chapter 6

CHAPTER 6

RHYS’S POV

“Have we met before?” I inquired as uncertainty filled me when I saw her eager expression. She didn’t feel familiar to me at all.

Was this some sort of tactic to make me like her or was this some sort of outdated pick up line?

I wanted her face to fall when I uttered those words and for a moment, a very brief and almost unnoticeable one, I had the thought to lift her spirit. I immediately shook such thoughts to the back of my mind.

“I... we... The” I raised a brow as I watched her stumble upon her words as her cheeks colored a bit. I didn’t know why but I found this sight oddly cute. Her face and clumsy expression was weirdly pleasing to my eye.

I chased those thoughts out of my head. No matter how nice she looked, I still preferred Talia’s beautiful and serene face to hers. She was what I longed for in a woman. A hardworking educated woman who sparked a man’s desire to protect her. Talia was all that and more.

“My name is Rhys Ingrid.” I announced that the woman I learned was Belinda. I watched Belinda’s eyes widen and felt her hand tremble as she came into realization of who I was.

“Rhys? Like the youngest Alpha of the pack, Rhys? The person who made our pack one of the most prosperous packs in the last decade, Rhys?” she questioned, growing more excited by the minute.

I sighed inwardly at the exaggerated fanaticism that I saw swirling in her eyes at my newfound identity.

“She’s just like them. They are all peasants.” Black, my wolf snidely commented with disdain coloring his voice. He, just like me, had grown annoyed by the exaggerated responses we elicited from people once I revealed my identity.

I was someone that tried to remain low-key as I led my pack into glory but it was useless as people talk. “Yes.” I replied curtly.”

What surprised me though was the other lady in the room. Asides the initial surprise that showed in her eyes, there wasn’t much of a reaction. She seemed to want to say something though but stopped when Belinda gave her a look.

Interesting.

“Wow, Alpha! I’m so honored that you could race us with your presence and I feel…””she started her rant but I cut her off as I was slowly beginning to lose my patience.

“Enough! Now back to business. I came here to propose a marriage to Talia as I had promised her a betrothal a few years back. I came personally because you told me you had something to inform me about her. What’s the matter?”

“Well… Talia ran away a few years ago. Rumors have it that she absconded with an unknown man but I couldn’t confirm the validity of them. Since you had offered to sponsor the orphanage on her behalf, I thought it would be better to let you know the real situation of things.” Belinda rambled, a fawning smile dawning her face.

What? Talia ran away? How is that possible? Something is fishy here.

I mind linked with Duncan who was waiting outside. I then instructed him to investigate the matter as soon as possible. Normally, I would have made prior investigations but because I was trying to respect the home in which Talia grew up, I refrained from that. Now though, my views have changed.

Belinda was still smiling at me not knowing that I had already ordered my beta to fact check her words. At this moment, I was thankful I had the special ability to talk with my Beta via mind link. A fact only he and I are aware of.

“Is that so? Then why did you call me here? I’m sure it isn’t just to inform me of something that could have been said over the phone.” I said matter of factly with a calm exterior although I was immensely flustered inwardly.

Her face became awkward when she realized she had been seen through “Well, Alpha. This is Mara. She’s Talia’s biological younger sister.” Belinda announced after she calmed down.

I raised a brow at that. Talia had never mentioned having a blood related sibling. Although I can't really comment since the times I had met Talia could be counted on one hand. Even with that, I'm still certain she's the greatest girl in the world.

“Oh really? Nice to meet you Mara. So what do you want to talk to me about” I urged, frustrated by the continuous banter.

“Uhm… I see you need a Luna since you want to wed Talia urgently and since she isn’t here, it wouldn’t be bad if Mara could take her place since she is blood related and all...” Her voice got lower the more she continued as I stared at her blankly.

The hell was this woman about? I already had an inkling towards what she wanted when she introduced me to Mara. So this was all to secure funding for this orphanage?

I glanced towards Mara who remained expressionless at the side and I couldn’t help but sneer inwardly. So she was that kind of woman? And to think I ever thought she was pretty. Well I couldn’t refute that she was but not all that glitters is gold.

“Such women are too vile. I disapprove of this arrangement” Black protested in my head but I ignored him.

Aside from the fact that she is after money, she’s not too bad to be taken as my Luna. She looks a bit like Talia and carries herself with confidence. Those old geezer are already breathing down my neck at this point. There is no alternative at this point so I can consider her.

“I’ve heard your proposition. I’ll consider it and get back to you on my decision.” With that I stood up and turned to leave telling the ever so eager Belinda not to bother seeing me out. I couldn’t stand to stay here any minute longer.

I could feel Mara staring at me but I didn’t even care to look back.

Back at the car, Duncan signaled me that he had received the results of the investigation and I sent the driver out leaving only I and him.

“Alpha, I just received information that Talia has been dead the past few years.” Duncan announced and my eyes widened in shock.

“What? Did you just say Talia is dead?” I inquired again unsure if it was my ears playing me for a fool. “Yes, Alpha. She was said to have died the same day she disappeared.”

Shock, sadness, emptiness, anger and all sorts of emotions washed over me and I sank against my seat shoulders sagging in exhaustion.

How could she have died? Pictures and memories of her joyful smile and beautiful eyes began flashing through my mind.

Black himself had also gone silent as it seemed to be grieving.

“Uhmm... Alpha” Duncan called tentatively and I looked up at him only to notice that he seemed to have more to say.

“Spit it out.” I ordered.

“I also found out some shocking news as regards Talia’s death…..”

The more I listened to him, the graver my expression became.

This couldn’t be happening!