Chapter 17 TORN BETWEEN DUTY
Edeline
I squinted at the clock on my nightstand—10 a.m. already. My brother, Nixx, would be arriving around noon. We were throwing a party to celebrate his return, and I could already smell the tantalizing aroma of roasting pig wafting through the air, even though I hadn’t yet stepped out of the pack house.
How am I going to get through today?
With a groan, I dragged myself out of bed and shuffled to the bathroom on the other side of the room. The mirror reflected a tired version of myself—sunken cheeks, dull eyes, and a complexion that looked drained. I winced at the sight. Whatever I’d been dealing with lately had clearly taken a toll.
Tatiana, from that old-school pack, had me worried. I had a gut feeling that Percival would eventually notice her, despite what he might say. If her father was adamant about certain traditions, Percival wouldn’t have much choice but to notice her, even if it meant dealing with either unmated she-wolves or pack land.
I’d heard that pack land was quite popular, and there were always single guys hanging around. Percival could invite them over to see if any of our women caught their eye. If they did, those women might end up joining their pack.
But something told me Percival was more interested in the pack lands. He’d probably go to great lengths to persuade the Alpha to arrange a mating between his son and Tatiana. The idea of his own daughter lacking honor would be a major blemish on the Alpha’s family history—something no one wanted.
I took a deep breath, trying to shake the queasy feeling in my stomach. It wasn’t my fault; it was Percival and Tatiana’s situation. There were plenty of Tatianas out there, and if Percival couldn’t sense her presence, it was like inviting trouble. Unattached guys and girls around each other always led to complications—wolves didn’t worry about things like condoms, and the result was often a house mom taking charge of things.
My heart ached, a dull, persistent pain that reminded me of the emptiness I felt inside. I was alone now.
After a quick shower, I let my hair fall into loose, wavy curls. I opted for minimal makeup and slipped into a grass-green sundress, pairing it with gold sandals. I wanted to look decent for Nixx’s homecoming.
But as I prepared for the party, I couldn’t shake off the dread. The argument we’d had yesterday had left things strained. I knew whispers would follow, and the air would be thick with tension.
Gathering my composure, I headed downstairs, trying to avoid any chance encounters. I wondered what the other ladies would think of me, but I pushed the thought aside. Those kids had enough to deal with.
I decided to skip breakfast—better to avoid running into anyone. Instead, I slipped out the side door and made my way up to the Alpha's office. I wasn’t up for dragging out the visit with my parents, and the stress of what Alpha William might say was already weighing on me. I had a hunch it would involve Darius, but I needed to toughen up for this role.
I knocked softly on the door and was immediately greeted with a warm, albeit firm, tone.
"Hey, come on in, Edeline."
I pushed the door open and stepped inside, my nerves on edge. I could tell Alpha William noticed my unease. I wrung my hands together, trying to calm myself.
"Hey, you wanted to see me?" I kept my voice steady, though I could feel the tension building inside me. Alpha William looked a bit downcast, his eyes distant. He had always been like a second father to me, and I’d known him and his family for as long as I could remember.
"Yes, Edeline, take a seat."
I sank into a chair in front of his desk, folding my hands in my lap and staring at the floor. My heart pounded as I braced myself for what was coming.
Alpha William sighed deeply, his gaze softening as he took in my somber aura. "I’m sorry, Edeline. But as the Alpha, I have to ask you to stay away from Darius for a while. It’s not good for Percival to see you two together while his wolf is preparing to become a father…" His words were like a blow to my chest, and I struggled to keep my vision clear as I looked up at him.
"Hey, Edeline, I apologize for this. I wouldn’t have agreed to it if I didn’t think it was for the best. It’s only temporary. Percival is being protective, especially with the upcoming arrival. Remember, you’re still a priority to him, and he cares about you."
I felt like a molten core of lava had exploded inside me, burning away my resolve. Tears stung my eyes, threatening to spill. "I want her to. I hope she does. We all hope she does. Percival too," I blurted out, my emotions spilling over.
Alpha William’s expression shifted to one of mild confusion. "You don’t really mean that, Edeline… You’re just upset," he said with a faint, understanding smile. He knew I was walking a fine line. He wasn’t thrilled about the union between Darius and Tatiana, and if something were to happen to the pup, it might lead to a quiet celebration within the pack. Still, no one wanted to lose a child—especially a potentially cool little one.
I nodded, trying to steady my breathing, my heart still aching from the conversation.
I tilted my head down, feeling the weight of defeat. My frustration simmered beneath the surface—ouch, I felt utterly let down. Everyone seemed fixated on this woman who was now pregnant with my friend's child. It was more than a little annoying. Alpha William’s low growl cut through my thoughts, a reminder to stay calm. My wolf perked up, her gaze locked onto Alpha William’s, sensing the tension.
"Hey, Edeline," Alpha William said, his voice stern but laced with concern. "Take it easy. No need to get defensive. There are some things you’re better off not knowing. Why don’t you spend some time with your family and try to enjoy your day? Just steer clear of Darius. If you absolutely have to see him, be careful not to get caught or carry his scent, or there could be consequences. Think you can handle that?" He almost pleaded.