Chapter 41: 40

Chapter 40

Huff. Huff.

Amber laid down on the long blades of grasses, out of breath.

She should be returning soon for dinner, yet both her body and mind didn't feel like doing it. If possible, she wants to limit the time she spends at the pack house.

Staying cooped up in her room no longer works for her either.

Yes.

It's clear that she's trying something here.

Ever since 'that' match, she and Alpha Severus were no longer on speaking terms.

The last conversation that she had with him was when he came to visit her in her room that night. Alpha Severus had been frank with her that his stance on the matter would remain unchanged.

Perhaps, it was the work of guilt.

Although, Amber still received her share of punishment—it was less harsh than what was originally intended. She had no idea what it was about, but when Sir Brandon summoned her to discuss the course of action the pack had to take, he told her that her sanction was reduced to a two-week community service instead.

The Gamma looked regretful when he informed her of that decision.

She could tell from a glance that he must be part of the decision-making body who helped convince Alpha Severus to take it easy on her. Sir Brandon never revealed anything unnecessary to her. He didn't try to clear his name, so she wouldn't get the wrong idea about his involvement in the disciplinary process.

Nevertheless, Amber accepted the result as it was, though she wouldn't say she was grateful for the 'mercy'.

To her, it was a complete farce.

She doesn't know who the Alpha is trying to please here, but she's still disconcerted for the lack of explanation behind her supposed punishment.

Alpha Severus failed to give her one when she directly asked him that.

If the Alpha himself couldn't provide an answer to such a straightforward question, what point was there to query the others?

Sir Brandon is working under his command. Beta Trent, though stubborn, still obeys the Alpha's orders.

Everyone is willing to carry out any task Alpha Severus asks of them because it's supposed to be that way.

Yes.

The indifferent atmosphere between them started there.

Is she being impudent for ignoring the Alpha's presence?

It's easier that way, though.

Every time they'd bump into each other at the pack house, the man was wearing a strange expression on his face. It seemed like there was something he wanted to say, yet he couldn't bring himself to open up to her.

Amber could be overanalyzing that part as well, but who knows?

Besides, if it was still about the sparring incident, she was afraid she had already lost her interest in that matter. Formal discussions are over, and punishments have been laid out. Hearing the same thing over and over isn't exactly her cup of tea. At the end of the day, there's no one else to blame for the condition Ms Cataleya is suffering from, but her.

Aside from that, she received an interesting offer, too, though.

Alpha Ludwig.

It was the other Alpha that came back with Alpha Severus that night.

He smelled different from the Alphas she had met before. Her suspicion was only confirmed when the Gamma said that a strong wolf from the region of Midlands wished to talk to her.

For some odd reason, the private discussion was permitted even by Alpha Severus himself.

'That's why he smells strange. He's from a different region.'

"Why, hello there. Amber Santiago, correct?"

The Alpha was grinning ear to ear, but his spiritual pressure was thick and dense.

Amber entered a vacant study with her gaze lowered in respect. The purpose of this conversation is still a mystery to her.

Is he going to reprimand her? After all, he witnessed the outcome of the sparring match, too, right?

"Do you feel nervous?"

Amber stilled, and gradually looked up at the man to shake her head 'no'.

The Alpha just asked her a question.

Acknowledging and responding to his query is basic human decency.

Not to mention, offending such a person is out of the question.

"I apologize for being absentminded. That's correct, Alpha. My name is Amber Santiago."

"Ludwig…" the man introduced with a warm smile. "Further introductions aren't necessary since I have yet to receive a positive response from yourself, Amber."

Positive response…?

"I'll be asking you some questions, and I want you to answer them to the best of your knowledge. I recommend that you avoid lying or withholding any information that you deem related to my questions." Alpha Ludwig's red eyes glinted in warning. "Because I know, and I'll find out. Is that clear?"

If this conversation was allowed by Alpha Severus, then she had no choice but to cooperate.

Amber cast her solemn gaze downward. "I'll do my best, Alpha."

"Good." The man was suddenly in high spirits after hearing her reply. "Why don't you sit down, and make yourself comfortable, Amber? Take a seat anywhere. I don't bite."

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The way he spoke sounded playful, but the command in the Alpha's voice was there. If she was too distracted by her own line of thought, she wouldn't have noticed that, and disgruntled him already.

Amber sighed inwardly, and looked around the study. Sitting near him is risky, but plopping herself down somewhere any farther than five meters will be disrespectful.

The perfect spot had already been prepared for her. She's to sit just right across the table, facing him in an interview-like manner.

This was all planned.

Alpha Ludwig isn't allowing her to make a choice, and sit anywhere beside the best available spot in the first place.

Amber didn't hesitate to take the sofa in front of him, and sit down there wordlessly.

Her meek personality just intrigued Ludwig even more.

There was no doubt she was Cain Santiago's beloved daughter, alright.

It's not just about how she conducts herself around people. Everything about the girl just screams 'I'm a member of the Santiago clan'.

Her brown eyes may seem dull and lifeless—anybody can mistake it for boredom.

However, the teenager in front of him is far from bored.

She has her guard up without blatantly showing that to whoever she's facing.

Amber Santiago looks timid, and that's all the more reason for others to be wary of someone like her. Underneath that exterior must be a creature with unpredictable tendencies. There can only be so much bullshit she can tolerate, and it can get dangerous for people around her if she loses that thread of composure.

She's a Santiago.

Ludwig happened to hear many things about them.

He used to work with a few, too.

One thing that wolves should know about the Santiagos is that… they can't take excessive advantage of their relationship with them.

Looking at this Amber person carefully, it does seem like she's generous, and possesses an insane amount of patience for her surroundings.

That shy appearance might be a front, too.

'For all we know, she's keeping it low-key to not attract unwanted attentions.'

Ludwig rested his chin on one hand, and hovered closer to the table to look her in the eye. "If you don't mind me asking, how old are you, Amber?"

"I'm fifteen, Alpha," she replied right away.

Strange.

Her tone was controlled—there was no hint of uneasiness in it, despite her reserved behavior.

"Do you still remember the day you arrived at River Severn?"

This time, Ludwig got a reaction from her.

It looked like she wasn't comfortable talking about her past.

No.

To be specific—her life before getting introduced to a new pack.

"Yes," Amber murmured tersely, her shoulders rigid.

"Were you forced to come here?"

"No, Alpha. The River Severn Pack was benevolent enough to take us in. There was no force applied."

"Then…" Ludwig was determined to take Cain's daughter away to the Midlands. Curiosity aside, it was needed. It was a measure that Severus should have taken ages ago, yet he chose not to. Those people had no idea how disappointed Rego was to learn of the Santiago clan's demise. "Did you want to settle down in Severus' pack? Was it by choice? Did you consent to that?"

Her eyebrows knitted in confusion.

She's probably wondering why she's only getting asked of these questions after all these years.

"Is Alpha Ludwig, by any chance, talking about Alpha Severus' wish to adopt me?"

Ludwig stilled at the sudden revelation. It was the first time he was hearing this.

"Severus wants to adopt you?" he asked, cautious. Just what the hell is that man thinking?

Amber shrugged. "As far as I know."

"How are the adoption papers going? Any idea?"

"The Alpha and I haven't had a formal talk, and even if we have…" she trailed off, looking away, "…I don't wish to let go of my roots. I'm honored that Alpha Severus is considering it, but… I'm afraid that when the time comes for us to get down to the topic, I'll have to refuse."

That wasn't a lie.

Ludwig could hear her heartbeats clearly.

This girl never faltered one bit as she bravely announced a bold decision right in front of him. She had no qualms about admitting that, despite knowing he could go on his way, and tell Severus about everything he just heard today.

Fifteen years old, huh?

'I guess it can't be helped. She's at the stage where she thinks her opinion is what only matters.'

"Do you like it here?"

"I'm being surrounded by competitive wolves, Alpha." Amber was calm, unfazed by that question's double meaning. "Competitive people inspire me."

Ludwig bit back a smile. "You haven't answered my question, Amber.. So, I'll rephrase that for you. Do you see yourself still dedicating your life to River Severn in the next five years?"

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