Chapter 16: ; Tension and Jealousy

Edison chuckled as he responded, "Last time I checked, I'm still the Beta of our pack."

As Cheska scrutinized the man in front of her, she couldn't help but wonder if he was truly old enough to hold such a position. She assumed their beta would be of similar age to Eunice's father.

"You seem quite young for a Beta," Edison remarked, a furrow forming on his forehead.

Edison met Cheska's gaze, his eyes were unwavering. "Same goes for Matthew De Silva. My father was the previous Beta of the pack, but he passed away a year ago, so I took over his position."

Cheska nodded, impressed by his dedication to his pack. "I can only imagine the pressure, especially when the previous Beta of your pack was known for his strength."

Cheska and Edison continued chatting, their laughter filling the room. Chdska found herself engrossed in Edison's stories, captivated by the emotions he conveyed through his words. 

However, their conversation was interrupted by the sound of her ringing phone. It was Cheska's mother, requesting that she bring Edison to the mansion.

"I was instructed by my mother to bring you along with me, so feel free to bring your luggage to your room first," Cheska informed Edison after ending the call.

Edison and Cheska embarked on their journey toward the Manor, the wind whistling around them.

As they traveled, they continued conversing, and by the time they arrived at the mansion, they got along like old friends.

"Matthew's packs are just as intimidating as he is," Edison remarked as we made our way toward the back where everyone was gathered.

"Is Matthew really that scary?" Cheska inquired, her curiosity piqued. While everyone seemed to fear him, she didn't find him intimidating at all, unless he was angry.

In fact, between Matthew and me, his behavior was so drastically different that it almost seemed like he had a split personality, not me. Cheska murmured to herself.

Edison gave Cheska a meaningful smile. "Matthew arrived in our city when he was sixteen, too young to be an alpha. That's why his capabilities are underrated by all. But there was an event that changed their perspective toward him. A group of villains entered the school where the fresh alphas were training. Almost everyone was injured, but Matthew... he annihilated the ten scoundrels that invaded the training ground."

"That's absurd! I don't believe you," Cheska replied, thinking that Edison was teasing her.

"Why do you think my alpha allowed his daughter to go with Matthew?" Edison responded.

Cheska was left speechless because Edison was right. The alpha of Thunder pack was notorious and ruthless, yet he trusted his only child to Matthew, which meant he relied on him that much. And perhaps, he also wanted Matthew to be his son-in-law.

As they arrived at the rear of the mansion, Edison and Cheska exchanged a quick glance. They certainly didn't expect the so-called "picnic" to be a gathering of almost the entire pack.

"Over here!" Cheska's mother called out, motioning towards a table where Eunice and Matthew were seated, along with some councilors who appeared to be enjoying Eunice's company.

Edison looked at Cheska and remarked, "Well, this is quite the surprise."

Cheska was equally taken aback and followed his gaze. She couldn't help but wonder what was going on between Eunice and Matthew. Weren't they friends?

As they approached the table, Cheska noticed the fury on Matthew's face as he glared at Edison.

"I thought you and Matthew were on good terms. Why does it feel like he's throwing knives at you with his glare?" Cheska questioned Edison.

Edison shrugged and whispered, "I was thinking the same thing." He then playfully pinched Cheska's cheek as they joined the others at the table.

As Cheska and Edison approached the group, she couldn't help but notice the joyous energy emanating from the pack.

"Mom, what's the occasion?" Cheska inquired as her mother helped her take a seat.

"Well, the council saw Eunice last time and wanted to give her a proper greeting since our pack is indebted to them for accepting our alpha in their city," her mother explained.

Edison chimed in, "That's unnecessary. In fact, the Paragon pack is indebted to your alpha." He smirked at Matthew who remained unfazed.

The council members appeared surprised as they spoke up, "We are clueless because our alpha is too secretive. In fact, he didn't mention anything about Eunice's visit."

Matthew nonchalantly replied, "There is nothing to talk about. Eunice visiting the city is not official."

Eunice interjected, "For now, it's not official, but the next time I visit your city..." She trailed off, flashing a meaningful smile at everyone.

Matthew ignored Eunice's remarks and instead focused his attention on Edison, who was sitting next to Cheska.

"Looks like my little Cheska found a new friend," Matthew commented, his glare at Cheska sending a chill down her spine.

"My little Cheska?" Edison raised an eyebrow.

"That's his endearment for me," Cheska quickly explained. "My brother and mom sometimes call me that too."

"Nice. Can I call you my little Cheska as well?" Edison joked, trying to lighten the mood.

"You call her that, and you will die," Matthew retorted, causing Cheska's eyes to widen in shock.

The others present were equally stunned by Matthew's declaration, not knowing whether to make a joke of it or take it seriously.

Eunice broke the tension with a broad smile and a joke, "Ha ha ha, Matthew, don't bully the Beta of Paragon's pack. If he admires your sister Cheska, it's going to be beneficial for both packs."

"Interesting suggestion, Edison," replied Matthew as he tightened his grip on Edison's arm, ignoring his comment.

Cheska could see Edison wink at her, indicating he was just joking.

"Well, let me contemplate that idea since her mother and Matthew seemed to be at odds about whom she should marry," Cheska heard herself teasingly respond.

Eunice nodded in agreement, adding, "The council did mention that Cheska had received offers from various alpha packs to become their Luna."

Edison chimed in again, remarking, "Well, with her stunning beauty, it's no surprise."

As Edison raised his arm to rest on Cheska's shoulder, Matthew's grip tightened even more, causing Edison to collapse to the floor before he could touch her.

The cheerful atmosphere that had once filled the room was now replaced by an eerie silence emanating from Matthew's sudden outburst.

"What makes you think you're qualified to be her husband?" Matthew's voice boomed, leaving everyone speechless.