Shining Through Shadows

Unpleasant Company II

Lydia

I let out a shaky breath as I waited for the food to arrive at the private dining hall. I was to serve the Alpha and his guests, entirely on my own, the entire night. And god, was I nervous.

I could hear low voices talking on the other side of the large double doors. Sometimes, even laughter could be heard. Was the Alpha laughing? It was hard to imagine him wearing anything other than a scowl on his face, let alone a smile…

He would probably look handsome with a smile on his face, though…

Focus, Lydia, focus!

The sound of wheels rolling over the carpet made me snap my head up in the direction the laughter came from. Right, I was about to deliver the food to the dining hall.

I could smell the venison roast, without a doubt cooked to perfection. Notes of carrots, mushrooms, garlic and potatoes appeared as well, making me close my eyes in pure bliss as I inhaled the scent of it.

The two guards stationed at the doors opened them for me as I pushed the cart inside the beautiful dining hall. The table was made with the finest porcelain with dark green napkins folded on top of each plate.

My eyes met with the Alpha’s as he stared at me from his seat at the end of the table. The conversation died down entirely as I pushed the cart closer to the table.

The three of them removed their napkins as I placed a warm plate filled with food in front of each of them. No one said a word as I filled their glasses with wine and water. It was awkward to feel three pairs of eyes on me, and it did nothing to help me with my nerves.

Once I was done, I retreated to the corner of the room and waited for them to gesture for me to fill up their cups or plates…

Zachary

Their eyes were following her every movement as if she was their next meal. Darius’ eyes were even glistening with amusement as he picked up on her nervousness.

No one, human or supernatural, could ignore the aura of three alpha males in such close proximity. It was a miracle she hadn’t spilled anything already.

“So tell me, dear brother, how have you been?” Darius asked when Lydia had returned to the corner of the room.

“I’m fine, brother.” I answered curtly before cutting a piece of perfectly cooked venison. It melted on my tongue and, together with the cooked vegetables and roasted potatoes, it tasted delicious.

“How about your outbursts? Have they been frequent?” Darius inquired, as if he had the right to know anything about me at all, already poking the embers before we were even done with the main course.

I closed my eyes for a moment, using all of my willpower to keep control of the shadows within me. I had to remind myself that Lydia was here with us. She didn’t deserve to watch me lose my temper. Again.

Unconsciously, I let my eyes drift towards her before they flickered back to Darius. He was seated with his back towards Lydia, so he turned in his seat, ever so slowly, to take a peak to where my eyes had landed briefly.

“I’m perfectly fine and healthy. No need to worry so much.” I said, hoping to get his attention away from her and back to me.

Lucius, who had almost finished his entire plate, took a sip of his wine before deciding to join our conversation.

“She’s new.” Was all he said as he eyed Lydia over the rim of his glass. She stiffened, obviously having noticed how our conversation was suddenly about her.

“Louisa needs help, she’s getting old.” I replied with an emotionless expression on my face. I had to remain in control and not let their observations affect me.

“She’s pretty.” Lucius stated, completely ignoring my explanation. “She’s got a nice pair of—“

I slammed my hand down on the table, making the silverware rattle against the porcelain and Lydia flinching in the corner.

“I dare you to finish that sentence, Lucius.” I threatened as the shadows swallowed some of the light in the room, leaving it more dimmed than previously.

“Relax, brother. I was only complementing her striking eyes…” Lucius grinned as he downed the rest of his wine and waved his hand for Lydia to fill up his cup. She hurried over to him and filled his cup with trembling hands as he stared up at her flushed face.

“You seem rather protective of your servant, brother.” Darius stated as he cut into his roast incredibly slowly, our eyes locked the whole time.

“Everyone who works in this house deserves my protection.” I replied, my eyes still locked with Darius' lighter blue eyes in a silent challenge. His brown hair was neatly combed back into a bun, while Lucius wore his shoulder-length hair down. That was the only way to tell the twins apart.

“How honorable of you, brother.” He gave me one of his creepy smiles before plopping a piece of carrot into his mouth. Lucius, on the other hand, was waving to Lydia again, his glass already empty.

As Lydia poured wine into his glass, Lucius leaned back in his chair and placed a hand on the small of her back. She stiffened from the contact and our eyes met briefly. The beast within me growled with fury from the sight of her being uncomfortable, but I kept my face impassive, knowing that the twins were testing me.

“Thank you, precious thing,” Lucius cooed and patted her on the back as if she was a damned dog. “You’re such a good girl.” He emphasized the last two words as he looked at me, hoping to get a reaction, but I rewarded him with nothing but disinterest, even when all I wanted to do, was to crawl across the table and strangle him with my bare hands.

This proved to be the most difficult and longest night of my life…