The Alpha’s Dark Revenge
Chapter 46

Liyah's POV

I saw Eve get up from her bed as fast as a firecracker when she saw me walk into her bedroom. She ran toward me, her lips parted as though she wanted to say something but them she clapped them shut. When she got to where I was standing, she jumped up as far as he tiny legs could carry her and gave me a tight embraced. I squealed in surprise, holding on to her waist to keep her from falling.

"I was going to call out your name before the hug and then I realized I had no idea what it was," She said, pulling back for a few seconds to regard me strangely. "I am deeply sorry that I forgot to ask all this time," She frowned. "But if you aren't so mad at me for it then may I know now?"

I decided that no one could deny just how adorable this little girl was.

"It's Liyah," I informed her, glad that I no longer had to keep it a secret.

Her eyes widened. "My, what a beautiful name! She it suits you so well. Liyah," She repeated. "In my next life, I want to be called Liyah too," She said as she leaned back into me.

When she finally had enough of the hug she began to giggle, jumping around me in circles.

"How are you?" I asked, having a hard time controlling my chuckling. I rarely got a chance to see her act her age so it was deeply refreshing to watch her skip around playfully. I only just realized how much I really missed her, I had not seen her for weeks now. And us living under the same roof was not an assurance that we would always see each other. I could probably stay a year in this mansion and never even come face to face with someone. The place was so gigantic that it was more like a palace than a mansion. As soon as I asked the question, Eve stopped her skipping, letting out a sigh that made her suddenly made her seem years older and lowering herself onto the bed with a gloomy look. I watched her bring a hand to her forehead and lower it, and I couldn't help but smile at how serious she looked.

"Well, I missed you quite terribly, but no one would tell me where you were so I could go see you instead. My days have been so dark without you, Liyah," She sighed.

Okay I could definitely see a future in theatre for her. I hid my smile as I outstretched my arm to place it on her shoulders. "I missed you too."

She faced me. "I notice that you look better, healthier, and fuller. And I'm glad. But your eyes... they're cold, not in an icy way, but in a sad way. Is something the matter? Uncle used to say that all adults are sad, and I never understood why. But I'm starting to think that maybe he was right. What do you think?"

Like always when Eve began to talk like this, I was at a loss of words. How is it that a seven year old observed things that even adults couldn't? She was the most extraordinary child I had ever know.

"Well," I started, thinking of how best to phrase my answer. "Sometim-"

I never got to complete my statement because her bedroom door opened and the alpha walked in. I saw him pause in surprise when his eyes landed on me, but only for a brief second. It was so subtle that if I wasn't watching him closely, I would never have noticed. Her tore his gaze from me and turned to Eve. She had already jumped from the bed when she saw him. I saw him stiffen when she hugged him. She was practically hugging just his legs thanks to his height.

"I didn't know you were coming today, it's nice to see you. How are you doing today?" She gestured to me. "Liyah also came to see me today. Now it feels nice but planned, in a good way of course. Like a double surprise." She giggled.

My fists clenched when I saw her drag him to the bed and place herself in between the both of us. I really didn't want to be around him.

"What about you both?" Eve asked. "Do you like surprises? I don't know if I like surprises or not, but there was this one time when Uncle got me cake and some other things. He called it a surprise, she even though the cake was kind of stale it still felt nice. It's the thought that counts right?"

Without warning, I let out a giggle, surprising even myself. Eve always told the funniest stories I'd ever heard. The smile froze on my face when I saw that he was laughing as well. Annoyed, I looked away. I loved Eve but being around him was the most draining and suffocating thing I had to do because it always brought the memories. And I didn't need that. Not now, not ever.

I saw him look away as I turned in his direction facing Eve. I stood from my position on the bed.

"I have to go now," I told her, lightly fondling her cheeks.

Her face fell. "Now? Why? Can't you stay a little longer?"

I couldn't remain here with him for one second longer.

"Unfortunately no," I frowned. "But as soon as I'm done with work, I'll be right back. Okay?"

She nodded, giving me one last hug which I returned. Without a backward glance, I exited the room.

Nikolai's POV

I couldn't understand the dull pain I was feeling in my chest as I walked back to my bedroom. I hadn't expected to see her today, or any day for that matter. And I was confused as to why it hurt when she cast one look at me and then looked away like I wasn't important.

Maybe it was just my head playing games with me. We didn't owe anything to each other so I had just ignored her the whole time although it was extremely difficult with her just sitting right there. I hated that I felt so lost and unsure around her. It made me feel weak. And I was anything but that.

Sighing weakly, I walked into my bedroom and poured myself a brandy only to look up and see Drew perched on a chair waiting for me. I frowned, not remembering summoning him.

He bowed when he saw me walk in. "Alpha."

I nodded.

"There's something important that I forgot to mention. In the course of my trip, I got some information that some rogues are gathering to form their own packs on the other side of town. There is a high chance that it could be dangerous for the inhabitants of that place so I suggest that we look in it."

A pack of rogues? That did sound dangerous. But I knew there was possibly more to it. I had a hunch that Jonas had something to do with it. The first thing my mind flew to was his trafficking business. He had tried and had been stopped each time when he abducted wolves on this side of town. I wondered if he was going to try his luck there. But why hire rogues? And what could he possibly have given them in return? I knew how much rogues despised having a master or someone in charge of them. So what could it be? Money? I frowned. It didn't seem like a high price enough. It had to be something that they couldn't resist even if they tried.

My jaw clenched. Humans.

Now that was an offer they could not resist.

I knew I couldn't tell Drew any of this and so I just nodded. We'll look into it as soon as possible.