The Alpha's Healer

11 | Siblings

Dressed in a classic white shirt and trousers added to his natural charm. The absence of blood and dirt took off the edge hanging around him. Seeing him like this was in itself a privilege only a few could attain.

"Did you say I smell like a dumpster?" Zachary threw a mini tantrum, only to be sent into another frenzy as soon as he noticed the thick bandages peeking out of his shirt. "What's up with these bandages?! Where did you go?! We couldn't contact you for three days and you come back looking like you've been hit by a meteor!"

"Stop exaggerating. You stink."

"I do not! You didn't answer me!"

"I'll tell you after you've taken a shower. Can't stand the smell on you. Get away from me!"

A mild surge of amusement bloomed against her will when Zachary pounced on Sebastian. The push and pull between siblings was an untouched territory for Iris. Just like any other thing, Sebastian unknowingly showed her yet another side of himself and the world that was new to Iris.

Sebastian as a brother was strict and soft at the same time. He pretended to be harsh on the surface but indulged his brother in ways that were open to see, both to the outsiders and Zachary.

The high school senior didn't get any answers from Sebastian after all. He hopped away with a pout, sending the villa back into its original silence.

"Sorry you had to see his antics so soon. I assumed he'll behave if he sees a guest."

Kate came to Zachary's defense instantly, "He is at the age where he's neither a child, nor a grown up. And Alpha spoils him a bit, don't mind him. He doesn't mean what he says."

Iris pursed her lips and nodded. She wasn't exactly in a place to judge others. Her own life was a joke written in the most tragic way possible.

"I don't spoil him." Sebastian defended himself. "Mom is the one who -"

"Oh look at this, the food is all cold. I'll heat it up for you and Zach. Sit down and keep the guest company."

Kate fluttered away humming a song. Sebastian had his food taken away to be heated. Iris didn't touch hers. The silence between them festered like a wound neither of them could bear.

Each passing moment with Sebastian was like drowning in a warm pool of confusion. The mate bond did its magic, making her regret the decision to reject him and simultaneously strengthening her resolve to fight it.

Neither seemed to be a good idea at this point. Iris wished time could reverse. Coming to the shadow ridge in itself felt like stepping into a honey trap.

"I have already arranged an apartment for you. It needs some cleaning and repair so you can only move in tomorrow at the earliest." Sebastian informed, pulling her out from under the weight of regrets piling up.

"Hm. Thank you." She whispered.

"Don't be so quiet. I'm used to loud noises, as you saw. Express yourself freely, I'm not going to eat you."

"I-I am..." Iris protested. "I don't like to talk very much."

A lie. Iris used to be desperate to talk. To find someone who would lend her an ear and make a conversation with her. Unfortunately, a seven year old child's resolve wasn't strong enough. Being brushed away and scolded for talking hit too hard when it hurt.

Before Iris knew it, her ears became strangers to her voice. She already did her best to appear normal in front of Sebastian, to talk like it didn't take twice as much effort.

It was hard to tell whether Sebastian believed her or not. Kate returned with warmed up food and at the same time Zachary joined them at the table.

Iris was grateful to be around people who could easily distract Sebastian. Iris was afraid of the way he talked, as if with one word he could crumble every wall, thin and thick, she built around herself. She didn't trust herself around him.

She stole multiple looks at the siblings. A bitter taste crawled out from the deepest pits of her heart. Iris subconsciously recalled the nights when she'd sit by herself in the attic and wonder what life would be like if Amanda and Sandra didn't dislike her.

To live with a motherly figure and a sibling so close to her own age, the thought itself sent butterflies in her stomach.

Unfortunately, dawn always shattered her imagination with its arrival. Iris' irrational dreams seemed to have materialized before her. And that hurt just a little bit.

Iris excused herself as soon as they were done. Her plan was simple, to keep herself locked into the guest room until the apartment was ready to move in.

She sat by the window basking in the sun. The warmth fell like a gentle caress of her mother's lost love. The exhaustion settled in like a heavy rock pulling on her eyelids. Before Iris knew it, her head leaned against the wall and she fell asleep.

Iris woke up to a loud knock on the door. Still in daze, she shot up to her feet and ran to open the door.

"Were you sleeping? Ah, sorry to disturb you, I just wanted to ask if you're in the mood for some afternoon tea?"

The gentleness startled Iris awake. She looked around, tightened her hold on the cold door knob. She was in shadow ridge. Not the fire moon.

She was no longer in the attic but a sun lit room. The one knocking wasn't Amanda or the Omegas. It was Kate.

Iris' refusal died on her tongue when her eyes reflected the expression on Kate. The woman came all the way to her room just to ask if she wanted some tea and snacks.

"Okay." Iris replied. No matter what, Iris was weak against goodwill.

Afternoon tea was more than a cup and snacks for the residents of the shadow claw pack. It consisted of a ritual followed since generations.

Iris witnessed the solemn atmosphere of the two brothers as they elegantly sipped on the brewed tea with a plate of cookies by their side as if they weren't about to bite each other's faces off during lunch.

The strawberry tea offered to her was the 'mildest' one in the pantry. Kate also brought a variety of cookies for her to choose from, which was allegedly another ritualistic turn.

Everyone had to be served the cookies that they prefer; Iris took a quick peek at the Alpha's plate and noted down his preference for some reason.

The Alpha's mellow voice sounded after the last sip of tea disappeared down his throat. "Dr Carlos called earlier. He wants to know when you're available to discuss the medicine with him."

"Anytime is fine." Iris responded. Her entire day consisted of sleeping and eating at the villa like a freeloader anyway.

"I'll make an appointment for tomorrow then. We'll go there directly after getting you settled at the apartment." Sensation smoothly decided their itinerary for the next day. "Hm, the apartment is lacking some essentials. We can stop by the mall to buy them. Maybe a few extra outfits as well. I didn't check your bag, the zipper broke when Kate tried to clean it."

He didn't leave room for negotiation. Iris nodded helplessly over the rim of her cup, silently adding another debt towards this generous man.

"Wait, you're not living here with us?" Zachary quickly finished his cup of tea and blurted out loudly. "Didn't you say she's you -"

Sensation ruthlessly cut in, "Are you done with your graduation assignment?"

"Y-Yes." Zachary didn't sound very sure. Sebastian raised an eyebrow and said, "Bring it to my study. I'll take a look. Let's go."

"Right now?!"

"Yes. It's time for Iris to rest. She can't do that when you're buzzing all around her like a bee. Come with me."

Iris picked her jaw off the floor after the two brothers disappeared up the stairs. Their dynamic was strangely harmonious despite the difference in their personalities. Iris couldn't fathom how that was possible. But the reality was right in front of her.