Chapter 6: A family dinner
IRIS
A wave of awkwardness flushes through my body as he utters such words. I was flustered and flabbergasted by his words that I didn't know what to say.
I could only look at Charles, my mate, who wasn't saying anything. I could only bury my face on the ground with lots of eyes on me, which I couldn't reciprocate back. I was ashamed.
But then, who was he referring to? Was it Charles or someone else? I raised my head because I couldn't stand the tension I was currently experiencing.
I try to observe every body expression and know who he could possibly refer to, apart from my mate. My eyes catch a glimpse of someone who appears to have been staring at me for a long time. The moment I entered this family-filled dinner
Perhaps he's the one Charles' father is talking to. He shares the same face as Charles. I'm ninety percent sure they're related. Perhaps they're blood brothers.
Upon observing the elderly man seated in the largest chair, I concluded that he was the Alpha. He possesses the characteristics of an Alpha.
Charles father, capable of establishing such regulations and rules of the Alpha position for Charles and this individual here, who had been observing me with a familiar gaze,
“Ander, Are you the owner of this w***e?” The Alpha spoke again, addressing the man who had been staring at me.
At this moment, I was losing my cool. I was so pissed that I had to pass my aggression on to Charles. Who I knew would understand my discomfort.
“Attention everyone!!” Charles spoke as he stood up, his eyes turning to mine. He appeared to understand my thoughts. But he could tell I was angry .
Perhaps he intended to address the issues and introduce me to everyone. I felt a sense of relief knowing that could be the reason he had stood up.
“Point of correction, father...” He spoke, then paused, attracting everyone's attention, including mine.
I focused my attention on him to hear what he had to say.
“She's my mate's father. And you shouldn't make such jokes next time around her, my mate.”
My face lightened up with a beam as I watched him defend me. He really does care about me. It seems.
“Iris!!” He called my name, and I quickly turned to look at him, hiding my beam with a keen expression.
“This is my father, Alpha Hendry. And this is Ander, my brother.” I stood up and bowed my head in obeisance as a sign of respect for them.
“Everyone, this is my mate, Iris. I expect you all to respect her and treat her like family." Charles uttered at the rest of the people as I waved my head to them one more time.
“Welcome Iris!!” They all chorused at the same time.
“My dear, Iris!!”
The Alpha called my name. directing his attention to me, and I lowered my head in respect, anxiously awaiting his speech.
I apologize for the misuse of my words. Please don't take it to heart. I was merely joking.” The Alpha's apologise with a smile.
I feigned a smile to convey to him that I wasn't angry, despite my true feelings. Such a joke was simply too costly!
I focused on the breakfast that others had already consumed except I.
Looking at it, It was a highly protein-rich meal. The meal consisted of a grilled steak accompanied by scrambled eggs. I slowly sniffed my nostrils, exhaling the scent of food into my lungs. My mood changes the moment I remember something unpleasant.
This is the first time I'll be eating something like this. So rich in protein and healthy. I usually consume leftover food from the crescent moon pack.
As a slave omega in the crescent moon pack, I always eat the leftover food, and sometimes got forced to eat any spoiled food in other for it not to be wasted.
“Hi dear, Iris!!”
I sensed a touch on my shoulder and spun around to find out who had touched me. Only to see Ander. He was looking at me with suspense and curiosity. It seems like he's been tapping my shoulder for a while now, but I was too distracted by my thoughts.
“You have been staring at your food for a long time now, Iris. Don't you have the appetite to eat?” He questioned me, bringing me back to reality.
"Yes, I will. Thank you.” With a smile, I awkwardly bow my head at him.
A surge of tenseness washed over me as I shook my head, trying to whip my head off such feelings and focus on my food.
I dipped the fork in my hand into the grilled steak, cut it with a knife, and devoured it in my mouth.
The food's sweetness left me in awe, and I couldn't help but continue to devour more of it. I didn't care about the stares that surrounded me.
I can't even remember the last time I ate, so I'm just going to eat to my satisfaction.
"Why is she eating as if she's a servant who hasn't had food in a week?"
A woman, who appeared to be Alpha Hendry's wife, rasped in rapidly. But how come Charles never introduced her as his mother?
But who was she referring to? Because I'm not sure it's me.
Looking at her again, she seems too young to be their mother. Perhaps she's his mistress or second wife.
Her constant gaze on me made me feel guilty that I could be the one she was referring to. As I turned around, numerous gazes fell upon me. This confirms my suspicion.
At this moment, I felt a surge of rage wash over me. Once again, my self-insecurity made me feel down.
"Iris, please disregard her remarks and do not allow them to consume you." My wolf encouraged me.
“That reminds me; where are you from? What pack do you come from, and who are your parents? Iris!!!”
The moment my name appeared at the end of the question, which I assumed was for someone else, my heartbeat skipped and my breath stopped.
“What should I say, Arister? If I tell them I'm a slave, they will mock me and laugh uncontrollably.”
I questioned my wolf, knowing she might be of help to me right
now.
But what should I really say? Should I lie to them or tell them the truth?