Alpha Of Darkness And The Half-Breed Healer

NIA’S POV

A blush crept up my cheeks as I stared intently at the box of chocolate Ezra had gotten me. If he continues, I might fall head over heels in love with him. He is sweet and considerate, always showing up with goodies in hand whenever he comes to see me. Ezra and his sister make me feel alive like my world is complete. But it all fades away when none of them is nearby to assure me everything will be okay. I think I like Ezra, and I might want something beyond mere friendship with him; at the same time, I don’t feel deserving of him.

He deserves someone he can lean on. Someone to hold him up when he is down, and that implies a confident person for someone like Ezra, who has had to shoulder plenty of things growing up. He also needs to be pampered. I would love to be all of that for him, but I am too doubtful of myself. Also, what’s the assurance he desires me differently? He is probably just being nice because Perry asked him to. As sweet as that might sound, it makes me feel deflated. I want to be wanted for me, not just because I appear pitiful.

Shaking off the thoughts, I picked up a chocolate and chewed off some of it. Closing my eyes, I savored the taste and couldn’t help but moan in delight. It tastes like heaven. I wish he were here right now to see my reaction. He had brought it to me two days back. I had been too preoccupied to pay attention to it. Now that I have the time, I would love to share it with him. Chuckling to myself as a thought crossed my mind, I picked up my phone to video call him. He picked on the first ring.

“I think I won a jackpot.” He beamed, smiling beautifully.

I laughed lightly, “what? When was that?”

“Just now.”

“Really? What is it worth?”

“More than a diamond. Your call is a jackpot for me. I must have done something pleasing to the goddess to make you remember me.”

His words finally dawned, and I couldn’t hide the blush that mounted on my face. “Can you not tease me, please?”

Ezra chuckled, “I am not teasing. How are you today?”

“Great. I just wanted to tell you that I love the chocolates you got me. I wish you had been here to share it with me.” I said, showing him the box.

“Nah, I am good. I bought it for you to enjoy. And I am happy you like it.”

“Like is an understatement. It tastes heavenly.”

“Have you had a taste of the cloud before?” He teased.

Throwing my head back in laughter, I sniffed. “You are so-” The words faded when my office door opened abruptly, and my adoptive mother and one of the assistants struggled in the doorway. “Let’s talk later, Ezra.” I mused, hanging up.

“I tried to stop her, ma’am. But she insisted on seeing you.” The young lady said, sounding frustrated.

I can feel a headache making its way to my poor head. “I am sorry for the inconvenience. You can leave her with me. Thanks, dear.”

Stephanie hissed in contempt as she sneered at the poor girl. She struts in, acting like she rules the entire universe. Her eyes landed on the chocolate box, and she cackled. “I see you are living your best life now. Must feel good leaving your family on the edge while you enjoy.”

I already know where this conversation is going. I had expected this woman earlier; surprisingly, she took her time. Probably plotting on the right things to say to make me succumb. “Please have your seat.”

“Shut up, you tramp. I won’t have you order me around.” She protested.

“Sorry, ma’am,” I muttered. “What brings you here?”

She ignored my question and reached for a chocolate instead. For a brief moment, I wish I had poisoned it. “So, I heard something, and I am trying not to believe you will do something as stupid as that, knowing fully well that you owe us a lot.”

I folded my arms, watching her patiently. “What are you talking about?”

“Mindy came here to ask you for money, and you assaulted her.”

“Is that an accusation or a question?”

She looked sincerely taken aback by my response, and I liked that. “Are you being sassy right now?”

“Sassiness isn’t the attitude I plan to put up for you. I will be more frank instead. Please explain why I am obligated to give Mindy money, Mum?”

“Don’t call me that. I am not a mother to an abomination like yourself.”

“Fine. That means you wouldn’t mind me calling you Stephanie.”

She gasped, “Did you just call me by my name?”

I slapped my forehead, feeling frustration seep in. “What would you have me do then? It is seemingly too complex for you to decide on. I won’t call you anything then. Just answer my question: why should I give your daughter my hard-earned money.”

“B-because you owe me! You owe the entire family for putting up with you all these years. And I expect you to rectify your mistake right now, or I will report you to the Alpha.” Stephanie’s shoulder raised in a way that expected me to put my guard down at her last statement.

I remained unfazed, staring at her. “What will you tell the Alpha? Don’t you think you will end up embarrassing yourself? How can you boldly tell the world that you steal from me? Listen, I should have told you this to your face a long time ago, but for some stupid reason, I kept holding on to you. Kingston is the only person I consider family. I want to believe you have been handsomely paid for those years you fed and clothed me, the day you sold me off to the Alpha. Plus, the ones you took forcefully from me. Starting from this moment, you will never get a dime from me. If you want money so bad, go work for it.”

The side of her lips twitched as she flared her nose. “Are you sure you want to go down this part with me? I am merciless when I am determined to deal with someone.”

“You already made your point clear many times. Whatever you choose to do, it’s all good. I am not planning to change my mind.”

A devilish smirk appeared on her face. “I will make you pay for this in the most gruesome way, Nia. My family and I made you, and we are the reason your stupid face sits right there and acting boastful. Don’t make me clip your wings.” She threatened.

“Do your worst, ma’am. Do your worst.” I stated, feeling tears prick in my eyes. All of my limbs shook in anxiety. I don’t know how long I can hold her down. I loved her and hoped she would love me back someday. It was wishful thinking, but I still thought of it. And it’s why I gave whatever was asked of me then. But here we are.

“You will regret this, I tell you.” She mused, slamming the door shut on her way out.

It felt like my heart slashed into two at the sudden sound. I bowed my head on the table, and my shoulders shuddered as I let the tears out.

About an hour passed after Stephanie left, and just when I thought peace had returned, a knock came on the door. I should get a receptionist and a table phone. It didn’t seem necessary since the clinic isn’t precisely a hospital. But I think it’s essential now.

“Come in,” I called out.

A guard came in, bowing his head slightly at me. He looked familiar. “Good afternoon, healer Nia. It’s me, Felix.”

I snapped my finger at the reminder, my very first patient. The one who gave me a better chance at living. “Oh, yes. You did look familiar. I hope you feel better now?” I asked.

He smiled brightly, “Yes, healer. I am very fine, thank you. The Alpha asks that you come with me to the meeting hall.”

I furrowed my brows at that. The alpha had already warned me to stay clear. What’s with the sudden call? I hope I am not in trouble. “Is everything okay?”

“I wouldn’t be able to tell, ma’am. I only follow the instructions given.”

“Alright, Felix. Thank you. I need to follow you now?”ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

“Yes, please.”

Exhaling slowly, I picked up my phone and went out with him. I don’t know what I was expecting, but it isn’t what I see right now. Stephanie stood in the middle of the hall with Mindy next to her and a bandage with blood on the surface wrapped around her arm. My heart raced at the sight of them. I can only hope they haven’t caused any trouble for me. Even though it’s obvious they already did.

“You called for me, Alpha,” I said, bowing my head to avoid his eyes. I can let him embarrass me in front of these people. They will undoubtedly have a good time watching.

His eyes burn holes into me; I know because I can feel them. Alpha Gael cleared his throat. “You assaulted your patient and also my pack member. Guilty or not guilty?”

I raised my head quickly, furrowing my brows, confused. “What does that even mean?”

“This lady here said you assaulted her mother.” He raised his voice.

“Me?” I questioned, pointing at myself.

Mindy sneered, “Yes, you did. Some people would testify against you.”

“She hurt me, Alpha.” Stephanie burst into fake tears. “How can you let someone as dangerous as her be the healer? Punish her severely, dear Alpha.”

“I didn’t do anything to her, I promise. Both of them are the ones harassing me. They came to demand money from me after stealing eight thousand dollars from me. And now they want more, so I refused them. Did you have to go to this extent to get at me?” I would have loved to keep quiet, but I had to explain myself, knowing the one to make the judgment doesn’t like me.

“You lie! Ignore this lady, Alpha. She has always been evil-minded.” Stephanie countered.

“Even if we did ask you for money. You owe us that much.” Mindy hissed.

The Alpha looked on like he was contemplating what to do with me. “Did you or did you not harm her?” He asked again.

I tried to maintain a defensive stance. “I swear on my life, Alpha. I didn’t do anything. My assistants can testify to it.”

Stephanie scoffed loudly. “Of course, they would come to your rescue. You are lying bitch!”

“One more word from you, ma’am, and you will have regrets.” He warned. “I am the only one allowed to talk. Unless I ask you a question, only then should you answer.”

“Yes, Alpha.” The both of them chorused.

I already feel defeated. It is probably the end.

Alpha Gael cleared his throat.  “Is it true you were trying to get money from her?” He directed his question to Stephanie.

She looked distorted for a brief second, stuttering. “Y-yes. Well, you see, we trained her to become who she is right now. And it’s only logical that we gain from her. My husband and I went through so much trouble to help her become an adult. We weren’t demanding, and we only asked that she put us in her plans and spend the money she earns right. Only for her to come after me with a knife and tear at my arm. I was just lucky to have been quick on my feet, and she definitely would have killed me.” 

He kept mute for a while. “Now, I remember you. You have a very fascinating personality, and it is unclear to me why it took me a while to place your face. Weren’t you the one that sold the halfbreed off to me?”

Stephanie exchanged a look with Mindy, and their mission had flopped. “Y-Ye-Yes, Alpha.”

“You do have plenty of guts, making demands of someone you outrightly sold to never return to you. Is it because a healer earns enough money? I am sure you weren’t expecting that. That doesn’t concern me, though. You came to report the healer who is under my control to me. I need to be sure that I haven’t harbored a serial killer or possible psycho.” He said.

“I am going to ask you again, healer. Did you arm her just because she insisted on taking your money?”

It is a significant surprise. Why would the Alpha of all people come to my defense? I blinked when he cleared his throat to call my attention. “I didn’t hurt her, Alpha. I swear it.”

His face morphed into a stern look when he turned to the duo. “Did you just waste my time here, lady? In a bid to get revenge, do you think involving me is the best way out? What made you think I would judge this in your favor? It will be the last time I will ask you this, ma’am. A wrong answer will have you locked up. Did the healer hurt you?!”

Their silence was deafening. I feel so ashamed of them. Alpha Gael kissed his teeth angrily. “Lock them up!” He ordered.

Their gasps echoed in the large hall as two guards seized them. My eyes darted hurriedly in confusion.

I fell to my knees immediately. “Please, Alpha. It was just a misunderstanding on their path. Please don’t lock them up.”

He gave me an irritated glance. “Are you dumb? Do you think this is for you? I wasted thirty minutes to be involved in a stupid revenge mission. Does that make any sense to you? I won’t condone any nonsense. I will have them locked up until I decide on what to do with them.”

I think I finally overstepped my boundaries. What was I thinking? Stephanie and Mindy’s plea echoed through the hallway, and I felt slightly sorry for them. At the same time, I feel grateful to the goddess for making the Alpha logical and not just agreeing to their accusation because he hates me. I owe him a thank you.

Today is a true sign that cutting ties with the Hayes family was a good enough decision.