Chapter 55
Chapter 55 Sutton
“Oh, I see,” I replied, my mouth going dry.
“That’s ancient history,” Tarrah said stiffly, “Right, Sera?”
“Yes, of course,” Seraphina replied, “How else would I have the nerve to show up?”
“Exactly. So, I think it’s time to change the subject,” Anya interjected. “I think you ladies need a drink and we should start getting to know all about our knew friend,”
“Agreed,” Tarrah said, putting on a happy face.
I was whisked away to the bar where conversations commenced. It was a lively time. I didn’t speak much, I admit. But I was okay with that. There wasn’t much about my life I could actually talk about anyway. So, I settled for answering basic questions like interests and hobbies and such. Tarrah was a lifesaver at changing the topic when it was necessary and I don’t think anyone was too bothered by the secrecy.
Well, anyone but Seraphina. She had no problem trying to push the conversation in directions I wasn’t comfortable with. Where I was from? What pack did I belong to because it was so obvious to everyone that I wasn’t an Ironpaw? What was my wolf’s name? How I possibly couldn’t know my
wolf’s name?
I did my best to answer diplomatically. After a while, some of the other girls were stepping in to keep her in line as well.
With Tarrah and the others looking out for me, I was able to enjoy myself even if I still felt like I was observing more than participating. But I still found myself checking the clock, wondering where Lucas was. He had messaged again, saying he was finishing up with his meeting and he would be heading this way soon. Tarrah was busy helping the servers as they brought dinner up for us, so I took the opportunity to slip outside for some fresh air. I leaned over against the railing as I cradled my wine glass.
“You know it’s nothing personal, right?”
I jumped as I turned to see Seraphina coming to stand next to me. “I’m sorry?”
“Look, I couldn’t care less who you are,” she said calmly. “But you should know what you’re getting yourself into.”
“I’m not sure what you’re talking about,” I replied.
“Lucas…”
“Alpha Lucas,” I corrected her instinctively.
Her mouth twitched. “Well, you should know you’re not the first she–wolf ALPHA Lucas has strung along,” she replied somewhat bitterly.
“Were you?”
She shrugged. “Maybe. Who knows,” she stated. “We were together the first few years he was Alpha.”
“Years?” I asked, trying to look casual as I took a sip of wine.
“Three, to be more precise,” she told me. “Don’t get me wrong. I’m not a fool. I understand that Alpha’s are expected to be with their fated mates but… I loved him. And he wasn’t born into the position, so I figured he wouldn’t be worried about upholding that tradition. We talked about it a lot. About taking each other as chosen mates. But in the end, he wouldn’t commit. And I had to walk away.”
“So, you broke up with him?”
She scoffed. “If you could call it that,” she said. “It was more so that I was the one who actually voiced the reality of our relationship. But how it ended isn’t really my point. Only that it ended. Just like all the others.”
I couldn’t tell you how I was managing to keep it together. My heart was in my throat and I could feel it beating in my ears. I felt like I would vomit if I breathed too heavily.
“Why are you telling me this?” I asked.
“You seem sweet, Sutton,” she said. “I would hate to see you get hurt.”
A nervous laugh slipped out, something deep inside taking over. “And you seem bitter,” I replied. “With all due respect, Seraphina, you don’t know anything about me. I appreciate your warning regarding Alpha Lucas but I’m not exactly inclined to believe you offer it simply out of the goodness of your heart. But rather out of jealousy.” I turned to face her. “Whether Lucas chooses to wait for his fated mate or not is his prerogative. And
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Chapter 55
whatever relationship we decide to have is our business. If that is a mistake on my part, well… then I’m the one who has to live with it.” I stepped in closer. “Believe me, Sera. I am well–versed in accepting my mistakes and owning them. Perhaps you should learn to do the same.”
Not wanting to hear anymore, I retreated back inside. Downing the last of my wine, I set my glass on the bar before looking for Tarrah. She found me first.
“Sutton, I’m so sorry,” she said, quietly pulling me aside. “I had no idea Seraphina would show up. Anya said she couldn’t talk her out of it.” She looked over my shoulder where I left Seraphina outside on the balcony. “What did she say to you?”
“It’s fine, Tarrah,” I told her. “It doesn’t matter. She didn’t say anything important. But I think I’m going to go. It’s been a long day.”
“Of course, let me get my bag.”
“No, no, it’s still early,” I insisted. “I wouldn’t dream of you leaving your own party.”
“Well, it’s our party, Sutton,” she reminded me.
“Still, you stay and enjoy yourself. I’ll find a ride home.”
“I’m not letting you get into some random car, Sutton,” Tarrah stated. “Come on. I’ll come down with you and have Jaden come pick you up.”
As we approached the stairwell door, a familiar intoxicating scent hit me. An amalgam of emotions swirled through me. I felt frozen from their overpowering onslaught as it was impossible to govern which would be in control.
Lucas turned the corner, coming face–to–face with us. I locked eyes with him. It wasn’t hard to tell he instantly knew something was up. His gaze shifted to Tarrah then shot to the room. I knew exactly who he was searching for and it was all I needed to know.
I pushed past him and stormed down the stairs.
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