WEIRD FEELINGS

CHAPTER THREE

As Annabelle's words broke the tension, I breathed out the breath I never knew I was holding onto. My lungs felt like they were burning, and my chest was tight. I tried to steady myself, but my legs felt like jelly, and I slipped down the wall, my back sliding against the cold surface.

I sat there, trying to catch my breath, my mind racing with thoughts. What just happened? Why did Mr Orion's proximity affect me like that? And what did he mean by "deal with me later"?

My breath came in short gasps, and I tried to calm myself down, telling myself it was just a moment of weakness. But deep down, I knew it was more than that. Mr Orion had gotten under my skin, and I didn't know how to shake him off.

As I sat there, trying to compose myself, I couldn't help but wonder what other surprises lay in store for me in this mansion with Mr Orion.

I slowly stood up from the ground, my legs still shaky from the encounter with Mr Orion. I made my way to the kitchen, trying to distract myself from the turmoil in my mind. As I began to clean up the kitchen and prepare breakfast, I heard Mr Orion's cold tone echoing from the hallway.

"Anabelle, go home. The driver will drop you off," he said, his voice devoid of any warmth.

"But, Orion, I'm your mate," Anabelle protested, her voice laced with hurt. "Why are you behaving so coldly with me? Is it because of the maid? Do you have feelings for her already?"

I froze, my heart sinking at Anabelle's words. I couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt, knowing that I had somehow caused tension between them.

Mr Orion's response was icy. "Anabelle, don't be ridiculous. I don't have feelings for anyone. Least of all, the maid."

Annabelle's sobs echoed through the hallway, and I could sense her distress. Lady Evelyn, who had been quiet until now, spoke up, her voice calm but firm.

"Anabelle, dear, it's time to go. You're causing a scene."

But Anabelle was having none of it. "You're always on his side, aren't you? You never defend me! I hate this mansion, and I hate all of you!"

With that, Anabelle stormed out of the mansion, slamming the door behind her with such force that the foundations of the mansion shook. I felt the tremors beneath my feet, and my heart went out to Anabelle, despite everything.

As the silence settled, I couldn't help but wonder what lay ahead. Would Mr Orion's behavior towards me change now that Anabelle was gone? And what did Lady Evelyn know that I didn't?

I stood in the kitchen, still reeling from the drama that had just unfolded. But what happened next left me utterly shocked. Mr Orion, the same man who had just been so cold and cruel to almost everyone around him, was now embracing lady Evelyn with a warm smile.

"Hey, Mom, it's great to see you," he said, exchanging pleasantries like nothing had just happened.

Lady Evelyn, equally calm, replied, "Ory, dear, it's only been a month. I'm surprised you missed me."

Mr Orion chuckled and threw a joke, "A month is enough time to get laid, don't you think?"

Lady Evelyn playfully rolled her eyes and said with a sly grin, "Someone definitely got laid," making them both laugh.

I was taken aback, feeling guilty for seeing Mr Orion as a heartless and cruel person just moments before. The smile that crossed his face as he looked at his stepmother made him more adorable, adding to his dangerous aura. I couldn't help but wonder what other layers there were to this complex man.

As quickly as it had begun, the warm exchange between Mr Orion and his stepmother ended. His demeanor shifted immediately, and he composed himself, his expression turning cold and polite.

"Mother, why are you here to see me?" he asked, his voice devoid of any warmth, a stark contrast to the playful tone just moments before.

His stepmother's smile faltered for a moment, but she quickly regained her composure. "I came to discuss some business with you, Ory. Nothing too pressing, but it requires your attention."

Mr Orion's eyes narrowed slightly, his gaze piercing as he studied his stepmother. "I see. Well, let's get it over with then."

Mr Orion's stepmother began, her voice measured and deliberate. "Ory, dear, how is your relationship with your father...I mean, Mr. Draven?"

Mr Orion's expression turned icy, his eyes flashing with a hint of anger. "He's not my father, Mother. And our relationship is non-existent, just the way I prefer it."

His stepmother nodded sympathetically, her tone convincing. "I know you two haven't seen eye-to-eye in a while, but I truly believe you should try to forgive him, Ory. He's only doing what he thinks is best for you."

Mr Orion snorted, his skepticism evident. "Best for me? You mean like trying to control my every move and dictate my life?"

His stepmother's expression remained calm, her voice soothing. "Orion, your father loves you and wants what's best for you. And what's best for you is to find your mate. You know, as the soon-to-be Alpha werewolf of our pack, it's crucial you present your mate and mark her to confirm your ability to rule the pack successfully."

Mr Orion's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched, and I could sense the tension building within him.

His stepmother continued, her voice persuasive. "Orion, you could make Annabelle your mate. She's a suitable choice, and as a member of the beta family, she's not causing any issues. It's a logical choice, dear."

But Mr Orion's response was immediate and firm. "Enough of this, Mother!"

The room fell silent, and I could sense the tension crackling in the air. But then, surprisingly, Mr Orion's expression soon changed Immediately taking charge of his emotions.