Their words brought a small smile to my face, but internally, my thoughts were still consumed by the events that had unfolded after the party. Liam had kicked Grant out even though he was helping me tend to my wounds, that infuriating Alpha heir. But I couldn't forget the feel of his lips on my throat and his fingers on my clit, expertly bringing me to orgasm. It was a confusing mix of anger and desire that gnawed at me.
"Hey, earth to Erica," Frankie waved a hand in front of my face, pulling me out of my thoughts.
"You okay?"
"Yeah, yeah, I'm fine," I assured them, trying to push the memory of Liam aside for now. "Just...still processing everything, I guess."
"Understandable," Gen said sympathetically. "We're here for you, though, no matter what."
"Thanks, guys," I replied, touched by their unwavering loyalty.
It was something I'd never take for granted, especially with people like Heidi lurking around every corner.
"Seriously, I wish I could've seen the look on her face when you took her down," Frankie grinned wickedly, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "She's always acted so high and mighty, like she's better than everyone else."
"Frankie, you're enjoying this way too much," Gen teased, but there was a hint of agreement in her tone.
"Damn right I am," Frankie shot back with a smirk. "Heidi's had it coming for a long time." I couldn't help but smile at their enthusiasm, even though my mind still raced with conflicting emotions. It was going to take some time to sort through everything that had happened, but at least I knew I could count on my friends to have my back. As for Liam, I'd deal with him and all the complications he brought into my life one step at a time. Frankie's laughter pulled me back into the present moment.
"Seriously, did you see her face? Priceless!" she cackled,
"Frankie, we get it," Gen smirked, shaking her head as she sipped her coffee.
"Hey, I'm just appreciating the minor victories," Frankie retorted, grinning unapologetically.
Suddenly, Gen's expression shifted. Her eyes glazed over, her spoon hovering mid-air as if time had stopped. After a few seconds, she blinked rapidly and looked at me with confusion etched across her features.
"Erica, why would the Alpha be mind linking me instead of you?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.I didn’t really want to tell my friends that I was broken and couldn’t do something as basic as shift into my wolf, or hear her.
“Erm… it’s complicated,” I said. Why did everything always have to be complicated? “What does he want?”
"He wants you to come to his office right away. He doesn't sound too happy." My stomach twisted into knots at the mention of the Alpha. Had word of my fight with Heidi already reached him? Was he going to punish me for standing up against her? My heart raced, but I forced a casual smile and shrugged.
"I'll explain later. That is, if I survive this meeting with the Alpha," I joked, trying to lighten the mood. Despite my attempt at humour, the unease continued to gnaw at me. Fighting another pack member wasn't taken lightly, even if it was someone like Heidi.
"Good luck," Gen offered sympathetically, her gaze concerned. Frankie chimed in with an encouraging grin.
"Kick some ass, just like you did last night!"
"Thanks," I muttered, pushing my half-eaten breakfast away and rising from my seat. As I walked away from the girls, my heart pounded in my chest. Despite their encouragement, I couldn't shake the feeling that things were about to get worse for me.
The pack house loomed before me, its imposing structure a testament to the power of those who resided within.
"Hey, Erica," Wes, the guard on duty, greeted me with a knowing grin as I passed him. "Well done for last night. Heidi needed putting in her place."
"Thanks," I mumbled, a blush creeping up my cheeks. I appreciated his support, but it only fuelled my anxiety further. If even Wes knew what had happened, it was likely the Alpha would be less than pleased. I steeled myself and continued towards the office. Alpha Declan's door stood before me, a barrier between me and whatever punishment awaited. My hand shook as I raised it to knock, the sound echoing ominously through the hall. His voice, stern and impatient, beckoned me inside.
"Come in." I hesitated, taking a deep breath before pushing the door open. The heavy scent of authority and dominance hung in the air, suffocating me. Alpha Declan sat behind his desk, a frown etched deeply into his features. Beside him, Beta Gregg stood with his arms crossed, the very picture of loyalty and strength. Across from them, Damon and Heidi occupied two of the other chairs. Heidi looked dishevelled, still clad in her tattered clothes from the previous night. She seemed to have been denied the luxury of cleaning up, which only served to heighten her resentment towards me. I couldn't help but feel a pang of satisfaction at the sight.
"Sit down, Erica," Alpha Declan commanded, his tone leaving no room for argument. Taking my place beside Damon, I felt his presence like a comforting wave, though his eyes remained fixed on the floor. I knew he was loyal to the pack, but how much of that loyalty extended to me? Damon offered me a sheepish grin as if to say, 'we'll get through this,' but it was quickly snuffed out when Gregg, his father, faked a cough, reminding him of the seriousness of the situation. I swallowed hard, preparing myself to face whatever was about to unfold.
“Now, I was saddened to hear of an altercation last night.” He looked at the three of us one by one. “I will not tolerate this kind of behaviour in my pack. Tell me what happened last night," Alpha Declan demanded, his voice cold and unyielding. "Who started it?"
"Alpha, I-" I began, only to be interrupted by Heidi's voice. Heidi's demeanour changed in an instant. Gone was the dishevelled, bitter woman, replaced by a sweet and innocent victim.
"It was Erica, Alpha," she said with feigned vulnerability. "She attacked me without any reason. I was just spending some time with Damon here, and she went for me. I don’t know, maybe she’s bitter that he dumped her or something." She turned and put her hand on Damon’s arm. I rolled my eyes, barely containing my annoyance. What a load of bullshit. Of course she did her best to lay it on thick. “You know me Alpha, I am not a violent person and just had to defend myself.”
"Is that true, Erica?" Alpha Declan questioned, his dark eyes searching mine for any hint of deceit.
