Chapter 7

Eva's POV

Alexander

Nicholas

Lucas.

The Silverclaw brothers. All three were born alphas. How rare was that?

"Your mother must've done something extraordinary to have three sons born alphas," I said, weighing down on the fact that I, born a female beta, was a burden to my mother. Just because I'm a female.

"So...how old are you?" I repeated my question.

"Well, I'm obviously the oldest. I'm 29." My eyebrows jumped. Alexander was 29?

"You're ten years older than me," I stated.

With an adoring chuckle, Alexander nodded.

"I'm 27," Nicholas said dryly. I kept my pride intact and didn't reply either. Something flickered in his eyes. He looked at me, for just that split second, and I could see his eyes show something like...hurt. Was he hurt that I didn't give a reaction? Oh well.

"And I'm 22. Closest to you." Leaning adorably on the table, Lucas looked at me with those glowy, hazel puppy eyes.

"But you're still older. I expect you to act your age." I said, my face stone cold. At once, all the spark in Lucas's eyes vanished. His brothers, well, they couldn't hold it any longer!

They burst out laughing at Lucas. Even Nicholas!

"Oh, Lucas~ It was obviously a joke!" Alexander said softly.

"Yup, it was. I don't know you enough to make that comment just yet." I said, smiling at Lucas for the first time.

Wait...I was smiling? Genuinely.

They seemed to take notice, too.

"That was a very pretty smile." Alexander, who was sitting across from me, commented. My cheeks knew no better than to turn red and give away my embarrassment.

"And a pretty laugh, too. So lively. It lightened me up." Lucas got back down on the table, this time, intensifying the adorable spark in his eyes. How was that even possible?

But...a sad smile replaced it just as quickly on my lips. Reminiscing, I had to share what I felt about my smile.

"People...they said I shouldn't laugh in public. For they could mistake it for someone crying. Or worse, mourning devilishly." I said, the fiddles coming back in my fingers.

As bad as it sounded from my mouth, the brothers couldn't help but look at each other. It was as if they were agreeing cordially on what to say next. That was...adorable.

"No one is allowed to restrict themselves from expressing happiness, Eva. Honestly, fuck them. Whoever said that to you." Lucas grumbled, an odd kind of support towards me.

"Lucas. Language." Alexander, playing the role of a disciplinary older brother, made Lucas apologize.

"I know. But...it was a different situation back then. I hope I can express myself well here." I said. Again, my cheeks turned red, and the three made sure to let me know!

A while later, after a few more light and deep talks, I started feeling sleepy.

"The moon Goddess has helped me with my crisis, after all. I came out to soak in the moonlight and slumber. Guess it worked." I said a yawn, followed immediately.

"Aww, I thought I'd spend more time with you," Lucas said, the soft smirk on his lips made me roll my eyes.

"Goodnight..." It was rather awkward when I was the only one getting up to leave. Then it dawned on me. I crashed their little brotherly hangout...

"Phew," I tried settling into my bed. However, the bed seemed way too warm for some reason. I wasn't aware of the electronics in this room, the remotes were all hidden. Or at least, I didn't know how to operate.

Tossing around uncomfortably, I realized the cool air outside was better at putting me to sleep than in here.

Moreover...it was my head.

I didn't know why I remembered this instance from the past. Specifically this. It brought me so much sadness in retrospect.

I was invited to one of Damien's friends' wedding three months ago. The venue was our pack since we had the land and the amenities to host a grand wedding.

They made me work day and night, and I didn't complain either. I was the Beta's daughter. An excited friend who wanted to be part of something special.

Right before the wedding started, the groom, my friend, called me aside and said, 'Hey, um...my fiancée and I just heard the rumors about you. I think it'll be best if you, you know back and enjoy the afterparty. It's our tradition not to invite people of your kind to our wedding.'

He said, out of the blue.

'People of my kind...? What do you mean?' I asked a little sternly.

'A prostitute. That's what Damien said. I'm surprised he still considers you a friend. Anyway, the kitchen is the only place others are allowed to sit, so...please. Don't ruin my best day?'

Others...

'Others', in the sense of someone sinful. Someone giving their body away for men to enjoy.

That day, it dawned on me at last. Damien was the villain in my life.

"Ugh, fuck! Why...?" I sprang up on the bed, grunting and cussing the memory. Why did I have to remember that?

Looking at the clock needle pointed right, I realized it's been more than two hours since I came back to the room. Maybe they've left by then. I'd have the cold balcony to myself, I thought.

Walking out, I reached the corridor and saw empty bottles left on the table. They've left.

However, there was another person under the moonlight. He was smoking a blunt, looking classy and vintage.

"Um...you're the beta, I suppose," I announced my presence while asking.

"Eva Maxwell...welcome." An uncomfortable smile was etched on his lips.

"I couldn't sleep. I'd go back in the hot room if I'm being a bothersome company." I said, leaning against the railing beside him.

"I see." He answered shortly. There was a lingering feeling in my heart about this man. I didn't know how to explain it. And I couldn't keep it in either.

"Excuse me for asking this but...have we ever met before?" I asked. The familiarity was too intense to ignore at that point.

A crooked smile was etched on his lips. Upon looking deeper, his smile was one of sadness and desperation.

"Of course, you'd remember...

I was the first man to carry you in my arms when you were born, little Elizabeth..."

My eyes widened.

No way…