Alpha's Cruel Addiction

Elena immediately took an interest in the woman. If Elena could be of any use to her older brother, she would instantly take up the opportunity. She elegantly dipped her feet to lower herself in a curt greeting, but never bowed her head, for she was a Princess and the girl a Duchess.

"Pleased to meet your acquaintance," Elena communicated in a mellow and composed voice.

"T-the pleasure is all mine, Princess Elena," Ophelia expressed.

"Just Elena is fine," Elena said in a soft-spoken tone, eloquent and elegant. She revealed a calm smile, especially when Everest nodded his head in approval. "You must be special to my brother," Elena noticed with a tilt of her head. "O-oh, no I-I could never fathom the thought," Ophelia awkwardly responded with a strained expression. She couldn't tear her eyes away from Elena who was a blinding beauty.

Elena was a vampire through and through, but eluded the softness of a human girl. Her eyes were a darker shade of red, not as bright as her brother's, which made her almost look… human. Her skin was pale as snow, her dark blond hair resembling sunflowers, and when she spoke, it was with deliberation. There was an air of mystery around Elena that made people want to unravel her secrets.

Ophelia quickly understood why people were drawn to Elena. Elena said the right things and was self-assured of herself. There wasn't a single flaw in sight. Despite being the younger sister, Elena seemed to be more mature, but not in an uptight manner.

If Ophelia could put a finger on it… Princess Elena was perfect.

"You shouldn't be too modest, especially with how beautiful you are," Elena said with slight humor, her gaze softening. "I've known my brother since birth and he has never given a woman a nickname."

Ophelia was stunned. She felt the rug being yanked from her feet as she slowly glanced at Everest. "Please, you'll put pressure on her," Everest mused, turning to his sister with a shake of his head in amusement. "Well I'll leave you two ladies to talk, I have an audience with the King."

What?! Ophelia tensed, realizing she had taken up his precious time. "O-oh, I-I didn't know, I—"

"Don't apologize, my little lady," Everest stated. The corner of his mouth lifted and he grabbed her hand, bowing over it in departure again. "Ladies first," Everest said. "You are a fascinating woman and any man that puts his duties before you is a fool."

Ophelia's heart skipped. Was he referring to Killorn?

When Everest rose from her outstretched hand, he revealed a sly smile and held her gaze. She felt a sense of uneasiness from him, but also curiosity. Why was he this kind to her? What were his ulterior motives? What did he want from her?

"Sister," Everest addressed for the final time, catching her eyes for a brief second. Then, Everest slowly turned and walked off, hiding the Cheshire grin on his face. Elena had given him the sharpest glare she could muster without breaking her facade.

"Sometimes, my brother irritates me," Elena chuckled when she saw Ophelia's watchful eyes. "He wakes me up from an afternoon nap and leaves. Wouldn't you feel the same?"

"O-oh, perhaps," Ophelia nodded with a wry smile. Ophelia stood there with a nervous smile and fiddled with her fingers, just as her shawl began to slide down further. She was grateful for the distraction and reached to adjust it. Suddenly, Elena came forward and helped the chiffon shawl into its rightful place. Ophelia was momentarily stunned as Elena's hands brushed upon her skin. Ophelia held her breath, just as Elena's fingertips cooly touched her arm.

"This is a lovely shawl," Elena said in a slow and succulent tone, ever so quietly coming closer to Ophelia.

"T-thank you, my husband o-ordered it for me. If you'd like, I can ask him to d-do the same?" Ophelia immediately offered.

Elena slowly blinked. Well, she had certainly never been more amused. She thought Ophelia was joking, for what could a Princess possibly lack that she'd need another woman's husband to get it for her? Surely, this woman was trying to make Elena feel inferior? "Well," Elena breathed out and glanced at the human's face. Elena slowed when she saw the sincerity in Ophelia's expression. Elena was almost starstruck that this girl had been genuine with her offering, and there wasn't even an ulterior motive behind her action. "I appreciate the thought, but it is alright," Elena reluctantly said. Just then, she glanced around the garden. "This is a lovely spot behind the palace."

Ophelia perked up. "O-oh, I first came here today."

"That's perfect," Elena calmly said. "Shall we explore the gardens together? I can show you where the garden stops and the walls that protect the castle begin just a five minute walk from it."

"W-walls that protect the castle?" Ophelia asked, raising her head to see in the far distance. Sure enough, there was a set of white and pristine walls surrounding the entire place that she suspected wrapped around the palace grounds.

"Yes, its similar to what Mavez Dukedom has," Elena explained. "Though, there hadn't been an ambushed for years. The last attack was when you arrived, it gave everyone quick a stir."

Ophelia didn't even know.

"Anyways, I'll take you on a tour around the gardens. I hear that the late Duchess Mavez used to keep exotic flowers here, wouldn't you like to see them?" Elena asked with a bright expression.

Ophelia rapidly blinked. Her heart was jumping out of her chest with excitement. She was eager to get to know Elena better. Something about Elena's collected posture lowered Ophelia's guard. Besides Janette, there hadn't been a single person in this castle who made her feel this sort of serenity.

"Y-yes, I'd quite appreciate that," Ophelia breathed out, unable to contain herself.

Elena immediately smiled. Ophelia was glad she wasn't a man, for she'd fall right in love with Elena right then and there. Elena had the rarest of smiles, one that softened her entire face, and put the angels to shame with her kindness. "Let's go then," Elena stated, linking her arms through Ophelia's and whisking her around the maze of a garden. Elena walked with ease, completely aware of the two pairs of eyes that watched over the two of them. She didn't even bother looking back, for this was her battlefield, and she was in the lead.

- - - - -

"I thought you said she was with Everest." Killorn scowled at the sight of the arrogant little Princess getting closer to Ophelia. Killorn watched with sheer irritation as Ophelia paused over a flower bush, her eyes lighting up, and Elena was right there to explain the plant. Of course, she'd be knowledgeable in these sorts of things. He gazed further, where the empire's walls were—they seemed to be approaching it by the minute.

"Luna was speaking to him just earlier," Beetle sighed. "He must've left before you came."

Killorn narrowed his eyes. "What did they talk about?"

"Well—"

"Nevermind." Killorn clenched his jaw and threw another brooding glare in the woman's direction. Elena was getting all close and personal to his wife—something he's been wanting to do all day. His chest flared and tightened when Elena bent, plucked a purple flower, then tucked it into Ophelia's hair.

Ophelia's entire face lit up brighter than the sun above her. She had never looked more escalated in her life. Her cheeks were rosier than the flower bushes in front of her as a large smile graced her lips. Killorn felt the sudden urge to tear the Princess away from his wife. Elena had softly laughed into her hand, almost enjoying the sight of the happy Ophelia. That darn woman! Killorn tried to remember if there had been any gossip about the Princess liking women. "Should we not worry, Alpha?" Beetle asked. "Everest's sudden interest in Ophelia doesn't seem to come from a good place."

Killorn pressed his lips together. "I'll ask my wife exactly what she thinks of that man."

Beetle's brows shot up. Now, that was not something he expected from this incredibly possessive man. He was suddenly reminded of Gerald's words and swallowed hard. Ophelia might be the catalyst for war. Was this… another reason for it?

"It'll be easier getting her to speak than Everest," Killorn concluded with an edge to his expression. Before Beetle could respond, Killorn sharply turned on his heels.

Beetle watched as Elena bid Ophelia goodbye. Ophelia was like an excited child, waving her hands eagerly, as Elena slowly dipped into a curtsy and left. Suddenly, Elena raised her head and Beetle stiffened. Elena looked right at him, then smirked and departed. She knew they were watching them the entire time!

"Alpha!" Beetle shouted, quick to alert the man, for he was certain Killorn was brooding all because of her. By the time Beetle turned around to grab Killorn, he was long gone. Beetle's head snapped to the open doors. He dashed towards it, but it was too late. Killorn was already storming down the hallways in a mad search for his wife. He wanted answers and he wanted them right away.