51 - Silly whispers
EZRA THIAGO.
For the first time in a while, working felt like a chore to me. I found myself taking many breaks in between signing and reading documents and now that my guard is filling me in on reports on the frequent fights that keep breaking out in the pack, it feels like I am being tortured.
I got up from the seat for the umpteenth time. I waved at the guard to take a break and as I paced the breadth of the study room, I realized there was a throb in my heart. Highly bothered by this, I ended my strides by a nearby window and stared out while the breeze from the vastness of the lands beyond played around me.
“Alpha Ezra, is there a problem?”
“Hmm.” I inwardly asked myself the same question. I know the throb in my heart is not because of thoughts about Thalia and the possibility of experiencing being a mate with her. The feeling that comes with that thought is different. It’s a good feeling, I might not fully comprehend it, but I know it’s a good feeling.
But the current emotions throbbing in my heart is an indication of something unpleasant which I can’t seem to figure out.
“Alpha Ezra?”
“Other than the fight that broke out,” I faced the man, “is there something else of similar nature you have not reported?”
“No, Alpha Ezra. The pack has been very peaceful. The netizens go about their lives easily and the trouble that broke out in the past about unpaid wages has been fixed.”
“Hmm.”
“Do you think something is going on, Alpha Ezra?”
The feeling in my soul suggests that something is going on, but I can’t make hasty statements about such things.
So, I shook my head and said, “It is nothing. Perhaps my body is going through some changes.”
“Alpha Ezra, you haven’t eaten in days, could that be the reason?”
My brows cocked when I realised he was right. There is something about food that puts me off, so I tend to stay away from them. Besides, whenever my wolf comes out later in the night, he satisfies his hunger which in turn satisfies me.
“It is not the food. I don’t care for it.” A sharp exhale left me. “Let us continue what we were doing.”
“Certainly, Alpha-”
“Arghh…” As I headed for my seat, a sharp pain pierced my heart and I fell on one knee instantly. My forehead furrowed in confusion, my hand found my beating heart. I was about to communicate with my wolf for an answer when the strong smell of blood filled my nostrils.
“Alpha Ezra,” my guard was now standing beside me. “Should I call the doctor?”
“Axel, were you stabbed? Are you injured somewhere?”
“Huh? Uhm… no. I am perfectly fine, Alpha Ezra.”
If the guard is not injured, where is the blood smell coming from? Or, is this sensation a revelation of some sort?
“Alpha Ezra?”
I lifted my head, and then got to my feet. “I am fine.”
“But-”
“What else do you have to report?” I asked while my feet hastily approached my seat. “Let’s cover everything before evening.”
“Uhm…” His concern filled his voice. “We uh…”
“There is nothing wrong with me, go on with what you have to say.”
“Okay.” The paper in his hand rustled for some seconds, then he continued, “The council members sent a request while you were resting. In the letter they sent, they pointed out that the members of our pack are not too pleased that the Luna Queen has been hiding her face in the palace. They would like the Alpha to consider throwing a party to introduce Luna Thalia to the public.”
I scoffed. “They hear all they need to know from the news, what more do they want?”
“Alpha Ezra, I think it’s best if you do this.”
“Why?” Axel rarely suggests things, so it is necessary I listen to him whenever he does. “Is there something you’ve noticed?”
“Well, the talks are tiny, but rumors are flying around about Luna Thalia being a fake bride. Most people are aware of the disgrace she faced because of Lycan Octavius. Because of that, they easily guess that you married her because you took pity on her. They praise you for taking pity on her but they berate her for allowing a man that’s not her mate to wed her.”
“What nonsense is that?” I lashed out without much thought. “She allowed what? I did what? Are our people so jobless these days, that all they can do is weave stupid tales like fools? Where are the people saying this nonsense?”
“Here and there. They whisper it here and there.”
“So, throwing a party is the solution to these silly whispers?” I found it absurd.
“Sometimes, the silly options are a perfect solution to certain problems,” my guard replied. “We can host a mating ball just as they do in The Night Stream pack. It is the perfect party scene.”
“We don’t have the budget for a party, Axel. We will be facing the biggest war of our lives in a couple of weeks, throwing a party would be just stupid.”
“I know, Alpha Ezra. But the wolves of the pack have lived too seriously for a long time. Everyone is aware that anytime soon, we’d be battling The Night Stream pack to restore our lineage. But just because there’s a battle coming doesn’t mean all the things that deserve to be celebrated should be tossed aside. We should not neglect the present because of fear of the future and what it might bring. Alpha Ezra, this time, I would suggest sparing a little money and time. Let the people celebrate Luna Thalia’s presence with you. Let them meet her, speak to her and acknowledge her as their Queen.”
The man's suggestion makes a lot of sense. Certainly, a few funds can be transferred to host a simple party, but I have to consider Thalia’s feelings. What if she wishes to remain in the bubble of our contract? What if truly becoming Luna is not something she wants? I don’t want to put her in a situation she would hate.
Also, hosting a party means I’d have to invite the leaders of other packs. I can beat my chest to say that Octavius will surely accept the invitation and worse, he’d show up with Thalia’s ex-best friend to create a toxic environment.
I have to inform her about all those dynamics before I give the go-ahead for the party celebrations.
“Axel, inform the council members that I will give them a response tomorrow.”
“Noted, Alpha Ezra.” The man sounded pleased with himself. He should be. It’s not easy to shift the direction of my thoughts.
“Is that all?”
“Oh, the psychiatrist is still around. He is enjoying the chance to rest but he has to leave in two days. Should I process his departure or…?”
Ahh… the doctor Emmag sent for because of Thalia’s issue.
“Huh… Speak to Beta Emmag about it.”
“Okay, Alpha Ezra.”
“Is that all?”
“Yes.”
“Alright. Don’t forget to investigate the Alice thing. I expect a response in three days. I will work on things on my end as well.”
“Certainly, Alpha Ezra.”
I got up and left the study room. With the intent of meeting up with Thalia, I decided to briefly check the surveillance room for new information on the person we needed to continuously spy on.