Chapter 60
Zora’s POV
The conversation I had with Nellie earlier left me feeling uneasy, and I couldn’t shake off the discomfort, even during meal times. It was evident to me that she had a deep affection for Darius and perhaps even a possessiveness that I needed to tread carefully around. As I sat on the couch in our bedroom, my eyes were fixed on Cindy and Darius, watching their every move. But amidst their interactions, Nellie’s words continued to trouble my thoughts, implying that she had been putting on an act ever since the day we first met.
Meanwhile, Lily was engrossed in her work at the computer, diligently working on the intricate codes. Darius, too, kept a watchful eye on her, though it was apparent that his fondness for her was purely platonic, akin to that of a brother towards his sister. It saddened me to think that Lily felt the need to spread falsehoods about their relationship, tarnishing the genuine bond they shared.
Lost in my own contemplations, I remained silent, dreading the moment when I would have to leave the solace of our room. But soon enough, lunchtime arrived, and Darius, being the courteous person he was, suggested that we dine with his mother. I couldn’t decline his invitation, so I reluctantly agreed to join him. As Cindy exited our room, Darius settled himself beside me on the couch.
1/8
He leaned in close, his lips brushing against my hand as he spoke, “You’ve been so quiet ever since my mom showed up.” His attention then shifted to my neck, leaving a trail of kisses.
It was official: Darius couldn’t resist touching me, and I absolutely enjoyed it.
He kissed the spot on my neck and declared, “I’ll mark you here, and you won’t wear your hair down when we’re out. I want everyone to see it.”
A smile spread across my face as his hands rested on my thighs.
“Darius, we’re about to go for lunch. You know I’m not a fan of quick encounters,” I told him, playfully teasing.
“You’ve been unusually down since you returned. I was hoping you’d share with me,” he remarked, his tone carrying a mix of lightheartedness and sincerity.
I gazed into his eyes, contemplating his words.
“Why did you choose me?” I inquired, curiosity piqued.
A smile curved his lips as he replied, “I love a strong woman who knows her desires, isn’t afraid to say no, and ignores the consequences. When I lifted your chin and locked eyes with you, defying Marcel’s warning, my wolf recognized a kindred spirit in Monica. I was captivated.” His words elicited laughter
from me.
“Wow, looks like you have a thing for strong–willed women,” I playfully remarked, causing him to shake his head in denial.
“No, you’re different. I don’t want you thinking I generalize our relationship or how I feel about you,” he responded, planting a tender kiss on my lips.
“Did your mom mention my fragrance on you?” he inquired, sensing that his mother might have commented on it. I shook my head in response.
“She expressed her interest in getting to know me,” I disclosed, opting for a kinder version of the truth.
“Well, we still have thirty minutes before lunch, and we can afford to be fashionably late,” he said, giving a gentle tug on. my dress, and I happily obliged. We were acting like two infatuated teenagers.
He desired to have me straddle him on the couch, and I couldn’t help but giggle, proud that my skills had paid off.
“Watch out, Mr. Dark Lord Alpha, you might become addicted,” I teased, to which he responded by firmly grabbing my rear with his intense wolf–like gaze.
“I’m already addicted,” he confessed, causing a pleasurable sensation to surge through me.
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We indulged in passionate lovemaking for forty–five minutes, with Darius fiercely resisting Cremin’s desire to mark me as his own. It was evident that his inner wolf longed to claim me.
After getting dressed, we made our way to the dining room.
It wasn’t the first time that Marcel, Raphael, Kara, and Eloise were absent. Instead, we had Nellie, Abelardo, and Glenda joining us this time.
“Why is she here?” Darius questioned, pointing at Glenda.
“For the same reason why she’s here,” Abelardo responded, pointing towards me.
Darius didn’t get upset, and we all settled down. He took his usual place at the head of the table, with me by his side, while his mother occupied Raphael’s seat. Meanwhile, Glenda and Abelardo claimed Marcel and Kara’s seats. I wished that Darius and I could have lunch in our own room, just like our friends.
“So, what do you think of your room, Mother?” Darius
inquired, a hint of excitement in his voice. His mother smiled warmly.
“It’s beautifully decorated,” she remarked, casting a pleased glance in my direction.
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another man’s wife, a woman whose husband no longer desired. Mother, this is unjust,” he argued, and those final words struck a chord within me. Nevertheless, I fought back my tears, determined not to let them fall.
“She’s really going through a rough time. It’s no wonder she wants to be with Darius. Even you, Mother, have questioned her motives. I can’t pretend everything is fine when we all know it isn’t. The North and the East also have their own
issues with the South. She used to be the head Luna of the
east, after all. Her loyalty will always be to her people before anyone else. Why are you allowing him to make this mistake, Mother? Why?” Abelardo’s voice was filled with anger as he confronted his mother.
“I strongly suggest you leave the table now,” Darius growled at Abelardo, his voice low and threatening.
“Or else what?” Abelardo retorted, noticing the trembling in Darius’s hands. The tension in the room was palpable, and I could sense the weight of Darius’s anger building up.
“Calm down, Darius,” his mother pleaded, but her words fell on deaf ears. Abelardo had struck a nerve, and Darius was far from calming down.
“Abelardo, apologize,” his mother demanded, hoping to defuse the situation. Yet, the stubborn man refused, and I knew things were about to take a turn for the worse. We hadn’t even started eating yet.
Darius abruptly stood up and marched toward Abelardo, his face contorted with fury.
“Please, Darius, don’t resort to violence with your brother. Please,” Nellie, their mother, pleaded desperately, but her words seemed to fall on deaf ears. Darius ignored her, lifting Abelardo from his seat and forcefully slamming him against
the wall.
“Darius, please!” Nellie’s voice broke into sobs as she watched her son’s altercation escalate. Darius growled menacingly, holding Abelardo against the wall before landing a punch on his face, causing him to bleed.
“Please, don’t hurt my baby, please,” Nellie pleaded, her voice filled with anguish. I couldn’t help but wonder why she used the word “baby” at that moment, as it seemed to carry a deeper meaning.
Those were her kids, alright. But did she play favorites? Was Abelardo her golden boy? It was no surprise. They never got along, those two. She could see it coming from a mile away. And Abelardo? Well, he never had much respect for his brother, Darius.
When Abelardo went off on me, she should’ve intervened. But no, she let him have his say, all those bitter and hurtful words. And then, only then, did she bother to give him a warning.
“Quit being a bystander! Do something!” she shouted at me, frustration etched in her voice.
7/8
“Darius, come on, enough,” I begged, desperately hoping he would hear me. But he paid no attention, his rage consuming
him.
“Don’t worry, Darius, I’m fine,” I fibbed, my voice shaky. I had to convince him that Cremin’s words hadn’t wounded me, though it was far from the truth. Darius halted abruptly, fixing his gaze on me. His eyes, a deep shade of sage, held a mix of concern and confusion.
“It was Cremin who attacked him, not me. Please, Cremin, let him go,” I implored, addressing the wolf who had been relentlessly pummeling Abelardo. To my relief, Cremin obeyed and ceased his assault.
Abelardo slumped down, his body sinking to the floor. His bruised face was already showing signs of healing, evidence of the severity of Darius’s blows. It was clear that Darius had unleashed his fury upon him, leaving a lasting impact.
