Chapter 11: How Siblings Show Love
Vivian's face flushed with rage. "What's the difference?! The Southern Islands are under the Dark Snow Pack's control. That monster, Alpha Snow, will relish tearing our merchants apart and cooking them! Haven't you heard the rumors?! Why would you condemn my brother to such a fate?! This is unconscionable, Reana!"
Hearing his name being mentioned in the same breath as cannibalism, Ryder's gaze transformed, his eyes blazing with intensity as he shot a death glare at her. His jaw clenched, a subtle warning that he wouldn't tolerate such slander.
Vivian shivered, her hair stood on end as she sensed a withering glare that froze her heart, emanating from the servant's end of the table. Her eyes darted nervously to Ryder, expecting him to be the source of her discomfort, but to her surprise, he wasn't even looking at her. Instead, he continued to serve Reana with an air of quiet dedication, his expression serene.
Reana, however, seemed unfazed by their complaints, her expression serene as she continued to savor her meal.
Seeing that Reana wasn't moved, Katherine continued her emotional drama. "Reana, you may have experience in managing the pack, but you're still a she-wolf, a woman. You'll eventually need your brothers' support. Karl and Kael are your only remaining male relatives, your protectors when the world turns against you. Who knows if Ryan will betray you in the future? You'll always have Karl and Kael to defend you. How could you treat them so callously?"
Reana's brow arched. She hadn't missed the familiarity with which Katherine spoke Beta Ryan's name. Her gaze drifted to Vivian, who was now lowering her head, a sly smile dancing on her lips.
A chuckle threatened to escape Reana's throat, but she chunked it down with the water Ryder handed her. This was why she entertained these encounters with her stepmother and stepsister – the drama was tantalizingly entertaining. They thought she didn't know the deal they made with Ryan.
Reana shook her head, this play was too comical. Lowering her head to her food, Reana's gaze turned distant, her mind retracing a memory from three years ago. It was the day Hale introduced her to Ryan as his childhood friend.
When she held Ryan's hand, she was flooded with visions of his future. She saw his encounter with Kael, their alliance, and also, Ryan's rise to Alpha.