Alpha Of Darkness And The Half-Breed Healer

GAEL’S POV “You have had too much to drink, Gael. If you keep up like this, you will wake up with a terrifying hangover.” Ezra complained, moving the vodka bottle away from me.

“I know how to hold my drinking level down.” I slurred.All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.

“I know you do. But you are looking dazed at the moment. I won’t be able to drive home because of you.”

“Welcome to my abode, then. You can have any room that you want.”

“What’s eating you up?” He asked.

I sniffed, pouring myself another glass. I couldn’t do anything throughout the day as Nia’s image haunted me. She looked more beautiful up close. Bumping into her in the woods some days back was the slightest coincidence I would have expected. And it got me hooked ever since. If I am genuinely interested in her that much, it feels like a slap to my person. Nia is someone I condemned in front of the world, and now my heart yearns for her suddenly. It’s more frustrating, and it pisses me off that she seems thrilled hanging around Ezra. She has never laughed with me like that before.

Ezra tapped on the desk, staring at me intently. “Is this about a girl?”

I furrowed my brows at him. “Why would you even come to such a conclusion?”

“Gael, I know you too well. Even when the pack seemed to be on the verge of collapsing, you didn’t seem as bothered as you are now. And the one time you were like this was when that daughter of your dad’s foreign friend came around, and she refused to bat an eyelash at you. You sulked for days until she left. You are repeating that same pattern right now.”

“Are you trying to say I am not a reasonable Alpha?”

“I never said such a thing. And in the constitution, it is treason.”

I exhaled sharply, leaning into the chair. “Are you dating Nia now?” I asked him in a subtle tone.

Even in my drunken state, I can see his eyes twinkling. “Why are you asking me that all of a sudden?”

“Just answer. I have seen you go to Nia’s place at night and spend much time with her beyond comfort. What exactly is going on? Are you shagging her?”

“Gael! Can you not be vulgar for once in your life? I don’t know where you intend to get with this. But Nia is a respectable young lady. She won’t throw herself at anyone just for the sake of it if you don’t get what I am saying. I am trying to tell you that she isn’t like Gemma. And we aren’t dating, just friends.”

My eyes cleared for a brief second as I sat up eagerly. “Really? Does that mean she isn’t seeing anyone currently?”

“How does that interest you? Wait a minute. Nia is the one that has had you in your feelings?”

I flared my nose, looking away from him. “That can’t be. It sure isn’t the case. I am not that interested in Nia.”

Ezra chuckled lightly, “Listen, friend, anyone in their right senses would want someone like Nia, including you. Say all you want that it can never be you; it’s okay. Please remember that we don’t have much control over what and who we feel for. There is nothing wrong if you find yourself pulling closer to her. Maybe she is the one.”

“She is not! There is no one on my mind. I am fine with my life.” I argued mindlessly.

He raised his hands in surrender. “it’s okay. I get you. I am just saying. But for how long do you think you can hold yourself back? Admitting that you love someone doesn’t make you weak. I have told you this many times. But you are an adult, and you have the right to do whatever pleases you. I will head home now. Do you need help back to your room?”

I cut him a stern glare. “Don’t make me toss this bottle at you,” I warned.

He chuckled, “Okay, soldier. I am on my way.”

Silence enveloped me as I stared around the four walls of the study. It’s late into the night, and I haven’t stepped out of here all day. Gemma had bombarded me with incessant calls that I had to put my phone off. I had asked the guards to turn her away if she ever came around. I didn’t feel like dealing with her tantrums today. Fortunately, she didn’t come. Knowing her well, Gemma would have thrown a fit and insisted that I dismiss the guard who stopped her. Staggering, I stopped out, feeling the late-night warm breeze touch my face.

I decided to head to the garden instead. Many of the maids have retired for the night. The guards on patrol are the only ones around.

I must have kept Ezra waiting for too long. My eyes searched the garden, hoping she would pop up as usual. But she wasn’t in sight. Ezra’s words floated in my head. What if I try to get these emotions started? It can’t be that bad. The only thing holding me back are the thoughts I have harbored over the years. Something about Nia makes me want to break free from it.

Thankfully, I am drunk. Whatever happens tonight will be blamed on my hazy state. I might not even remember when morning comes. I might as well give it a shot. Inhaling deeply, I glanced towards the route that led to her building. Like someone being controlled by a remote, my drunken self stumbled towards Nia’s entrance. She might be asleep now, but I can’t hold back. If I return to my room tonight, I doubt if I will be able to catch a wink of sleep.

I felt a bit of anxiety all of a sudden, but the alcohol kept blurring it out. It gave me the courage I needed. Molding my hand into a fist, I banged on the door, feeling too lazy to press the doorbell. The door opened abruptly, and someone who seemed to be the maid stood there with a frown. The frown melted when she realized I was the one.

“Alpha Gael, do you need something? Are you hurt?” She asked in a worried tone.

I waved her off, feeling woozy. “Where is Nia’s room?”

“Sir?”

“Don’t make me repeat myself,” I warned. The maid pointed at the room shakily. “Now, no one must know that I am here. Is that clear? Lock the door. I will head out on my own. You can go back to sleep.” I ordered.

I watched her do as told and scurrying off. I headed towards Nia’s room and tried the doorknob, which opened.

“I was just about to hurry out. Who were you-” Nia words trailed off. Nia must have been naked before. I entered when she was wearing her robe. Her hands wrapped around her body protectively. “What are you doing here?” She inquired.

I stepped further into the room, shutting the door behind me. “Shhh!” I cautioned, walking further into the room. “What?” “Shhh-be quiet. It’s late.” I said, placing a finger on her lips as I stood two feet away. It feels so soft. I wonder what it would be like if I kissed her. “Don’t say anything; I just need to get this off my chest quickly.”

The discomfort on her face was evident. “What is it?”

“I know this might sound impossible to your ears. And because I haven’t been nice to you all along. I want to let you know that you make my heart beat, Nia. You might think I am drunk. But I know what I am saying. I haven’t felt this way for anyone before. I find myself thinking about you all the time. Stressing you out is the only way to maintain a close range with you. I have known for a while now that you interest me, but my ego wouldn’t let me admit that to you.”

I sniffed, ruffling my hair. “I wasn’t always like this. I am just so scared of falling in love and getting hurt. However, it seems like I can’t run away from fate. My mum loved my dad, and he did too, or so we thought. No one knows this aside from my dead parents, myself, and his closest friend.  My dad cheated on my mum when she was heavily pregnant, and she walked in on them. The person was her most trusted maid. It turns out they have been at it since she became pregnant. Mum felt betrayed, and somehow, her devastated state led to her early labor. She lost my sister, and it didn’t take long before she died too. It was too much for her to bear; aside from my dad’s betrayal, she had to worry about the pack’s future. My dad couldn’t forgive himself, and that also led to his demise. They both experienced such bad fate because they chose to love each other. So, I promised myself never to love anyone, only for you to show up out of nowhere and stir up these emotions in me. I have always believed love is pain and isn’t worth the stress at all. Why should we love? Love? Right love. We have to love. But I don’t want love cause-I would rather not get hurt, Nia. My feelings are so strong-I won’t take it lightly if you make a fool of me.”

Heavy tears blinded my eyes. Despite how hard I tried to hold it back, it rolled down. It is the first time since my parents’ demise that I am letting it all out. My heart felt like it would tear apart as the words found their way out of my lips.

“I like you, Nia Hayes.”