Tasting 175

175–Picking A Gown With Silas

Nora:

“Have you picked out a dress yet?” Lord Atwood asked, sounding surprised because he could tell

from the look on my face that I haven’t bought anything for the ball yet.

He was extremely excited and wanted everyone to start preparing.

“I’ve been waiting for Brody to come back from his pack,” I replied, absentmindedly playing with the

peas on my plate. It’s been a week, and things have only gotten messier. Ryker would show up at

school, and April would ensure everyone saw them together. Natalya always talked about Cain, but

I haven’t seen her at home since then. Nobody spoke to me at school, which also proved April’s

words to be true. They had just been holding back for the sake of the alpha king’s stepbrothers and

Lord Atwood.

It felt like I was living in a place where I wasn’t welcome, reminding me of home. It wasn’t any

different back at home. Dad hated me so much that he let my brother take control of my life. They

called me weak and wanted me to be a monster like them. This week brought back those

memories. I took a deep breath but kept my head down. I haven’t had a conversation with my so–

called mates again. They were busy with their lives after ruining mine, and I didn’t plan to intervene

in their matters again either. If it was over, it was over.

Today, everyone was eating at the breakfast table, but I hadn’t once lifted my head to look at the

brothers.

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“There’s no problem in that. I can take her out for shopping,” Silas, who was the last one to

acknowledge my existence, spoke up.

175 Picking A Gown With Silas

So far, he showed more understanding than the others. He was kind now and didn’t argue with me,

at least for now. Who knows if he’ll change tomorrow too?

“There’s no need for it. I’ll wait for Brody,” I lifted my head and finally looked at the brothers. I didn’t

want Silas to waste his entire day for me. He works really hard taking care of the pack’s patients,

mostly those who can’t be treated at the hospital.

“Why not? Do you want all the good dresses to be taken?” Nash joked, clad in a black shirt. He

wore a smile on his lips, more empathetic than teasing.

“I think Silas is right,” Lord Atwood stated with a careful tone in hist voice. I turned to Silas and saw

him in a brown hoodie, looking almost dreamy.

“Thank you,” I almost whispered to him. Then my gaze shifted to the other two, one in white and

Ryker in black. They watched me until I met their eyes, then quickly looked away. They must be

enjoying watching me suffer, trapped in a situation where I couldn’t even tell anyone they were my

mates.

My heart had been aching for the past few days. On top of that, I hadn’t spoken to Akira. I feared

she would explode, and that fear might have deeply upset her.

I had come to this family hoping to find love and good relationships, but instead, I was losing

whatever I had when I arrived here. Silas finished his meal and snapped his fingers in front of my

face to get my attention. I raised my head to find everyone gone except him and Lord Atwood, who

watched me with teary eyes.

“I’m sorry. I’ll go get ready,” I said, steadily rising from my seat and walking away from them.

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175- Picking A Gown With Bilas

“Dad, it’s alright. She’ll be fine. But can you blame her? Both your sons. chose the girls who had

been targeting her, trying to ruin her reputation. She’ll need time to heal and accept this,” Silas told

his. father.

Of course, Lord Atwood had noticed the change in me. I was growing weaker, no longer smiling or

running around to annoy others. After slipping into a baggy sweater and gray sweatpants, I walked

downstairs. and was greeted by Silas. He scanned me from head to toe before leading me towards

the exit.

Once we were in the car and he hit the road, I noticed his veins popping out.

“Nora! Just tell me what I can do to cheer you up,” instead of heading straight to the shopping mall,

he stopped the car near an abandoned parking lot and turned to me. It was unexpected.

“You don’t need to do anything, Silas. I’m fine. Actually, I appreciate your help in picking out a

dress,” I forced a smile, but soon my eyes started to water. Having two mates who slept with me

and then left made me feel like a whore. Did anyone at school even like me?

“Okay, tell me if you want me to take care of those two girls. I can do it, and no one will find out,” he

shrugged, surprising me.

“You don’t need to do that. They are your brothers‘ mates,” I hissed.

“Hmm, then what can I do?” Silas seemed desperate to help me with something.

“If I ever want anything, I will come right to you,” I smiled, at least this time I was genuinely smiling

because of the concern he was showing for me. I was grateful for his understanding.

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175 Picking A Gown With Slas

“Just tell me something, why were you trying to hypnotize me the other day?” I raised my brow. The

moment he heard that question, he leaned back and his eyes narrowed, as if searching for an

excuse.

“I know it doesn’t make sense, but I got curious,” he mumbled softly, his voice husky and deeper.

“Curious about what?” I asked, confused.

He paused, not moving a muscle and just staring at my face before saying, “About you.”

My heart skipped a beat, but I forced a confused look on my face, “What is it that you wanted to

know?”

“It’s not that I wanted to ask you-” he paused and shook his head, “forget it. I don’t want anyone to

start rumors about us. You’ve suffered enough.”

Though he didn’t answer my question, his words left me stunned.