NEGLECT ME

Chapter 14

Alessia's pov

I stopped on my track and almost asked after Thompson and Annalise upon noticing their empty seats. On a second thought, I retracted and proceeded quietly to my seat.

I shared a few discussions with Eliza after lunch and politely shared my intention to pass on dinner. Though it was okay if I had to make the dishes.

Well, Eliza declined and insisted on preparing dinner instead since I wouldn't be having the meals. I appreciated that.

I coiled on my bed, sliding through some news reports on my phone. Eliza had also promised to tuck the kids to bed tonight.

She usually enjoyed their company, a part of her commitment being due to the fact that she seeked children. She had been married to her husband for about eight years. According to past news, she gave birth once but it was premature and unfortunately they lost it. Ever since, she hadn't conceived again.

An almost inaudible knock came on my door and it creaked open. I dropped my phone, seating up unsurely as Thompson walked in. He stood midway to the bed, his eyes regarding mine.

Sighing inaudibly, he averted his gaze to my dressing table and his legs propelled towards it.

“You must have heard about my impending proposal to the High King.’’ He had his back to me, fondling my cosmetics.

If Thompson cared at all about my feelings, then he was probably dealing with some level of guilt. Judging from his unusual attitude.

His words hit me. I had gone to lash out on him last night and ended up being the one to get lashed out on. A sigh escaped my lips.

“To be honest, I know you've heard of it. Eliza told me you have the piece.’’ He turned to stare at me for a while before looking away. ‘‘I'm wondering why you haven't asked me about it yet. Or perhaps, it was what brought to to the masters bedroom last night?’’

I maintained my silence, ignoring the images from the incident that threatened to force its way into my head.

‘‘I see. Since you ain't saying anything about it, I'll assume you're fine with it then.’’ He straightened his pj shirt, ready to leave.

“You know these things already, but all you care about is pushing me away anyway.’’

I hit the nail. This was just where he needed the conversation to head at. He stopped abruptly and turned to me.

‘‘What do you mean?’’

I scoffed. Playing oblivious is it?

‘‘Can I at least take Adrian with me?’’

“You know you can't. It's dangerous at the Lycans kingdom.’’ Thompson dismissed immediately.

“You know that but you're about pushing me into it.’’

“I'm not ‘pushing’ nobody into anything. This is for the benefit of the pack.’’ He snapped persuasively.

I'd suspected that he had been feeling guilty about last night. Now I was certain. He was trying to clear himself even if everyone knew he always pushed me away.

“The pack right? Then how about you send Annalise over instead?’’

Thompson instantly went quiet. He didn't see that one coming.

“You can't? Because it's dangerous?’’ I mimicked.

He raked his fingers into his hair frustratedly. “Don't be silly, Alessia. The Lycan king is more familiar with you than her. Besides, these are your duties as the Luna so don't question it.’’

“I keep telling you I can't withstand Lycan Cyril but you keep sending me to him.’’ I blurted out before I could hold myself back.

Thompson's eyes closed into a squint, peering at me as though I had just spelt out a ritual spell. “Is there something between you and the Lycan?’’

I was caught unaware by his question, I barely managed to stop myself from choking on saliva.

“What are you saying? There's absolutely nothing!!’’ I retorted defiantly.

“There's nothing?’’ He creased a brow.

‘‘Don't try to turn things from yourself to me.’’ I glared.

If he had more to say, then he refused to say them and chose to leave instead. I couldn't sleep all night. I was unavoidably caught up in a web of thoughts about how my life had been, and what was to come.

I entered the study room and regretted it immediately as Thompson's scent fluttered into my nostrils.

Shutting the door, I leaned against it with the bucket and mop in my grip. I said in prayer in my heart that Annalise wasn't in with him before proceeding inside to clean.

Thompson saw me but acted like no one came in. I'd mopped half the room when the door bursts open.

“Hey.’’ Annalise paused shortly, swatting her gaze around the room till they finally settled on me.

Her gaze traced downwards to the bucket and mopstick, and I think she let out a silent sigh before averting her gaze back to Thompson.

She cat walked to give him a kiss on the lips before drawing a seat for herself. I looked away from them to concentrate on my chores, ignoring Annalise’s loud voice that she had intentionally adopted to irk me.

‘‘You know, stepping in here reminded me of an event from Liah’s birthday party.’’ Annalise’s voice brought me to a halt as I made for the door.

“What's that?’’ Thompson inquired. I doubt he had been able to concentrate on his reading since Annalise came in.

“I had gone to use the restroom and guess who I ran into.’’ My heart sank to my stomach instantly.

‘‘Who?’’

“The High king. At the ladies restroom quarter.’’ Annalise snagged a look at me. One that signified that I was involved in the conversation.

‘‘It was a bit understandable when he said he didn't notice the sections were separated and mistakenly took the ladies section. But what seemed strange was the fact that Alessia's scents oozed from him.’’

“What do you mean?’’ Thompson dropped the pen in his hand, giving his whole attention to Annalise now.

“I noticed before leaving for the toilet that Alessia wasn't at the table. Perhaps she used the toilet before the Lycan king?’’ Annalise turned to me.

Well, including Thompson. I finally became visible in the room.

‘‘Did you happen to bump into the Lycan king at the toilet or something?’’ Annalise squinted innocently. The action she always managed to put up best.

“I don't know what you're talking about.’’ I looked away, picking up my bucket and mop stick to leave.

“I did notice you were absent from the table with the Lycan.’’ Thompson's sharp voice cut my motion once again.