The Secret of the Alpha

ime, each heavily carved piece of furniture bearing the scars of a bygone era. A slight shiver ran through Élodie as she opened her eyes. The d

her. Her reflection disturbed her. At eighteen, she still didn't recognize herself in this image of herself. A young woman with

room, Miss. Your father insist

ly her father, but he was all she had. Since her mother's sudden disappearance, he had taken control of her life, imposing his massive presence in every detail of

ith secrets she had not yet discovered. Her mother, so beautiful and enigmatic, was among them. The painting was hung a little higher th

ill too early in the morning for such indulgence. Next to him, a man Elodie didn't recognize was standing, slightly set back, his

looking away from the fireplace. "Today is

s, but he had a knack for always shrouding t

. "Tonight, we celebrate your birthday. Your coming of

that only he seemed to perceive. She didn't have time to answer. The man at her side stepped forward sli

x. He will assist me in org

mile. He seemed as comfortable in the role as a fox in a barnyard. She f

?" she asked, hoping t

ed toward her. "For you, of course. The local notables, a few important allie

f she were an object to be displ

ly, but he did not lose his calm. "It's not a question of wanting. It's a question of havi

xplaining. She opened her mouth to reply, but he raised a hand to

ion mingling inside her. Every conversation with Victor left her with more questions than answers. But i

mories of her mother resurfaced, blurry images, tinged with a sadness she had never really overcome. She saw herself again, barely thirteen years old, stand

," Anna remarked as she adj

her lips finally escaped. "Anna, you were ther

the cloth in her hands. "Yes," she fina

you never tell

o her. "Because some truths are too heavy t

s anger. She stood up abruptly. "Everyone lies to me in t

meet his gaze. "Maybe tonigh

he day passed in a blur, with preparations for the reception keeping the entire manor staff busy. But despite the

paleness of her skin and the depth of her eyes. All eyes turned to her, but she did not notice them. Her thoughts

d, introducing her to men and women whose names immediately escaped her. But something about the atmo

watching the scene with an intensity that made her feel uncomfortable. He saw her, and for the fi

cted. There are things you're

er gaze defiant. "

Élodie understood then that, whatever happened