Alpha Of Darkness And The Half-Breed Healer

GAEL’S POV

I kicked at the grassy ground, stretching out my neck to see if I could glimpse her in the dark. I have been standing here too long that I can’t precisely tell when. I couldn’t come out for two days straight because Gemma suddenly became clingy and promised to leave for home only when I stayed with her for forty-eight hours. I would have shooed her off, but that would have proven her father right about me.

Nia has undoubtedly forgotten about me since I didn’t show up.

“Why not check the garden?” My wolf suggested.

Oh, yes! The garden. I should have thought about that earlier. That seems like her favorite place around the pack house. I didn’t know I would miss hanging out with her this much. I almost couldn’t wait for the evening to come. I was excited, but it deflated the minute I didn’t see her on the bench. I hurried toward the garden, and my heart raced when I sighted her by the tree, staring up into the dark sky like she was counting the stars.

“What are you doing?” I asked with laughter evident in my voice.

She turned her head to look at me and didn’t seem as enthusiastic as I was. “Is there anything wrong with counting the stars?”

Clearing my throat, I sat gingerly next to her. “It appears you are avoiding me. I am surprised to find you here instead of the bench.”

“Were you expecting to see me there?”

“I-I-Ahn-Not really.” I stuttered, feeling stupid. Nia didn’t say anything and kept up with her random counting. “Fine! I went there searching for you.”

“Why?”

“Do you have to ask?”

“If someone wants to see me so late at night under the pretense of taking a stroll. I deserve to know if there is a reason behind it.” She said, holding my gaze this time. It felt like her eyes saw through my soul, and I felt naked.

“Like I said before, boredom.”

“That is not correct.”

“Do you want my head alongside your required answer?”

She snickered, “I thought I would see you again, but you didn’t show up. I just had to zero my mind that you probably came back to your senses and didn’t think it was appropriate for you to hang out with a half-breed. It’s annoying to think I enjoyed your cold company. But here I am admitting it. Pathetic, uhn?”

She is less of a coward than I am. “I’m s-so-sorry.”

A smile broke out on her face. “Have you never apologized before? Why is it so hard for you to say?”

“I feel weak when I say it.”

“You don’t feel weak, and you only think it makes you weak. However, what many don’t know is owning up to your mistake makes you disciplined and more respected.”

“Well, I do know how to say it when necessary.”

“Saying is a different thing? Do you mean it?”

“Are you going to school all night?”

“Who am I to school, his royal majesty? Pardon my rudeness.”

I let out a short laugh. “You are mocking me.”

“My bad.” She uttered casually with a straight look. We stayed quiet, enjoying the silence. “Why do you hate humans so much?” She asked all of a sudden.

I have never had to talk about it with anyone, but it doesn’t seem like a bad idea to discuss it now. “A human killed my paternal grandmother.”

“What happened?”

“I’m not very knowledgeable about the story, but a drunk human ran her down, and he didn’t even stop to help her.”

“Do you think that is a good reason to hate anyone from the line of humans?”

“I grew up hating them. Don’t blame me.”

“Well, my father was torn apart in front of me by a rogue werewolf. What do you have to say to that?” Nia questioned.

“In front of you?”

“Yes, I was about ten to eleven when it happened. We had to run from my mother’s pack because they hated my father and me. My mother was the healer of her pack then, and my grandparents held esteemed positions in the pack. When she fell in love, she fell for a human adventurer who became my dad. The pack members didn’t like the union. But they had no choice since that was what my mom wanted. Mum did everything she could to protect my dad and me. But then death took her away after an unknown illness. Her soul couldn’t have gone far before they showed my father and me their true colors. We ended up on the run and fell into the wrong hands. I should hate full wolves, and I should despise everyone around me because I have been maltreated and even cheated. Nevertheless, I kept an open mind. Yet, you proclaimed a strong word like hate.”

The pain in her voice was undeniable, and I felt like an asshole. I never admit to being wrong so quickly; however, Nia makes me feel different.

I cleared my throat. “I apologize for all that I did.”

“Nah, there is no need to. I just realized your attitude towards me has nothing to do with me. It only reflects your personality, and I get it.”

“I am not a monster, I promise.”

“I don’t believe anything you say.” She mumbled, faking a shiver.

“You are such a goofball.”

“No one has told me that before.”

“How often do you make friends?”

“I have never made one. Perry was my first, and she practically walked freely into my life. I am glad she did. I might never have had the courage. I am too scared to reach out to anyone for fear of embarrassment.”

“How was it like living with your adopted family?”

She wrapped her arms around herself closely, and for a moment, I wished she would let me do that for her.

“Hell. It wasn’t fun. I had too many chores to do and many fears of being caught slacking, which implied more work for me to do. However, I was hopeful.”

“How? Did you know you would become a healer soon?”

“Oh, not that. I didn’t even realize I might have my mum’s gift. I waited to clock eighteen to meet my mate, knowing I would be free. But three years passed before I finally met one. And when I did, you took him away from me.” Her last sentence was spiteful.

I bowed my head slightly, feeling guilty. “I’m sorry.” This time, it came out too quickly.

She got up, “No, you are not!” Nia stated, walking away from me.

“Nia!” I called out, but she didn’t wait and ran instead. Dragging myself up, I went after her.

****************

NIA’S POV I leaned against a tree bark, panting heavily as the tears rolled down my face uncontrollably. I didn’t think I would be this affected by reminiscing on that night. I would be happy if Gael didn’t strip me of my one ticket to freedom. It makes me angry all over again.

“Nia!” He called out from behind, breathing loudly.

The run seemed to have exhausted both of us. I just kept running, and now we are far from the garden into the woods.

“Why did you run like that?”

“There was no need for you to come after me!” I hissed, caressing my chest.

“I’m sorry.” He said.

I sniffed, trying to fight back the tears. I’m not weak. “No, I don’t need your apology, Alpha. I need to know the reason instead. Why me? Why did you have to take my freedom away from me? What did I ever do to you? There were many ladies you could have chosen; why did it have to be me?”

“Because I have had my eyes on you for a while.”

“What?” I exclaimed.

“The first time I saw you was at a bakery around the square. I was out with Ezra, just exploring the pack. And there you were, looking beautiful. I made my men ask around, and your parents didn’t mind giving you away to me. I needed a new excitement, and I found you. But then you turned out to be a half-breed.”

“What has changed now, then? Tell me, what changed?” I yelled. I did not care that he was an Alpha and could have me locked up in a dungeon.

“I don’t know, Nia. I find myself getting more comfortable around you. I wish I had an explanation.”

“I hate how easy it is for you to shrug it off without worry. Do you know how disgusting and annoying that is? I feel hated. You hate my kind. Why are you suddenly comfortable around me?!”Original from NôvelDrama.Org.

He blinked rapidly, staring at me like I had grown two heads. “What will you have me do then? I already admitted my fault. Isn’t that enough?”

I kissed my teeth, feeling more repulsed. “Your apology will never cut it; just leave me alone. I don’t think there would ever be a world where we both become friendly towards each other. It’s never going to happen. You have hurt me too much and made me question my existence countless times. I can’t let go of those memories because it’s convenient for you. Let’s forget we ever spoke. Please excuse me.”

I couldn’t hold back the tears as I stormed off again. This time, I returned to the house to cry to the heavens. That ball was my one shot at freedom. Instead, I found myself here wondering how my life would turn out in years to come.

I saw him yesterday with Gemma; she was all over him, and he didn’t flinch as he enjoyed the attention. I don’t know which irritates me the most, his presence or Gemma’s, or both. He can continue his life like nothing happened after everything he did. A part of me feels jealous of their closeness yesterday! And I hate myself for even giving it a thought!

The tears flowed as I curled up in my bed. My live-in maid must have much to tell her friends about her strange boss. I will try my best to forget about tonight. That is the only way out of this.

Alpha Gael never existed in my world, and that’s how it will continue to be.