61: Some truths and some pain

*Everly*

As I follow Manson down the hallway, with Raphael and Stephan behind me, I realize how differently I view this residence now. Once I considered it my home, but I understand now that it was my father who made it a home, not the walls, the portraits, the furniture or the decorative pieces, although there seem to be far less of those now. I wonder how many items Orley has sold to relieve his debts.

When we walk into the library, Orley jumps out of his chair and hurries around his desk. “My Alpha, Beta Raphael, sirs, this is an unexpected surprise”.

I can't help but notice how he ignored me.

“You know Miss Everly, do you not ?” The Alpha asks.

Orley's face turns mottled red. “Yes, of course”.

“You would be remiss not to greet her as well”. Stephan says in a tone that is clearly a demand.

He gives me a perfunctory nod. “Miss Everly”.

“My Alpha. May I say that you are not looking well these days ?” He had lost weight, much like me after the death of my father. His skin ha