Ch0004: Hidden Feelings

Rafeal_

The stunning, young woman in my hands is Dante's sister. We all grew up together and I practically took her as my own sister. The last time I saw her however was when she went off to college.

Now that she is back, all grown and even more beautiful than I can recall, it was surprising.

"Sophia, I've warned you severally. We are no longer kids. Don't just rush into any one's arms like that and expect to lifted up like when you were a child," Dante's disapproving voice came from behind.

Roberto and Ricardo laughed. "It's no big deal. We are siblings so of course we should carry our sister when she wants except that I don't someone is in a comfortable position to do that," the latter said and scowl appeared on Roberto's face.

He knew Ricardo was mocking his disability but that was how they teased each other so I didn't bother about them.

I pulled away from Sophia who seemed not to want to let go. Ignoring the little displeased pout that appeared on her face, I asked again, "When did you return? Why did you come here? You could have visited me at home."

"I know but I wanted to see you... all. I only just got back last night and couldn't wait."

I nodded, "Welcome. We should leave. It's not safe out here."

Before I knew it, she ran around the car and got in the second seat. Perplexed, I asked, "Didn't Dante bring his car?"

"Rafael, I want to go with with you. Dante's annoying. Wait, why does it seem like you didn't miss me like I missed you all?"

"Alright... Alright," I shrugged in approval before she began her tearful game.

When we were kids and she got into trouble, she got away without punishment most times by faking a cry.

"You can come with me and stay for as much as you want," I assured her as I ignited the car. Others already got into theirs and were making their way ahead of me when I overtook them.

"Rafael," Sophia giggled. "Do you guys still play race? That's so childish."

"They act childish not me. It doesn't mean I'll let them get home before me," I didn't take my eyes off the road as I spoke.

My brothers would make it a joke of the century if they get home before me.

* * *

I took a long bath as soon as we got home. I could hear their laughter in the sitting room as I descended down the stairs. But I headed to the kitchen instead.

A maid was in there and once she saw me, she bowed and quickly walked out. I was getting a cup of water when Sophia came in.

"Dante says you are getting married. Is that true?"

"Yes," I missed her expression as I drained the cup.

"Is she your mate?"

"No... Yes, my chosen mate."

"What?" Sophia looked strangely upset.

"Aren't you going to wait for your fated mate? Even so, if you want to take a chosen mate, why choose her instead? There are other suitable women here in our pack."

I shrugged, "She's suitable. Besides, their pack's got a good reputation. It is best for building more connections."

"That's it? So you will rather opt for a business marriage than the one for love?"

My eyes turned a bit cold. "I don't need love. Sophia, what's wrong with you? Why are you getting so worked up like those dumbasses in the sitting room? Shouldn't you be happy I'm getting married?"

She took in a deep breath and walked around the kitchen island. "You are right. I'm sorry," She held my hand. "I should be happy one of my brothers is finally breaking the chain of single hood. Congratulations."

She hugged me but I could still sense her anger and sadness. However, I returned the hug and she turned away.

'Why do I feel like Sophia isn't just upset us not getting married for love?' Raf voiced in my head and my brows furrowed but I couldn't think of anything so I just turned around to get another cup of water.

_______

Sophia_

As I walked away, I couldn't stop screaming inwardly. 'He is getting married!'

I was mad, sad and confused. I go to college for a short while and when I return, the only man I have loved for so many years is getting married.

At first, my heart sunk thinking he finally met his mate but it was otherwise. Now I'm upset that even though he resolve to settle for a chosen mate, why couldn't he choose someone from the pack?

Someone like me? Heck! If Rafael chooses me, I won't think twice before rejecting my fated mate in future. Can that woman do the same?

Why can't he just see me as a woman instead of the younger sister he's known while growing up?

No way... I'll have to find a way to stop the marriage. Even if she does get here, I'll make her life a living hell till she quits herself.

_______

Rafael_

I was getting bored and about to leave the sitting room when my last brother, Romeo walked into the room.

He smiled upon seeing Sophia and waved at her which she responded to with a forced smile. I wonder what's up with her.

'Romeo, where have you been?' I connected our mind link as you see, this brother of mine is a mute.

'Didn't they inform you? I had to deal with some business and oh, I received a call from dad.'

I waited for him to continue. Ricardo and Roberto probably already noticed us because they also connected to the mind link and heard his next words.

'Father will be visiting in some days with mother.'

'What? Father is coming! How's mother doing?' Roberto yelled in my head and I twitched, feeling tempted to block him out.

'Isn't she your mother also? Why don't you call her yourself and ask?' Romeo gave him a befitting response.

"Pfft!" Ricardo couldn't hold in his laughter.

"And that's our cue to leave," Dante stood to his feet. "Alpha, I'll get going now."

I nodded and Sophia stood reluctantly.

"Sophia, come by sometime. I've got a new cookie recipe that you'll love," Ricardo's words made her smile and nodded.

"Great. You'll be seeing more of me often."

When they left, we all turned our attention to Ricardo.

'Father said the strenuous journey is wearing mother's already weak body so they'll stop by for a while and also, he said even though his unfilial son didn't inform him, he wouldn't miss the biggest event in his life.'

All eyes turned to me and I facepalmed. Father knows I am going to Dark Moon's pack in a few days to get my bride.

It isn't meant to be a big ceremony, just the finalization of formal agreement and I bring her home.

But with father's presence, I doubt it would be low-key like I had envisioned.