21.
1058 Words
It finally happened, after the drama the day before she was summoned to the Alpha's house this time but no trouble awaited Gatlin, no instead she was invited for tea or more to say ordered to tea since there was no way for her to say no. Gatlin wasn't much of a girly, girl nor did she attend tea parties much to her mother's disappointment but Gatlin still attempted to dress the best she could for Edda, the Alpha's mate was a kind and loving woman in which Gatlin didn't want to disappoint but she still felt out of place the bottom of the beige dress itched the back of her knees and the sandal straps were too tight but she simply grinned and bared it sitting opposite Edda who was nothing but grace and elegance as always even the way she poured the tea for the pair was perfect "Sugar?" Edda asked lifting a small sugar cube with a pair of tongs but Gatlin shook her head frankly she wasn't even a big fan of tea but she was willing to fake it for a morning.
"Why did you invite me here?" Gatlin couldn't help but let the curiosity get the better of her.
Edda let out a breathy laugh before lifting the delicate floral teacup to her lips and taking a sip "I like you Gatlin" her eyes focused out on the barely risen sun but the bright light just made her eyes shine even brighter practically looking like crystal "your charming, funny, dedicated all things I admire greatly actually you're just like your father and I admired him greatly too."
"Y...You were close to my father?" Gatlin asked. She loved her father but he died when she was so young she didn't know much about the man.
"I did. We actually grew up together on the coast he and your aunt were always such characters" she seemed to laugh to herself at the memories "but I met Maxon and moved here then a few years later he met your mother her father was the Beta in this pack and an only child so they asked your father if he would take over the beta title once your grandfather retired. He trained furiously much like yourself, unfortunately, he never claimed the title by the time your grandfather was ready to retire sadly your father passed" a fond smile crossed her painted pink lips "its nice to have a reminder of my past, however. Some good times we had" Edda reached across the table and gave a comforting pat to Gatlin's knee "you're lovely company just like he was. You certainly don't have much of your mother in you."
"You don't like my mother" Gatlin observed from Edda's harsher tone.
"I am the Alpha's mate, my dear and represent this pack with pride and respect each member but to say the least there are qualities in some pack members I'm not too fond of" Gatlin wanted to laugh the way Edda had spun it so delicately.
"I love my mother but I don't like her" Gatlin spoke bluntly "I didn't fit in her world so she pushed me out. She hasn't even bothered to call while I've been training not that I expected her too."
"My dear Gatlin" she gave the curly-haired girl a smile "I am always here to chat if you need me even with your eagerness to leave us."
"Its nothing personal... I want to study and be with my aunt--"
"I didn't take it personally don't worry however I do believe my son won't be so happy with you leaving" Gatlin almost spat out he tea she had just drunk from the small cup.
"Excuse me?" Gatlin asked between coughs trying to clear her throat.
"Don't play coy, dear. I'm far to smart for that. Onyx is a wonderful boy but has never been good at hiding his feelings. He and Eliza have been together for so long, he's loved her for so long and always so desperately wanted her to be his mate" Edda sighed placing the cup onto the saucer as she slightly shifted in the white metal seat "but they aren't mates are they..." Gatlin faced Edda her mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water "I have a mate my dear, I know what it looks like and as much as they want it, it's obvious that she isn't his mate... You, however."
"Edda, please" Gatlin's voice fell soft she didn't like the subject as it was let alone speaking to her estranged mate's mother about it.
"My apologies" Edda took hold of Gatlin's hand holding it gently in her aging one "I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable. Just remember I am here to talk" that kind smile remained on her face as she faced Gatlin who couldn't help but return it as she appreciated her words before falling back in conversation about her father and their youth, laughing together as the morning moved along.
:::
It was almost lunch when Gatlin returned the slightly heeled shoes were a struggle to walk in across the dirt but Gatlin did her best stopping suddenly as she was faced with the group of young men on the field. Callum and Arro stood around Onyx who looked worse for wear than when Gatlin had seen him last "Linz" Arro called out once he noticed his friend and began running towards her.
"Did I miss something?" She questioned directing her gaze to Onyx who was avoiding eye contact with her. Apart of it confused her because if he had been hurt why didn't she feel the assault...
"Ah... long story" Arro scratched at the back of his neck "How was tea?"
"Long story" she laughed "I will tell you all about it once I showered and get out of this dress” She squirmed uncomfortably in the tight-fitted dress before walking passed Arro who simply laughed as she walked into the cabin. Down the hall, all the way to the end it was quiet and she hoped she could get the bathroom completely alone but that was quickly answered to a no when she pushed open the door seeing Jaxon at the sink his concentration on his bloodied and bruised hand "what happened?" she asked but it wasn't hard to put two and two together.
"Ah..." he glanced up his brown eyes finding hers "long story..."
- Writer
