Chapter 19 Eighteen
Howard.
The morning sun cast a warm glow across my private basketball court as I dribbled the ball, the rhythmic thumping echoing in the stillness. Just as I was about to make my shot, Alex appeared out of nowhere, his dark hair ruffled by the breeze, an irritating grin on his face.
"Hey, man, are you always out here in the morning. You should be in bed with Nora, cuddling right now,” he exclaimed, disrupting my focus.
I sighed inwardly, not wanting to hear another word about her. Nora had become a constant topic of discussion since we got married and she moved here. As much as I wanted to shut him out, basketball was an unbreakable routine, and he knew how to use it to his advantage.
"Tomorrow you will be called the Alpha of Direwood pack, you will no longer be the son of the Alpha," he began, his tone earnest. "Then, why the hell don’t you want to fully accept this girl as your Luna?"
I shot him a disinterested glance, my frustration evident. His persistence was grating on my nerves. With a nonchalant shrug, I attempted to continue my shot, but his irritation flared. He caught the ball mid-air, his gaze fixed on me with intensity.
"You can't just brush this off," he retorted, his tone serious. "She's not just any girl, and you know it. Your position demands you embrace her as your partner."
Resisting the urge to roll my eyes, I reluctantly met his gaze. Alex's words struck a chord, despite my attempts to deny it. The weight of my impending title as the Alpha of our pack weighed heavily on me. But Nora was a different matter entirely. Her presence stirred complicated emotions that I wasn't ready to confront.
Frustrated, I threw the ball again, aiming for the net, but he caught it effortlessly, his eyes locking onto mine. His look carried an unspoken demand to listen, to face the issue head-on.
I released a tense breath and surrendered to his persistence. "Look, it's not that simple," I muttered, my words a reluctant admission. "She's... Oh, fucking hell,” I whispered.
Alex's expression softened, understanding flickering in his gaze. "I get it, man. Change is scary. But you're ready for this new role. And maybe... Nora could surprise you in ways you can't predict."
I stared at him, my mind racing as his words sunk in. But I wasn’t ready to let his words determine what I do next with her. I still try to listen to him to get him off my back. "Fine, let's hear what else you've got to say."
As I allowed Alex to have my listening ears, his grin widened, a victorious gleam in his eyes. "Why are you so afraid to fall in love?" he posed, his question catching me completely off guard. I blinked at him, momentarily lost for words, trying to wrap my head around the unexpected inquiry.
His gaze remained steady on mine as he pressed on, his tone probing. "Why do you hate her? Or why do you claim that you hate her?"
His words felt like a sudden gust of wind, unsettling the carefully constructed walls I had around my feelings. A chuckle escaped my lips, an attempt to dismiss the weight of his question. "Come on, Alex," I replied, my voice laced with a mix of amusement and defiance. "Easy, I love being a freeman and you know that. I hate commitment. I love one-night stands. Come on man, being a free man just rules."
But Alex wasn't about to let me off the hook so easily. He disagreed with my stance and vented his frustration by hurling the ball at me, his throw sharp and swift. Miraculously, I caught it just in time, a triumphant laugh bubbling from my throat as I reveled in my quick reflexes. His fierce reaction only served to fuel my amusement.
I shook my head, a smug grin tugging at my lips. "Nice try, but that's not gonna get me to change my mind," I teased, my tone light but tinged with a hint of sincerity. He had a way of unraveling my carefully curated defenses, a skill I alternately appreciated and cursed.
I finally interjected, steering the conversation away from the delicate territory of love and emotions. "Could we please talk about something else?" I suggested, eager to shift the focus. "Like tomorrow's event?" My coronation loomed on the horizon, a reality that still felt surreal to me. The prospect of finally stepping into the role of Alpha had been a distant dream, and now it was about to become my reality.
Alex's eyes softened as he caught on to my change of topic. "Yeah, man," he replied, his tone supportive. "You're going to do great. Direwood pack is lucky to have you leading them."
"Yeah, something like that," I shrugged it off, trying to downplay my indifference. Alex and I continued to converse, delving into the details of the upcoming pack bond event. It's an occasion I've never held any enthusiasm for; an obligatory gathering of pack members in an expansive clearing to revel in our shared pack identity. Over the years, I've evaded attending it, often opting to sequester myself at the bar instead. But now, with the newfound role of Alpha, that luxury is denied to me.
The event carries certain customs, some malleable, others etched in stone by my father's legacy. As the pressure to conform and uphold traditions escalates, I find myself grappling with a blend of authority and restriction. Yet, some lines I'm determined not to cross, lest I risk alienating the very pack I now lead.
A sudden intrusion of footsteps jolts my thoughts, and in a heartbeat, Nora's image flashes in my mind. But when I swivel around, my hopes are dashed; it isn't Nora. "Damnit," I muttered under my breath, an exhalation of frustration. Alex's discerning gaze lands on me, attuned to my shift in demeanor. A scowl creases his features as his attention fixes on the approaching figure.
"What the hell is she doing here?" Alex's tone bristles with both irritation and suspicion, mirroring my own sentiments. He looks to me for an explanation, but I'm as blindsided and bewildered as he is. My shoulders lift in a helpless shrug, a gesture betraying my confusion and lack of answers.
With a flick of my wrist, I dismiss the ball we'd been casually tossing. Its arc, an echo of the decision hanging in the air, signifies an end to our casual interaction. As the girl edges closer, I brace myself for the forthcoming exchange, a tempest of questions and apprehension swirling beneath the surface.
"Howard," her voice calls out my name, tinged with a smirk that’s all too familiar. My chest tightens, and my brow furrows as I heave a sigh. "What the fuck are you doing here, Karen?" I demand, the anger clear in my tone. Mentally, I'm already compiling a list of people to confront for letting her into my private area.
"I'll see you later, man." Alex's voice cuts in, abrupt and decisive. He doesn't even wait to hear my response. Abandoning me on the basketball court, I'm left alone with this woman who has held too much sway over my life.
Karen glances back at Alex's retreating figure, a chuckle escaping her lips. "Your friend still hates me? Yikes." She remarks, a tilt of her head indicating the gesture behind her. Then she puts on a show, faking a shocked expression. "I thought he'd be your best man in our wedding," she pouts playfully, taking steps closer.
Instinctively, I edge back slightly, creating a fraction of distance. As she wraps her arms around my neck, I find myself turning my head away to evade a too-close encounter. The memory of her lips against mine lingers, a sensation I'd rather not relive. Gently, I detach her arms from my body and step back, my movement swift yet deliberate. Disappointment glints in her eyes, accompanied by an eye roll that seems almost rehearsed.
"I came to congratulate my Alpha," she states, an air of innocence that I've come to know as a façade. I don't believe her for a second. Karen is a master of manipulation, and her presence usually heralds trouble. My concern doesn't lie with Nora's feelings, but rather with the idea of Karen crossing paths with her.
"Well, thank you," I reply tersely, my patience waning thin. "Now get out of my territory." With that, I start walking past her, intending to put as much distance between us as possible. Yet, the next words she utters stop me in my tracks, a shockwave of disbelief coursing through me.
"I met your wife at mating rituals a month ago."
I confront Karen with a firm warning tone as I walk towards her. "You listen to me carefully," I say, my voice dripping with intensity. I stand tall before her, determined to make my point. "You fucking stay away from my wife..."
Karen's laughter echoes in the air, a mocking sound that grates on my nerves. "Oh, now you claim her as your wife?" she retorts, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "Well, have you told her that I'll be your Luna? Or does she have to know about everything? Or perhaps your father needs to know?" She arches an eyebrow, challenging me with her words.
The audacity of this girl provokes a surge of anger within me. My fists clench involuntarily as I struggle to maintain my composure.
"Now," she continues, her voice laced with condescension, "I will go prepare for tomorrow, and you will settle things, got it?" With a casual shrug, she turns around and starts walking backwards towards the exit of the basketball court. "I'll assume you know what I mean."
As her form recedes into the distance, I stand there, the weight of her words hanging heavily in the air. My mind races, grappling with the implications of her threats. The mixture of anger, frustration, and anxiety swirls within me, creating a storm of emotions that threatens to consume my thoughts.
Ever since that fateful encounter at my usual bar, this girl has brought nothing but trouble into my life. It's as if the universe itself conspires to make things worse day by day. With a sigh of resignation, I turn away and hurry inside my home, the weight of her presence lingering in my mind.
Nora's chamber is where I find myself heading, a sense of urgency pushing me forward. I've never been so driven to seek her out before, but the uproar caused by Karen's actions leaves me with no choice. Inside her part of the house, a maid is in the midst of cleaning. Impatience taints my voice as I demand, "Where is Nora?"
The maid's response is hesitant, her fear palpable. "At... the study," she stammers. Without wasting a moment, I turn and stride purposefully towards the study, my mind racing with a flurry of thoughts. Has Karen managed to reach Nora? Has she planted seeds of fear in her mind? I can't shake off the worry that Nora might have been influenced, especially considering her distant behavior after the event the other night.
Pushing open the study door, I find Nora engrossed in checking books, a soft melody escaping her lips. She looks stunning, clad in a knee-length floral dress that accentuates her curves. The fabric dances around her waist and flows with every movement. Under different circumstances, I would have taken the time to appreciate every inch of her body, but my frustration overrides any other sensation at the moment.
Taking a deep breath, I clear my throat to announce my presence. Nora glances up, her eyes meeting mine with a mixture of surprise and warmth. I struggle to maintain my composure, the swirl of emotions within me threatening to spill over.
"Nora," I begin, my voice tinged with a hint of urgency, "we need to talk." As I step closer, I can't help but wonder if Karen has managed to poison Nora's mind against me—not that I care. The uncertainty gnaws at me, but I'm determined to get to the bottom of it and salvage what remains of our connection.
Nora's perplexed gaze meets mine as she nods, carefully descending the ladder she had been on. Her concern is evident in the depths of her eyes as she inquires, "What's wrong?" My grip tightens on her arms as I take a deep breath, steadying myself for the conversation that needs to take place. "After I left you by yourself during the mating rituals," I begin, my tone casual but my intent clear, "who did you speak with besides my stepmother?"
Her brows furrow slightly as she gazes into the distance, deep in thought. The shift in her expression is sudden, her features contorting with fury. Swatting away my hands, she takes a step back, creating distance between us. "Nora," I speak firmly, determined to get her attention. "You're going to listen to me, and you're going to answer me right now."
Despite my words, she doesn't comply. Instead, she turns away and moves towards the desk, a book capturing her attention. Frustration wells up within me as I'm left standing there, her back revealing her bare skin and legs that look almost ethereal. I swallow hard, my gaze tracing the lines of her figure before I release a sigh and muster the resolve to approach her once more.
"Nora," I repeat, my voice softer this time, though the seriousness remains. I stop a short distance behind her, my eyes fixed on her form.
"I don't have all day for this. You know something is off, and I need to understand what's going on." The tension between us is palpable, and my desire to reach a resolution outweighs the frustration that simmers beneath the surface.
"Why do you care so much to know?" Nora's voice breaks through the air as she turns to face me. I can't help but feel a pang of guilt for finding her attractive even in moments of anger. Her usually serene demeanor clashes with this anger, but I can't ignore the spark that seems to ignite within her when she's fired up. A feeling of self-loathing accompanies my internal conflict as I grapple with my emotions.
The truth stings—I've disrupted Nora's peaceful existence since entering her life. I've witnessed her tears, her anger, her moments of dejection, and yet, I can't summon any genuine remorse for the pain I've caused her.
I've warned her, given her the chance to back away, and she's unaware of the storm that's approaching. The weight of my actions and the secrets I bear presses heavily on my conscience, but there's a part of me that remains unapologetic for the path I've set in motion.
I don't immediately respond to her question, my internal confusion and chaos making it difficult to find the right words. Before I can form a coherent response, Nora speaks again, her tone laced with resignation.
"Fine, I met your Luna, happy?" With those words, she walks past me, and I don't attempt to stop her. Arguing at this point seems futile. The revelation hangs in the air, a confirmation that Karen has indeed managed to reach Nora.
As Nora's figure moves away, a mix of emotions churn within me. Anger at Karen for meddling, frustration at myself for not being able to prevent this, and a growing determination to address the situation in the way it needs to be handled.
Karen's interference will not go unanswered. The turmoil within me is only matched by the storm I sense brewing in our near future. My steps are heavy as I turn to follow Nora's path, a cascade of thoughts racing through my mind, each one a puzzle piece I need to fit together to protect what little remains of the life I've managed to build.