Chapter 5

• We were already gathered around the dinner table, savoring the flavors of my mother's culinary creations. Everyone around me was savoring their meals, but I couldn't bring myself to partake. The memory of what happened to Bradley and me in his room kept coming back. Even though I wanted to forget it, my mind wouldn’t listen.
• “Leila, why aren’t you eating your food? Is there something wrong? Is it about the summoning?” my mother asked as she lowered the cutlery and focused her attention on me.
• “Huh? Yes mom ... I still think of the problem once the council makes this issue against you,” I answered, but I didn’t look in my mother’s eyes because I was lying. Honestly, the summoning of the council never entered my mind, but I can’t say that what bothered me was my stepbrother, who was my mate.
• “Why? What did my little sister do this time?” Bradley asked my mother, but he focused his gaze on me. Bradley’s eyes were hollow, so everyone in the room didn’t know what was on his mind.
• “What’s with that question? As if I’m always bringing trouble,” I sullenly respond, since I can’t meet Bradley’s gaze. I just listen to the sizzle of the food cooking.
• “Leila, don’t deny this matter. Mom always gets a call from the council and school because of you,” Zeke replies to what I said.
• “Zeke, you’re just a toddler, so you’re not allowed to join the talks of the older!I shot back with a seething look towards my little brother.
• “Both of you need to remember that we have a visitor, so stop arguing, especially in front of the food,” Lolita preaches with a smile.
• “Nuh, don’t mind me, aunt Maurice. Bradley will soon be my husband, so I’m going to be a part of your happy family,” Eunice answered with a wide smile.
• I couldn’t help my eyes from drifting in Bradley's direction. I wanted to hear his answer to Eunice’s declaration, but the bastard said nothing. Instead, Bradley took his wine, drank, and again focused his attention on my mother.
• “Since you've graced us with your presence, why don't you take the reins and direct the meeting this month? And you can also address the issue regarding Leila,” Maurice said while her eyes twinkled with excitement.
• “Looks like you don’t have a time to tour me around,” Eunice commented, but couldn’t see the resentment toward Bradley. In fact, her eyes were glowing as she stared at him.
• “Leila can do the touring since she knows our town better than Bradley,” Maurice remarks, a reason for everyone to look at me.
• How can I refuse my mother? That’s why I force myself to smile while nodding.
• “I can do that, but let me answer to the summoning of the council,” I declared, looking at my mother seriously.
• “Are you sure you wanted to answer them? You don’t need to since you’re not a member of the pack,” my mother responded. The concern is understandable on her face.
• “Mom, let her answer them. My little sister is now a lady, so I’m sure she can handle them,” Bradley states.
• My mother inhaled deeply and nodded in agreement. I can’t believe this! One word from Bradley, and my mother agrees right away! While me? Her daughter has been asking for a year to allow me to answer the council, but my mother always declines!
• I ended my dinner and stepped into my room, where the smell of dust was overpowered by the fan's hum. I just pretended to have a headache to avoid chitchatting with everyone.
• As soon as I enter my room, I can't help but dive into the warmth and comfort of my bed.
• “How can he be so calm after what happened to us? And worse, he even smiles sweetly at Marga!” I murmured while staring at the ceiling.
• In annoyance, I punched my pillow while cursing Bradley. Then I was stunned again, remembering what happened in his room.
• [Flashback]
• “My little Leila, your scent turns me on,” Bradley whispered as his lips touched my earlobe and slid onto my cheek ... then to the corner of my lips.
• “Bradley, what are you doing? Please ...” I utter, but I doubt if Bradley heard my words, since my heartbeat is louder than my voice.
• “Are you begging me to stop or continue?” Bradley answered, giving my lips a tender kiss.
• “I want…“ I did not have the luxury to finish my sentence because Bradley inserted his tongue as soon as I opened my mouth.
• There is no room for me to think or object because Bradley’s kiss has taken away my reasoning. I could only feel the strange sensation of his tongue playing inside my mouth. Every move of his tongue was tickling and exciting, so I closed my eyes and tried to imitate its movement.
• “Ahh ...” I don’t know if that moan is mine or Bradley’s. Because when our tongues met, I felt something strange flow through my entire body that reached all the way to my core. My hands rested on his chest, stretched, and wrapped around his neck.
• It’s my first kiss, but I’m not a nun to be stupid on things like this. I always watch movies so I know what I should do.
• “Leila ... please stop me now,” Bradley pleaded between kisses.
• I don’t know why he wants me to stop him, and it looks like Bradley saw my astonishment, so he pressed his body to mine and buried his face in my neck.
• “Your hard ...” I state when I feel the lower part of his body.
• “Yes, and if you tease me like this, I will claim you right here, right now,” Bradley declares in his hoarse voice.
• It looks like cold water poured onto me. Only then does it sink into me. For heaven’s sake! We almost make love, and if not for Bradley ... I didn’t pursue what was on my mind. I quickly pushed Bradley off and stood up.
• The flow of my memories was interrupted when I heard a knock on my door.
• “It’s me. Can you open the door? I just have something important to say.”
• I was about to open the door, but as soon as I heard Bradley’s voice, I halt. His lack of clarity makes me suspicious, and I can feel my confidence waning. What happened earlier should never happen again!
• That’s why I decided not to answer his call or open the door for him. I cautiously went back to my bed and pretended to be asleep.
• “Leila, you’re weird ... I already felt the vibration of your movement. Anyway, prepare yourself. Tomorrow morning we will go to the council,” Bradley state.
• “It’s okay to be weird than to be sorry,” I utter when I hear Bradley’s footsteps moving away.