Page 44 of A Chance at Redemption for the Alpha

“Sorry,” I say. “Now it was me asking too many questions.”

“It’s okay,” she reassures me. “I don’t like speaking badly about people. Her dad is a great guy and has been like an uncle to Cass and me. Isla is Isla, let’s keep it at that.”

I nod. “I think I understand.”

We don’t talk about Isla anymore, and instead, Nova tells me about her plans for the next couple of months. She truly seems like an active and practical person, enjoying working outdoors. Cassian supports her fully and makes sure to involve her as much as possible. Must be nice to have a sibling. Though if I remember correctly, Marcellus has a brother, too, but he never talks about him, and Silas’s relationship with his siblings is so-so, from what I understood.

“You really think aloud,” Nova says, amused. “Your thoughts are all over your face.”

Her words shock me. “Oh shoot, really?”

She laughs. “Yes, didn’t you know? Your whole expression mirrors your conflicting feelings. It’s cute, though, so don’t worry.”

“Cute?”

“Yes,” she chuckles, once more making me wonder if she was serious or just teasing me.

I decide to tease her back. “So, what about me is cute?”

“Your dimples,” she says. “And your brown, teddy bear eyes, plus your fluffy hair.”

“Okay,” I groan. “You win. Please stop.”

Nova elbows me playfully. “I told you, it’s difficult to get me embarrassed.”

“I see that now,” I concede.

Before I can say any more, though, the sweetest scent hits my nostrils. I don’t need to think twice to know what this means. She is here, she is here!

“Isla!” Nova calls out. “Sorry for making you wait!”

sixteen

Isla

*BENJAMIN*

Her name is Isla. Such a beautiful name for a beautiful woman. The sun shines on her hair, making it sparkle slightly. Next to her, there is another girl with shoulder-length hair in pastel pink. She looks relieved to see us, instantly walking towards Nova and me.

“Hi,” she says. “You are Benjamin, right? I saw you once. I am Charlie!”

“Charlie!” I smile at her. “Silas’s niece, right?”

“Exactly,” she grins, turning towards Nova. “And you are?”

“Nova,” Nova says. “Nice to finally meet you.”

Charlie bends forward slightly. “Is she with you?” she whispers to us.

“Who?” Nova blinks before her gaze falls on Isla, who is still rooted to her place and hasn’t moved at all. “Oh, yes. Please tell me she didn’t give you any trouble?”

“Not really,” Charlie confides. “I don’t think she deemed me worthy to be in her presence.”

“Well, she will have to suck it up,” Nova says with finality in her voice. “Isla,” she calls out again, this time with more authority in her voice. “Come and join us. Benjamin wants to show us around.”

Isla frowns but doesn’t seem to dare argue with Nova. She doesn’t talk much with us, just casts some annoyed glances towards Nova when she isn’t looking and some dirty ones at me. Man, she really doesn’t like me much, and I don’t know how to change that. I wish she would give me a chance. She doesn’t seem to be particularly kind, but I don’t know her and don’t know the things that bother her. Maybe it’s just her own protective shield. I want to look behind it and get to know her.

Charlie, on the other hand, is a lively, fun person, immediately getting along with Nova. They obviously share a lot, though Charlie is more of a tomboy than Nova. To my surprise, she also engages with me. “You know who I am?” I ask her bluntly.