Her Return As An Alpha

Chapter 25 : Ingrate

As Liana descended the grand staircase of the mansion, her mind buzzed with a mix of irritation and curiosity. She wondered how her meddling family had even learned about the gathering at the Alpha King's court. The letter had only been in her hands for a short time, and yet, they were already treating it like their golden ticket.

When she reached the bottom, she was taken aback to see the entire family seated obediently on the couches. Even the usually unruly children were held in check by their parents, who were glaring at her with thinly veiled anticipation.

The change in the atmosphere was unnerving. Just moments ago, the mansion had been a cacophony of noise and chaos, and now it felt like an orthodox church

Aunt Beatrice, always the ringleader, was the first to move. She gracefully stepped forward, her face wearing a too-sweet smile that Liana knew all too well. Without giving Liana a chance to react, she linked her arm through hers and ushered her to a seat, almost as if Liana were the guest in her own home.

"Liana, darling," Beatrice cooed, her tone sickly sweet, "you must be so tired. Why don't you sit here with us for a bit? We’ve all been so worried about you."

Liana forced a tight-lipped smile, though her patience was fraying. "I appreciate your concern, Aunt Beatrice, but I really don’t have much time. I need to prepare—"

"Oh, there’s always time for family," Beatrice interrupted, her grip tightening on Liana's arm as she guided her to sit. "Besides, we just wanted to have a little chat."

Liana could feel the tension in the room suffocating her. She knew where this was going, and it only deepened her exhaustion. Her hopes that they might leave within the next few days crashed to the ground as their eyes shone eagerly.

Because of their presence, the beta and the Ruling Council, who usually accompanied her, had been avoiding the house like the plague. Her family’s relentless requests for favors, matchmaking schemes, and their general sense of entitlement had driven away everyone she relied on.

"So, Liana," Beatrice began, her voice laced with false innocence, "is there anything you’d like to share with us? Anything… interesting?"

Liana’s smile remained fixed, though it was growing increasingly strained. "I’m not sure what you mean, Aunt. I’ve been very busy with work."

Beatrice’s eyes narrowed ever so slightly, her patience clearly thinning. "I’m talking about the gathering, dear. The one at the Alpha King’s court. We’ve heard that you’ve received an invitation."

Liana blinked, surprised by their knowledge but determined not to show it. "Yes, I have. The gathering is in a month."

Beatrice’s smile widened, though her eyes glinted with something less pleasant. "And who will you be taking with you, dear?"

"Why don't you first tell me how you found out about the gathering?" Liana raised her brows. "That information was confidential. If the King were to find out that outsiders were aware of it..."

Liana didn't finish the thought. She stared at each of the people around her. Some of them gulped guiltily, while others avoided her eyes all together. But most of them glanced avertly at Eddie, who was fixedly observing his shoes.

So the bastard saved his ass exchanging gossip.

"Alright," Liana nodded. "Uncle Eddie, how did Stephen find out?"

"He did not!" Eddie defended his son immediately. "He just saw a letter fallen at the reception, so he just read it. How was he supposed to know that it was confidential?"

"Right," Liana snorted. "He found the letter that was clearly addressed to me and read it, a letter that was so important that I immediately had it locked in my office vault."

"W-what?" Eddie was trembling now. What a coward. "No, he really found it discarded in the garden-"

"Settle on a solid story before you lie to me," Liana snapped. "As per the non-disclosure agreement that Stephen had signed, neither is he allowed to touch or deal with any posts or letters addressed to higher authority, nor is he allowed to disclose any of the company's or pack's secrets to those unemployed by the pack. Find a new job for him."

"Wait, Liana!" Eddie rushed to her side and held her hand. Liana his her disgust at his sweaty palms clenching onto her. "We're family! He's young, don't do this to your cousin! Are you really such an ingrate-"

"Shut up!" Liana growled.

Suddenly, a surge of power swept over the people, rattling the windows and shaking the chairs. The bonfire blazed brighter, sparks leaping onto the carpet. Eyes widened and jaws dropped as they stared between the blazing bonfire and Liana's scowl.

The wrath of an Alpha.

"Your family was the poorest in the extended family, and I've helped you for three years with your gambling debts and your son's incompetence." Eddie's faced paled as the others gasped. "How dare you, a man with no actual balls," abrupt choking sounds erupted around them, "call me an ingrate?"

Eddie stuttered, caught in a dilemma between defending himself against his family, and begging Liana for mercy.

Liana, still maintaining her composure, casually returned to the initial topic, "I’m planning to take Lucian and four members of the Ruling Council. It’s important to have formidable wolves with me, given the nature of the event."

A heavy silence fell over the room, tension crackling in the air. Liana could feel the weight of their disappointment, shock and indignation, but she was prepared for what came next. She just had to give them a moment to consider whether they wanted to focus on the gathering, or Eddie, who was standing as still as a statue.

Her uncle Henry, usually quiet, spoke up, his voice carefully measured. "Liana, have you considered… perhaps taking some family members with you instead? We could provide excellent company, and it would be a great opportunity for the younger ones."

Before Liana could respond, several of the men in the family chimed in, their voices overlapping as they eagerly volunteered themselves. Eddie stood awkward and mortified, as the rest forgot about him and indulged their own fantasies.

"I’d be honored to accompany you, Liana," one of her cousins said, puffing out his chest as if already imagining himself at the Alpha King's court.

"Think of the protection we could provide!" another added, his voice full of self-importance.

The women were no less enthusiastic. Liana’s Aunt Clara leaned forward, her eyes alight with a calculating gleam. "You really should consider taking your unmarried cousins of age. Such a gathering would be a perfect opportunity for them to find good matches, perhaps even among the high-ranking wolves in the Alpha King’s kingdom."

"Exactly!" another woman exclaimed. "The prospects would be endless, and it would be such a shame to waste this opportunity."

Her relatives argued amongst themselves, each trying to convince her of their suitability to accompany her. Voices rose, and hands gestured wildly as they fought for her attention.

"But I’m her closest cousin! She’ll take me!" one of the women insisted, glaring at another.

"You? Please, you’d be a disaster at court! Liana needs someone with charm and experience," her aunt retorted, not even bothering to hide her disdain.

"I’ve trained with the warriors," one of the men declared, trying to sound authoritative. "I’d be the perfect choice to protect her."

Liana sat there, feeling amused at their arguments. All she had wanted was to crawl into bed and escape this madness, but they had refused let her go that easily. Now, perhaps this discord was worth witnessing.

Finally, unable to bear it any longer, Liana raised her voice. "Enough!"

The room fell silent, the arguing ceasing abruptly as they all turned to look at her in surprise. Liana took a deep breath, trying to gather the last shreds of her patience.

"I understand your enthusiasm," she said, her voice steady but firm. "But this is a serious matter, and the decision has already been made. I will be taking Lucian and members of the Ruling Council. They are the most qualified to assist me in this."

"But, Liana—" Beatrice started, but Liana cut her off.

"No. This is not up for debate." Liana’s gaze swept over the room, meeting each of their eyes in turn. "I appreciate your concern, but my decision is final."

The silence that followed was thick with unspoken frustration and disappointment, but Liana didn’t waver. She stood up, her resolve hardening.

"If you’ll excuse me, I have work to do," she said, her tone leaving no room for argument.

As she turned to leave, she could feel their eyes on her. But she didn’t look back. She had a month to prepare for the gathering, and she needed to focus on what truly mattered.

Suddenly, she had a thought. She turned her face to the side and smiled. "I think I can take one of you, though."

The air tingled with anticipation. Her relatives eagerly leaned forward, and Liana smirked. "But I am not too familiar with your achievements. Why don't you lot decide which person deserves the privilege of accompanying me, and tell me your answer tomorrow?"

With a toss of her lush red hair, Liana climbed up the stairs and entered her bedroom, locking the door firmly behind her.

The noise was worse now, with screeches and yells echoing around the house as her relatives tore each other to shreds. But Liana was relaxed as she stripped to her silken pyjamas and washed up before slipping between her sheets.

They wanted to freeload on her? They had to first see if they were worthy of it.