"Wow," I breathed, marvelling at their ability to keep such a monumental secret hidden from the pack. "Why didn't you tell anyone?"
"We had to be careful, we didn’t know how people would react," Frankie chimed in, her eyes darkening for a moment. I nodded in understanding, feeling the weight of their secret pressing down on me. They had chosen to keep their love hidden in order to protect themselves and each other; it was a decision I couldn't fault them for but hated that they had to do it. Even though the world is slowly catching up to more acceptance, the Werewolf community seems to be particularly lagging behind.
"Living a double life must be exhausting," I said quietly, my heart aching for the sacrifices they'd made. "I hope one day you won't have to."
"Us too," Kaitlyn murmured, reaching out to grasp Frankie's hand. The simple gesture spoke volumes about the depth of their bond, and I couldn't help but feel a swell of emotion rise within me.
Sitting in the cosy living room, I felt a strange mixture of comfort and unease. The warmth of friendship radiated from Kaitlyn and Frankie, but my own dread threatened to smother it. My thoughts were consumed by the looming spectre of Liam's potential rejection, the fear that gnawed at the edges of my heart.
"Hey, Erica?" Kaitlyn's voice cut through my reverie, her eyes glazed over with the telltale sign of a mind link conversation. She frowned slightly, her brow furrowing in concentration.
"My dad is trying to get me to tell them where we are. Apparently, Liam's looking for you." My breath caught in my throat, panic constricting around me like a vice.
"Please don't tell him!" I begged, certain that if Liam found me, it would only lead to my inevitable rejection. "I can't face him yet." Kaitlyn's eyes cleared, and she looked at me with sympathy.
"I had to tell my dad, but I also told him not to let Liam know. If he shows up here, he won't be allowed in, okay?" Frankie chimed in, her voice firm and resolute.
"I won't let him through the door, Erica. You're safe here."
Despite their assurances, my heart still raced with apprehension. I knew it was only a matter of time before my sanctuary crumbled, leaving me exposed and vulnerable once more. But for now, I clung to the solace they offered, like a drowning woman grasping at a lifeline.
The black SUV pulled up outside the house a few moments later, its dark windows tinted like the murky depths of uncertainty that clouded my thoughts. I watched as the Alpha stepped out from the passenger side, his authoritative presence seeming to eclipse the sun itself. My heart pounded in my chest, a staccato rhythm that matched the rapid succession of knocks on the door.
"Frankie," I said, my voice barely audible above the cacophony of fear ringing in my ears. "You have to let him in." She hesitated for a moment, her rebellious spirit warring with her duty to obey, but ultimately nodded in agreement. The door creaked open, revealing the Alpha's imposing figure, his eyes scanning the room as if searching for something, or someone, out of place.
As Frankie led him inside, I caught snippets of their hushed conversation, my curiosity piqued by the intensity of their whispers. I threw Kaitlyn a puzzled look, but she just shrugged, her face a perfect mask of neutrality.
"Kaitlyn," the Alpha growled as he entered the living room, his gaze boring into her like twin daggers. "You're in serious trouble, young lady." My stomach churned at the admonishment, guilt gnawing at my insides like a ravenous beast. This was my fault. I had dragged her and Frankie into this mess, and now they were paying the price for my cowardice. But then, the Alpha's expression softened as his eyes fell upon me. He crossed the room in three long strides, his towering frame dwarfing my own as he knelt down before me.
"Erica," he asked gently, concern etched into the lines of his face. "How are you holding up?" I wanted to scream, to unleash the torrent of emotions that threatened to overwhelm me, but all I could muster was a feeble shrug. How could I possibly put into words the crushing weight of fear, the suffocating sense of unworthiness that held my heart in an iron grip?
"Talk to me, Erica," he urged, his voice a soothing balm against the raw wounds of my soul. "I can't help you if you don't let me in." His sincerity pierced through the fog of my despair, and for a moment, I allowed myself to believe that perhaps there was still hope. But then the bitter sting of reality reared its ugly head, reminding me that no matter how much the Alpha cared, he couldn't save me from the truth.
"Alpha," I whispered, tears streaming down my cheeks. "I'm so afraid."
"Of what?" he asked gently, his hand resting comfortingly on my shoulder.
"Rejection," I admitted, the word tasting like ash on my tongue. "I feel so unworthy, so... unlovable."
"Erica," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "You are not unworthy. You are not unlovable. And you are certainly not alone. Please sweetheart, come home." I couldn't meet the Alpha's gaze as I shook my head.
"I can't go back," I murmured, my voice barely audible. "Liam will reject me."
"Erica, Liam isn't at the pack house," the Alpha said, his tone gentle yet firm. "He and Damon are on a trip to speak to a witch about the curse. And I can assure you, he isn't angry with you, nor does he want to reject you." Despite his reassurances, doubt gnawed at me like a persistent itch. How could he be so sure? I tried to swallow the lump in my throat, my heart heavy and aching.
"I... I don't know if I can believe that. I can't go back yet."
"Would you consider returning tomorrow?" The Alpha's eyes sought mine, filled with understanding and concern. He knew how much this meant to me, and it was comforting to know he wanted what was best for me.
"Only if Frankie is okay with it," I replied hesitantly, casting a glance toward her. She gave a small nod, a reassuring smile gracing her lips.
"Of course, Erica. You're welcome here." The Alpha nodded, his expression softening.
"Stay the night, then come back tomorrow." He reached over and gently kissed my forehead, his touch surprisingly tender. As he stood up, his eyes locked onto Kaitlyn. "We'll have words tomorrow, young lady." Kaitlyn winced but didn't argue. The Alpha then turned to Frankie, a hint of warmth in his eyes. "Look after my girls, Frankie."
"Yes, Alpha," she replied dutifully, her posture straightening. With one last warm smile for me, the Alpha stepped out of the house, leaving us to watch as he climbed back into the SUV and drove away. The hum of the engine faded into the distance, leaving an eerie silence in its wake.
As I sat there, surrounded by the comforting presence of Frankie and Kaitlyn, I couldn't help but feel a flicker of hope. Maybe there was a chance for me to find acceptance in this pack, and maybe, just maybe, Liam wouldn't reject me after all.
