Chapter 20 Something Different
“Are you sure about this?” Russell finally broke his silence, glancing at the photos he was holding.
“I am sure, Russell.” Marcus nodded, affirming his words.
The scorching sun was the perfect reminder that it was already noon, and that the Alpha had not yet set his eyes on Mia.
He continued to stare at the picture, his eyes moving from one of them to the other.
Then he took a deep breath, attempting to shake off the churning inside his stomach.
“I see.” He slid all the pictures back into the brown envelope and kept it aside.
The Beta was curious, shifting his gaze from the envelope back to the Alpha.
“Why do you seem so interested in this? Is there anything I should be aware of” His eyes glittered with lingering curiosity, and paying keen attention while he waited for a response, he leaned forward, withdrawing his back from the seat.
“Nothing really.” The Alpha responded calmly, grabbing the glass of whiskey on the table.
Russell took a sip, and after a few seconds, he turned to the Beta, smacking before he broke his silence.
“I was hoping to get feedback from you about the request of the elders. Does this mean that none of them has written to you?”
Marcus sighed, and the moment he grabbed the other glass of whiskey on the table, he leaned backward, resting his back on the chair.
He took a sip, and then he cleared his throat.
“Not really,” He dropped the glass on the table, shifting his gaze to the Alpha.
“I wanted to go through them before forwarding them to your email.”
Russell scoffed, shaking his head with a wry smile.
“It’s been three days already, Marcus. I am sure you did that on purpose.” He looked the Beta in the eyes, seeking the truth.
Marcus remained silent for a while, and then he nodded.
“You are right, Russell. I decided to keep the list because I was thinking that you were going to change your mind about going to war with Craig, now that he has yet to build an army.”
“I knew it,” Russell grunted, taking a sip from his glass.
“Will you ever carry out my instructions without questioning me?”
“No, Russell.” Marcus gave a quick response, looking the Alpha in the eyes.
“That’s why you made me your Beta. Because I am your friend, and I will always tell you the truth.” He sniggered, still staring deep into the Alpha’s eyes.
After a while, he pointed to the envelope, indicating his unwavering desire to know what it was all about.
“Does this have anything to do with your reluctance to destroy Craig and his little rogues?” He waited for a response, but the Alpha remained silent.
“Why did you ask me to get you details of the previous Alpha and Luna of Moonfall Pack?”
“Because I needed it, Marcus. Does that answer your question?”
“No.” Marcus stood up, taking two steps closer to the Alpha.
“There is something different about you, Russell. I can’t wrap my hands around it, but I am certain of it.”
“Don’t be ridiculous.” Russell scoffed, taking the fourth sip from his glass.
“There is nothing different about me, Marcus. You are just overthinking things.”
Marcus kept his eyes on the Alpha, his silence echoing so much curiosity.
The Alpha didn’t bother to look at him, causing his curiosity to linger.
Just then, they were interrupted by footsteps, their attention drawn to the entrance of the living room at once.
Russell leaned forward, his eyes wide with surprise.
“Alara?” He muttered, turning to Marcus who quickly looked away, clearing his throat while he took two steps backward.
The Alpha returned his gaze to his sister, and then he stood up from his seat.
“You didn’t tell me you were coming back.” He arched his brows, taking two steps forward.
Alara continued walking slowly toward him, her golden long hair cascading down her shoulders.
Her perfect figure seemed like it was an unmerited gift for the fine white dress she was putting on, the jewelry all over her body speaking volumes of luxury.
She kissed Russell on both cheeks, the Alpha still frozen with his mouth agape.
“Is that the way to welcome your only sister?” Alara pouted, looking the Alpha in the eyes.
“I have missed you, Russell! How has being an Alpha treated you?”
“Terrible?” Russell muttered, and then he grabbed his sister’s hand just when she was about to move to Marcus.
“You still haven’t told me why you are back, Alara. Are you done with the project in Darnia?”
Alara sighed, and then she shook her head.
“Can we do this later, Brother? I need to go say hello to my mate.” She pointed to Marcus, and the Alpha grunted, letting go of her.
“Thank you, Alpha Russell.” Alara chuckled softly, and then she moved to the Beta, a bright smile appearing on her face.
“Marcus darling!” She kissed him passionately, and after staring for a while, the Alpha looked away, returning to his seat.
He waited for the right moment to speak, and when it seemed like they were never going to let go of each other, he cleared his throat to draw their attention.
“Can I speak to my sister, please?” He turned to Marcus with a smirk, causing the Beta to grunt.
Marcus unwrapped his hands around Alara’s waist, gesturing to her to move to the Alpha.
“Go speak to your brother, Alara. We will have the entire day to ourselves.” He urged, winking at her with a coy smile.