Melissa's POV
Startled by his question, I gazed up at him gulping down as hard as I could. I couldn't understand what he meant by those words.
"What do you mean?"
"Don't just sit there and ask me" his eyes left the book and rested back on me, "Do you think that by you reading this book will make you a good Luna?" Nelson asked, his voice filled with so much contempt that I couldn't help but wonder why he hates me this much.
I decided not to say a word to his question, although I was pissed but I won't let his remark ruin the happiness I found reading it.
Seeing that I was silent, Nelson looked away from me and returned back to his side of his bed. I tried my best to ignore him even though I could hear him every step.
Soon, he laid on the bed and within minutes slept off as I held the book, my mind unable to explain what just transpired between us.
The next day came faster than expected, although I was a bit sleepy knowing the fact that I spent all night reading. I got to my feet before Nelson, who was still laying on the bed, had my bath and by the time I was brushing my hair, he got out of the bed not paying any attention to me and I was really greatful about that.
Immediately after breakfast, I rushed down to the royal library. Of course, it was locked but I stood waiting patiently for Conri who arrived within a minute.
"Someone looks eager to see me today" He spoke out with a friendly look on his face.
I couldn't help but chuckle at his remark.
"Yes I am," I admitted.
"That's surprising"
"Why?" I raised a brow.
"Well, yesterday, you didn't look pleased taking down this path but here you are bubbling with excitement…" he paused, giving me a weird look, "Or is there a reason behind this radiation? Is Nelson highly favored that you are doing this?" He said, his lips stretched into a smirk.
"Come off it Conri '' I remarked as he unlocked the door. We both got into the library and sat on the same chairs we sat on yesterday.
"I and Nelson can never find a way to accept the terms. We don't love each other, this arranged marriage is something we were against but due to the hands of fate, we couldn't outsmart it or stop it from coming…." I paused, my eyes softened as I stared at Conri, "Nelson got furious last night seeing me reading this? He thinks that I am trying to please him and the entire pack to his disgust. I don't care what he thinks, I have already come to terms with reality and want to do this because this is the only choice I have , nothing else. So let's get down to business, I am doing this for myself and not for any man" I admitted sharply than ever, my eyes strong enough to grasp the entire message I just spat to him.
Conri looked away from me, he picked up the book, flipped through the first page, "I am not surprised" he finally said, still not looking at me.
"Why do you say so?"
Conri turned to him, there was a feeling that he did have a lot to say but a part of him was fighting it so bad that he just wanted to keep his mouth shut and act like he knew nothing.
"That's Nelson for you but believe me, he is a nice werewolf, when he sees how much strength you are putting in just to fit in, he won't just let it slip through him without him complimenting your dedication, I assure you this Melissa"
At that moment, I couldn't help but think that whatever Conri just said, his mind spoke the opposite. The look buried in his eyes said it all and I am not a fool not to pay attention to little details like this, never.
Anyway, I choose to ignore it, I don't really know Conri too well so it's best I keep to myself.
"So, tell me, what were you able to figure out by reading the book?"
Hearing Conri's question, my mood lifted and I smiled at him, "A lot. I seem to understand better now unlike before that I had no knowledge at all"
Conri nodded with a pleased look on his face, "You are the soon to be Luna of this pack. Soon, your coronation will take place and you have to know all these before that due to the tests you have to undergo by the elders of the pack"
"Elders of the pack"
"Yes, the elders. They are the advisors to the Alpha and will always be even during your husband's regime. They have been in existence ever since the reign of the past Alpha's"
"Don't they die?" I asked very curious, my gaze not leaving Conri.
A laugh escaped from Conri who stared at me like I was crazy.
"Die?"
"Yes, Die.." I affirmed and continued with my words, "You just stated that they have been in existence since the past Alphas. Don't you think that they have lived long enough and should be six feet below the earth with worms running through their disgusted flesh"
"Melissa!" Conri burst out laughing, his laughter echoed throughout the large room, "Don't you think that your words are too graphic?" He asked in between laughter.
I didn't see anything funny with what I said or asked, it just seemed surprising that they have been in existence for so long without any one complaining on how much they have lived.
"I didn't say it to make you laugh," I admitted.
"But you just did"
"It's not even funny"
Conri laughed slowly, shaking his head, "Of course, they tend to die once their body can't withstand the pressure of life anymore. But we werewolves live longer than humans, we can roam the earth close to three hundred years and still appear as fit as always. This is just a peek given to us by nature but when the right time comes, we die, every living things for Melissa"
Listening to his words, I nodded, "Yes, I do know this," I replied.
"Alright, let's get back to our lesson"
The rest of the hours went faster than expected, Conri explained so much to me and I could help but admit that I felt so comfortable around him more than I felt with Anabelle. His freecare spirit, patience and ability to listen to my rant is what I really appreciate. Right now, I don't care how badly the rest of the family treats me. Now that I have Conri who is willing to teach me all that I need to know, I might just focus on it and prove them all wrong.
The lesson finally came to an end, a maid came in Informing Conri that his attention was needed by his father.
"I have to leave," Conri stood at his feet. He dipped his hand into his pocket, brought out the bronze key of the library and handed it to me.
"Here is the key, you can get it locked when you are about to leave" he gave it to me all to my surprise but I felt really happy about it.
"Thanks" I muttered and watched him walk out of the library along with the maid who brought the message.
Left alone, I didn't even want to head back to the chamber now. All I wanted was to read through more books and fill my head with more knowledge than required.
With my body glued to the chair, I picked up the second book handed to me by Conri and began to read through. The silence of the room was so satisfying that it brought so much gladness to my heart.
Hours passed by without me realizing it and soon, the sun was about to set.
"Shit!" I muttered getting up at my feet at once, I didn't have dinner with the rest of the family the previous day and I don't want the same ordeal to repeat itself today.
Together with the book and key in my hand, I walked out of the library, locked the door and began to head down the hallway leading to my chamber.
The hallway was so quiet, there was no sight around to see and all that filled my ears were my footsteps.
With the book held on my chest, my hands wrapped around it, I strolled further, my eyes flickered around as I wanted nothing but to beat the time in order not to miss dinner.
Almost getting to the chamber, I heard voices coming from the hallway. They were in whispers and since there was no being In sight, I felt confused, my eyes scanned the hallway but saw no one.
As I walked further, the whispers became more audible, I knew what I was listening to, my ears were working Jay fine and they would never deceive me. Curiosity grew in me and I wanted to know whose voices they belong to.
Not far away from where I stood, as I walked through the second hallway, I saw two figures standing in a distance talking and laughing.
At first, it didn't seem strange to me, after all, I am the newbie here in the pack and whatever I see is definitely none of my business.
I stared at the figure, the dim candle lights at first made it hard for me to see well but since this way also leads to the chamber, I walked on further not caring at all.
To my surprise, the images before me began to become clearer than expected and the moment I saw who they were, my jaw dropped in shock.
Few feet from where I stood was no one else but Nelson and the lady who spoke to me rudely on my first day here, no one else but Viviana. Nelson had his hands wrapped around her waist as they both kissed so fiercely, their eyes unable to see me coming through.
I felt shocked to the bones and before I realized it, the book in my hand fell to the ground, the ground shook me whole.
"Melissa" I heard Nelson let out in surprise as soon as the noise attracted them both.
I quickly picked up the book and looked at them, to my surprise, I didn't feel sad about it, I just felt angry and happy at the same time. Angry that I was forced into a marriage with a man who doesn't give a shit about me and happy that I will be able to use this new discovery of mine to get out of this loveless marriage.
A soft chuckle escaped from Viviana who held Nelson's hand, her eyes not leaving me with a smirk on her face.
Not wanting to stand there for another second, I looked away and quickly walked past them as I totally avoided the stare of Nelson who watched me leave.
"Peasant human" I heard Viviana noted with so much irritation in her voice but that didn't shake me one bit.
I got into the chamber, closed the door and sat on the bed, my head contemplating on what I just saw.
Are they lovers?
I thought I heard Anabelle say that they might all be step siblings but it's not possible for Nelson to have a romantic relationship with his step sister, that's disgusting! Or is it a normal lifestyle for werewolves?
So many questions ran through my mind and I was about to lose it. The picture of Nelson from the previous night flashed through my mind, his scattered hair and roughly handed shirt. Now I realize that he looks like he just finished a tough make out and not him being drunk.
The door of the chamber flung open, I looked up only to find Nelson bursting in with so much anger on his face.
"What exactly do you think you just did, Melissa?" He asked with so much fury, his voice shook with deceit.