Chapter 4 REPENTANT

🎼 Get somebody loyal, baby, because I'm untrue. 🎼

I belt out the song I'm listening to through my EarPods. At least, if I can't go out, I might as well enjoy myself the only way I know how to. A text suddenly pops up on the screen of my phone.

Unknown number: I see you've gotten yourself a shadow.

I stiffen, and then slowly crank my neck left to right trying to ease the sudden tension as I type back.

Who is this?

Unknown number: Guess who?

A twinge of irritation slides down my back. I hate it when people ask that particular question. Like, don't make me play guesswork here. Come out with it already.

You've got one second to reveal your identity before I block you.

The reply comes very quickly after that.

Unknown number: Okay, relax. It's me, Alicia. The pretty girl with long black hair and sparkling brown eyes.

At first, I'm blank, but then a face pops up in my mind and it clicks. I roll my eyes and try valiantly to stifle the irritation coursing through me. There's no need to shy away from the topic. Might as well jump right into it.

How did you know about Alvin?

It's been one week since father made him my chaperone and three days out of that, I've been locked in this room, not even stepping out into the corridor. Father really needs to come up with more colorful ways of punishing me because even when my door was finally unlocked, I've refused to come out. Alexander came to see me every single day, bringing me treats and other mementos from his trip to the nearby town. I mean, I love my brother, but his company got boring at a point.

I hear a ping and I look down to see Alicia's reply.

Unknown number: Oh, you know, I have my ways.

A frown inches across my forehead as I ponder on her words. Then it dawns on me. It was her dad. He's father's Beta, so he must have told his daughter who obviously couldn't wait to rub it in my face. I sigh and save her number as another text from her appears.

Alicia: I know about another secret.

I fist a corner of my bedsheet and wait for her to drop the bombshell.

Alicia: Although I don't understand what will happen if you see your mate before you become the Luna of Crimson.

And there it is. The worst kept secret is finally out. I decide to throw caution to the winds and tell her what she wants to know. Gossip is what fuels our pack, unfortunately, and guess who tops the list of the gossip mongers?

Well, I'm not holding out any hope on that happening. Everyone knows I'm wolf-less so finding my mate is near-impossible.

I wait impatiently to see the three dots appear but when they don't, I shrug and continue listening to music. When her message finally comes through, it's not what I expect.

Alicia: I can be your ally. Someone you can talk with when you're feeling blue, as well as gossip about what's happening around generally.

I sigh as I reply her. I know who an ally is, Alicia, and who you just described is definitely not one. What exactly is it you want from me?

Three dots appear, and then they disappear. It takes a while for her to respond and I can't understand why I'm looking forward to it. Guess I've really got nothing else to do. When it does come, it elicits all sorts of emotions from me.

Alicia: We've known each other since we were kids, Layla. I've seen you walk around with that haughty expression on your face like you're too good to make friends with any of us. Many people think you're a big fat snob, but I know better. I can see right through you.

I quickly type out a response to her.

Is that so? And what exactly, do you see?

Alicia: I see you.

I roll my eyes. This is getting boring. I'm going to have to put an end to it, but her next response sees my hand hovering over my phone.

Alicia: Let's be friends. Better than that, let's be besties. We can do sleepovers, sing, laugh, talk, whatever we like. Let's just be friends.

I feel tired all of a sudden. All my life I've been a damn loner. Taking no shit from anyone. Standing up for myself. Walking alone. Alexander tried to be there for me, but how many people could he beat up? How many jeers could he stop? How many mouths could he stop from wagging? And father. . . the shit head cares for no one but himself, and of course - Alexander - who is meant to take over the headship when father gets too old to do it.

Letting out a sigh, I nod, like Alicia can see me, and type out one word.

Deal.