"Awesome!" Frankie cheered, clapping her hands together in excitement. "Let's get ready, then."
As we dispersed to prepare ourselves for the night ahead, I couldn't help but wonder if this might be the first step toward building new bridges, or if it would only serve to remind me of everything I'd lost. Only time would tell, but for now, I resolved to make the most of the opportunity before me. After all, as Imogen had reminded me, life went on, and so must I.
Chapter 22
Erica
Theheavywoodendoorof Barking Brews creaked open as we entered, the warm and lively atmosphere washing over us like a tidal wave. The pub had an undeniably rustic charm with its exposed brick walls, dim lighting, and mismatched wooden tables and chairs. A DJ booth played in the corner, the energetic rock music pulsating through the air and making my heart race.
Gen, Verity, Frankie, and I had dressed to impress for our night out. Gen wore a sleek black dress that hugged her curves, paired with knee-high boots. Verity opted for a more casual look, her white blond hair cascading down her back, contrasting against her dark leather jacket and jeans. Frankie, true to her alternative style, sported a purple crop top under a studded vest, her tattoos on full display. As for me, I went with a simple but sexy black skinny ripped jeans and a red low cut top that matched my fiery hair.
"Erica, there's someone I want you to meet!" Gen shouted over the music, pulling me toward the crowded bar where a tall brunette stood, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
"This is Kaitlyn!"
"Hey, it's so great to finally meet you!" Kaitlyn gushed, extending her hand. "I've heard all about you from Liam!" Confusion settled on my face, why would Liam share anything about me? Kaitlyn leaned in closer, her voice barely audible above the din.
"Don't worry, your secret's safe with me. I'm Liam's sister." Great, just what I needed, another Anderson with insider knowledge about my situation. My guard heightened, but I decided to play along, offering a tight-lipped smile. Kaitlyn seemed genuine enough, but trust wasn't something I handed out easily.
"Thanks," I replied cautiously. "It's nice to meet you too."
As we chatted, I couldn't help but feel an odd sense of friendship with these girls. They all had their own baggage and secrets, but for one night, we could forget about them and just enjoy ourselves.
"Come on, let's get a drink!" Frankie suggested, her eyes scanning the bar like a predator searching for prey. We all nodded in agreement, after all, it was going to be a long night, and I needed some liquid courage if I was going to navigate through this pack's treacherous waters.
As we stood by the bar, nursing our drinks and laughing at Frankie's animated story, I couldn't help but feel a sense of belonging. It was strange and unfamiliar, but not unwelcome. My thoughts were interrupted by the sound of high heels clicking against the wooden floor, their owner strutting toward us like an angry peacock.
“Seriously, I need to vent.” Heidi announced to us as though we had been waiting for her arrival.
“Some bitch just stole the job I went for, working with the Alpha!” She tossed her shiny black hair over her shoulder, her amber eyes narrowing with contempt.
"Really? That's terrible," Gen replied, eyeing me nervously.
"I didn’t sleep with Jamie for the fun of it! Whoever she is, I'm going to rip her eyes out when I find out who it is." Heidi's hands clenched into fists, her anger palpable. She hadn't noticed me yet, so I decided to put an end to her rant before it escalated further.
"Actually," I interrupted, tapping her on the shoulder with a smirk, "I'm the 'bitch' you're looking for." Heidi's head snapped around, her eyes widening in surprise before narrowing into a glare.
"You? Why is this rogue bitch even on pack land?"
“Heidi. meet Erica. Erica, this is Heidi.” Gen interjected, trying to defuse the situation.
“We’ve met,” I said coldly, and Adelaide glared at me. I could feel her aggressive essence coming off her in waves and she was directing them at me, like she was challenging me.
"Erica's joined the pack," Frankie said, clearly enjoying herself. "And yeah, she got the job."
Heidi's face turned an interesting shade of red, her nostrils flaring as she processed this new information. She growled and stepped forward again, so she was right in front of me. She was a good few inches taller than me and she glowered down at me, and I could swear I could see her wolf behind her amber eyes.
“I want to know what you did to steal my job out from under me,” she sneered. I couldn’t help the cunning grin that formed on my lips.
“Well, I obviously didn’t sleep with Jamie, because that didn’t get you shit, now did it?” I heard the gasps behind me and a laugh from Frankie. Heidi’s nostrils flared in anger.
“Who the fuck do you think you are to talk to me like that?” she fumed. “You are nothing but some omega trash who got fucking lucky.” Even though I was no longer officially Gamma rank, I could still feel the power I was born into. Being stripped of it in name doesn’t take away what the goddess gives you at birth. I allowed that power to course through my veins right now. I stared deep in her eyes and growled.
“Do I feel like an omega, bitch?” Heidi visibly recoiled, her bravado crumbling at the sight of my true nature. Realising she had underestimated me, she tossed her shiny black hair over her shoulder and stormed off with a snide comment.
"This isn't over, slut. Just remember, everyone has secrets."
The tension in the air dissipated as she disappeared into the crowd. I rolled my eyes and turned to find Frankie practically vibrating with excitement.
