9. Things I Wasn't Expecting

WINONA.

I watch Skyla kiss her chosen mate, feeling an odd sense of turmoil inside of me. His reaction when I

stepped out of the house... Was it a coincidence that Leo had asked me about my family this

morning?

I know maybe it's just my assumption, but I can’t deny he’s watched me more than he has Azura or

Kataleya and there's a look in his eyes that he's trying to hide.

I look down at my plate, taking a bite as my mind wonders back to earlier...

(EARLIER ON)

“Mind if I have a word?" Leo says, entering the kitchen where I am busy preparing breakfast.

Last night had been a commotion with a patient in critical condition being brought in and I knew

Skyla had come too.

Of course, everything was kept quiet until this morning and when I heard who it was, I wanted to

cook for them. He had helped Leo when Azura was in trouble, and he had saved Skyla’s life. It's also

the way I cope with things. When I'm worried or concerned, I cook.

And the reason for my concern is who exactly he is. Royce Arden, the man we met at the hospital..

I don't know why, but it makes me feel a little on edge. When we had shaken hands... there had

been this intense feeling of familiarity, although I have never met him in my life.

"Of course.” I say, almost saying Alpha, but he’s made it clear I needed to stop.

I know sometimes it still hurts him when he sees my mark on Marcel's neck, but he’s getting more

accustomed to it and even then, he’s never changed towards me. He still treats me well, just as he

always has.

He glances towards the closed kitchen door, sighing as he takes out a cigarette and leans against

the opposite counter, watching as I carry on grating the potato for the hash browns.

“I know you said that you don’t want to ever learn of your past, or where you came from.” He

begins. His words make me freeze as my heart thuds.

With bated breath, I wait for him to continue. “But I wanted to ask... if I learned something about

your past, would you want to know?"

I frown slightly, looking up at him. “What do you mean by learned?” I ask, feeling worried.

“Not intentionally, however. Someone who may be related to you has approached me and

requested to meet you.”

I drop the potato I'm holding, fear enveloping me, and I shake my head. “No, why would they? They

didn’t want me. They left me at an orphanage.” I whisper, knowing I sound crazy.

Leo takes a drag on his cigarette. “Honestly, yes, they fucking did. But not all of them. You have a

family out there Winona and although yes it was someone who placed you there... they are not all

alike. However, if you don't fucking want to know anything, this person will walk away. They are

willing to respect whatever you decide.”

Deep down I had wished I was really an orphan who had nowhere to go... but to know they placed

me there...

But they aren't all alike... I know I never wanted to look into it. Even when Alejandro had been

curious about my heritage, I was blissfully happy without knowing, but now that I know he knows

something...

"What else do you know, and this person... how are they related to me?” I whisper, looking up at

him.

He's conflicted too. I know he wouldn't have approached me if this person was not good, but I can

also see that he fears I'll get hurt... maybe 1 will...

"He's your brother.” He says finally, making my heart skip a beat.

“Brother?”

"A few years younger than you.” He says.

"H-how are you sure?” I whisper.

“The facts match, and it's not hard to miss.” He says, his voice short and cold, clearly not wanting to

get into that.

"My parents... are they... alive? Do they know he’s approached us?” I ask.

He takes a long drag on his cigarette. “Your mother thinks you were stillborn. It was your father who

got rid of you.”

A sharp sting of pain rushes through me.

One question burning in my mind.

Why?

Followed by a wave of relief that washes over me.

My mother didn't get rid of me... I have a mother... one who thinks I'm dead.

From happy to confused to sad to uncertain, my emotions are havoc.

I have told you what I could Winona, if you want me to find out more... I can. If you want me to let

you think about it, I will. And... if you do wish to meet him, he'll be more than willing and what I can

say is, he isn't a bad person.”

That means a lot coming from Leo. I know Leo wouldn't even mention it to me if he was.

“I know, you wouldn't have told me if he isn't a good person... Ill... I'll think it over.” I reply.

He nods, “Whatever your decision may be, I'll stand by it and make sure he fucking honours it.” He

says.

I nod, and he turns to leave the kitchen. He's at the door when I speak up.

“If it was you! Wh-what would you do?” I ask the man who has been a master, idol, and a saviour to

me.

He may be Marcel's son, but to me, he will always be the person who saved me when I was lost and

scared. The person who offered me protection and a home when I had nowhere to go.

He paused, his hand on the door frame.

"if you asked me last year, I'd have said fuck “em all. But now, I would give them a chance because

who knows what will come of it. Things aren't always what they seem and sometimes to get to a

better place we have to overcome the pain too. Maybe facing the demons that haunt you might

finally get you the closure and peace you wish to attain.”

(END OF FLASHBACK)

“Are you ok Bellissima?’ Marcel asks me.

I look up into his rugged face and my heart skips a beat, my cheeks tinging pink under his

smouldering gaze.

I'm not sure..." I say.

I had told him what Leo had told me and although he had frowned; he had simply told me to think

carefully, but whatever decision I make he would fully support me.

“What is worrying you?’ He asks through the mind link, reaching over as he tucks a strand of my hair

back.

“Nothing much.” I reply, but he knows better than that, caressing my waist, a move that sends

intense sparks through me.

Corrado is talking away, and I try to focus on his words and place a smile on my face as I glance at

the man across from us.

Perhaps I am being silly...

Brunch is soon over, and Skyla will be leaving with Alejandro, who is on his way, because a date for

the hearing regarding the attack on the school girls has been finalised.

Leo had informed them, and I felt sorry for the new couple who would now have to part ways as

Royce has to remain hidden and it is obvious Alejandro is very angry.

And he is on his way.

I don't want to be around when he loses his temper. The Rossi temper is terrifying.

“It shouldn't be for long.” I hear Royce say as they approach, their footsteps getting closer. I'm

putting Phoenix to sleep as I stand on the open balcony in the first-floor hallway. Letting the

warmth of the sun envelope us.

They are a little away and I'm trying not to listen, but they aren't really talking privately either.

From the gist of things, Skyla doesn’t want to go and I can’t blame her. They are young and in love.

“I'm getting a bad feeling with all of this.” She mutters, her frustration clear in her voice.

I turn, seeing Skyla lean against the wall. I don't think they've noticed me.

“I know, Love, but there are things we both need to do... and shoot, I didn't realise...” he runs his

fingers through his hair, clearly frustrated, and I can’t help but wonder what he means.

"What is it?” Skyla asks.

“I was supposed to testify at the hearing.” He says, wrapping his hand around her waist. “And now I

went and did this. I will still find a way-"

“It doesn’t matter, they can’t pin anything on me. The truth is in my mind. I did nothing.” She says,

hugging him, whispering into his ear. “Tell me, My Ice Prince, are you going to leave? I mean, what

about finding your sister? You said Leo can help you with that.”

I freeze, my heart thudding as I try to calm myself.

Sister?

“Roy-"

I can't help but look up sharply, my eyes on the blond man several metres away. Just in time to

witness Royce shake his head, his hand over her mouth and clearly say something through the mind

link, his head turned slightly.

Wait, did he notice me?

Skyla's heart pounds, her eyes widen and that doubt I had now intensifies.

Why are they looking at me like that?

The way he was looking at me at brunch, the way he'd look away whenever I looked up... the way he

had instantly moved to help me with the fruit platter...

Skyla's eyes turn on me, shock clear on her face, but Royce cups her face turning it towards him. His

eyes flicker to me but it's too late, I already know.

My heart is thudding as I look at him.

He...

He's my brother?

He is...

Which means... My father, who got rid of me, is Alpha Kenneth Arden?

My head feels light, and I feel dizzy.

It's too much to take in.

I slowly turn away, my vision swaying. My only thought is to put our little princess on the ground

and make sure she’s safe. I manage to do so, placing her on the rug, before I feel myself falling.

I think someone shouts my name and I feel someone holding me before it all turns dark.