The Alpha's Fated Outcast: Rise Of The Moonsinger by Ejiofor Dorcas

96 Guilt–tripping grief…

Lyla

It was nearly dusk when I arrived at the pack house and the first time I would be going home since I arrived at Blue Ridge.

I hesitated at the door, taking in a deep breath. I didn’t know what to expect from my mother.

Did she hate me less now?

I glanced over my shoulder at the two pack warriors Beta Jeremy had insisted I come with, their presence felt comforting alright but I knew I had to face whatever was waiting for me inside the house.

“Wait here, I managed to say to them. “I won’t be long”

They nodded quietly and stood to one side of the terrace. I took another deep breath again before knocking. After a few seconds, the heavy door creaked open revealing one of the pack

servants.

It was our housekeeper.

As soon as she saw me, she opened the door wider and bowed her head in greeting. “Miss Lyla.”

“Good evening. I flashed her an uneasy smile looking past her shoulders. “Are my mother and my sister around?”

“Miss Clarissa went for a walk around the Packhouse to clear her head, while your mother is resting in the bedroom. Should I tell her you’re here?”

“No!” I said quickly, feeling relieved somewhat. “Let’s not disturb her. I only came to get an important thing for my dad’s funeral and will be out in no time.”

I entered the house, stopping to respond to the greetings of the few domestic staff who passed by or were working silently in the background. The atmosphere in the house felt depressing. Everyone I passed had a sombre look on their face. They were all mourning for my father.

everyone, he was a good man… except

chair in the sitting room, barking orders at m Family dinners that revolved around their perfect daughter Clarissa and more

suitable clothes for the funeral and leave. I repeated the mantra in my head, heading for the stairs that led to the master bedroom. I wasn’t here to wallow in memories or to mourn;

I noticed the door was slightly ajar, which was unusual. Just as I reached out to push it open, a sound froze my steps – soft chuckling,

14:46

Guilt–tripping

seemed

bedroom this time and was about to walk in the direction of the closet when the soft, almost muffled

of the massive bed and gasped slightly when I saw

more like a pained release than true laughter. Her cheeks were streaked with dried tears and her eyes were

she finally looked up and immediately the chuckling ceased and her gaze shifted from nostalgia to pure hatred that made me involuntarily

came to get something suitable for Dad… for his

felt like she was contemplating harming me before attempting to stand. She groaned as she tried to stand with her heavily pregnant

forward to help but a sharp glare from her made me recoil. Reaching for the bedpost instead, she pulled herself up, panting. Then she walked past me taking the

distance. “Can we talk? I’m sorry… please just tell me how to

ignored me and continued walking to the door. I followed her with my gaze fighting the tears that pooled at the corner

looked away, hoping to hide the tears in my eyes but Clarissa entered the room anyway. She didn’t say anything to me at first. She just walked around the room slowly, her fingers brushing against father’s belongings

running a hand

here, she said softly, tears gathering in her eyes. “Since… since father…” she couldn’t

sat down beside her, and for

96 Guilt–tripping grief….

make it easier. The pack healers. say that she’s in deep grief – it’s hitting her harder than anyone expected and they said

gaze to the floor and nodded. “I just…” I

wanted to help her, but it’s like she doesn’t

with me.”

anything