Yes, Your Highness (18+)

17

"ℓσσк αт ωнαт уσυ мα∂є мє ∂σ."

≿━━━━༺❀༻━━━━≾

•──⋅☾ Riley ☽⋅──•

Waiting for her return required patience. It was anticipated that she might not be pleased to see me. There was an understanding of the entire situation. My father had mentioned, "I am your last living relative," the day before. It felt like only hours had passed since Rajah contacted his mate and requested her to come back with my designated mate. As the sun began to set, I noted that it was now positioned behind the mountains. Unexpectedly, I saw Sasha driving down the dirt road leading from the woodlands.

Earlier in the day, my father tried to provoke me. His behavior was indicative of his long-standing control over me, aligning with Stephanie's previous comments. It became clear that she had valid reasons for her criticism. Throughout my youth, there was a desire to emulate my father, despite not fully grasping the implications of that choice. This reflection has led to a shift in perspective.

Stephanie's influence on my viewpoint regarding my father was significant, and it warranted discussion. Thoughts about this situation circulated in my mind while waiting for my wolf, Ro, who remained restless, anticipating the return of his mate. There was an awareness that Rae had grievances against him, which extended to Stephanie and myself over the years. Questions arose about the authenticity of those feelings. Through the years, it became evident that my father's assertions during my upbringing contained falsehoods.

Control over my choices was no longer an option for him. As the alpha, a shift towards transparency was necessary—eliminating deception and manipulation. This approach was directed towards fostering a potential future with Stephanie. Friends, including Liam, provided reminders to calm my demeanor while I waited on the porch. Liam, my half-brother, highlighted the complexity of family dynamics, especially in the context of our father's decisions regarding relationships that diverged from traditions. Ultimately, accountability for those choices rested with him.

When Sasha eased the car into the familiar driveway, the gentle rumble of the engine quieted as she turned it off. She let out a long, satisfied sigh, stretching her arms overhead in a wide arc, trying to shake off the day's fatigue. "Finally. Home at last," she declared, her voice laced with relief. 

Beside her, Stephanie remained stubbornly seated, her arms crossed defiantly over her chest. I could easily interpret her reluctance; this place was not a sanctuary for her but rather a cage. Her disdain for it burned brightly, fueled by past memories and unresolved feelings, and it stung to witness her struggle against it. Deep down, I longed to share the depths of my feelings for her, to show her the warmth and safety that this home could provide, but all I was met with was her teenage obstinacy. It reminded me so much of the times when she used to sulk about things as a child, and I couldn't help but smirk at the thought.

I stood up from the steps, the sun casting a golden hue over the scene, and made my way over to the car. As I approached, I caught a glimpse of her through the rearview mirror. A rush of affection swept over me, causing my inner wolf to stir with delight at the sight of her face again, even if it had only been a day. I had spent the previous night tossing and turning, unable to find solace in sleep, my thoughts consumed by her. It was as if the very essence of her presence had become intertwined with my dreams, making it impossible to rest when all I could think about was her.

I opened the door for her, and the moment our eyes met, she shot me a glare that could pierce through steel. "What do you want?" she snapped, her voice dripping with venom that seemed to linger in the air between us. Not going to lie, it stung, but I was determined to make this moment worthwhile. I refused to let her undermine my pride as the alpha of our pack any longer.