CHAPTER 24: 24

NYLAH

In the couple of days that followed, I made myself busy with the garden, learning about the plants there and their usefulness.

Since it was the only thing refreshing about being in the pack, I took it to heart and even told Sofia to get me the big healing book her mother once had that she never read.

I read through it every day, and anyone I missed or didn’t understand, I’d go over again and again until I understood it.

It became my routine of waking up, having breakfast, and spending most of my day in the garden; I even got a recliner chair in the garden so I could feel relaxed whenever I was there.

Then, after my long hours there, I’d retire to my room and grab the big book to continue from where I stopped.

"Don’t you think of doing something else apart from this same routine over and over again?" Sofia asked one morning as I was getting ready for the garden.

I smiled and shook my head.

"You wouldn’t understand, Sofia. That place is my only source of solace, and I can’t trade it for anything else. You know, I didn’t think plants could bring such freshness, but now that I know, I’m never going to stop loving them." I raised my head with pride, staring into the mirror before me.

"Ouch, so you’re saying that I don’t give you solace?" She asked, prompting laughter from me.

"Was that the only thing you picked from my words? You’re so petty." I spanked my shoulder and stepped back to do a once over, and when I nodded in satisfaction with my reflection in the mirror, I wanted to leave, but Sofia’s voice brought me to an abrupt stop.

"Ivy’s gone, Nylah. I heard it from some girls in the kitchen."

"Do you know why?" I asked, unable to hide my surprise.

Here I was, thinking that I’d get repercussions for what I said to Ivy. I’d accepted that the Alpha was done with me. But I didn’t know how to react to such news.

That was, for sure, the last thing I expected to happen.

"There are a lot of speculations, Nylah; some say the Alpha’s done with her and doesn’t want to go ahead with the marriage, while some say she only went to get prepared for the marriage that will take place soon. There’s no one word." I shrugged, confused by the way I felt.

"My plants wouldn’t water themselves now, would they?" I dismissed my feelings and walked out of the room.

Steeling my heart throughout the stroll to the garden, I pushed away the thoughts about the Alpha or his bride-to-be. I didn’t want to be distracted, but I couldn’t stop the protruding thoughts when I got to the garden.

I was lost in thoughts while watering the plants, and that was why I didn’t know when I got company.

"That’s enough water for one plant, don’t you think?" A vibrant male called out, making me catch myself.

I turned to him but I couldn’t place his face. He was well-built and calm-faced.

"That’s the coneflower plant; too much water than needed can kill it. You don’t want to kill that beautiful blossom, I’m sure." I arched a brow at his words, surprised that there was someone in the pack who knew the name of an ancient plant and even knew the conditions applied to growing it.

It was impressive, but I couldn’t say that to a total stranger who might be a ghost or even a killer or spy. If there’s one thing I’ve learned since my stay at the pack, it’s that no one could be trusted.

I was standing now, clutching the watering can with my hands and holding my gaze on his facial features, no expression on my face.

"My name is Brian, by the way; I was sent by the Alpha." His words sent flashes through me, my throat went dry at the thought of the Alpha finally realizing that I was still existing.

I still didn’t speak, I just held my gaze, options of what to say, and questions to ask, filling my mind, but I decided it was better to be silent.

"He wants you tonight." Brian let out the bombshell that shattered my emotions.

The Alpha finally realized that I was still a living thing when his mate to be left the pack, I felt a sting at this but also a rush of excitement churning within me as I knew that the Alpha still thought of me. He still wanted to see me.

I guess my disdain was greater than the happy part of me; I didn’t budge, and neither did I look fazed. I stood there rather like one who’d gone deaf.

Brian let out a sigh and a sharp smile from pressing his lips together and lifting his chin.

"I think it’s best you go and get prepared. He wants you in your best element, and you need to look the part." Then, inhaling sharply, he turned to the garden, sweeping his eyes across the plant beds.

"This is enough water for a day. You’ve almost made a stream out of the ridges. " I think his words were meant to make me loosen up and smile or something, but I didn’t get the humour in it.

I didn’t even hear what he said. The only words playing in my head were the words about the Alpha asking for me and wanting me for the night.

Brian left after his futile efforts, trying to get me to react or act normal.

I dropped the watering can and made it for my room.

On getting to the door of my room, I saw a young lady waiting with a box that I presumed was for my makeup.

"Good day, my lady; I’m here to serve you." She said with a bow.

"I don’t need all this. Please leave," I replied, and I could see the surprise on her face.

"B-- but the Alpha -"

"You can go, I’ll tell him I sent you away myself," I answered, not giving her a chance to complete her words.

Sofia must’ve seen me returning from the garden; as the lady made her way out of the hall through the stairs, Sofia emerged from the stairs, looking back at the lady with the body with parted lips and me.

"What’s going on?" She asked when she closed the distance between us.

"He wants me tonight," I replied, unlocking the door and pushing it open.

"Okay, that’s good news, right?" She asked, not sure why I was not excited about it.

"That’s what we’ve been hoping for, right?" She followed me to the wardrobe where I was, searching for the most random outfit I could wear for the dance.

"What’s there to be happy about? His Luna is gone, so he wants his hoe to entertain him and keep him warm for the night." I replied, forcefully pulling out the dress I found.

Was this anger? Was I angry because Alpha Xavier brought Ivy to the pack?

"Are you angry because of that?" Sofia asked with a scoff.

"Do you have feelings for the Alpha?" I brushed past her into the bathroom to freshen up, ignoring her words.

After a few minutes, I was done getting ready.

"Wait, is this it? You’re going to see the Alpha with no makeup on, no sexy dress, and your hair is packed into a bun?! Are you kidding me?" Sofia asked with widened eyes, but I simply replied with a shrug and walked out of the door.

A guard was already waiting for me by the time I got out, and I followed him.

I was led to the Alpha’s lounge, but I decided to act unfazed by the luxurious interior and focus on why I was being summoned.

If only I knew that my walls were going to be broken within seconds of beholding his face.