(Author’s POV)
"Nor, want to go out for shopping?" Dion recommended when he saw a sulking Nora standing with her head down. He had the power to read emotions and even if he did not have those powers anyone could tell that Nora was hurt and saddened by what had conspired. She must be blaming herself because of what those boomer oldies said about her.
Nora shook her head. She was not in the mood. She has been thinking of calling Myra or her parents but didn’t have the courage to do so. So, her mood wasn’t all that great to begin with but after the fiasco with Maximus Corbin and Clement Sanders, she could feel her energy was drained out. She was reminded of the times where her adoptive parents used to blame her for small things. James Smith and Clara Smith used to verbally abuse her for being from the orphanage.
Alaric could also see her distressful state. Her shoulders were slumped and her head was lowered as well.
A lot has happened for the past one week or so and the atmosphere at the pack house has been extremely stressful. He joined Dion’s recommendation, urging Nora, "Ora, don’t take any of this to heart. Those old geezers have been doing this for years. Now they are going to get exactly what they deserve. You did well, taking a stand and sticking with it. They are just jealous and pompous of everything. Dion is right. You deserve a treat and for that matter, as I am free today, I will accompany you as well."
Elio also tried to cheer Nora up, "Yeah, little sis. I agree with them. You should go out and enjoy yourself. As for the Elders, karma is going to get them pretty soon."
Seeing that all her brothers were trying so hard to cheer her mood, Nora agreed. She said, "I will go upstairs and change."
She scurried to her room and changed her clothes in a jiffy. Elio told his brothers, "Take care of Nora. I can’t go because I have to look after Brother Brave and monitor him until Dr. Andrew arrives."
Both Alaric and Dion understood his meaning and didn’t press him to come with them. Brave’s progress and recovery was as important as cheering Nora up.
Elio departed for Brave’s room and after five minutes Nora came down, in a simple black top and blue denims, "Let’s go. Aaa~ ..... where is Elio?"
"Dr. Andrew will be arriving shortly so he is going to stay," Dion explained to her.
Nora nodded and the three of them went outside.
It was drizzling slightly and the floor was wet and muddy. Alaric in his raspy and deep voice said, "You both wait here, I will get my car."
Alaric walked towards the underground garage and came back with his Maybach.
Dion who was waiting with Nora asked him casually, "Who do you think is the one Alaric was talking about?"
Nora mind was a bit jumbled, so she didn’t understand instantly, what Dion was trying to get to, "Huhh~ .... Brother Al, was talking about whom?"
"He said he had someone in mind. I thought he had shared with you about that person., nevermind," Dion ended the topic then and there when he heard Alaric’s car’s approaching. "He is here."
Just like a gentleman, he opened the back door for Nora and gestured with his hands for her to enter the vehicle, "Princess."
Nora smiled shook her head at him and entered Alaric’s car. Dion closed the door, making his way towards the passenger seat.
When they all settled inside the car, Alaric ignited the engine and rushed out. The subtle sound of pitter and patter of the rain and the earth scent was making Nora feel relaxed. She has been feeling down and has not really gone out from the past week, so this was refreshing. She lowered the window and extended her hand outside to feel the raindrops.
Alaric looked at her from the rearview mirror and eased up a bit. But that didn’t last long.
Nora, as if remembering Dion’s words, questioned Alaric, "Brother Al, can I ask you something?"
"Why are you being so formal? Don’t hesitate, you can ask me anything," he smiled at her, assuring her.
After getting the green signal from Alaric, Nora jumped straight to the point, "Who is she, the girl that you like?"
Alaric wasn’t expecting that. After that altercation inside the pack house, he thought he had dodged the bullet and no one would ask because of the chaos. But boy, was he so wrong.
He flinched but tried to maintain his to composure really quick, "Ohh ...... that. There is no one like that. I was just trying to make things up in order to escape that conversation. Elder Moore was trying to set me up with Sally Winston. You may not know this, but that she wolf is .... let’s not comment on that. In short, I don’t want any marriage talks with the likes of her."


VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABEL
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Mated To My Best Friend's Lycan Alpha Brothers