The Beta’s Regret

“Do I have to wear this all day?” I placed my hands on the corset. I wondered how long it would take before my ribs were crushed to pieces beneath its pressure.

Lord Shevek chuckled. “It would take more than a few hours to have you introduced to the coven.”

I could feel the tears pick my eyes, because I would have to suffer layers of lace and satin for the rest of the day. The dress was beautiful, but it felt more like a showpiece to me. I looked at my mother, who also had a grin on her face. She looked like she was enjoying this.

She winked. “You have always been my little princess.”

“Mom!” I rolled my eyes for the hundredth time.

“I mean it.” She chuckled, then coughed.

“Are you fine, mom?” I asked.

“Yes, I just need to rest a little.” She said,

“Why don’t you go back to the car and rest a bit?” We will join you as soon as we are done here.” Lord Shevek suggested.

“Thank you.” She walked out. She was barely out when the door opened again with a loud ding of the bell.

Three ladies, one at the front flanked on the side by the other two, all dressed to perfection with faces like porcelain dolls, came in.

They held their chins high, and carried themselves with an air of exaggerated elegance. Their dresses were adorned with expensive jewelry that gleamed so bright.

“They look like a group of peacocks.” Tiara muttered, and I held back a chuckle, just as two shop attendants hurried over to them, bowing slightly while the ladies scoffed in annoyance. One of the attendants moved a little too close.

“Goodness!” The lady at the front, who had her hair packed in a chignon, gasped. From the way the other ladies flanked her, it was obvious she was the lead. “Move back!” She screamed.

“Oh, I’m sorry.” The attendant apologized, and scrambled backwards, keeping a good distance from the women.

“Have you got new dresses?” The Chignon lady asked.

The other attendant shook her head. “No, not yet.

“Why?” The lady screamed again. “What good are you if you cannot get me what I need when I need it?

“We apologize.” The attendants chorus.

“You both are just useless.” She huffed.

The three of them scanned the room; their lips turned down in distaste as they saw me.

But their expression changed the minute they saw Lord Shevek. They softened and instantly made a bow in his direction.

“Lord Shevek,” the Chignon Lady wore a cheeky smile and hurried to his side. “What a pleasure to see you.”

“Likewise, Cheryl,” Lord Shevek said with a smile. “How is your mother?”

Chignon lady’s name was Cheryl?… whoops!

“She’s fine.” She gave me a look. “I see you have charity business to attend to,” She gestured at me, and latched onto his arm, beaming widely “You are far too kind, Lord Shevek.” C0ntent © 2024 (N/ô)velDrama.Org.

He shook his head. “I’m not here for charity,” he said, and drew me closer to him. “I brought Eden in for shopping.”

“Eden? You know her?”

“Yes.” He motioned towards me. “Ladies, meet my daughter, Eden.” Lord Shevek announced it as if it was the most usual thing. The shock was apparent on the faces of the young women before they wore wide smiles to cover up the surprise.

He turned to me. “Eden, these lovely ladies are the daughters of my noblemen. They are very important to the Coven.”

I raised a brow. Obviously. Their highhandedness said it all.

“Nice to meet you.” I murmured.

3:35 PM

The ladies smiled in return. Cheryl fixed her gaze on me without blinking. Her eyes looked judgmental and condensed.

Lord Shevek’s voice drew my attention. “I would like you to become friends with them… they’ll be taking over from their parents when it’s time, especially Cheryl here.”

I frowned. I didn’t think I wanted to get to know them, but for the sake of my father, I forced a smile on my lips.

“I see.” I said with a nod.

Cheryl stepped forward. “Friends?” She asked, stretching her hand. I took it.

“Friends.” I agreed.

“I don’t like her,” Tiara growled. I ignored her voice.

Cheryl then dismissed my presence and faced Lord Shevek.

“So, what did you think about my mother?” She asked with wide eyes. “I was excited when you agreed to go on a date with her. Do you like her?”

I was taken aback by such a question. Lord Shevek chuckled, the sound filling the room with a low vibration.

“Maria is a lovely and remarkable woman,” Lord Shevek started. “She has been very useful to the Coven, and she makes me laugh.”

Cheryl pouted. “Mother has been lonely ever since the death of my father. I would love it if you tried to make her happy; most of all, I would love to see you become a part of our family.”

I smelt desperation.

For a moment, I was perplexed, but then I suddenly realized that her mother was a noble man too, and from the looks of it, her mother was also a widow.

“That will be lovely. Cheryl, I won’t deny your mother is beautiful, and… I’m considering it. However, you shouldn’t involve yourself in adult business.” Lord Shevek teased. “This is between your mother and me.”

Much more than the conversation, I was amazed at how Lord Shevek spoke softly to the ladies and the way he allowed them to become familiar with him. It was way different from how I had imagined he would be. Lord of Covens have as much power as Alphas to a pack. It amazed me how friendly he was to others despite the authority he commanded.

“Eden!” We all turned to see my mother. She stood still at the door.

She must have entered quietly, without anyone’s notice. Her face had gone pale as she stared at me. “Your phone has been ringing.” She handed my phone over to me.

I saw the anger and pain in her eyes before she turned to Lord Shevek, giving him a fierce glare.

It was obvious; my mom must have heard Lord Shevek talk about Cheryl’s mother, Maria.

And she was mad about it.