Chapter 52 Philosophical Thinking
GAEL’S POV
Beta Ezekiel looks like he is a few feet away from the grave. It’s not like he is too young to leave, no offense. But then, I didn’t expect an ordinary shove to take him down. Throughout the night, I couldn’t stop thinking of Nia’s reaction to my rejection of our brewing closeness. I can’t tell if I am hurt or angered by her disrespect. All the same, this is a new day, and I plan to forget that she ever existed.
“How are you doing, Beta?” I asked. He didn’t look pleased to see me, just like always. I guess it’s the reason behind his pretentious close to death appearance. Like that would put a stop to Gemma’s longing for me. Not even a potential suitor will keep me away.
“I am getting better, thank you. I think it is time for Ezra to assume his position as your Beta. I want to take this as a means to retire.” He said.
I nodded, folding my hands. “Sure, I can tell you need the rest, too. I apologize for whatever inconvenience serving the pack this long must have caused you. I will put all the necessary things in place.”
“I hope you will consider leaving Gemma too.”
Ezekiel added. He just had to ruin the moment.
“I heard my name,” Gemma mumbled from behind, pausing when her eyes met mine.
Her face flushed, and she tucked her loose hair behind her ear. “I am sorry, I didn’t know you were here.”
I smirked inwardly, and this should be fun. “I guess I will take my leave now. I will discuss your request with the council tomorrow. Do take care of yourself.” I mused about leaving. I didn’t quite reach the car before Gemma came dashing behind me.
“Baby, are you still angry with me?” She asked, turning down her voice to a seductive one. Please give it to Gemma as the best player in the game. She knows just what to do to make any man melt away. But I am not just anyone. I am a master player myself.
I turned to her and held a stern look. “What do you mean? How do you expect me to feel when your father is so against me.”
“That is because he thinks you don’t care about me.”
I inhaled deeply, trying to think if I cared about her. Sincerely, I wouldn’t wish for anything to go wrong with her. I would have preferred to keep Gemma a bit away from me. However, I can’t risk leaving my best life with the half-breed’s influence. With Gemma back in the loop, I get reminded of who I am.
“I do care for you. But you know the end game to this.”
“I don’t care!” She exclaimed, taking a closer step towards me. “All that matters is you, Gael. As long as I am by your side, I am fine with it.”
“What about your dad?”
“He will come around eventually, or maybe he never will.”
“I have no problem taking you back. But you have to be nicer to your parents from now on. They are only just looking out for you.”
She nodded quickly, “I will. Does this mean I can come by the pack house now?”
“Yes, baby.” My response didn’t hit the ground before she jumped at me, placing wet kisses on my face. “Alright, that’s enough. We are still in your parents’ house.” I cautioned, lifting her off me.
“I have missed you so much.” She cooed, holding on to me.
I hummed in response, snapping my finger. “That reminds me; I have a present for you.” I mused. Opening the car door, I brought out the gift intended for Nia. “Here you go.”
Gemma giggled like a child as she unwrapped it eagerly. Inside the box was a bracelet that I carefully picked. It was the most beautiful jewelry I have ever set my eyes on. I envisioned Nia wearing it, and now that Gemma has it on, it doesn’t seem to fit as perfectly as I had imagined it would be on Nia.
“Oh, my goodness, baby. It is so beautiful. I knew you were always so thoughtful and kind. I love you so much.” She blabbed, kissing me again.
I must admit that it feels good to be appreciated. It wasn’t such a bad idea to hand it over. I hate that I went all out for someone I know little about. I am so not going to let myself get swayed like that again.
“I have to go now, baby. See you later.” I muttered, kissing her.
Ezra stepped out of the house just in time. He had that annoying, judgmental look on his face that he always wears whenever he sees Gemma and me together. She pushed past him after a spiteful stare-down. Hate lives here.
“Don’t look so jealous. I will get you something, too.” I teased.
“You disgust me.” He retorted, getting into the car.
I did the same, putting on my seatbelt. “For someone that disgusts you, you shouldn’t ride with me.”
“I needed a driver for the day. You should do me the honors.”This belongs © NôvelDra/ma.Org.
“Only for today. Since you will be the new Beta, I should do you this favor and drive you into the woods.”
He blinked, unbothered. “Then we would take a chariot ride to meet the goddess. Just the two of us.”
“Asshole!” I snorted out a laugh.
“Perry returned last night. I am so glad she came by.” Ezra said.
“That’s cool. Where is Perry, then? I didn’t see her in the house.”
“She would be staying at Nia’s. And I think I like it that way. Perry and Gemma in the same room will cause a wild storm. I don’t think any of us is ready for that.” 
“I bet they aren’t.” I huffed, turning the car onto the road that leads straight to the pack house. “Do you think I am unhappy, Ezra?” I know I shouldn’t be asking such a question; however, for some reason, it sticks with me. Ezra tilted his head to the side, looking at me. “Don’t be a bastard,” I warned.
He laughed, sitting upright. “I wish I could answer that right for you, Gael. All I know is you might be able to tend to your true emotions someday and stop trying so hard to shut them out. It doesn’t make you weak. It just implies that you are strong enough to embrace your shortcomings.”
I kissed my teeth, “I hate it when you go all philosophical.”
He raised his hands in surrender. “Don’t blame me. You asked.”
“What are you doing after the day’s work?”
“I will be hanging out with Perry and Nia. Why don’t you join us?” Ezra offered.
At the mention of Nia, something struck my heart. “Why would I want to be around the half-breed? That’s an insult to my person. There is no need to worry, and I will be throwing a mini party for my concubines to keep me entertained.”
Ezra yawned drowsily, “You could have easily responded yes or no. You just had to narrate the story of your life, which is boring.”
“You should be thankful I don’t have a replacement for you as the Beta. I would have executed you here and now.”
“I am so honored by your kindness, your highness.” He snickered.
“I hate how easily you get on my nerves.”
“It’s what I live for.” He retorted, getting out of the car the minute I packed. I am glad he took the initiative; I wouldn’t like to have a wolf’s blood on my hands so early in the day.