Behind the smiles

The presence of Lucian in the castle only made it uncomfortable and unbearable for me, I'm doing everything I can to avoid both Lucian and his said mate but it seems impossible as Stella wants to be everywhere around me…

At first I was glad Aurelia’s mum hates her but No she doesn't, she was only doing that to instill fear. 

Stella's name was the last thing I heard before going to bed every night and it's the first thing I hear when I open my eyes in the morning. 

Silver couldn't stop gushing over her, telling me every details on what makes her pretty and how she's such a good mother to their son. 

My own son! 

She's like a paid investigator, watching Stella's move secretly. The only difference between her and an investigator is that she's not getting paid and I don't need to hear her research answers. 

I don't need news of that snake. 

“What's wrong, Lia?” I jumped at his voice, dropping the fake sword I was sparring with. I was so lost in thought I forgot the environment I was in. Completely lost in my own world. 

When James said we should sneak off to train this morning, I was so happy. It was like I was going to my favourite candy spot, I needed to get my mind off thing especially when I'm in the same house as my son but I couldn't hold him. 

I watch him call someone else mother and love on her while I'm sitting right there with them. 

Stella was born to torture me, to ruin me__ no doubt! 

“Yes, I'm fine. I just got lost”

“Lost in what?” I eyed me suspiciously, wanting me to spill whatever is bothering me. 

I feel more secure and at peace around James, even more safe when I found out he's not on good terms with Aidan and Lucian. Especially Lucian, he's like his sworn enemy. 

It was as if I had found a companion and partner in crime, I was glad someone felt something that isn't love for those people aside me. 

I know hate us a strong word but even that don't qualify what I feel for the three of them. 

“Just random thoughts” I tried to shrug him off but he was adamant. 

Aidan?” He dropped his sword, pulling me to the bench in the underground. 

"Is he still treating you that?” He questioned. Now I'm confused, treating Aurelia like what?. 

“My offer still stands you know? Why don't you take it?” My eyes search his for hints but nothing, all I saw was anger and pain. 

Is this the part where I ask him what offer he's talking about? 

I thought to myself, asking him will raise suspicion? 

I facepalmed myself as if think about it but he was patiently waiting for my answer when I look up, his eyes show genuine concerns and eagerness to hear my answer. 

"You know what, I'm not rushing you. If you're still unsure on what your next move should me but I'm here for you whenever you are ready. I'll support whatever decision you choose, just like before” 

He said the last one with sadness and low voice. 

I nodded like a child that's just been scolded, so far I can say James is one if my favorite person in this pack. 

“Why won't you see him?” James raised his brow at me. 

“Why don't you want to meet with Lucian? You guys use to be so close so what happen?” I rested my hand on my waist and I wait for his answer, at first his express turn sour with his fist tight so much that his knuckles turned white. 

“That's the end of our training today. Be careful on your way back as I won't be escorting you today”

With that he disappeared becomes I could even say jack, leaving my mouth wide opened. 

I got the information from my personal maid. She said they were like twins since they could remember and about two years ago, James disowned Lucian as his brother after a visit to his pack. 

Nobody know what transpired between them but now they don't even see eye to eye and would do anything not to be in the same space. 

I walked like a man out of our secret training ground, Thankfully, I didn't meet anyone on my way back. 

I rushed to my room, I rushing to take off my training clothes off and hide them where nobody will find them. 

I folded them neatly, placing them in the hidden safe in my dressing room, the back of my hand felt something hard. Something that's not there since I started keeping my clothes there, my sixth sense kicked in when I grabbed what was there. 

A journal! 

A journal with Aurelia's name imprinted on the cover. 

My hand traced the name on the cover softly with a heavy heart, a familiar feeling I can't place. 

I opened the pages and the first one was a picture of Lucian. 

I snarled at the image

Curiosity got the best of me and I sat on the floor,as I flipped through the pages with different emotions. 

But the page that ruined me was the one I never expected. 

Aidan!.