With introductions complete, my father relayed the details of Erica's struggles and what little we knew about her past. As I listened to their conversation, my chest tightened with a mix of guilt and concern. I felt responsible for Erica's pain, and I was desperate to shield her from any further harm. But how could I protect her when I was so entwined in the darkness that threatened to consume her?
"Erica's past is more complicated than any of us realised," Becca said, her voice heavy with emotion. "But there are things you need to know if we're going to help her." My heart raced, and my hands tightened around the warm cup of tea as I braced myself for the revelations that were about to unfold.
"Get comfortable, because this is a long story," Becca said, her voice thick with emotions I couldn't quite decipher.
Chapter 40
Erica
Two Months Later
Twomonthshadpassedsince I got the note from Liam, and life had taken on a rhythm of its own. Sweat dripped down my forehead as I landed a solid punch on the training dummy in front of me. I couldn't help but smile at my progress.
"Nice hit," Jacob praised, a slight grin tugging at the corners of his mouth. He was Liam's Gamma-to-be, and a formidable warrior in his own right. It felt good to have him on my side.
"Thanks," I replied, panting slightly. "I'm getting better, huh?"
"You're a natural, Erica," Damon chimed in, clapping me on the back. His dark eyes sparkled with pride. "You've come so far in such a short time."
"Still have a long way to go before I can match you two," I said with a smirk, wiping the sweat from my brow. As much as I enjoyed the friendship and the physical challenge, a small part of me couldn't forget that I hadn't seen Liam in weeks. He'd been on one trip after another since leaving me that note, and it left an ache in my chest that I couldn't ignore.
"Hey," Damon said gently, catching the change in my mood.
"Liam's just giving you space, like you asked. He's still struggling, but he cares about you, Erica."
"I know," I sighed, unable to completely hide the longing in my voice. "It's just... hard, not seeing him."
"Give it time," Jacob suggested wisely. "You're both strong individuals, and you'll find your way back to each other when the time is right." I nodded, knowing they were right. But that didn't make the absence any easier.
"Alright, warriors," Jacob announced, clapping his hands together. "Enough talk. Let's get back to training."
The scent of jasmine filled the air as we gathered in our cosy apartment, the excitement for a night out at Barking Brews palpable. Gen and Frankie lounged on the couch, sharing stories from their week while Kaitlyn and Verity sat cross-legged on the floor, flipping through gossip magazines.
"Erica, you have to wear this dress!" Kaitlyn exclaimed, holding up a scandalous piece of black leather that looked more like straps than an actual dress.
"Absolutely not!" I laughed, shaking my head. "I'll stick to my skinny jeans, thank you very much."
"Come on," Verity chimed in, her pale grey eyes twinkling with mischief. "It's been ages since we've had a proper girls' night out. Live a little!"
"Fine, but I'm not wearing that death trap," I said, pointing at the dress. "I'd trip and break my neck before we even left the apartment."
"Alright, alright," Kaitlyn conceded, tossing the dress back into her bag. "But promise me you'll wear something fun and flirty, okay?"
"Deal," I agreed, rummaging through my closet for an outfit that would satisfy my friends without making me feel too exposed.
As I changed, I couldn't help but think about Liam. The ache for him in my heart only seemed to grow stronger with each passing day. I pushed the thought aside, focusing on the moment as I slipped into a pair of dark denim jeans and a deep red off-the-shoulder top that hugged my curves just right.
"Perfect," Verity declared when she saw my outfit, giving me a thumbs up.
"Let's do this!" Frankie shouted, grabbing her purse and heading for the door. We made our way downstairs, laughter and playful banter filling the air as we walked arm in arm. I couldn't help but feel grateful for the friendships I'd formed within the pack, and as we made our way to Barking Brews, I decided to let go of my worries for one night and simply enjoy the company of my friends.
"Remember," Kaitlyn whispered in my ear as we entered the bustling bar, "tonight is about having fun, letting loose, and showing off that gorgeous outfit!"
"Got it," I replied with a smile, trying to ignore the small voice in my head that wondered what Liam would think if he saw me now.
"Ugh, I miss Red Bank," Gen lamented as we entered the bustling bar. I shot her an apologetic glance, remembering how often they used to visit when I worked there. I knew they hadn't been going because of my restriction from leaving pack territory.
"Cheer up," Frankie said with a smirk, "We'll go again soon, once Erica here isn't grounded anymore." She playfully nudged me, and I stuck my tongue out at her in response, making her laugh.
