Getting away with the Alpha's Pup

Chapter 145

Tobias' Perspective

In the evening, as I busied myself preparing for tomorrow's welcome dinner for Vivian, she found me.

"Tobias!"

Vivian's sweet, sultry voice enveloped me, and my wolf howled with delight. Yes, she was my mate, though no one else knew it.

"Yes, Vivian?" I couldn't help but smirk, so happy was my wolf to be near her.

I had watched her grow up, once considering her like a little sister. But after Vivian had been away for training, conquering, and practicing, my wolf couldn't sense our mate bond for a long time until she returned home to visit a year ago.

Oh, how I wished I could mark her, but I had to restrain myself; she hadn't turned 21 yet. Not to mention, she was Giovanni's adopted sister.

I could sense how much she relied on Giovanni and how different she had become.

Everything had been fine when she wasn't around, but now that she was here so often, it was becoming increasingly difficult for me to concentrate.

Turning slowly towards her, I spoke with a stern expression.

What I truly wanted was to claim her as mine, but instead, I had to maintain my brotherly facade in front of her.

Dealing with Giovanni, Finn, Aurora, and now Vivian. Could life be any more challenging for me?

Nevertheless, it didn't change the fact that she had just brightened my otherwise dreary day.

"Vivian," I greeted calmly, "welcome home."

Vivian smiled faintly, though there was weariness and detachment in her expression. "Thanks, Tobias."

Her voice was slightly raspy, clearly indicating a tough journey.

"Can we go outside and talk?" Vivian's gaze lingered on me for a moment, her emotions mixed.

I sighed. "Okay."

Moonlight bathed the pack's territory, and a breeze rustled through the trees, bringing a refreshing coolness.

Standing in the garden, I gazed out at the distant forest. The scent of Vivian beside me stirred my wolf, causing my heart to race almost uncontrollably. Yet, I took a deep breath and suppressed the excitement swelling within me.

We sat on a wooden bench. Vivian was the first to break the silence. "I heard... She's back."

I nodded, knowing she meant Fern. "Yes, she's back."

Vivian's brow furrowed slightly. "Can you tell me what's going on?"

Taking a deep breath, I recounted the whole story to Vivian: Aurora's betrayal, Fern's return, and Giovanni's initial thirst for revenge followed by a change of heart. I held nothing back.

Vivian listened quietly before asking, "What do you think she means to Giovanni?"

I met Vivian's gaze firmly. "Vivian, you need to let go of your feelings for Giovanni. His heart is with her now."

At my words, my wolf let out a whimper involuntarily.

Vivian's eyes sharpened. "Why are you defending her so much? She's deceitful and cunning. What, do you have feelings for her too, Tobias?"

Frowning, I replied, "Vivian, you misunderstand. I simply see Giovanni's feelings for her are genuine, and you... You need to come to terms with that."

"If Giovanni truly cared about her, he wouldn't still see her as Aurora. Besides..." Vivian sneered, "What about you? What do you really care about?"

There was a pause before I spoke slowly, "I didn't understand Giovanni's choice to adopt you until he brought Fern back to the pack. When I saw her eyes... You have her eyes, Vivian. That's when I knew Giovanni was in love with her, even if he didn't realize it himself."

Silence fell between us. Vivian's face paled as she pondered my words, struggling inwardly.

I could sense Vivian battling within herself, torn between acceptance and holding on.

As night deepened, moonlight bathed us, and the forest around us was silent except for the sound of our breathing.

"Where is he? I need to talk to him." Vivian strode past me, but I quickly grabbed her upper arm. We both gasped.

I released my grip. My wolf growled inside me, and I took a deep breath before speaking in a calm tone.

"Don't. I'll talk to him, but he's in a meeting right now. Please be patient."

She stared at me for a moment but didn't press further. I knew she wouldn't let this go, but at least I had managed to stall her for the moment.

"Okay, Tobias. I'll do as you say, okay? Don't give me that look! I'm not a little kid anymore."

Then she smiled up at me, her dimples irresistible. "Hey, by the way, I'm heading to the training room. Want to join me?"

'Of course I do!' My mind screamed, but I couldn't.

I sighed. "I'd love to, but..."

"Yes, yes, I know - you have to attend the meeting with Giovanni."

She was a bit frustrated, but I could tell she wasn't truly upset. "So, when we get a chance, will you train me personally?"

She leaned in again, and I grimaced. She was driving me crazy.

"Please..." Her sparkling eyes held mine.

Oh well. I was all hers, no doubt about it.

"It would be my pleasure," I replied with a professional smile, like a good beta.

"Okay!" She grinned. "Well, I have your word. See you later!" With that, she hurried down the hallway, heading wherever she pleased.

As her scent faded, I finally breathed calmly. I couldn't wait for the day I could have her for myself.