Should I tell Uncle Ray that I don't like his wife? Look at that woman, smiling all the time as if the world belongs to her.
Does Uncle Ray love her? If not, why would he marry her?
"Here you are. I've been looking all over for you," someone said from behind my back. I didn't need to turn around because I seemed to recognize that deep, distinctive baritone voice. Even the scent of his body was well recognized. "Don't you want to congratulate—"
"Please, Uncle Ray... if you came just to spoil my mood, then forget it. You know very well that I don't like this idea. You should be married to your mate, not to a slut like her."
"Ioris!" Another voice sounded booming in the sky, making Uncle Ray and I turn around and find my dad in the doorway.
What else did he want? Was he going to reprimand me this time for the words I just said?
That was a fact, by the way. I wasn't going to apologize for that.
"You should learn to behave and speak more politely. She is the Luna of The Moon Hunter Pack now. Even a daughter of the alpha king of Westmont, you can't insult her so viciously."
"I'm just stating a fact. She wanted Uncle Ray for a long time, so I watched to see if she was worthy of him. However, I discovered she was making love to a beta warrior on the coronation night."
Dad's face paled, as did Uncle Ray's. He frowned, seemingly regretting not hearing my opinion before deciding on the prostitute.
"The average woman these days is a prostitute."
"Watch your language, Ioris!"
SLAP!
One slap managed to shut me up. However, nothing could silence what I wanted to do and say to save my pack from the imposters.
"No wonder you didn't find your wolf until now because you can't keep your words and deeds straight. I've heard how you've been acting at school. And that thick smoke came out of your room several times. So it's true what they say."
I was stunned by his words. So, he could see the smoke? If he could, why didn't he catch the creature? I also wanted to know who that mysterious creature was.
"Tell me, is it true as they say that you have demonic powers?" Dad asked, sharpening his attention by gripping both my arms. "Answer my question, Ioris."
I shook my head. "I don't know anything about the smoke. I saw nothing and never found anything." That was what the creature wanted me to tell everyone.
If he was my mate, maybe he was an introvert who wanted a furtive relationship.
Well, I didn't mind that because since I found out Isaiah was in a relationship with Lyla, Uncle Ray has chosen a companion so rashly that I don't trust anyone.
A secret relationship would be better. So, if I ever wanted to end it, it would be easier.
"Why does it always come out of your room if you know nothing about the smoke?"
"Theo, we shouldn't talk about this. Ioris definitely didn't mean to say all that," Uncle Ray said, trying to be an overnight hero to save me, or maybe he had other intentions.
Perhaps he was curious if I had any proof of what I had just said.
"You can't spoil her too much, Ray. You know you can't get too close or—"
Dad didn't continue but sighed. He seemed afraid to say everything, and Uncle Ray looked down as if avoiding eye contact with me.
What was wrong with them?
***
"Hey... whoever you are, show up!" I muttered when I was in the room by myself. "I have something to ask you."
"You can't ask now, dear. There will be a time later."
"I won't let you just walk into my room if you don't say who you are now." I threatened. This thing drove me almost crazy, and I was always the scapegoat for everything that happened.
"Don't be so angry. You'll lose your beauty if you sulk like that."
"To hell with it! Leave and never come back."
"Alright, alright. Just a little. I am something that is not the same as you. But I can assure you that I will never hurt you," he replied at length, which still didn't explain anything about him to me. "How was it? Are you satisfied with my answer?"
"Bastard!" I threw the nightstand lamp at him, and in an instant, the smoke disappeared.
I hugged my knees and stared at the shattered nightstand lamp. There were knocks and calls from outside the room. They must have thought I was crazy to come and check.
"Ioris, are you okay, dear? Please open the door." Mom called me softly, who usually seemed unconcerned but now seemed to be watching me all the time. Or maybe they were all watching me so I wouldn't cause any more trouble.
"She's probably asleep, and all we heard was a cat," Dad said.
"But I heard it clearly coming from here, Theo."
"But you heard it yourself; there was no response from inside. That means she's asleep. Let's go back to the room. Let's continue talking about boarding school for Ioris."
"I don't know, Theo. I'm not sure I want to do this. But if we don't, she and Ray—"
"Ssh... calm down, honey. Everything will be fine. Trust me."
Their voices grew fainter and gradually faded away. Mom and Dad must have returned to their room, and now I was thinking about what they said.
What was wrong with me and Uncle Ray? Is it dangerous for us to be close to each other like Dad said this afternoon on the balcony?
If they thought Uncle Ray and I would get carried away and like each other, I think they're wrong. Or maybe they were right. But, of course, I was the only one who felt that way. Uncle Ray had been kind to me for a long time, so his affectionate attitude must be because I'm his niece.
A strange voice was heard entering the room. I couldn't contain my curiosity any longer and got up, heading to the balcony to confirm what had been disturbing my senses.
If it were my wolf, I would have been very happy. Getting a wolf at the right time was the best thing, bullshit! I wanted to get it right away.
I looked up at the balcony to confirm the sound that was apparently coming from below. I had to be careful because I didn't want to catch my brother and that slut having sex.
Unfortunately, my caution was not proven as the slippery edges of the balcony made my hands slip, and my body staggered instantly, following the force of gravity.
At that height, I wouldn't have died unless I'd gotten stuck in the chest with a twig or a sharp stick. However, it's possible that I'll suffer a broken bone and have to undergo therapy for some time, or...
Something caught hold of my body and took me airborne for some time. Instantly, time seemed to stop spinning. I, who had closed my eyes, opened them and saw the figure I had been curious about.
It was so vivid, so dashing and kept me transfixed for a while. However, when I blinked once, I was no longer in the arms of that mysterious being but on a bed with a blanket wrapped around my body.
Don't tell me that I was dreaming again, because this time it felt so real, and I wanted to repeat myself so that I could once again confirm who the man who saved me was.
I didn't remember his face, but I was sure I could recognize him if we met again someday.