Chapter 56 - Group Hug
Chapter 56 – Group Hug
"To put it simply, big brother couldn't accept that he was normal. Who wouldn't? We're children of the strongest wolf!"
I blinked while registering Sally's explanation. Just when I processed her words, Alice continued.
"The only powerful thing about Hugo back then is his determination. I mean, for us werewolves, training day and night will only hone our strength and skills. However, those who were born as Alpha's are naturally strong; even a lifetime of training is not enough to overpower an Alpha in a duel. For example, our Father can restrain or force someone to shift, and anything of the sort with just his willpower."
"That's right. Father is amazing, so it'll be such a shame if we're weak." Teresa nodded in agreement. "That's why Big brother Hugo can't accept being normal and weak. He grew up grumpy and obsessed with getting strong."
"Oh, those days! I remember when I used to send him flying." Cora giggled while covering her lips with her palm. "But he never stops challenging me and Dan. I even found him cute back then."
"Now that I think about it, I actually feel sorry for him. Tom, Perci, and I used to watch him train tirelessly." Sally also spoke as they all retrieved the memories of the past.
"I missed those days when he only thinks about getting stronger," Teresa murmured with a frown. "Now, he just does whatever he wants because he is too bored."
"I still think Big brother Hugo is actually an Alpha with his strong will to get stronger. That is why Father never hesitates to give him his fist of love every other day."
The fist of love? I furrowed my brows, recalling that Hugo told me the emperor often meets him every two days or something like that. I only listened to them recall the young, determined Hugo. Although they said Hugo was weak, I could see that these ladies respected Hugo's hard work.
Of course, they would complain about his attitude every once in a while, but they really looked like they had a very close relationship with each other. This was the least of what I expected to see or experience. Based on what I heard from the pack, they all made it sound like the Ronmin Empire was a scary place.
If only I knew it was only scary for them, I wouldn't have beaten myself thinking about it. A subtle smile appeared on my lips, still listening to their laughter and giggles.
"Anyway, Rinnie…" Alice trailed off when she looked at me, raising her brows. "… Uhm, are you alright?"
I nodded, sniffing hard as I suppressed the tears that were tempting to fall from my eyes. "Yes. I'm just… a bit surprised." I lowered my gaze and smiled at Teresa, who was staring at me worriedly.
"To be truthful, I didn't expect to be welcomed in here. I heard many things from the pack, and I was a bit scared. What will I do if everyone hates me? What if they dislike that Hugo took home a human? Will he get in trouble because of me? Those types of questions had been eating me up the closer we get here. So… I'm really… very…"
I choked. One more word and my tears would fall. I didn't want to give them the impression that I was crying over something so petty. So, I bit my lower lip as hard as I could and raised my head. I forced a smile and just shrugged.
"Awww. Rinnie~ how can you be so cute?!" Sally exclaimed as she sat upright to embrace me. "It's okay~ we always get misunderstood since we're werewolves."
"Sally is right, Rinnie. Werewolves are naturally scary and violent and that it's a fact. But it's not like there isn't humanity in us." Alice smiled warmly, nodding in encouragement.
"If I didn't know you traveled with those mad wolves pack, I would be offended!" Cora commented with a playful grin. "But considering you, unfortunately, traveled with those lunatics, your assumptions are justified. Those bastards just always ask for a beating."
"I like Rinnie the first time I laid my eyes on her." Teresa moved her head on my lap, smiling bubbly. "She's so soft, just like her hand. Just tell us if big brother Hugo mistreats you, we will kill him."
"That's right. If he gives you a hard time, just tell us. Father will bury him alive himself." The quiet Priscilla also smiled as she put the book on her chest, head turned in my direction.
My heart warmed up at their words, ignoring the brutal consequences Hugo would face. He wasn't that type of person. I actually had a different impression of Hugo, but I couldn't discredit their words. It was just that what was important to me was how I knew the person.
"That's right, Rinnie. Don't hesitate to tell us if he hurts you even the slightest. You are part of our family now, after all." Alice spoke once again with a gentle smile on her face. "We will always side with you."
"Even if you change your mind and decide not to marry Hugo, you will always be one of us." Cora backed up with a wide smile, winking at me as she draped her shoulder on the divan.
I bit my lower lips even more while I scanned their warm smiles matched with their gentle eyes. They said I was their family even though we just met with such conviction. Only a statue wouldn't be touched by their words and their sincerity. I had siblings, but I never got to meet them.
So, this… was all new to me. It wasn't a bad feeling. If anything, I was utterly grateful to meet such beautiful people. I wanted to change my previous conclusion about Ronmin Empire.
This place, although chaotic, was full of warm people. I felt welcomed by the emperor and his children. It was a shame that I only met them today, but I was still grateful nonetheless.
"Thank you." I smiled back until my eyes squinted.
"Hehe! Group hug~!" Sally suggested as she already pounced on me and Teresa. Cora and Pricilla also dragged her butt as she embraced me. Meanwhile, Alice just smiled while on the divan. She winked at me before she picked up a pillow on the floor, throwing it in the door's direction without looking away.
"Scram, Hugo. We won't give you Rinnie!"