Chapter 44 His feelings
GAEL’S POVProperty belongs to Nôvel(D)r/ama.Org.
I rubbed at my neck as I stretched it to see if the half-breed was anywhere near. I haven’t seen much of her around, and for some unknown reason, I want to see her again. Even though she would act all sassy with me, I would like to see it. My conscience has been haunting me for days, long over the conversation we had the last time. I think I said too much, and I don’t know what is happening. It’s very unusual for me to be bothered about how people feel when I tell them off. It must be why I want nothing to do with the half-breed.
Humans are tricksters and hypnotists, making you start following them like a lost fool. But Nia’s case is overboard. She is half flesh and half wild. I find myself constantly thinking of how she would taste. I would instead not think of it, but I can’t help it. Not after I got a glimpse of her entire body. Her beauty is dangerous, and that body will leave me begging for more. To think I have seen many naked women; however, there isn’t any explanation as to why hers is so mesmerizing and feels different. If I didn’t have my ego in place, I might fuck her tonight. But I am an Alpha, and I don’t repeat my words.
“Why are you here, then?” My wolf questioned.
Suddenly, the question felt challenging to answer. Why am I here, exactly? What was the intention? I remember saying the half-breed should keep away from me. But why am I the one wanting to see her? Shit! I am bewitched! I shouldn’t have looked at that body.
“Is there something you are looking for, Alpha?” Her in-depth voice questioned from behind. No doubt. I am correct since my subconscious already ingrained her voice in my memory.
My legs shifted, but I stood my ground, causing me to send a quick thank you to the goddess for not letting me embarrass my ancestors. Clearing my throat, I squared my shoulders, homing her gaze. “I didn’t realize I had to be questioned on my movement by a half-breed.”
She sighed, raising her hands in surrender. “Alright, do as you please, your highness. I just needed to know who was peeking at my patients and me.”
I coughed when she turned to leave. “I’m here to see the progress of the clinic.”
“You know the way in, dear Alpha.” She replied with thick sarcasm underlying her fake smile.
“Show me around,” I ordered, moving forward. I heard the half-breed disgruntled whine behind me and ignored.
We moved around each ward, and I must say she did an excellent job at keeping the entire space in order. There aren’t many people around, unlike the time when the disease was roaming.
“Do you always have people retained to be healed?” I asked, nodding at the assistants who bowed to me.
“Not at all. The ones kept here are those that I need to monitor after administering the herbs for their recovery.” She replied. “If that is all, Alpha. I need to leave for my office now.”
She is avoiding my eyes. I don’t expect her not to. It’s not like we are friends.
“I want to see your office.” I blurted, surprising myself. I guess this is just boredom at work. She didn’t argue and only led the way.
Stepping into the office, I was pretty amused by what she made of the place. On the wall one of Perry’s paintings was there. I knew immediately because of her initials. She undeniably has a bold way of expressing herself. The entire space smelt of scented herbs, and it looked neat. I don’t know what I expect of a healer’s space, but it’s probably not this well arranged. I turned to look at Nia, but she had already sat by her table, scrolling through her phone. I’m not too fond of the idea of her staying quiet.
“Get me some refreshments.” I requested, settling in a chair.
She blinked slowly, “I will get someone to get it for you.”
I scoffed, “Really? You have started thinking too highly of yourself yet again. You serve me, miss. Get me something to drink. A servant shouldn’t be ordering another person around.”
A flash of hurt passed through her eyes. She was quick to flap it away. “Yes, Alpha.”
Being all alone in the office, I had time to reminisce on my mother’s moments right here. I doubt if the half-breed knows this was also my mum’s office. Right here, the both of us enjoyed moments. And I cherish them so much. The door opened, bringing me out of my thoughts. Nia handed me a glass of wine.
“Taste it,” I commanded.
Sniffing, she placed the glass gingerly in front of me. “with all due respect, Alpha Gael. I don’t know what this is to you, and I don’t care. But I am not going to take a sip of that wine. I am not going to take your disrespect. I have had enough of you.”
I laughed dryly, trying to hide my brewing anger. “You haven’t even had a taste of me yet. Who do you think you are to refuse my order?”
“Do you need us to take it to the court?” She asked calmly. “You won’t win, Alpha Gael. You barged in here and requested a drink. If you will have a drink, it should be my decision to make, not anyone else’s or you. So, as it stands, I have no interest in taking a sip of a wine you ordered yourself. If you have nothing to say to me, please take your leave; I have patients to attend to.”
A soft scoff escaped my lips. “Have you always been this rude? Do you know I can have you executed right now for disrespecting me, and no one will question my actions?”
Nia yawned tiredly, “Yes, and I am not scared. Everyone wants to throw their weight around. It’s cool. My life wasn’t much fun before. I can deal with being executed.”
I hate that she isn’t trying to mop up to me, and at the same time, I am amused. A conflicted, unexplainable feeling. “You have grown balls now.”
“You have nothing interesting to do. Please excuse me.” She mused.
My phone rang just in time, and I had to bite back my response. I sucked my teeth, picking up the call. “What do you want, Ezra?”
“Rude much. Where are you at?” He asked from the other end. “I am in the study, and you are nowhere to be found.”
“Give me a minute,” I replied, hanging up. I will have to deal with the half-breed later.
***********************
AUTHOR’S POV
“Why do you never call me?” Ezra mumbled, staring into the phone screen at an unbothered-looking Perry.
She shrugged, chewing on what looked like nuts. “Because I am busy.”
“Busy doing what? So you are so preoccupied that you can’t talk to your brother?”
Perry rolled her eyes, “I told you the last time that I won’t speak to you until you respond.”
“Perry!” Ezra drawled, rubbing at his face. He didn’t notice when the door opened, letting in Gael. “Why are you doing this to me? I can’t tell Nia I am beginning to feel some way towards her. What if she doesn’t like me? I don’t want a second-time rejection.”
“Why are you so scared? Nia is a sweet girl, and if she is so comfortable around you, there is a probable likeness. And you have to test the waters.”
“What happens if it goes sour? And she chooses not to talk to me again. I can’t lose what we share right now. I enjoy every bit of her company.” He admitted.
Ezra had kept his distance from Nia for the past week when he realized the change in his affection towards her. He couldn’t tell Gael, knowing his friend would mock him in the process, leading him to tell his sister.
“Then take a leap of faith. She is remarkable.” Perry added, grinning.
Gael stood behind, gritting his teeth as he surprisingly felt uncomfortable listening to the siblings’ discussion.
“What’s going on?” He cleared his throat, interrupting the conversation.
Ezra turned to look at him, “Hey, man. When did you get here?”
“A while ago, that is. How are you doing, Perry?” He asked, waving at her.
Perry looked bored. “Hi. Talk to you later. Bye.” She said, ending the call.
Gael smacked his lips, “that brat is still as saucy as ever.”
“She despises you more than ever now.” Ezra chuckled.
“I guess it’s because of the half-breed.” He stated, giving Ezra a close look.
“It’s Nia, for fuck’s sake. Why do you keep doing that?”
“What did I do wrong? And what is this about you wanting to be with her?”
He blushed, “Well, I find myself melting at the sight of her. Nia is not just beautiful, but she has a soothing spirit. I want to be with her if she doesn’t mind.”
“Have you lost your mind? The half-breed of all people.” Gael said spitefully, and he couldn’t seem to tune out the negative thoughts coming to his head. 
“I don’t think I get to tell you who you should hang out with. Let’s respect each other’s boundaries, please.”
Gael shrugged, “Well, I am just looking out for a friend, that’s all. You don’t have to get all tensed. Why do you want to see me? I thought you were running an errand outside the pack today?”
“It wasn’t exactly an errand. Gemma’s intending spouse was around, and uncle instructed that I show him around the pack. He would be staying for a week.”
“Spouse?” Gael inquired, shifting uncomfortably in the chair.
Ezra let out a short laugh, “why? You sound surprised or almost jealous. Do you think you are the only one interested in Gemma?”
Gael snickered, “Oh, please. I never denied that she was good-looking or anything like that. But you and I know the actual truth, and she would always come back to me.” He bluffed.
Scratching the back of his neck, Ezra hummed. “I’m just so glad Perry isn’t the one in Gemma’s shoes. I would have been arrested for treason or probably murdered.”
“Don’t hate me for playing the game of life. Nothing is fair around here.”
“Even if that is the case, you should try your best to be as reasonable as possible. It’s why you comfortably treat Nia like she is some bad egg. It’s time you realize that we don’t get to decide who births us or the kind of life we would end up living. One thing is certain, though: we have the chance to rebirth and make better use of our lives.”
“Your point?”
“Humans aren’t your problem, Gael. Neither is falling in love. You are just scared of experiencing change and pain. You do not realize that we are to enjoy our world on both sides, good or bad. And it’s okay. That way, you get to enjoy your life more. You create memories and live freely.”
“You are one to talk. Didn’t you hang on to your parents’ death for as long as you could? You didn’t even get along with your sister.” 
“That isn’t true. Perry was the one who shut herself away from me. I was ready to carry my cross and be happy with what the goddess had blessed me. I had you, Perry, and my uncle. My life wasn’t so bad. I carry my pain but soothe myself with the happy times, too. That is worthy enough. It would help if you tried to live right, too. There is a high chance you are in love with Gemma, and you should admit it now. Apologize to my uncle for being such an asshole and live well. And if that isn’t the case, at least free yourself from the shackles of having many women at your beck and call, which still doesn’t bring you happiness.”
“I’m perfectly fine,” Gael mumbled stubbornly.
“Are you happy? When did you last have a genuine delight in your heart?” Ezra questioned.
Gael stared blankly, and he couldn’t seem to remember any moment aside from the time he had seen Nia in the woods jumping happily for nothing. The last time he had genuinely smiled at something was before his mother’s death. “I am happy.”
“If you say so. I believe you. I will see you later, and I need to check on Nia quickly.” He said, standing up to leave.
“Will you be confessing your feelings to her today?” Gael asked,
Ezra turned to him with a smirk. “Not yet. When the right time comes.”
“Yeah.”
“See you later, my friend.” He grinned, waving as he walked out.
Relaxing further into the chair, Gael tilted his head, staring at the closed door. After a minute, he smacked his lips and got up. “Stop fooling yourself!” He mumbled to himself and reached out for a book to read that would get the lingering thoughts out of his head.