ALPHA: THE PUPPETEER

CHAPTER VI: BIASED JUDGEMENT

Dominique

Ugh. I don’t want to leave the house.

“Come on, Nique, hurry up!” Gab shouted from the first floor. “I don’t want to! Just leave without me!” I shouted back, putting the pillow up my face and covered my ears with it. He’s disturbing my sleep for crying out loud.

“Nique! On the count of there, I’ll come there!” he threatened. “Then count!” Why can’t he just leave alone? If he wanted peace during their ‘walk in the Azure Hills’, he should leave me!

“One!” Quit sounding like a grandpa! I tightened my hold in my pillow. Give me a break! “Two!” I removed my pillow and sit. “Three!” Annoyed, I threw my pillow in my closed door.

Soon, I heard a growl, followed by loud footsteps that makes small vibrations on the floor. “What the hell, Gab!” And just like I expected, a wolf burst through my door and broke it to pieces, his glaring eyes and sharp fangs directed at me.

“You broke my door!” I said. “And my pillow!” My eyes went to my pillow that looked small compared to his paws, now shattered into bits and the cotton it had inside was already flat and scattered.

With a growl, he shifted back to his human form and walked towards me. And without saying anything, he yanked me out my bed and carried me like a sack of potato. “Put me down! Hey!”

But no matter how much I struggled, his grasp didn’t falter and he just continued walking away my room that now has no door to open and close. What’s more, huge, sharp thorns formed behind us, growing whenever he step on it.

Ugh, he used his ability to make sure I won’t escape! Even with them not from an official ruler bloodline, Uncle creating the Wrights Union made the Moon Goddess bestow them a gift: the ability to control the Earth.

It’s not the time to be amazed, Dominique! “I don’t want to go!” I shouted and kept squirming, causing for him to let out a groan and put me down, the two of us now standing in front of the stairs.

Seeing this as my chance to escape, I tried to run. But before I can even reach two steps, that bastard who calls me his ‘sister’ just pushed me off the stairs. “I don’t want to go!!” My voice echoed in the whole place as I fell.

But I landed in a soft, marshmallow-like cushion, all credits in his ability to modify anything that is connected with the Earth. “Why do I need to be there?! You can just go and do it like a future rulers’ meeting or something!” I don’t want to see him!

 Gab just smirked and jumped, landing on a soft cushion-like ground as well. “Beat me first then.” He said, then formed a fist and looked at me with smug eyes. Ugh. His childishness sometimes is out of control.

“Fine.” I glared ta him and formed a fist as well. “If I win, you will shut up, repair my door, and let me stay at home while you enjoy your day with those strangers.” He just smirked, making me frown.

Rock…Paper…Scissors…shoot!

And that’s it, my fate was decided. “Hah! Now go fix yourself. I’ll wait outside the house.” He said, waving his opened palm, that paper figure that defeated my stupid rock. Why do I have to go?

“Fine. Whatever.” I muttered and walked upstairs. “If I’ll cause a problem later on, I expect you to help me get out of that mess, okay?” I asked, not even bothering to turn and look at the guy I’m talking with.

“It’s not like you’ll cause a trouble without any valid reason.” His response was followed by his snap, making the thorns he grew on the second floor’s floor to disappear, making it look like what it was before.

With a sigh, I jogged up towards my room. It must be handy to have the ability to control the Earth. I thought as I saw my dark oak door back to normal. What’s more, he added designs in my already catchy door and added my name on it: Sis Nique.

I smiled. Fine. If going with you will make you happy then okay, brother. I hurried up to my room and quickly went to my closet, seeing series of clothes that varies from blouses, shirts, skirts, dresses, short and pants.

Jeez. I can’t pick the right clothes to wear. I scanned my closet and tried to look for anything that isn’t to simple, but isn’t too over-styled. Something that fits my taste. Are you dressing up for our mate? You can pick a dress so you can be feminine!

I frowned after hearing Emilia shamelessly enter my thoughts and suggest things that doesn’t fit my taste. Ignoring her, I decided to just shut up and continue looking at my clothes, hoping that I can see a good outfit.

If you don’t want a dress, you can wear shorts! Don’t always wear pants because it’s okay to show some skin sometimes. That’s it, Emilia’s been talking too much. Emilia, I know you’re just trying to help, but you’re not helping.

I rolled my eyes and continued scanning my clothes. And when I realized something, I froze. Wait. I stared at the clothe sin front of me. I know I’m going to the Azure for Gab, but why am I getting so worked up in picking clothes? Anything would be fine in the first place.

That’s because you want to look presentable in front of our mate! Emilia answered, giving me the reason that I don’t want to acknowledge. Aww, don’t deny it! I know that you already know the answer in your question, Dom.

Shaking my head, I took the white blouse that my hand’s currently touching. Then I picked up the denim shorts that’s near me. No I’m not. I’m just in the mood to dress up. Even so, Emilia just chuckled, annoying me because of it.

Just get this over with, Dominique. Just do it. With a deep breath, I changed my clothes, ignoring, or maybe, tried ignoring Emilia’s bubbliness as she tried to give suggestion on how will I look ‘pretty’ in front of our-her mate.

After a few minutes, I am finally done and now I’m staring at my own reflection. My golden eyes complimenting the shade of the flower clip I put on my left, making my reddish wavy hair that’s almost up to my waist look, ugh. Cuter.

See, I told you you’ll be pretty! Emilia cheered despite the frown I have on my face. Satisfied? I asked, making me hear her happy yips and feel her excitement through my body. Now that you’re good, stop pestering me, okay?

Finally, since I granted two of her wishes, the shorts and the clip, she calmed down and just let me live in peace. Shaking my head, I took my bag that’s resting on top of my table before looking at my own reflection once again.

“I look okay, right?” I asked myself, still uncomfortable with wearing clips and shorts. If uncle didn’t asked Miss Rhian, Ellen’s mom, to pick up materials for me, I wouldn’t have things like girly clips and clothes.

“I’m not used with this.” I frowned. “Nah, you look good.” Surprised, I looked my door and saw that Gab’s standing there, leaning by the doorframe. With a glare, I put my bag’s strap on my right shoulder and marched towards him.

“How many times do I have to tell you that you need to knock?” I asked causing for a smug look to appear in his face, smirking at me as he scanned me from head to toe. “No offense but, you really can be girly if you want to.”

“Shut up.” I walked past him and started walking towards the stairs. But of course, with Gabbey being Gabbey he jogged and caught up to me. “Hey, that one dude with two different eye colors is your mate, isn’t he?”

I stopped. What should I respond? While I’m having mental crisis, he laughed. “Called it.” He said, causing for me to lift up my gaze and glare at the guy who’s looking at me with a teasing expression.

“When you glared at me after calling that pretty boy rude, I have a feeling you’re his mate.” He said, making me roll my eyes and just walk away. “Don’t worry, you look beautiful!”

“SHUT UP!” I turned around and pulled my clip away before throwing it at him. But he caught it, making me glare at him before turning around, frowning as I ran downstairs. See?! This is why I don’t want to follow your suggestions, Emilia!

That she-wolf just laughed. You’re really not helping me at all! Again, that good for nothing Emilia just laughed at me, making my annoyance grew more as I heard no actual response from the wolf that won’t stop pestering me unless I do what she wants.

Once I reached the end of the stairs, I was about to took another step towards the door when the floor raised and created a huge wall in front of me, preventing me to escape. “Come on, Nique, don’t be a crybaby!”

Gab laughed, making me turn around to look at the guy who slid by the stair’s railings. “I’m just kidding, okay?” he chuckled, then he attempted to put the clip back to my hair, which made me back away and glare more at him.

“Don’t let your hair have no clips or ponytails, sis.” He said, then attempted to put the clip again. But this time, I didn’t move an inch and just glared at the guy who busied himself in attaching the clip back to my hair.

“There, perfect.” He stood up proud and looked at me with a wide smile. “That’s my sister for you.” He winked. And with is playfulness, the annoyance I had with him vanished as a smile made me on my lips. Dang, brother.

“Why is there a wall here?” As soon as we heard uncle’s voice, the sound of him snapping his finger followed, causing for the wall to be gone and for us to see uncle standing in front of us, with his left hand carrying two, full grocery bags.

He looked at us, or at me, with surprised eyes. “Whoa. Where are you going?” he asked. Gab smiled and put his arm around me. “Guess what, dad.” He smirked, making me shake my head as I knew what’s about to happen next.

“What? My girl got confessed at? Or is she going on a date?” Called it. There goes his overprotectiveness. He walked towards the couch and put the grocery bags there, then walked towards us, stopping a few steps in front of us.

“And you’re supporting her?” he asked, frowning at his son as he looked ta him disappointedly. I badly want to laugh. “You know that she shouldn’t go with anyone else besides her mate, right?” he scolded.

If it’s not me that they’re talking about, I already burst in laughter. “Dad, chill.” Gab chuckled, then pointed at me. I know what’ll happen. “My sister who let her cute, long, reddish hair to be decorated with this cute flower, already found her mate.”

Called it. Again. “SHE WHAT?!” Uncle looked at us with wider eyes, if that’s possible. “Who is he? What does he look like? How old is he? Where is he liv-” Gab pushed me to walk as he let out a loud laugh, interrupting uncle’s words.

“Calm down dad. If he’ll go in our meeting place, we’ll see him again.” He said, making him nod slowly as he looked at me seriously. “Even if you have your mate already, don’t let him mark you without knowing each o-”

“Yes uncle. I won’t.” I smiled then saluted at him before dragging Gab towards the door. “We’re going now!” I shouted, waving my free hand up in the air and turned around to look at my surprised father-like figure.

“I swear he has favoritism between us.” Gab chuckled, making me smile and just shake my head at my family’s antics. “Now go and transform, my loyal wolf!” I stated, imitating a strict, Luna.

“As you wish, your highness.” Gab replied, playing along with me, making me laugh as I watched him turn into a gorgeous reddish wolf appeared in front of me. He then looked at me and moved his head, gesturing for me to hop on.

After properly sitting, Gab readied himself to go for a run. And just was when he was about to go and dash away, Emilia’s voice surprised me, causing for me to gasp and hold his fur, stopping him from his tracks. Don’t! Your hair will get ruined!

Gab moved his head back, asking what’s wrong. “Nothing.” I said, then patted his soft fur. “Emilia’s just worried for my hair if you’ll run fast.” I said, followed by a chuckle. Understanding me, he started our journey with a slow pace, almost like a lion giving his cub a tour.

But we won’t get to the Azure Hills on time at this rate. I said, countering Emilia’s suggestion. I took my ponytail that’s above my wristband and removed my clips, tying half of my hair before putting the clip back.

I tapped his fur. “It’s okay Gab, you can go for a run now My hair is safe.” Taking my words, Gab moved his head in a nodding manner before positioning himself for a run. Grabbing his fur, I le myself be one with the wind as he ran fast.

No! Your hair! Emilia complained, but received no response from me who’s enjoying the view and the coolness of the wind. I prefer it more if the wind is icy. I said, smiling as I lifted my hand feel the wind brushing past my hand.

Make it cooler then. Emilia suggested, causing for my smile to be replaced by a frown before lowering my hand. I don’t care. I don’t know how to do it anyway. I shrugged. You’re lying.

With silence, I let myself stay occupied in looking around the woods. A few minutes after, we finally reached the Azure Hills.

I got out of his back and watched him transform, brushing his shirt clean and fixed it, trying to look descent. “Let’s go?” he asked, smiling teasingly at me as he offered his arm for me to hold on to.

I laughed. “As you wish.” I played along. Don’t stay in negative thoughts. You can he happy if you want to. “From what pack?” the guard asked, looking at us mockingly for he already knew who we are.

Don’t start a fight, Dom. Emilia reminded. Shut it. You don’t care about what I’ll do. “We’re from the Wrights Union, sir.” Gab smiled, putting his other hand on mine that’s on his right arm, slightly squeezing it.

I won’t fight. Don’t treat me like a baby. Even if I know that Emilia and Gab just wanted the best for me, I just can’t shake my annoyance off. They can’t blame me for being annoyed by this pesty wolves trying to act high and mighty.

“So you’re female warrior can look like a delicate princess too, huh?” the guard asked, looking at me with a smirk as he scanned me from head to toe. Ew, Disgusting. “Maybe if you’re not a rogue, your beauty is already famous in Azure-”

Gab walked forward and purposely bumped his shoulder. “Oops. The gate’s too small for us rogues to fit in when there’s a garbage blocking the way.” He smirked, looking at the guard with sharp eyes that can easily intimidate anybody.

Having nothing to say, the guard just let us pass. “On the other hand, you can stay and just wear normal shirts and ripped jeans.” He said, giving me a small smile which made me sigh.

“You’re cool back then.” I beamed, making him grin widely and walk with a proud expression. “You know, dad’s right.” He said, then looked at me before chuckling. What is he talking about?

“He told me before, when it’s just a week after we found you, that no matter how tough you’ll act, you’re still a girl.” Gab said, smiling softly as he turned to look at the road. “And that I should protect you at all cost, especially when you decided to become a lady.”

Uncle really is treating me like a baby. “In short, he told you to be my bodyguard.” I teased, making him sigh. “Unfortunately.” He said with a sad tone, causing for u sto erupt in laughter after a few seconds of silence.

But again, since we’re not welcomed here, the townspeople looked at us with either disgust or a glare, all looking pissed to see us rogues to be having fun. Now this is the real unfortunate thing. Don’t they have their own lives to focus on?

“Ignore them.” Gab whispered, causing for my eyes who’s busy glaring back at the people to look at him who’s just looking up ahead of us, acting like none of the treatments we received bothered him at all.

Fine. It’s not like you won’t get caught in trouble too if I’ll make a mess here. As we continued walking, I tried my best to not be affected by the way they look at us. No matter how much I wanted to stop walking and give them a piece of my mind, I controlled myself and did it for his sake.

Soon, we reached the center of the Azure Hills, the plaza. Since we’re already a few minutes late because I delayed dour time when I kept on saying that I won’t go, the three of them we’re already there.

“Hi guys!” Gelli, just like before, welcomed us with an enthusiastic smile. “It’s just been hours since we saw each other but I missed you already!” she chuckled, the engulfed me in a hug.

“You look cuter and prettier than you already are, Domi!” she squealed, confusing me. “What do you mean? And Domi? Seriously?” I frowned, looking at the beaming girl like she just stated the most wrong word in the world.

“I mean, the shorts emphasized you long legs and your clip made your hair brighter.” She smiled. “You look so pretty That’s what I meant.” She added, bringing a small smile on my face.

“Hearing a beautiful princess tell me that, makes me feel like it’s true.” I said, making her chuckle. “Then believe it because it’s true. Right guys?” she asked, then turned to look at the guys including Gab, who seemed to warmed up to each other as well.

“Yep. She’s cuter when she’s more feminine looking.” Kaiden said. “But she’s pretty no matter what she wears.” Gabbey bragged, ten looked at Jaxson with a teasing smile. “Right?”

Psh. As if he’ll answer. I thought. But you’re waiting for his answer though. Emilia said, shocking me. But what shocked me more is the fact that he nodded. HE. NODDED. Dom look!!!

Yes I know I can see. I replied, trying to sound as calm as I can. Why am I flustered? I kind of feel happy when he nodded. “See that, Nique?” Gab asked, giving me a smirk which made me roll my eyes.

“It’s getting hot here, let’s just go.” I said, causing for Gelli to chuckle. “Yep. She’s already red from the sun so we should start or tour now.” She said, making me glare at her but she just winked and pulled me to walk with her.

I sigh. I guess this is much better rather than being stuck there. However, my relief of us starting the tour she herself suggested, faded when I saw them glaring at me, or faking a smile as their princess walks past them.

Talk about biased judgement.