Chapter 7- Weird and somehow enticing

Hunter’s POV 

The hot weather was becoming too scorching for my wrinkled body as I managed to lift my body up from under the laburnum tree that served as a shade to the sun and made my way out of the garden. I was struck with this uneasy feeling like someone was watching me from the castle even when I stopped to check, I wasn't able to see anything from those tinted windows.

As I moved out of the garden, it dawned on me that Hades' mate had arrived with the ripples of energy bouncing through the castle. Even though I was weak and dying, one of the blessings of being an Alpha was to still be sensitive to the way the pack responds to a new member. 

I had faint memories of her from their pack event I attended years ago but no real knowledge of her personality. Knowing that she came from a destitute and ancient pack, she was probably meek and submissive. Exactly what Hades would like. 

I hated the cringing thought of another woman taking over Hera’s duties and title. I lifted my bowed head and stared at the sky not knowing if Hera could hear me from where she was, as I whispered in a low tone “I’m sorry mate, Hades had gotten someone else to carry over your duties and title.” 

The sun was starting to set, bathing the whole place in a soft golden light, and the woods beyond the castle were full of bird songs and chirping insects saying goodbye to the day. With a groan, I hauled myself back to my feet and headed back to the castle following the back entrance, a side door that opened up to the scullery and the washroom. 

The sweet aroma of grilled chicken, ramen soup, and toasted cheese filled the air but still it wasn't enough to revive my dead appetite. As I moved deeper into the house I heard a low murmuring of voices from the dining room, so I dragged myself in the direction stopping at the large doorway to lean against the door frame. 

I noticed that the pack members who lived in the castle had chosen a table at the end of the dining section. But when I was the Alpha they practically wrestled with each other to be the one to sit closest to me. But now, they all looked like they were scared of being in the same room with Hades. I was even surprised that Hades had not stopped them from eating in the dining room and ordered them to eat in the kitchen like omegas. My eyes roamed to the head table where Hades sat in my former chair with his beta Lucas, some of the council elders, and finally a young woman, whom I believe was Alpha Jones' daughter. 

I found myself trying to study the woman seated at the right hand of Hades from my hidden place. She kept twirling her chopstick inside her ramen soup but never lifted it to her lips. She stared out the window as though she were lost in her world, allowing me to observe her features. Her emerald green eyes complemented her blond wild curly hair that cascaded down her back. Her pink full lips were pulled into a tight lip frown and her smooth, luminous, and porcelain skin glittered like polished glass. For some reason, I couldn't find the will to tear my eyes away from her. Her beauty was enthralling and captivating.  She seemed to sense that I was staring at her and turned her head towards my direction, her emerald green orbs holding me hostage. The effects of her eyes made me stumble half backward, though I lost my balance but I still couldn't drop my gaze. 

All of a sudden I felt dizzy, and held the door for support to keep me from falling. I closed my eyes involuntarily and managed to steady myself. I opened my eyes to see that she looked worried, her lips were parted slightly and she had stopped twirling with her chopstick. For a moment time itself seemed to have stopped as I drank in her enthralling beauty. How could someone look so innocent and alluring? 

The loud banging of Hades' goblet pulled us apart from the enchanting gaze spell. She jumped in fright, dropping her chopstick and causing it to drop on the floor. She looked away from me, turning her attention back to Hades, and I felt this painful churn somewhere deep in my heart. It was as if something was snatched away from me. I moved away from the door to the hallway until I could no longer see the goddess of beauty sitting beside my stepson. 

Sadly, I climbed the stairs and used the railing to pull myself upwards on shaky legs. When I got to the last floor, I held the wall for balance as I continued walking down to my chamber, almost falling to my face as I hurriedly pushed the door open. Dust specks danced in the dim light that spilled in from the hallway. I stopped immediately and sniffed the dusty air, my heightened smell noticing something different. 

I caught the faintest whiff of a sweet smell, enticing soft floral like lavender and vanilla on a rainy day. It was unfamiliar and yet it stirred something in my memory, the sense of longing was overwhelming. My wolf stirred too, shifting restlessly in my mind.This whole feeling was weird and somehow enticing. I moved out of my chamber, and stared at the door opposite mine which was Hera’s chamber before she passed. I moved my hand to the handle and twisted it but the knob refused to yield as the door was firmly locked. 

I bent down a bit and peeped through the keyhole and that was when I perceived that enticing scent again. I roared and swore loudly, hitting the door with my palm as a new wave of pain jolted through me. What the fuck was Hades thinking putting his future wife in Hera’s chamber?

Was he trying to mock my pain or just being plain mean and heartless?