Chapter 22 Fault Lines
Chapter 22 Fault Lines
And somehow he’s changed. Malik has been the complete opposite of his usual self. He’s nice to me, talks politely, more attentive.
I didn’t think he’d crack this soon but I guess I was mistaken.
Either that or he’s just pretending to make his family think he and I have a good relationship — we obviously don’t.
At dinner, he did it again. Acting like the gentleman he’s not.
"You want me to serve you the mashed potatoes?" He asked when I reached out to serve myself the potatoes.
I looked at him, shocked but not surprised. "Sure," I said awkwardly
He served me and I quietly continued eating.
The room sank into silence, not a word spoken, only eyes shifting from one face to another. I couldn’t help but notice Jessica and Emma exchanging glances. I had no idea what was passing between them, but something deep inside told me it wasn’t good. Especially with the way Jessica would frown every now and then.
"So, Eliana." Jessica started
I smiled at her "You can just call me Eli."
She scoffed "Eli sounds like I’m talking to an omega and I don’t like that at all."
My heart stung. Why does she keep emphasizing that? Aren’t Omega’s people too?
She continued after a carefully dragged look "Since you’re now part of the family and soon to be our Luna, perhaps you should start attending the ceremonies with the family just to enlighten yourself."
Malik quickly chipped in "Actually, Eli and I have already discussed it. She prefers to be around me so she won’t be attending any ceremonies that aren’t for the pack."
My expression mirrored Jessica’s own as she glanced at me and then Malik. For a brief moment she studied him and then she sighs heartily and turned to me.
"Is that so Eliana?"
I nodded. That was all I could do. I can’t say Malik is lying because…. Well, I would be in so much trouble if I did.
Jessica hummed her response "Well, it’s pretty awful because if she’s not getting along with the others, how do you expect her to be a proper Luna?"
"I’ll teach her mother. You have nothing to worry about."
"We have everything to worry about Malik." Emma who has been quiet for a while chirped in. "She’s the Luna and if she doesn’t act like one quickly it would look bad for us and for her…"
"It won’t. Eli won’t be going anywhere to attend any dumb parties ams that’s final!" He commanded leaving no room for discussion.
"Malik…" Jessica started but he quickly cut her off
"When are you leaving again?"
"Why the sudden question? You don’t want me around?"
"I didn’t invite you so why don’t you take a guess?" He grunted.
Jessica opened her mouth to speak but suddenly clasped it shut when her eyes met mine.
A fake small smile danced across her face as she said "Oh my dear, it’s just so hard to understand you these days." She took a bite of her food and continued "Eliana is our Luna and whether you believe it or not, she doesn’t have the genes of a Luna and that’s the only reason why I need her to join us for the ceremonies." She gently placed her hand on Malik’s as she said "Think about it."
Malik hesitated for a moment looking at her hand on his and then he took her hand off his.
"I’ll think about it." He said quietly
"Thank you." She smiled.
The room fell into dim silence again before Emma spoke "Anyways, Eli, can you tell us how you met Malik?"
"Umm.." I glanced at him and all I could remember how he looked at me the first time I saw him.
The anger in his eyes. The way he looked looked like he wanted to kill me. How he talked to me and how he only agreed to marry me so he could break me.
Malik chipped in "That’s a story for another day."
"But why?" She asked but he didn’t bother responding. "Why does it seem like you don’t want Eli to say anything?"
"Eli doesn’t like to talk and so I’m talking for her. Is that a problem?" He questioned rolling his eyes.
I can tell that his angry problem didn’t start with me, he’s been like that for a while.
As Emma went on complaining about him, Jessica chirped in and it felt really weird to see how Malik is acting towards his family. I had thought he only preserved his anger for me but it seems like everyone has their own share of it.
When Emma was talking she accidentally knocked down the glass cup making the water spill all over my body.
I gasped. Malik’s eyes snapped to her "What is wrong with you?"
"I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to.."
"But you did anyways." He scoffed "You just ruined her dress." He yelled.
I was surprised at the way he yelled at her. I know Malik didn’t care about me so why is he suddenly acting like he does?
"I’m sorry." Emma trembled and then turned to me "I’m so sorry Eli, I swear it wasn’t a conscious act."
"It’s okay," I said trying to play it cool.
Malik grabbed a napkin and started helping me wipe off the water. While he was at it, I whispered to him "Why are you acting like you care? I know you don’t."
He scoffed "I don't care. I care about you and everything."
Even though he sounded sincere, I didn’t believe a word—knowing too well how much of a liar he was.
Just then, Jessica, who had stepped out earlier to make a call, returned with a radiant smile.
"I just got a call from home, Malik." She said grinning
"You’re leaving?" He asked, almost hopefully.
She shook her head. "No, silly. Your father is coming."
The napkin slipped from his hand. Horror flashed across his face as he stared at her in disbelief. Jessica’s smile widened. "Isn’t that exciting?"
Malik didn’t answer. He just kept staring, as though she had delivered the worst news imaginable.