I throw the blankets off of me, sit up, and swing my legs over to the side of the bed. My toes rub across the fluffy tips of the rug; the softness comforting me.
But it’s all ruined when I see my phone light up with message after message. What the fuck? I instantly begin to worry that something’s happened to my parents. To Benton. To James.
They weren’t here when I got home last night. My parents messaged saying they went out to eat, and Benton was out with his team. I told them goodnight. Made sure the house was locked up and went to bed.
What I see doesn’t make me feel any better. My family and bestie are fine. But shit’s hit the fan.
My social media is full of notifications, tags, and DMs—someone snapped a photo of Lincoln and me at the restaurant.
It’s everywhere. It’s all I can see as I scroll. The headline tells everything.
Scorpion’s alpha brother seen with Kraken omega.
I click on the posts one by one, and the comments are brutal. I’m being torn to shreds all because of a date.
Fans of the Krakens are calling me a traitor. I wonder if my brother knows. What he thinks.
My heart pounds like a drum. I feel like it's going to burst from my chest. Has Benton seen this? No, probably not, because I’m certain if he had he’d be in here, ranting and raving about how I could go on a date with the enemy and how he’s going to hurt me.
Or, worse, maybe he did see it, and he’s so pissed he can’t even face me. Is he hurt by this? I don’t know what to do. I don’t even know what to think. I was so happy; now I feel like I’m about to hyperventilate.
I should stop scrolling. I’ve been in this world long enough to know how the press and readers will take an innocent photo and create a whole disgusting story about it. But I can’t stop. I keep reading.
I bet she’s sleeping her way into rival circles just to cause drama.
Can you imagine her poor brother? How shameful.
What a betrayal to her own blood.
Guess she figured the only way she could get a pack is going to the enemy.
What does he see in her? Isn’t she deaf?
Her brother should disown her. I hear he takes care of her. Pays her bills. And she goes and does this? What an ungrateful sister.
I don’t even realize I’m crying until a tear splashes on the screen of my phone. I lift my hand wiping more tears away.
How can people be so cruel?
They don’t even know me, yet they’re rushing to judge me.
Lincoln… He must be thinking what a mistake it was to take me out. But as I continue to scroll, I see all the negative comments are about me. Nothing about him.
Then, Benton’s name flashes across the screen. He’s furious, his messages coming in fast.
Benton: Are you kidding me?
Benton: Do you want to start a war?
Benton: What the hell were you thinking, Bay?
Benton: I really thought this stupid obsession you had with Korbin’s brother would fade. That you’d see reason.
Benton: I guess not. Now I know where your loyalties lie.
I stop reading. I love him more than anything in the world, and for him to say I don’t, crushes me.
When I don’t reply, he calls. I ignore him.
