Chapter 40 The Goodbye
GAEL’S POV “Are you going to act this way, Gael?” Beta Ezekiel whined into my ears, making me feel more frustrated.Content © copyrighted by NôvelDrama.Org.
I inhaled sincerely, trying to control my anger. “Why are you so adamant regarding this case? I just told you that I already resolved never to let her touch me. I am not going to back down now or ever. I am fine. You don’t need to worry.”
He huffed, appearing frustrated, too. “This isn’t right, Gael. You are the Alpha and should lead by example.”
“But I already gave them the go-ahead to get vaccinated. Why do I have to get involved?”
“You are just as stubborn as your father when your mind is on something. It’s just a shot. Or are you scared of needles?”
I stared at him, feeling insulted. “Why would you even think that?”
An amused expression settled on his face. “Every man with his weakness, don’t you think?”
I rolled my eyes, feeling very much insulted. “That’s enough. I already made up my mind. Let’s end the discussion if you don’t have any other thing to tell me, Beta Ezekiel. I will take my leave now.”
“You are terrified of the needle.” He called back after me.
I slapped my forehead, walking away from him quickly. I didn’t know the older man had humor up his sleeve. I thought he hated my guts because I screwed his daughter. Now that I remember Gemma, I wonder what she has been up to with my concubines. Many of them appear to be keeping their distance. I hope she isn’t laying any boundaries. I might get pissed. On second thought, their attitudes probably have nothing to do with Gemma and more of Sarah’s leave from the packhouse.
I should never get emotional over the people I rule over. They must be thinking I am too softhearted to seek freedom. I have no one else to blame except that half-breed who got into my head. I’m not too fond that I can’t seem to keep her name from my mouth, even though it’s not exactly her name. I stepped into the fields, feeling the afternoon air caress my face. It seems like the goddess is trying to seduce me. I can’t blame her; with a face card like mine, the gods would wet their pants.
“He is so full of himself.” I heard someone say very faintly behind me.
Turning around to see who said it, nobody was there. Was that a voice in my head or something? I can’t be crazy. That voice sounded like the witch’s own. Stretching out my neck, I noticed a movement behind one of the large trees in the field on the far end. Not far from the clinic. I knew it was her and no one else. Walking with a determined stride, it didn’t take long for me to reach the tree, and there she was on her knees, tending to a flower that looked very weird and almost on the verge of dying.
“I knew it was you,” I said, standing over her. She stayed frozen on the spot, acting oblivious to my presence. “Half-breed!” I yelled.
“Oh, my goodness! You startled me.” She said, placing a hand on her chest. Her legs wobbled like she would fall back. I didn’t bother to move an inch from where I stood and hoped that she would trip.
Folding my arms against my chest, I glared at her. “What do you think you are playing at? You have gotten bolder now, haven’t you.”
She raised her head slowly. “What are you saying?”
I don’t know what I am saying too. I find my eyes trailing down every inch of the halfbreed body. The odd scent of the she-wolf aside, being this up close, reminded me why I had asked to be part of my concubines. She has a tender approach to her that makes me want to eat every part of her. What would it take from me to lay with her? I will only end up having a half-breed added to the list of ladies I ended up fucking. It sounds like a fun challenge, but I will pass.
“I will take my leave.” She mumbled, attempting to walk away.
“Don’t you dare take a step further!” I ordered. She made a huff sound before bowing her head again. “You have gotten quite bolder with your appointment as the healer.”
She was still staring down at her leg and her curly hair bouncing off her shoulder. She grumbled. “I don’t think the problem is with me but you. You already told me to never show my face to you anymore. But it appears you are always finding your way back to me.”
I blinked rapidly at her accusation, causing me to scoff loudly. “You are very dumb for spewing that rubbish. What do you mean by that? Why would I want to be in the presence of a filth like you?”
“Then I should be excused.” She stated.
I hate that she is so eager to leave me standing, something no lady has ever done. They all melt in my presence and expect me to desire them. Even though I told her not to show her face, I still hoped to see the pain of denying her my attention in her eyes. But they are always so blank, it’s annoying.
“Alpha Gael, I have patients to attend to. If you will excuse me.”
I cleared my throat awkwardly, “just leave.”
“Just a minute.” She said. For a moment, I thought she had something to say to me. Instead, she bent down to pick up the flower she had been staring at before my arrival. She uprooted the whole thing and walked away without sparing me a glance.
“Hey!” I called back.
Stopping rigidly, she turned to me. “Yes, Alpha.” Her response sounded like a mockery.
“I just need to remind you that I will never get the vaccine,” I said firmly.
“Yes, Alpha. You already made yourself clear.” She stated, leaving.
What the fuck? Why do I feel like I just got rejected by her? She didn’t even try to steal a glance. I wonder if she has started having an affair with Ezra. No lies; Ezra does have his charm. I am so sorry that he fell for someone as ordinary as her. Caressing my neck slowly, I kissed my teeth in irritation. She should be thankful to the goddess that I am in the best of moods. Now I am utterly irked, and I need to burn off some steam.
I will get the half-breed back for this. The halfbreed has to pay for riling me up.
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NIA’S POV
I inhaled deeply again, feeling tired from staring at my screen for more than an hour. I haven’t gotten a response from Kingston yet, and I am very conflicted about whether to call him. He is probably angry at me for turning him down. Maybe I should have been more reasonable with my response. But I just had to let him know how I truly felt; Kingston will always be the brother I know who protected me even when everyone around me was against me. I will take a bullet for him, but I can’t love him in that manner.
Even though I no longer have a mate, I worry that I might end up alone without a partner. That still won’t prompt me to string my brother along. I hope he finds a place in his heart to forgive me. Exhaling, I leaned into the chair, letting my thoughts roam. Alpha Gael is no doubt a confused being. He says this minute, and in the next, he refutes his words. If I didn’t know better, I would think he is interested in me. But that will never happen, and I hope it doesn’t. His hatred is for my good. I don’t want to be maltreated and tossed aside like trash, all in the name of being with the Alpha.
I think I have seen more than enough to serve as a warning. The Alpha is good-looking, no doubt; that is even an understatement. Gael is breathtaking, and his creation must have taken excess time. With his broad shoulders and perfectly sculptured face like a Greek god, he probably would have been one in his past life. It’s no surprise that he has many women at his disposal. His looks got into his head. Aside from how he looks, nothing is fascinating about him. He is just a ticking bomb, ready to explode.
If it were up to me, I would love to leave this pack and not have to bump into him. He acted like a psycho, telling me he would never take the vaccine. Even if he hates me, should he hate the vaccine, too? I don’t know what to think of him. But he sure isn’t the best of people to deal with. My head ached from overthinking. I wish there were someone I could talk to without seeming like a bother.
A light knock came from behind the door, and one of the assistants peeked in. “Healer Nia, there is someone by the reception here to see you.”
“Tell the person to come in.”
“He insists on meeting outside, ma’am.” She said.
“Alright, thank you.” Curiosity gnawed at my thoughts as I hurried out of the office, hoping it was who I thought it was. “Kingston,” I called out in a hushed whisper.
He turned to look at me with a smile on his face. “I see you have been expecting me.”
I did not mind the eyes staring at us curiously. I ran into Kingston’s arms. “I thought you had left. I was expecting your reply so bad.” The words almost choked me, and a tear ran down my face.
“I’m sorry.”
“Let’s go outside. We can’t talk here.” He urged, leading me out of the clinic. We found a bench to sit on. “There is no need for you to be sorry, Nia. You have your own opinion and can decide what your feelings are. I can’t enforce mine on you, and I would be wrong to make you feel guilty.”
“I just never saw you in that light. And I have been rejected by an intended spouse, too, and I guess I know how much it hurts you. I love you, Kingston. I don’t want to lose the only family that cares about me. I will never be able to forgive myself for that.”
“I’m the one who should be sorry for not thinking it through. I had to come here, and I couldn’t leave without making peace with you.”
“Thank you so much for coming, Kingston. I appreciate it.” I said sincerely.
Kingston reached for my hand and patted it gently. “I want you to listen to what I say, please. I have loved you for a long time. And I do intend to keep loving you. I don’t know how long that affection will hold me down. But I promise to always be there for you, irrespective of what becomes of us. All I want for you is to be happy. Promise me you will learn to live and enjoy each moment as it comes.”
I nodded my head slowly, feeling light. “Stop talking like we would never see each other again.”
He laughed playfully, “Who says we won’t see each other again? I was about to say, you can always come to me if a time comes and you have to leave. Nia, you will always have a home with me. Don’t hesitate to reach out to me whenever you need help. I will gladly be your knight in shining armor.”
Letting the tears fall, I hugged him tightly again. “I will cherish this moment forever.”
“Me too. I must be on my way now, or I might miss my flight.” He said, standing up.
Rubbing at his arm, I held his gaze. “I never said this before, Kingston. I want you to know you are an amazing person with a beautiful heart. Your being is wholesome and soothing. I couldn’t have wished for a better brother. You are my true family. Thank you for standing by me all through the years. I know I put you in a lot of trouble. I’m sorry you had to receive punishment for my sake.”
“If I have to be punished again because of you, I will gladly let myself receive it all over again. Also, stand up for yourself. You don’t owe my parents anything. They leech on you because you let them. Keep in mind that you are worthy of respect and love. Don’t forget, wherever I am, I will always be open for you. When it gets tough, I am only one call away.” He assured me, kissing me on my forehead. “I have to go now, pumpkin. I love you.”
“Have a safe trip,” I mumbled, waving at him.
The tears had built up again, and I could feel my veins popping out as it shook every one of my nerves hard. Kingston got into the car that had brought him and didn’t turn to see me. He is probably in tears, too. It might be the last time I get to see him again. I will be miserable with his absence. I’m undoubtedly doomed to be left by the ones who love me. No one stays for long.
My parents, Perry and Kingston, left me, and now I am alone. Wiping off the tears, I made a U-turn to the office. The hair on my skin stood still. Someone seems to be peering hard at me from behind. Rather than turn to see who it might be. I hastened my steps instead; whoever it is should have the idea that I am unaware. It’s better that way.