Chapter 41(Stephen's News)

Chapter 41(Stephen's News)
Roman’s pov

As I walked back to my quarters after the ritual, my mind kept thinking of a million things…why did Zach disappear immediately she touched my hand, and her eyes…Come off it Roman, you are seeing things. I sat in the big chair, closed my eyes, trying to calm my nerves down.

Kaelenya’s eyes colour kept flashing back. That sudden flash of green. I quickly opened my eyes, and sat straight. Should I invite the chief priest over and ask him? No…I shook my head. I can't do that.

I pressed my fingers hard to my temples, trying to make sense of it. My chest pulled tight. I hated questions that had no answers. I hate being confused and feeling trapped.

A soft knock on the door broke the silence.

“Come in,” I said. My voice came out sharp.

The door opened, and Joshua stepped in. He bowed a little. “Alpha, Beta Stephen is here. He asks to see you.”

Stephen. At this late hour. I frowned. The thought of him at my door made a small sting of irritation run through me. “Send him in,” I said.

Joshua nodded and stepped aside.

Moments later Stephen walked in. He wore a faint smile, but it did not reach his eyes. He bowed low. “Brother.”

“Brother,” I said, leaning back. “ Hope all is well?”

He straightened, the smile staying on his lips. “I came to congratulate you,” he said. His voice was smooth, and careful. “On the Luna’s pregnancy. Wonderful news for the pack.”

I gave a short nod. “Thank you. The Goddess has blessed us.”

“Yes,” he said, soft and slow. “She has indeed.”

I know he wasn't here just to congratulate me...deep down in his heart, he hated the fact that I was expecting an heir. This meant another rival for him. Another stain to his perfect plan. Let him pretend all he wants, but I see him...I see the hunger tasty side of him.

People see him as the better on, the calmer one, but beneath it all, he is a demon waiting patiently to take his true form. Stephen has never liked me, even when we were little. He always tried to make me look bad in the eyes of others.

The room grew quiet for a beat. Stephen’s gaze stayed on me a little too long, like he was searching for something in my face. Then he cleared his throat and stepped closer.

“In the spirit of celebration, there is… something I would like to discuss with you,” he said. “Something personal.”

I waved a hand for him to go on, though a small spark of curiosity rose inside me.

“I have decided,” he began, “that it is time I settle down. I am not getting younger, and the pack needs strong families to guide the next generation.”

His words were smooth, but there was a careful weight in each one. I watched him, my instincts sharpening.

“Wow, that is good news,”I replied, keeping my voice steady and plastering a smile on my face.

“I have found someone,” he said. “Someone I admire.”

I tilted my head a little. “And who is this someone?”

Stephen’s smile grew, slow and sure. “Elena.”

For a breath the room felt still.

“Elena?” I repeated.

“Yes,” he said, his eyes bright with calm confidence. “I plan to ask her father for his blessing soon. She is strong, and clever. And she carries herself with grace. Qualities the pack will need in the future.”

I forced a small smile. The kind that hides more than it shows. “That is… good news. I’m glad you have found someone you admire.”

Elena... growing up, he met her before me, but he never asked her out, probably he was too shy. When I met her and fell in love with her, I asked him, if I could confess my feelings to her, and he said yes, he has no feelings for her. He even helped me convince her. I was so naive and stupid back then, it took me a while, to even realize he has always had feelings for her.

“Thank you,” Stephen said, smiling. “I knew you would be pleased.”

I watched Stephen’s face, hunting for a crack in his calm mask, but he gave me nothing. Who knows what plans he has now, because this isn't just about the marriage, there is something more...Why now all of a sudden. Cunny bastard.

“You have my support,” I said at last. I kept my tone even. “Elena is… worthy of respect.”

Stephen inclined his head. “Your words mean much, Alpha. I wanted you to hear it from me first.”

“Of course,” I said, my smile still fixed.

Stephen bowed again. “Good night, brother.”

“Good night, Brother.”

The door closed behind him with a soft click.

I stayed in the chair, staring at the flicker of the fire. My smile faded until it was only a thin hard line. I turned to the table, and picked up my cup of wine.

"Joshua,"I called and he walked in quickly.

"Yes Alpha." He bowed.

"I need you to hire someone, to keep an eye on my brother. I want full details, of everything he does. Make sure this person you hire is really good."

"Yes Alpha, I will do as you have said." He stood up and walked away.

I scoffed, as I gulped the wine in my hand. Stephen... Stephen. He must think I'm stupid...he must think my drinking has clouded my brain. Let him wait, whatever game he is playing, I will be at him to it.

Of all the women in this pack, so it has to be Elena. The same woman I who have married. The same woman I fell in love with, and the only family strong enough to challenge me.

I scoffed something is definitely fishy. My eyes narrowed as I stared into the open space. Is he trying to spite me, or has he decided to come out of his true shell.

How sure am I, that Stephen isn't the Lone wolf? My eyes narrowed as I leaned forward. I let out a faint laugh. It can't be, Stephen isn't that smart at all.

I leaned back, and the he leather of the chair gave a slow creak under my weight. My mind replayed every word, every glance. Stephen’s calm smile.

And behind it all, the memory of Kaelenya’s green eyes burned in my mind.

The pack was shifting under my feet, and I would not be caught unaware. Not by Stephen.Not by Marcus, and definitely not by anyone…dead or alive.

The fire cracked and made a sound. The reflection of the fire glued on the wall . I just sat there in the heavy silence, watching the embers fade to red, and planned my next move.