Chapter 3

For the next couple of weeks, Travon completely avoided Athena, seeing her only at important events and even then, he ignored her. She felt unwelcome, with only her staff being the only ones who showed her a bit of warmth.Most times, she would see Travon chatting and laughing with Aria and from all Athena had heard, the pair had literally grown up together.

One afternoon, Athena was walking the gardens, when she spotted Travon and Aria, strolling at the other side. As usual, the duo had smiles plastered on their faces, and as they did, a pang of jealousy pricked her heart.

Just then, Aria's eyes met hers, and a smirk spread across her face and in a swift move, she linked her arm with Travon's, her eyes never leaving Athena's face. It was a subtle yet provocative gesture, meant to spite her.

Travon, seemingly oblivious to the Athena’s presence, smiled and asked Aria, “Hey, what's with the sudden arm-linking?”

Aria's smile grew wider, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Oh, c'mon, it’s just a friendly gesture, Travon, do you always have to be so serious.” She laughed out loud.

Athena's eyes narrowed, her mind racing with emotions, but suddenly, her vision blurred, and she felt a wave of dizziness wash over her. Her legs went weak, and she collapsed onto the grass. The duo heard a small thud, and Travon turned. When he saw Athena, he found himself rushing to her side. As Travon hovered over her, her eyes fluttered closed.

Aria, on the other hand, stood frozen, with a small scowl set on her face as she watched Travon pick up and carry her inside. ”That sly fox!” She spat.

Travon carried Athena back to her room, his expression stoic. As he laid her on the bed, her scent filled the room and his wolf couldn’t hold back. So he stood there, watching the rise and fall of her chest and for a moment, his gaze lingered on her face.

He sat beside her,his hand reaching for her forehead,but he quickly withdrew it when a knock came. The staff came in and informed him that Diana wanted to see him.

“Thank you.” He said getting on his feet, “see that the pack doctor gets here soon.”

--

“You wanted to see me?” Travon began as he barged into his mother’s study.

“I didn’t know the Alpha lacked basic manners.” Diana retorted.

He let out an exasperated sigh. “Hello Mother.” He greeted, his voice laced with annoyance.

“How long are you going to keep being mad at me? It wasn’t my idea to make you marry the Alpha’s daughter, you know the elders always have the final say, what was I suppose to do?” She questioned.

“Is that why I’m here, to decide if you made the right decision or not?” He retorted.

Diana cleared her throat and adjusted herself at her desk, “I heard she fainted because she saw you walking arm in arm with Aria.”

Travon scoffed but he didn’t reply.

His mother smirked. “I guess I make jokes now, son.” Her expression quickly darkened, “from now henceforth, Travon, you will stay away from Aria－” Travon wanted to protest but his mother wasn’t finished yet.

“I mean, don’t you care about what the pack members will say?!”

“I don’t think I’m doing anything wrong with Aria, we’re just friends.” He shrugged.

 “Friends?!” She repeated.”The last time I checked, you were a married man, married to Athena and not...That girl!”  She snapped.

“That girl?” Travon asked, his brows furrowing. “I thought you liked Aria, Mother.”

“Liked?!” Diana scoffed. “The only reason I allow her to set foot here is because she's the Beta's daughter! She brings nothing to the table!” She yelled, her voice echoing throughout the room.

Diana's voice rose again as she continued. “Your marriage to Athena, on the other hand, is beneficial to the pack and the family business.” she said, her voice shaking with rage. “And now you want to ruin it with your own hands?! Over my dead body!”

Travon remained impassive, but his anger was slowly building up. “Is that a threat, Mother?” he asked coolly.

The sound of knocking on the door caused both of them to turn their heads in unison. A moment later, the door opened and the Gamma entered the room, he bowed deeply before speaking.

“My apologies for the interruption.” he said, “But the Luna is finally awake.”

“Thank you, Kaius…You can go now.”  Travon casually told him.

“You're going to go see her, right?” She questioned, her tone  firm and demanding. “The least you can do is act like a good husband and go see your wife. Also, I think it’s time she knew about her father’s death.” She casually said, “put on some mourning clothes if you must and properly deliver the news to the poor thing.” she said.

Travon looked at Diana, his face expressionless. “You can do that yourself, I have other matters to attend to.”

Diana's jaw tightened as she addressed her son,"I don't care what they are, but you will suspend those matters and go see the Luna at once, do you understand me?!”

His jaw tightened, his expression darkening, “Yes, Mother.”