Chapter 3
882 Words
Vanessa
In the calm solace of my room, things were finally coming together. Discarding the old felt like shedding an old skin. I had set aside so many clothes, and the new emptiness whispered the need for a shopping spree.
Dad had a habit of peeking in. I think it was more about ensuring I was still there, rather than checking on my progress. I could feel the weight of his gaze even as I settled the black bag of discarded items in a room corner. A fresh coat of paint would complete the transformation, but that could wait. For now, my room was shaping up well.
Setting my bag on the bed, I began to unpack. My belongings were few; I had always been a nomad at heart, moving with the ebbs and flows of life. My uncle's pack had been home for six years. Still, I frequently ventured out with different pack members, helping where I could, and along the way, witnessing some truly breathtaking places.
From the bed, Yara stirred, her gaze searching mine. "Everything okay?" she inquired.
"Yeah, just thinking about the dinner Dad's organized tonight," I replied, selecting a dress for the occasion.
A cheeky smile played on Yara's lips. "A quick run outside sounds tempting, doesn’t it?"
"That would be wonderful," I laughed, "But there's the family dinner with Dad and Tobias. Plus, I'm eager to meet Sofia."
Yara nodded, mischief twinkling in her eyes. "She better be good company, or I won't be responsible for my actions."
I shot her a stern look, to which she recommended, "The navy dress would suit the occasion."
I sighed, "Again with the navy dress?" And, laughing, made my way to the shower.
The warm water relaxed me, and soon, I was dressed in that navy dress Yara seemed so fond of. Just as I was applying the finishing touches to my makeup, a shadow appeared at my door.
Looking up, my heart soared. "Tobias!" I exclaimed, rushing into his embrace.
He chuckled, "Hey, MINI," burying his face in my hair.
I pulled back, a mock scowl on my face. "Please stop with the 'mini' thing."
His laughter filled the room. "If only you weren’t so... vertically challenged."
We shared more banter, but then his expression turned soft, "I want you to meet Sofia."
The love in his eyes was undeniable. It reminded me of the time he thought he received Chelsea football tickets. "So, big brother's smitten, huh?" I teased.
He just blushed, a rare sight.
Together, we descended the staircase. At the bottom, next to our father, stood a delicate-looking girl, radiating warmth. As our eyes met, she greeted, "You must be Vanessa."
With a smile, I approached her. "And you're the lady who's captured my brother's heart."
As Tobias and Dad retreated to the kitchen, Sofia and I settled on the couch. Our conversation flowed, and I learned of her quest for a mate, leading her here. Their first meeting was at a BBQ party, an instant connection sparked over food. Time flew, and soon, Tobias announced that dinner was ready.
He grins down at me. "Dad made sure to cook all the dishes you love," he mentions.
My eyes drift to Sofia as she stands from the sofa, hunger evident in her voice. "Can't wait to eat," she admits. I chuckled under my breath and stood up beside her.
Sofia interlocks her fingers with Tobias's. Their connection makes my heart swell.
Leading the way, we walk to the kitchen. My father is at the stove, ladling what appears to be a flavorful soup into bowls. He catches my eye and motions towards the dining area. "Vanessa, grab a seat," he suggests.
Obliging, I choose my favorite spot. As I settle down, I notice two additional settings. Confused, I try to catch my father's eye for an explanation, but he's deliberately not meeting my gaze.
As Tobias settles in a chair beside me, Sofia takes her spot to my other side. My eyes scan the head of the table where two seats remain. One is for my father, clearly, but the other? Whose could it be?
Before I can voice my thoughts, the doorbell interrupts. "I'll get it," my dad announces, leaving the kitchen.
I lean over to Tobias, "Any idea who it is?"
He only offers a teasing smirk in response.
My father returns, accompanied by Alpha Frank. My mind gears up to react, but then an intoxicating aroma sweeps over me, nearly sending me to the ground.
Yara, ever restless, stirs in my mind, and I sense her growing agitation.
Suddenly, she screams, "MATE! HE'S HERE!" I feel her surge forward, taking in the view.
Beyond Alpha Frank stands a figure, his intense gaze locked onto me. A whirlwind of emotions storm inside me. Those eyes – I'd recognize them anywhere.
It was him.
The same man who shattered my heart all those years ago. I steel myself, refusing to give in to his charm, no matter how tempting.
My prolonged silence draws attention, and someone coughs to break the tension.
That's when I spot Alexander, his smirk speaking volumes. The room's attention alternates between the two of us, the palpable electricity evident.
With feigned nonchalance, I greet him, "Long time no see, Alexander."
- Writer
