Chapter 16: Family Reunion

As both Declan and Allegra arrive at his family estate, Allegra is filled with a mix of curiosity and apprehension. She mentally rehearses the instructions Declan gave her: avoid eye contact, beware of mind readers, steer clear of his brothers, maintain distance from Olivia Wellington his fiancé, and be polite to his grandmother.

They step into the grand foyer, and Allegra is greeted by the opulent surroundings. The corridor is adorned with intricate designs, magnificent golden chandeliers, and exquisite white flowers, creating an atmosphere of aristocratic elegance.

His hand extended towards her, a silent invitation that Allegra accepted without much thought. As their hands met, a spark of surprise flickered in Declan's eyes. "You are my woman, Allegra," he remarked with a raised eyebrow, his voice carrying a hint of playful reproach. "Surely you know how to indulge in a bit of romance?" With a swift motion, he drew her closer, his arm encircling her waist in a possessive embrace. Though her initial reaction was one of frozen surprise, Allegra swiftly regained her composure, gracefully matching his stride as they moved together down the corridor.

He guided her into the dining area, where at the head of the long table sat Supreme Alpha Victor Beaumont, accompanied by his Luna, Ophelia Beaumont. As Allegra took in the sight, she couldn't help but marvel at the regal presence of the Beaumont matriarch. Ophelia's dark, lustrous locks cascaded effortlessly down her back, complementing the warmth in her honey-colored eyes. Across from her, Victor Beaumont exuded an aura of strength and authority, his dark hair contrasting sharply with his piercing, cold blue eyes—a trait shared by all his sons.

Seated beside his mother was the eldest son, Dante Beaumont, his expression unreadable as he regarded Allegra with a subtle curiosity. Notably absent was the seat beside Ophelia, reserved for his youngest son. Declan settled beside his elder brother, Dante, exchanging a subtle glance that conveyed unspoken messages between them. Dante's expression was a blend of curiosity and mild amusement, prompting Declan to offer a faint smile in response.

As the family gathered, a striking brunette with shimmering locs entered the room, her golden eyes shimmering with confidence. Her skin boasted a sun-kissed tan, complemented by a smattering of freckles that lent her an air of youthful charm. Draped in an elegant olive green mermaid-tail off-shoulder dress, her hair cascaded freely around her, accentuating her graceful movements as she approached the table.

With a playful air, she addressed the room, her eyes flickering with curiosity as they landed on Allegra. "Good day, Mother and Father-in-law," she began, her gaze lingering on Allegra for a moment longer before posing the question, "And who might you be?"

With a disdainful sneer, the brunette addressed Allegra, her voice dripping with contempt. Undeterred, Allegra maintained her composure, lifting her chin defiantly as she returned the girl's gaze with steely resolve. Around them, the rest of the family observed the unfolding scene with rapt attention, awaiting the outcome of this unexpected confrontation.

"Don't make me repeat myself," the brunette snapped, her tone laced with hostility. "And why are you sitting next to my Declan?"

Allegra's response was calm and measured, a faint smile gracing her lips as she glanced at Declan before meeting the girl's gaze once more. "I'm Allegra Sterling," she stated firmly, her voice unwavering. "Declan and I are courting each other."

The girl's reaction was immediate, her anger boiling over as she unleashed a venomous tirade. "You think I'm going to believe you, blood-sucking bat!" she spat, her words laden with disdain.

Declan interjected with his signature British charm, his voice a soothing melody amidst the tension. "Oh, she isn't lying, Olivia dear," he reassured, his tone gentle yet firm.

Allegra's laughter filled the room, her incredulity evident as she processed the unexpected revelation. "Olivia?" she echoed, her amusement shining in her eyes. "She's the supposed fiancé...?" Unable to contain her mirth, she chuckled, "I was wondering why you literally danced in here and greeted them mother and father in law. Aren't you desperate."her laughter echoing off the walls. Dante, initially composed, couldn't resist the infectious humor, his stoic façade crumbling as he snorted with laughter. Soon, his snickers erupted into full-blown laughter, causing Declan to hurriedly cover his mouth to stifle the amusement. Victor and Ophelia looked at each other and chuckled at bit.

Caught in the midst of the laughter-filled commotion, Olivia's embarrassment was palpable, her cheeks flaming crimson with humiliation.

Seated a respectful distance away from Ophelia, they awaited the arrival of their youngest son and grandmother, the atmosphere thick with anticipation.

As the youngest son finally made his entrance, he appeared disheveled and breathless, drawing a disapproving gaze from the Alpha. "You're late again," the Alpha reprimanded, his voice stern. The son's eyes remained lowered, his breaths labored as he struggled to offer an explanation.

"Why do you not present yourself properly? And why is there blood on your clothes?" The Alpha's voice remained deceptively calm, masking an underlying threat. Before the son could offer an explanation, he was silenced by his father's booming command.

"Quiet!" He yells in his Alpha tone causing everyone to wince.

Ophelia placed a calming hand over her husband's, attempting to diffuse the tension. "Calm down. I'm sure there must be a reasonable explanation for this," she urged, her voice gentle yet firm.

"Reasonable?" the Alpha echoed incredulously, his tone laced with disbelief. "You call this reasonable?!" His voice rose as he stood, looming over his wife. "Your son is an ingrate, a disgrace, a dysfunction, a psychotic, foolish pup!"

"Enough, Father!" The youngest son finally interjected, his eyes meeting his father's with a simmering anger that had been suppressed for years. He struggled to find the words to express his frustration.

"What did you just say?" The Alpha's voice was low and dangerous as he demanded an explanation.

"D-don't yell at Mother like that," the son stammered, his gaze averting from his father's intense stare. "I'm sorry for coming late." With that, he moved to sit beside his mother, seeking solace in her presence.

"And you just-" their grandmother intervened, her presence commanding attention.

"Father, please. There's a guest here," Dante interjected, redirecting everyone's focus to Allegra. His father grunted in response and finally took his seat.

The servants entered, serving the food, and Allegra watched them eat, her gaze fixed on her own plate. She savored the sight of a full course meal after such a long time.

"What's the matter, Allegra? The food isn't bloody enough for ya!" Olivia taunted, but Allegra didn't dignify her with a response, continuing to stare at her plate in silence.

"Eat," Declan nudged her arm gently, and she looked up at him, nodding in acknowledgment before proceeding to put the food in her mouth.

"So, how old are you, Allegra?" the old woman asked with a soft smile.

Allegra turned to her, a quiet pause enveloping the room. She didn't know how to answer.