Chapter 6 He's just like a brother

PENELOPE'S POV~

Jannie, like Iris had called, began to sashay her way into the kitchen, her heels clicking loudly on the tiles.

The atmosphere in the kitchen froze. The lady looked like she didn't even notice, like she had something to say to me, but was cut off by Alice.

"Jenny, please get out of here." Iris said coldly.

She gave Iris a scornful look, turned to Catherine who was glaring daggers at her. Jannie straightened, her expression simply turning dull.

I kept staring at this strange woman, who was making the atmosphere seem tense. Her murderous look returned once she pinned me with a look.

"Hi."

She muttered, and in a matter of seconds, her murderous look was gone, replaced with a soft expression which made me blink twice in astonishment.

It was as though she was suddenly another person.

"Well, your hi isn't welcome. Can you get out now?" Iris interrupted, taking a step, blocking Janie's view on me.

"I just want to talk to her–"

"Get lost, Jannie. Don't you dare try to cause any trouble."

Iris then turned to give me a look. I had no idea what sort of expression that was but whatever it was… it unsettled me.

I sheepishly returned the look Jannie was giving me, then turned to stare at my mother-in-law, who looked like she couldn't wait to grill the girl.

My wolf didn't seem to like this Jannie, either.

Jannie's expression turned downcast, and I had no idea if it was fake or not. I had no idea if she had gotten to even hear my wolf's growls.

Then I watched her leave. The air turned awkward and I didn't want to make it more awkward by asking crazy questions.

Just after dinner, I stood on the balcony, feeling the night air caressing my face. The stars were so clear and bright, I could almost reach out and touch them.

The air was sweet with the scent of roses and jasmine, which were blooming in pots on the balcony. I felt myself relaxing, letting the worries of the day drift away.

I started humming a tune softly, enjoying the moment of peace and serenity. I was surrounded by beauty, both natural and man-made.

The thought of Giovanni coming back to the room made my heart skip and then tighten. I was like the worst thing that has ever happened to him. I wouldn't blame him either.

I didn't like the way I was either. I want to be stronger, want my wolf manifested, do extraordinary things that would face-slap those of them who hurt me but how can I?

My ears picked up the sound of a knock on the door, which made me slightly jump. My stomach knotted, my breaths shallow.

Oh dear, what does Giovanni want now?

Then it reoccurred to me that this was also his room.

Had his mother scolded him? Was he about to unleash his fury on me?

My legs turned heavy as I pulled them to the door. Gulping uncomfortably, I opened the door only for me to freeze.

Jannie was staring right back at me, with an uneasy smile on her face. What does she want by this time of the day?

"Hey." Jannie waved.

I returned it with a shallow smile. "Do you need something?"

"May I come in?"

I shifted away from the door to let her in and then shut the door, pointing at the nearby sofa. "Please, make yourself comfortable."

She thanked me as she sat, waiting for me to sit as well.

" My name is Jannie. Jannie Marson in full." She began, and I had no idea what to say next. My wolf growled at her again.

I simply shrugged, giving her an unbothered look. Her face fell and she straightened.

"I know you must have heard alot about me. From your expression, I really can tell… haha." She gave a nervous laugh and rubbed her arm.

"I know this sounds strange and weird to you but I'm also feeling uncomfortable as well. It's about Giovanni."

Oh! So it was because of Giovanni? I don't even want to know anything about him right now.

My expression turned solemn as I watched her but she must have misunderstood what my expression meant as Jannie turned more tense.

"Don't misunderstand whatever it's been said about us. Giovanni and I are just like siblings. I'd only liked him when I was a kid and that was before I found my mate." She gave a tight smile.

I simply nodded.

Jannie sighed. "I'm the daughter of the ex-beta, my father had died saving Giovanni." She made a sniffing sound and my heart broke for her.

I gave a sad smile, not knowing how to console her. "I'm so sorry–"

"That's okay. I'm alright. Although it hurts, it's a long memory. Papa died when I was little. Liam then became my only family. I have a mother but she's nothing but a woman who doesn't even know I exist. I'm so happy my brother, Giovanni, has finally found his Luna." Her face suddenly brightens.

I gave a tight smile.

"I'm sorry Giovanni treats you so badly but I wouldn't blame him either. Giovanni… isn't used to having a Luna, as he hasn't had a formal woman by his side, ever since I've come to know him."

I slowly nodded, although I didn't know where this was actually going, although what she said was believable.

Her face fell again and I watched her closely. "I know Iris doesn't like me, as well as her mom but I sincerely hope one day, we'd be like a real family."

This time I gave a genuine smile. This Jannie must be such a sweet soul. She has seen such tough days and should be properly taken care of.

Standing up, I walked to Jannie, said nothing and embraced her in a tight hug only for her to stiffen. Perhaps, she couldn't believe I would try to ever embrace her.

"You're so welcome to be my friend. Come find me anytime, you feel you need to speak to someone."

She beamed with great satisfaction, and was about to say something when a knock landed on the door again.

Her face fell and my heartbeat quickened. Stilling my expression, I moved to get the door, only to see Iris standing at the door with a dark expression.

Walking past me, my heart skipped on seeing her march furiously toward Jannie. Before I could speak, Iris lunged for her, pushing Jannie, making her back hit the sofa.

"Bitch!" Iris snarled. "What did I warn you about staying away from her?"

"Iris calm down." My eyes flew wide as I came in between them. "She just came to clear the air–"

Iris snapped. "Oh about what–"

"That's okay. I'll take my leave. I'll talk to you later, Penelope." Jannie hastily spoke, as though she was scared of something ring spoken, her voice breaking and before I could stop her, she was already at the door, leaving through it.

"She's not who you think she is, Penelope. You need to be careful." Iris warned, and just like that she left as well.

Her words struck me like a whip, I found myself freezing.

What was Iris trying to imply? This was confusing my poor brain. I just couldn't understand the strained relationship with Iris and Jannie, I indeed Jannie had grown up with Giovanni.

Perhaps Jannie was indeed fake?

What about Iris, wa she fake as well?

I groaned on feeling an oncoming headache.

Kaia suddenly growled in anger, furrowing my brows.

"What now?" I asked my wolf in frustration, and she snarled.

"Giovanni's scent is on her. Our mate's scents are on her." She whimpered in pain.

I frowned deeply, in confusion.

There was nothing going on between Janie and Giovanni. I would have heard.

Besides, people's scent could be on others, just through merely hugs and other slight body contact, like shoulder brushing.

Brushing away Kaia's words, I moved to slump on the bed, shutting my eyes.