A MAZE OF GREED

Since her unpleasant conversation with Elosie in the afternoon, Elsie's mind was crowded with billions of thoughts and she started questioning her worth. That was the effect her elder sister had on her all of her life.

Elsie was happy that finally, she had someone other than her brother who was there to love her unconditionally.

But the seeds of self-doubt that Eloise had planted in her mind were spreading rapidly.

'Oh Lester, how much I miss you!' Her heart cried for her mate but he was long gone to his home leaving her behind to deal with the pain.

Edwin watched the whole exchange between his sisters and the way both of their hearts beaten and the energies their wolves were radiating gave him an idea of what would have happened between the two.

Though werewolves needed mind links to sneak into other werewolf's minds, Edwin was different. Even if a werewolf closed his or her mind link, Edwin was able to analyse the energies their wolves radiate and guess their thoughts with the help of it.

This was his distinct power for which he didn't know the reason. He didn't know why he had this power when other werewolves had not. Not even his uncle had such kind of power. He first tried to search for the reason but when he didn't find any, he gave up.

This power of his had never put him in any problem instead it had come useful on many times. Hence he had kept it a secret.

Elsie avoided any conversation and finished the food on her plate hurriedly.

"I am done! I would take my leave now."

"Elsie, dear, isn't it very early to call a night? Are you tired?" Theodora eyes her keenly.

Clearing her throat, Elsie replied, "No mother. It is just that I feel sleepy."

"Are you sure, Elsie? If there is anything you can tell me." Agustus said.

Eloise's fingers curled up in fists watching both her parents getting worried for Elsie. They had never shown such concern for her in all these years but Elsie... she always managed to get into the limelight in this family.

'She is not dying for God's sake!' Eloise wanted to scream that in her parent's faces but she restrained her outburst.

Smiling genuinely at her father, Elsie replied, "There is nothing to mention father. Don't worry. I couldn't sleep last night because I was lost in reading a book. That is why I am feeling drowsy now." She managed to come up with a lame excuse.

"Well if you say so." Theodora replied.

"Good night!"

After that Elsie started walking towards her chamber to embrace the faint scent of Lester that still lingered in the air when Edwin called her name.

He soon was in front of her with a warm smile on his face. No matter how much he got stressed he never failed to show his genuine smile to his little cousin. She was the only family of his who believed in him and supported his every deed.

Of course, there were some things that she didn't want Edwin to continue on doing but he couldn't blame her for it. She always wished him good and nothing else.

"Are you okay, kid?"

"Brother Edwin, I am not a kid anymore. Stop calling me that." Edwin didn't miss the irritation in her voice and wondered why she acted that way.

He always called her a kid when they had a personal conversation. Then why suddenly she didn't like it? She never complained about it before then why now?

His scrutinising cerulean blue eyes gauzed for anything that her face would give away about her thoughts. During the dinner, he had tried to peek into her mind through the mind link.

Edwin was one of the strongest werewolves and Elsie's humble werewolf was no match to his. She was always the shy and gullible one that she didn't practice well in the training that every werewolf received in their childhood and teenage.

That was the reason that breaking the door that she locked in her mind was an easy task for Edwin.

He knew that something happened between Eloise and Elsie by sensing the energies their wolves radiated. He decided to not intrude into Elsie's mind but the longer he observed her in distress the rapidly his resolve melted and he finally broke into her mind link.

He had picked up on her memories of the day and knew what was bothering her.

He was ecstatic to know that Elsie and Lester were not only in love with each other but they were also each other's mate. He couldn't have found a better person than Lester for his naive sister.

He could blindly trust Lester with Elsie. Not pressurising them to reveal their relationship in front of both families, Edwin decided to let them take their time.

But what Eloise did was not something that he appreciated. He knew how much resentment his other sister held for Elsie in her heart. And the reasons were unknown to him neither he tried to pry deeper.

But right now he needed to clear Elsie's mind of the wrong thoughts.

"Hey... if you do not want to talk then it's okay. I am not going to bombard you with unwanted questions. Just know that you are the most beautiful and kind woman, little sister. Lester is a lucky man that the Moon Goddess has blessed him with you."

"Brother Edwin!" Elsie's shocked eyes snapped at Edwin's face.

Lester had already told Elsie that Edwin knew about their mate bond and had blessed them happily. But covering the topic face to face with her brother made her a little shy.

A bright smile formed on his handsome oval face resulting in forming a dimple on his right cheek that highlighted his handsome features.

"I know everything, Elsie. Do you think there can be a thing about my dear sister that I am not aware of?"

Elsie blushed furiously then gasped at a thought that crossed her mind. 'Does brother know about the ki-'

"And I also know how much you enjoyed that kiss. Who knew that our little Elsie was hiding this naughty side of hers?!" Edwin winked and teased enjoying his little sister's red face.

Gasping in surprise, Elsie shrieked his name and ran behind him yelling at him to stop teasing her. But the smile on her face made Edwin continue with the fun as the duo of brother and sister ran in the hallways of 'the great manor' while laughing and screaming.

"Brother, stop teasing me! Please!"

"Why? What will you do if I don't stop? Will little Elsie go to complain to her mate?"

"Brother, please!"

Rees stood near the corner of the hallway watching them in awe. Watching his master who was feared and distasted by many running and playing with his sister like a ten-year-old boy was a rare sight.

Seeing a smile on his face was something that people couldn't imagine for them he was the cruel and heartless man. There was no way that people could imagine the sight in front of Rees.

He had seen his master's face covered up in a taunting smirk or sinister grin but a genuine broad smile... this was the first time that he got to witness it.

He was glad to see his Master without carrying the cloak of worries and troubles for once. 'If only Ruth could understand Master the way I can!' He sighed at the thought.

All the past incidences ran in his mind and he couldn't understand how did things turn out the way they did. What kind of game the Moon Goddess was playing, he couldn't understand. He also didn't understand what his role was in that game.

But all he knew was his loyalty rested with only one person, Edwin O'Dell. He had already devoted his life to the man and he was determined to protect him from every blade that would choose its way towards him.

Rees's sour mood because of what he had to do just a few minutes before recovered a bit after watching Edwin laugh heartily. But soon the disgusting memories flooded Rees's mind and his whole body trembled in anger.

He couldn't believe he had to did that. If it was not his Master's order then he wouldn't have done that in his wildest dreams.

He was shocked and furious when Edwin told him to do the forbidden but he understood his master. It was only him that his Master trusted and he had pledged to remain loyal to him and by his side through every thick and thin and Rees intended to fulfil that pledge.

Thinking about it, his mind drifted to his mate, his love, Thea. And the guilt started clasping his heart. The feeling that he had betrayed his mate was torturous enough that he wanted to rip his heart apart.

And tonight, Thea had asked him to meet her. He didn't know how he was going to face her but he was torn between his duty and his feelings.

And in this tug of war in which he was playing opposite to his own heart, they both were losers.