily swayed by the illusions I expertly crafted. I despised her for falling victim to my facade.
In that moment, I made a calculated decision, driven by a toxic mix of curiosity and contempt. I knew my prowess as a kisser, a skill honed through countless encounters with others who had fallen prey to my deceit. Nora would be no exception.
When I leaned in, my lips met hers, and for a fleeting second, I wondered if my plan would succeed. Would she finally see through my ruse? But as our lips locked, I felt nothing. No spark, no connection, only a vacant emptiness that mirrored my true feelings for her.
When I opened my eyes to steal a glance at Nora's reaction. Her eyes widened in surprise, but I detected no hint of disappointment or heartbreak. It infuriated me even more. How could she be so blind to the truth?
A twisted smirk formed on my lips when I broke the kiss abruptly, releasing Nora from my clutches. She stared at me, a mix of confusion and vulnerability in her eyes. I revelled in her vulnerability, relishing the power I held over her fragile emotions.
"I hope that satisfied your curiosity," I sneered, my voice dripping with disdain. "But let me make something clear, Nora. We will never be mates. You were foolish to believe otherwise."
Nora's face fell, her hopes shattered by my cold words—it’s something she should get used to if she dares become my mate. Tears welled up in her eyes, her voice trembling as she whispered, "Why… you’re such… Jerk."
My laughter echoed through the night, devoid of any warmth or remorse. "Jerk? I’ve heard worse. And if you take the risk of joining my pack, you will become a plaything, Nora. A pawn in my game. Don't ever forget that."
With a final glance filled with malice, I turned away, leaving Nora standing alone, her heart broken and her trust shattered. I revel in his deception, revelling in the power I held over her. But deep down, I knew that my callous actions would have consequences, consequences that would haunt me in the chapters to come. Because Nora is different from the others—she’s expected to stay in my life until death do us part. I will make that not happen to me. I don’t feel the need to be stuck with just one lady for the rest of my life.
I walk through the tall trees and make way back home. I don’t think much into what she’d do next when I left her—I’d love it if she decides to jump off the cliff. I could feel an ounce of me screaming to go back but I don’t feel the need to. She isn’t a kid, she’d do what’s right.
In the early morning, the tranquillity of my home was abruptly shattered by an incessant banging on my front door. The sharp and urgent thuds echoed through the stillness, each strike growing louder and more insistent. The rhythmic pounding created a sense of urgency, as if someone desperately sought my attention or harboured an urgent message.
“What the fuck?” I mumbled, making my way to the door. Whoever it was clearly has a valid reason for interrupting my sleep this early morning. With each forceful blow, the vibrations coursed through the door, causing it to reverberate and rattle, further heightening the disturbance. The unexpected intrusion disrupted the calm atmosphere, leaving me puzzled and curious about the identity and purpose of the relentless visitor.
I forcefully open the door, ready to pounce on the intruder. I sigh when I came across my father’s face. He gives me a little, I was only in my shorts.
“You didn’t give me enough time to dress up,” I say, making my way to the living room. He doesn’t follow behind me. I turn and peeped from the living room to the front door. It was now that I noticed how infuriated he seemed. What exactly have I done now?
“What did you do?” He barked.
I walk back to the door. “I was about to ask,” I retorted cluelessly.
“You met Nora last night?” He asks me but I don’t answer.
“You threatened her didn’t you?” I don’t answer this either. “God damnit, Howard, are you out of your mind?”
“Dad…”
“Oh, shut up. What the hell do you need, Howard? What do you want? Just to keep one girl is such a huge task for you?”
“I don’t need anyone to choose a mate for me,” I said, trying to be calm.
I find myself embroiled in a tense argument with my father, our voices raised as we stood at the front door of my house. The morning sunlight streamed in, casting long shadows across the foyer, as the echoes of our heated discussion reverberated within the walls.
"You're treating Nora poorly, Howard," he insists, his voice laced with frustration. "She's nothing but a sweet girl who just lost her mother, and you constantly find fault in her. It's unfair."
My face grew red with anger, my voice booming. "I won't have you lecturing me about how to treat the feeble mate you chose for me! She doesn't belong here, and you know it. She will tear this family apart!"
As our exchange reached a crescendo, a soft click came from behind us, drawing our attention. Fuck! I totally forgot I had company.
We both turned to see the bedroom door creak open slowly, revealing a young woman emerging from within. She wore one of my shirts, her tousled hair hinting at a night spent together. I don’t want to look at my father right now.
The sudden appearance of the woman caught me off guard, momentarily silencing me. My father's gaze darted between me and the unexpected guest, his face contorting with disbelief and disapproval.
"Who the hell is she?" my father spat, his voice filled with a mix of anger and disappointment. "How many times have I told you not to bring any girls into this house?"
My cheeks flushed with embarrassment as I struggled to find the right words. "Dad, I... I didn't think you'd be up so early."
My father's eyes narrowed, his voice dripping with disdain. "No excuses, Howard. You know better than this. I won't tolerate such disrespect."
The girl that I have forgotten her name, sensing the tension, shifted uncomfortably in my oversized shirt, her eyes darting between the two of us. She was a bystander caught in the crossfire, her presence an unintended catalyst for the clash between my father and I.
My heart sank as I realized the magnitude of my misjudgement. But I wasn’t like I have brought my personal affairs crashing into the family domain, igniting a conflict that he never intended. This is my house and I’m old enough to make decisions for myself. It’s the reason why I moved out of the Alpha’s villa.
As my father's scolding continued, my mind raced, searching for a way to diffuse the situation and salvage what remained of our strained relationship.
“You’re so irresponsible, Howard. It was the reason why I chose Nora as your mate. You need a responsible girl like her. She knows the difference between good and bad and makes better decisions.”
She didn’t make a good decision this time when she accepted to be my mate.
“Dismiss that girl and get dressed. Go pick up Nora and bring her here. Show her around and make sure she likes it.” He doesn’t wait for me to retort about his sudden request. I stood there in disbelief as I watch my father’s retreating back.
With a heavy and boiling heart, I shut the door close and made way to my room, completely ignoring the girl standing by the door.
The morning sunlight trickled through the curtains, casting a muted glow in my room. My mind is consumed by swirling thoughts, bitterness tainting the air. My father had just left the house, leaving behind a lingering sense of anger.
Sitting on the edge of my bed, I clench my fists, anger bubbling within me. "Why, her? Why must it be her?" I whispered, his voice filled with a mix of resentment and confusion. What hold does Nora have over my father that he would force me into this loveless union?
“Why who?” She walks into my room. I look at her face and she look concerned. I hate it when my one-night stand catches even a glimpse of affection for me.
“Could you pack your things I get out?” I tried to say it politely but failed. I was too angry to compose myself right now.
She curses at me and dressed up before leaving. I don’t care how she just left, pissed at me. She wouldn’t be the first or last to leave dramatically.
I grunt, getting on my feet and pacing back and forth, frustration mounting with each step. I had dreams of leading Direwood, of becoming the alpha on my own terms. But now, it feels like my aspirations have been ripped away, all because of you.
The weight of uncertainty settled heavily on my shoulders. I yearned for answers, for a glimpse into my father's motives. Why had my father chosen Nora as the key to my destiny? Why had my dreams been intertwined with a woman I resented?
The room felt stifling, suffocating with the weight of my newfound hatred. I had loved the thrill of the hunt, the wildness in my blood, but now it seemed that every step I took was predetermined, every choice made for me.
As I stared out of the window, my eyes fixed on the distant horizon, I vowed to uncover the truth and give Nora the bitter life she chose upon herself. My hatred for Nora deepened, intertwining with a newfound determination to reclaim my own fate. The battle for my future had just begun, and I would not let Nora—or anyone else—dictate the path I would tread.