Hiding the Alpha's Twins

6~ True Colour

~Avery~

The pain overwhelmed me, rendering me immobile. I lay sprawled in King's office, my strength drained to the point where even using the mind link was beyond me. As the excruciating pain threatened to plunge me into unconsciousness, the door creaked open, and Regina entered. The click of her high heels against the hard floor echoed through the room as she advanced toward me. She was going to help me up. I know she was a nice person, and I wouldn't hold any grudge against her, because she had given me an opportunity which I messed up.

However, as she crouched before me, the sight that greeted me was completely unexpected. A triumphant grin stretched across her face, morphing into a derisive laugh. My confusion deepened, manifesting in a puzzled frown. Regina brushed aside the strands of hair that veiled my face.

"So, you believed you could reap where you hadn't sown?" she taunted. My forehead furrowed in bewilderment, struggling to make sense of her words. She rose, then began a slow, deliberate cycle around me. "Did you truly think I would stand idly by while you claim what I've painstakingly laboured relentlessly to preserve for years?"

The intensity of my pain rendered me incapable of comprehending what she was saying. I could do nothing but lie there, remaining helpless, my gaze fixed on her. The sound of her heels clicking against the floor punctuated the air as she continued her predatory circle.

"Do you have any idea of the sacrifices I've made for my relationship with King? Did you think you could just appear from nowhere and snatch everything from me? Oh, you believed Sammy was your best friend? You thought you had earned the loyalty of the pack members, or that you would, in time?" She leaned in once more, her face mere inches from mine. This time, her eyes shimmered with a malevolence I had not witnessed since my arrival.

If Regina had managed to conceal her malevolence from me so adeptly over the past two months since my arrival at the pack, she deserved an award for her performance. How could I have been so blind to the venom lurking in her gaze all this time?

"Now, listen carefully," she hissed, her voice laced with contempt. "You were never anything more than a slave, and that's all you ought to be—if not killed altogether. I will ensure King never spares you a second glance. The punishment they deemed suitable for you was laughably lenient. King is under my spell, completely wrapped around my little fingers. He hangs on my every word, and you? You were merely a piece in my elaborate scheme to prove that I am the one who could truly stand by his side." Her smile was cold, calculating. "Do you know why I persuaded him to bed you, to claim you as his? Did you actually believe King came to you out of his own accord that night?" Her laughter was scornful, filled with disdain. "I wanted him to mark you, to ensure that the rejection would inflict this torment upon you. I wanted you to experience this pain. You're exactly where I want you—on the floor, helpless and writhing."

"You may contemplate exposing my machinations to King or anyone else once you recover," she taunted, chuckling once more. "But it will be your word against mine. In this pack, I have cultivated the image of a darling. King and I practically grew up together, and he unquestioningly believes whatever I say. Do you genuinely think he—or anyone, for that matter—would take your word over mine? I can hardly wait to see you try, Luna Avery," she jeered, laughing again. "Did you really think you could ascend to the role of Luna for a pack as powerful as Silverpine? Read my lips, Avery—you will never achieve such a feat. Consider yourself fortunate I haven't ended your life. Next time, luck may not be on your side, and you might not come out alive."

Chills raced across my skin. Regina's threats echoed ominously, rendering me utterly stunned. The realisation hit me hard—I was facing a demon in an angel's guise. She could very well end my life, leaving no trace of her deed. At that moment, a soft knock at the door interrupted us. In an instant, Regina, the cunning serpent she was, transformed, adopting the guise of a concerned friend. She swiftly positioned herself beside me, cradling my head in her lap, her previously malevolent gaze now feigning worry and compassion.

"Oh, my goddess, are you alright?" she exclaimed as the door swung open, and my mother rushed in, accompanied by two of the servants.

Tears streamed uncontrollably down my cheeks as my mother hurried to my side, her eyes swollen from crying, and clasped my hand in hers.

"Oh, my child, you're so young to endure the pain of rejection," she whispered, her voice choked with emotion as tears traced paths down her face. "It's all my fault. I'm sorry, my precious child." She tenderly squeezed my hand, turning to Regina who was now soothingly stroking my hair with gratitude in her tear-filled eyes. "Thank you, Miss Regina, for your compassion. You're too kind."

Regina shook her head. "I'm sorry. I should have intervened sooner. I should have seen through the deceit of that scoundrel named Sammy."

I attempted to speak, but only a faint rumble escaped my throat. I tried to use the mind link to convey to my mother that Regina was nothing more than a deceitful snake, but I was too weak to even articulate my thoughts. My power was as drained as my spirit. It made me wonder if this was how powerless one felt after experiencing rejection, or was I simply that weak?

My mother dabbed at her tears. "My Avery just turned twenty. She's still young and full of life. She's bound to make mistakes. I'm sorry for the disgrace this has brought upon everyone."

Regina swiftly captured my mother's hands within her own, gazing into her eyes with feigned sincerity and said, "Ms. Frost, please, stop blaming yourself or Avery for what happened. I'll personally deal with Sammy. She's a troublemaker and the true culprit and must face the consequences, not Avery. I believe she's hiding more than we know." Her gaze shifted to me. "As for King, he is extremely upset right now. His ego is bruised, you know how male pride can be. He's fixated on the scene at the hotel, his mind is in turmoil. But I'll talk to him. I'm certain he'll come around and give Avery a second chance."

"Thank you, Miss Regina," Mom sincerely expressed her gratitude.

"No. Please, there's no need for thanks. Avery is like a younger sister to me," Regina demurred, her tone soft and convincing. "I'm confident that in a few more months, everyone will come to adore her and grow fond of her, especially Luna Delores."

My mother offered her thanks once more, a gesture of deep appreciation for Regina's apparent kindness. With Regina's assistance, my mother managed to hoist me into a piggyback, as my strength had ebbed away to the point where standing, let alone walking, was beyond my capabilities. Just as we were about to cross the threshold of the room, the world around me faded to black, and I succumbed to the merciful oblivion of unconsciousness.

~*~

What did you all think about Regina?

Were you able to guess she was cunning from the beginning?