Tasting

417–Someone Has A Crush On Silas

Nora:

“I think a slap was a bit too harsh,” Akira remarked, causing me to roll my eyes at her.

“He was trying to invade my privacy, Akira. Stop feeling sorry for them and stay on my side.” I reached my room and paced around anxiously. I couldn’t believe Silas had stooped so low.

“Because they are curious,” she insisted.

“Curious about what, Akira? About why I’m staying with Brody? Weren’t they the ones who wanted me gone? Now that I’m out of the picture, they‘ re trying to insert themselves back into my life,” I hissed, shaking my head while my hand ran through my hair.

“I understand that talking about children can get them in trouble, but they don’t realize that. And if you give them enough of a chance, they might reveal something-” I had to cut her off right then and there.

She didn’t grasp what she was saying.

“I have endured pain that no one could ever imagine, Akira. Neither you nor they were with me when I felt the first kick and then more. I was terrified that night. I-” I paused as a faded memory of that horrifying experience flashed before my eyes.

“I knocked on the door and begged everyone to convince Brody to take me to the doctor. And why are you forgetting what Ryker said to me when I told him about my baby-” I stopped to collect myself when Akira interjected.

417–Someone Has A Crush On Silas

238 (Vouchers

“And yet he wants to know why you want to stay with Brody. Doesn’t that make you feel like the one texting you that day wasn’t Ryker? Did you forget that he told you April had his phone?” The moment she said that, I decided to end the conversation.

I knew the truth could be anything. The issue was that I just had to stop her. Something inside me had changed.

Something that no longer wanted to look at anyone and label them innocent.

The anger that fueled my strength would eventually shake, and then they would appear innocent too.

I didn’t want that. I was so furious that all I wanted was to fight and hurt

someone.

The mutants were a good target now.

“You are losing touch with your humanity, and that’s what I’m afraid of,” Akira said softly as I sat on my bed.

“Brody told me in no uncertain terms that if I informed the brothers about anything, or if they tried to come after him, I would never see my children again. Besides, what if the brothers change their attitude once they hear I‘ ve given birth to their babies? Didn’t they get scared of taking on that responsibility last time, too?” That was the last thing I said to her before deciding to rest.

We didn’t discuss anything after that, and I went to bed. When I woke up in the morning, it felt like nothing Silas had done mattered to me

anymore.

I was fine and ready to tackle the mission. As I walked downstairs in blue jeans and a white top, I realized everyone was already in the garden.

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288 (Vouchers

The maids and servers were preparing food, and the brothers were taking a stroll.

“Morning!” I called out cheerfully, watching Daphne turn to me and surprise me with how dull she looked.

Carla appeared fine. She wore a blue dress and had curled her hair perfectly. I had never seen her apply makeup so flawlessly either.

But her eyes remained fixated on Silas the entire time. I wondered what the brothers were discussing now.

They noticed me but didn’t make an effort to approach. However, their walk ended the moment I approached.

“Good morning. Seeing you always cheers me up,” Lord Atwood mumbled, a beautiful smile gracing his lips.

“How are you feeling today, Daphne?” I didn’t do it on purpose; the moment I sidestepped Lord Atwood’s cheerful greeting, his expression fell.

However, I quickly looked away because grappling with emotions and the feelings of others wasn’t something I wanted to deal with.

“I’m feeling awful,” Daphne replied. “How long

Can they attack me when I’m with others too?” “o I have to stay hidden?

to recall what Silas had told me.

she asked, prompting me

She must know, or else why would she have run to Brody’s pack?

“Umm-,” as I pondered the perfect response for her, Carla spoke up.

“I don’t think Nora knows much. She’s just a fighter,” she rolled her eyes, making me smile at her.

288 Vouchers

417-Someone Has A Crush On Silas

“I’m not talking to you. Mind your own business,” Daphne snapped. Always looking down on those of lower rank, she obviously only addressed Carla before because she wanted to belittle me.

Her comment left Carla momentarily speechless.

It was then that I formulated a plan. I could tell Daphne was growing impatient and despondent at the sight of Nash.

“Actually, Carla is a beta herself,” I reminded Daphne, which made Carla stand a little taller.

“And I’m sure a walk with her would help you feel better,” I might have surprised Carla too, as she stared at me, probably confused about whether to feel proud of the opportunity I was giving her or perplexed by my motives.

“Really?” Daphne asked, eyeing me skeptically. “With her?” She wrinkled her nose in disgust.

“Nora has finally realized she cannot help you. Let me take you for a walk. I can recite poetry, you know.” Carla instantly grabbed Daphne’s hand and dragged her out of the chair.

I knew what I was doing. Carla needed to learn a lesson, and now was her time.