Chapter 5
With a flushed face, I nodded and proceeded directly to my seat next to Giovan. I didn't intend to speak much in front of my in-laws. My focus was on strategizing how to win them over.
"By the way, you will be joining the leaders' meeting tomorrow evening. The meeting will be held at the Blossoms," King Dior said. Now that I was part of the royal family, I was expected to involve myself in everything they did, especially meetings and planning for the pack's future. "I trust you are familiar with how things operate," the king added.
"My parents taught me well," I responded proudly. My mother had prepared me for this day all my life, so I was already well-versed in the duties and responsibilities of an alpha's wife.
"Glad to hear ," King Dior finally smiled at me. I was relieved to have presented myself confidently in front of Janine. I regretted constantly comparing myself to my cousin, but she had been overly intrusive, especially in the past few days. She showed me no respect and seemed to derive pleasure from upsetting me. I was appalled by how effortlessly she had infiltrated the royal family's residence. Of course, she used me as her cover, but I was stunned by her audacity.
"Sorry to interrupt your conversation, my king, but as Crema's assistant, am I also required to join the meeting?" Janine's question unsettled me. But what followed entirely spoiled my appetite. "Of course," Alpha Dior responded nonchalantly.
While Crema grappled with the mounting pressure from Janine, Janine reveled in the situation. She could see Crema's patience wearing thin, and that was precisely what she aimed for. Janine was eager to reveal Crema's anger management issues to the royal family. Her plan was to exploit Crema's few weaknesses to undermine her and position herself as Giovan's second chance mate. She was prepared to do whatever it took to further her scheme.
Feigning an innocent smile, Janine deceived Alpha Dior and most of the pack into believing her intentions to assist Crema were genuine. If Crema failed to improve, it would reflect poorly on her in the eyes of the majority.
Giovan could discern Janine's ulterior motives, but he remained nonreactive. He had a different objective and needed to concentrate on it to gain his freedom. He felt sympathy for Crema but kept it hidden. Alpha Dior was observing him intently.
After dinner, everyone dispersed. Crema and Giovan returned to their shared bedroom, a sight that irked Janine.
Amidst the trio's discord, Alpha Dior watched quietly. He had plans of his own that he needed to fulfill. After completing his last mission, he was prepared to abdicate his role as the pack's king and relish his retirement. His wife deserved justice!
"Damn it!" Janine flung herself onto her bed. Her room was adjacent to Giovan and Crema's, which amplified her distress. She had to bear her insecurities and anxieties each time she thought of the couple on the other side of the wall. Little did she know, the evening's drama had already unfolded before dinner.
"Ahhh...!" She let out a scream, her face buried in a pillow. Unable to bear her thoughts, she got up and headed straight for the garden. The mansion was surrounded by a three-acre forest, filled with trees that allowed the wolves to feel at home.
She held back her wolf, knowing it wouldn't be of any help. She was better at controlling her anger in her human form. She could avoid causing damage, unlike when she was in her more volatile wolf form. "You seem upset."
Janine was taken aback to hear Alpha Dior's voice behind her. She hadn't expected the alpha to notice her. She turned her head and offered a smile. "Oh, I apologize, sir. Have I caused any trouble?"
Alpha Dior quickly shook his head. "I'm accustomed to spending my free time here. I believe you didn’t notice me when you arrived… Is there anything I can assist you with?" Dior inquired.
Janine blushed. Despite her agitation, she knew better than to share her feelings with the highest Alpha. "No sir, I was just lost in thought and decided to get some fresh air here. I'm sorry for disturbing you… I should leave now."
As Janine was about to rise and leave, she heard Alpha Dior chuckle. "You can't fool me, young lady." Startled, Janine swiveled around to face Dior.
"What do you mean, sir?" Despite her nerves, she managed to ask.
"I'm aware that you and Alpha Giovan share a past."
Janine froze, unable to respond.
"There's nothing I don't know, young lady. Now, tell me why you're in my house."
With Dior's tone turning formal, a shiver ran down Janine's spine. She was already sweating, her fear getting the better of her. "Are you here to pursue my son?" The next question forced her to sit back down. This time, she had no excuse!
"You've misunderstood me, sir. I won't deny that Alpha Giovan and I have a history, but that's not why I'm here." Janine tried to conceal her intentions, but Alpha Dior was no fool.