Tasting

382–Clara Needs To Shut Up!

Nora:

“Welcome back home, daughter,” Lord Atwood greeted me with a hug, but I barely returned it, offering more of a side embrace. The atmosphere and surroundings made me feel sick to my stomach. They were a constant reminder of the last moments of the old Nora, the one they had all wronged. I couldn’t afford to be emotional. I shouldn’t be.

“I brought a friend,” I said sarcastically, pointing at Clara, who stepped out from behind me to meet Lord Atwood and Silas.

“Nora!” Silas, however, completely ignored her, even as Lord Atwood greeted her. He stopped in front of me, trying to catch my attention, but I quickly averted my gaze. Still, I noticed him–he was wearing a black hoodie and matching pants, his long curly hair messier than before, though somehow, it suited him.

“Hello,” I greeted him, my eyes focused on the car trunk instead.

“Alpha, Brody sent some gifts. Kindly take them out,” I instructed one of the warriors, who looked visibly displeased to see me back. Then I

Was

remembered why. Last time I here, I was accused of murder and a host of other vile things. I supposed they weren’t thrilled to see me return.

But I couldn’t care less about their feelings. I wasn’t exactly thrilled myself.

“Do as she says,” Silas ordered quietly, his voice holding an unspoken threat. The warrior immediately bowed, moving swiftly to retrieve the gifts and our bags.

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382–Clara Needs To Shut Up!

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“Come inside, you must be tired. The others have been waiting for your arrival,” Lord Atwood gestured for me to take his hand, but I just stared at it, keeping my hands clasped behind my back. Instead, I motioned for him to lead the way.

I wouldn’t hold anyone’s hand. I had learned my lesson the hard way- once you get too used to holding hands, when they pull away, you’re left lost.

“Wait! I need to talk to you,” Silas stepped in front of me, blocking my path.

“Sure, we can talk inside. I’m pretty tired–do you mind if I get comfortable first?” I replied, not needing his affection or attention anymore. He had no choice but to nod and step aside.

ET

5

I quickly walked into the mansion, my eyes taking in the elaborate decorations. The entire place was lit up with soft lights and adorned with white flowers. They had gone to great lengths to prepare for my arrival.

“My sons did all this by themselves,” Lord Atwood smiled proudly as he led me into the living room where the others waiting. Ryker, who had been lounging casually in a chair, quickly straightened when he saw

1. me.

vere

“Nora!” Though he barely whispered it, I could still hear his voice echo through the room.

Cain stood by the window, his back turned at first, but upon my arrival, he glanced at me briefly before looking away. Nash was occupied giving orders to the maids for refreshments, and once everything was arranged, he walked over to greet me with a polite smile.

“Welcome back,” Nash said, offering a warmth I matched with a reserved, closed–lip smile.

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382–Clara Needs To Shut Up!

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Clara, clueless about the sudden shift in how I was being treated, added a comment that almost made me cringe. “Wow! You guys did all this for her arrival? I thought she was kicked out-” She cut herself off when she noticed the brothers exchange quick, almost warning glances before. turning toward her.

“I was just saying,” she shrugged it off, grabbing a glass of wine and sipping nonchalantly, clearly missing the tension in the air.

“I don’t drink,” I said, waving away the offer of alcohol before settling into a chair. I could feel the brothers‘ gazes on me–assessing, observing- nonstop. It was like they were waiting for something.

“You must be tired. You should rest before dinner,” Lord Atwood

suggested, trying to keep the small talk flowing, but I remained uninterested.

“Okay,” I agreed, but then quickly got to the point. “When do we start looking for the Fog People?”

My question caught them off guard. The brothers exchanged wary looks, almost as if they were silently judging me for bringing it up.

“Why such a rush?” Nash asked, eyebrows raised. “It’s not like you have to leave soon, right?”

I adjusted in my seat, letting out a sigh. “I have a pack back home that I take care of with my mate. I’d like to finish this task and return home as soon as possible.”

I couldn’t reveal the real reason for my desperation to leave–not to them. They wouldn’t understand why I was so eager to go back to a place where I was treated as nothing but a slave.

“Aha, I think he’ll be fine without you for a while,” Ryker added dryly, clearly referencing Brody. He wasn’t smiling, and his tone held a hint of

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bitterness. Their ongoing personal war was no longer my business, yet it seemed to linger in every interaction.

“I am his Luna,” I retorted, trying to sound calm but feeling the annoyance creeping into my voice. “An alpha is nothing without his Luna.”

Clara, as clueless as ever, added a surprising comment: “But he has Janet too. So, I guess we can stay here for a while.”

Her words stung, and for a second, the room fell silent. Janet. Of course, she would mention Janet, the one Brody had always kept close.

I clenched my fists under the table, my calm exterior starting to fracture.