Stuck in the Circle.

Chapter 10

Alessia's pov

Had he been eavesdropping?

As much as I'd have loved to bash and debase him for eavesdropping, shame didn't permit a move from me. I raced as fast as my legs could take me into the bedroom for refuge.

I didn't do it often. But when I did, it took hours of nonstop tears before I felt relieved.

I took a long bath, passed on lunch and retired into a deep slumber. I woke up to a shadow figure sitting at the edge of the bed, and I almost jumped out of my body.

“You're up.’’ His familiar voice made me recognise him immediately.

Thompson?

I was confused. What was he doing here, addressing me in such a soft tone? Groggily, I pulled the duvet over my frame whilst anticipating whatever he had to say.

“You're going back to sleep?’’ Thompson mistook my action.

‘‘Do you have something to say to me?’’ My voice was barely above whispers, an effect of my rebounding system.

“Pack up. We're leaving tomorrow.”

My ears definitely mistook him. He didn't just say that.

“Leaving for?’’ I inquired.

‘‘We're returning to Silverstone pack. The Lycan dismissed us. He promised to visit some other time.’’ Thompson stood, heading to the closet.

I sat up abruptly. My vision cleared out. Why was he suddenly dismissing us without any solid resolve as to why he invited us over initially?

The past few days has been normal. Doing my usual day's chores and having the kids around. I didn't hear anything about the Lycan king from Thompson, but I wasn't stupid enough this time around to think that everything had come to a peaceful end.

Well at least I get some space from the irresistible effects of Lycan Cyril. Don't get it twisted, I still had thoughts of rejecting him. I just totally lost it when he drew awkwardly closer to me at the pool house.

I consistently brewed the chocolate in the jar, the flowing steam baptising my nostrils. It smelled nice, a testament to the high level of accuracy and care that had gone into crafting the beverages.

I dished some into the children's flask, packed it up with some snacks and their cutlery sets. I packed up their lunchboxes and proceeded to the car.

Thompson left for work very early this morning. Annalise had just woken up and was out to see her daughter off while I drove them to school.

I was well known at the school since I brought the kids everyday. It's plausible to say the pack members approved of me, at least before Annalise showed.

Although we all still shared greetings with smiles, I knew their smiles ended just on their faces. They preferred Annalise since she was Thompson's fated mate but I was still their Luna.

If only they knew how dirty Annalise was behind the sweet facade she always put up before them.

I returned in less than thirty minutes, but the voices from within made me stop by the door.

“You always do this!’’ Annalise snapped.

“What are you talking about? It's no big deal!’’ Thompson sounded frustrated.

“Oh yes, it is. This is about their genders right? You're doing this because Liah is a girl, because she's not your heir!’’

“Don't be silly, Anna! It's nothing like that. I've always thrown birthday parties for Liah too.’’ Thompson fired in defense.

It clicked. Liah was turning four in three days time and Annalise was demanding a huge celebration.

Birthday parties haven't really been Thompson's thing, both Annalise and I were aware of it. But when Adrian clocked one, Thompson hosted a huge celebration and invited almost every Alpha from far and near. The second, third and fourth weren't as loud, but they had at least a few Alphas attending.

Liah’s on the other hand consisted mainly of pack members. Maybe a few of Thompson's Alpha friends too.

I'd always known that Annalise didn't find it fair. Her countenance during Adrian's birthday parties was clear evidence, especially since I took all the honours as the mother of the day.

“Stop acting oblivious. You know exactly what I'm talking about.’’ Annalise cussed.

“What do you want?’’ Thompson relented.

“I want the Lycan king present at Liah's birthday party.’’ Annalise blurted out.

“What?’’ I barged in, forgetting that I had been eavesdropping. “Why the Lycan king of everybody else?’’

My heart sank at the mere thought of it. Lycan Cyril would never decline the invite if he got it. I can't let Thompson buy it.

“How dare you barge in on us?’’ Annalise turned to me with hatred and spite in her eyes.

I ignored her. I only had business with Thompson.

“You're not planning to actually invite the Lycan king right?’’ I asked and regretted it immediately. I shouldn't make it obvious that I had issues with Lycan Cyril around.

‘‘Do you have a problem?’’ Thompson's eyes were cold, a quest to please Annalise.

I scoffed, not letting my emotions have the better part of me.

“We both know the Lycan wouldn't honour your invite anyway. I'm sure he has other important businesses to take care of than laze around in a birthday party.’’

“Sleazy bitch! How dare you speak about my daughter's party like that!’’ Annalise lunged at me. Like she could do worse.

Thompson stepped up to hold her back anyway. He should make her feel fulfilled.

“Will you let her dictate things for you or you would do things your own?’’ She directed at Thompson.

My heart raced. Thompson wouldn't want to disappoint her. He knew the weight that lay with sending an invitation to the Lycan king but he would do anything to please his dear mate.

‘‘I'll think about it.’’

Relief washed over me upon Thompson's statement. I could discourage him before he made his decision.

“What's so wrong with it? The Lycan king literally invited you over, so why won't he grant you the favour in return?’’ Unlike me, Annalise didn't find Thompson's reply satisfying.

“That's because he's the High king, dummy. He can dare to boss everyone around but no one bosses him around.’’ I chirped in.

“Can you fucking keep quiet, Alessia?’’ Thompson shot a thunderous look at me, unjustified rage glinting in his eyes.

He hated it. He hated that he couldn't satisfy his mate over me this time.

“I'm only telling her the truth.’’ I mumbled.

“I'll send an invite to him. Then it'll be fine if he doesn't honour it.” Thompson declared.