"Behave," Rain instructed Melissa through their mind link, his tone firm yet playful. Annoyed by the command, she rolled her eyes dramatically and flicked her short brown hair in irritation. As they made their way across the room, the atmosphere shifted, and they entered the private dining area, a space reserved solely for the alpha's immediate family. They approached Rina and Rashon, who sat at the elegantly set table across from each other.
"She's like a cloud," Sapphire remarked to Seraphina, her voice low and laced with exasperation. "When it's not around, it's a beautiful sunny day."
"Who are you talking about?" Seraphina asked, her brow furrowing in curiosity.
"If I throw a stick, will she leave?" Sapphire replied, annoyance creeping into her voice. "She's always chasing after our Rain like an eager puppy, barely able to focus on anything else." Her frustration was palpable, layering the air with a mix of humor and exasperation.
Then came the high pitch nasal voice.
"Rina! I'm really sorry for taking my 'brother' out with me today and leaving you all alone. You're so incredibly nice and kind that I know you've already forgiven me," Melissa said with a cheerful laugh as she plopped down next to Seraphina at their table without asking for permission.
"I heard this place just opened, and they serve the most amazing desserts! I can't wait to try them!" Melissa continued, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she shared the latest gossip about the best treats on the menu.
Meanwhile, Zyrain glanced over at Rashon, seeking his approval before joining the group. After a brief pause, Rashon gave a reluctant nod, allowing Zyrain to slide into the seat beside him.
"She will bring everyone so much joy if she leaves the room," Sapphire remarked to Seraphina, her voice laced with a hint of exasperation. Sapphire glanced at the source of her frustration, "I'm heading back to sanctuary to find some peace. Just let me know when she's finally gone, okay?"
"Rina! Rina! Why aren't you listening to me?" Melissa exclaimed, her frustration bubbling over. She let out an exaggerated sigh, adopting a melodramatic tone as she continued, "Urrghhh!" She paused for a moment, pretending to wipe away invisible tears from her cheeks. "You're making me feel so sad," she lamented, her voice cracking slightly. With a heartbroken expression, she looked at Rina, her eyes wide and pleading. "Am I not important enough for you to lend even a listening ear?" Melissa asked, her voice softening in an attempt to convey her hurt feelings. Melissa tilts her head to Zyrain, "Rainrain, please... soothe me," she said earnestly, her face a perfect picture of distress and longing for attention.
Seraphina felt her heart plummet as the harsh accusations cut through her like a cold wind. Shocked and disheartened, she glanced at her husband, Zyrain, hoping to find reassurance in his eyes. However, instead of the comforting look she craved, she was met with a stark expression of anger that twisted his handsome features. His jaw clenched tightly, and he turned his gaze away from her, leaving her feeling utterly abandoned and vulnerable in her moment of need.
As Zyrain momentarily hesitated, his keen instincts urging him to rise and envelop Melissa in a comforting embrace, Rashon's voice abruptly shattered the fragile atmosphere. He stood up, his eyes narrowing as he registered the scene before him. Disgust curled his lip as he glared at Zyrain, his frustration unmistakable. "She's drunk and rambling nonsense," Rashon declared, bitterness lacing his words. His tone was sharp and domineering, a deliberate attempt to undermine any compassion Zyrain might offer. "Take her home and don't ruin my mood." In that instant, Rashon's commanding presence unfolded around him, an unseen force that crackled in the air, asserting his alpha authority. Zyrain felt it wash over him, a potent reminder of his subordinate role in their dynamic, compelling him to obey.
Rashon confidently made his way over to Seraphina, his posture tall and commanding as he extended his hand towards her. The afternoon sun bathed them in warm light, highlighting the confident set of his jaw and the intent in his eyes. In a voice that was steady yet soft, loud enough for both Melissa and Zyrain to hear, he remarked, "A dirty mutt is barking nonsense and ruining the mood. But more importantly, the Luna has mind-linked and has requested your presence. Let's go, Fifi."
Seraphina, with her long flowing hair cascading over her shoulders and a graceful demeanor, looked up at him, her deep eyes reflecting a mixture of amusement and understanding. Without bothering to glance back at Melissa and Zyrain, she placed her delicate hand in his, their fingers interlocking naturally. Together, they moved away from the group, their strides synchronized and fluid, as if they were part of a choreographed dance. As they walked, a subtle breeze picked up, rustling the leaves around them, further accentuating the sense of calm that surrounded them, contrasting sharply with the tension left in their wake.
Zyrain sat stiffly at the table, the elegant surroundings doing little to calm the tempest brewing inside him. The warm glow from the chandelier above highlighted his furrowed brow as he watched Rashon and Rina saunter out of the room, their laughter echoing in his ears like a mocking reminder of his humiliation.
Turning his focus to Melissa, he felt a surge of frustration rise within him. Her carefree demeanor enraged him even more; she had caused a significant rift in his standing by acting foolishly in front of the next alpha—a moment that could tarnish his reputation and jeopardize his future. The vibrant colors of the room, which typically brought him comfort, now felt suffocating. With a deep breath, Zyrain locked eyes with Melissa, his expression dark and unyielding. "You have no idea how much you will regret this, Lissa," he said, his voice dripping with tension. The confidence in his tone masked the uncertainty that gnawed at him. "Let's go home. I believe it's time for your punishment." As he spoke, the weight of his words hung heavily in the air, a promise of consequences that lingered between them.