“What if I don’t want this baby?” I said softly, watching her nod with understanding. She didn’t look shocked, not even for a moment.
“Then I’m here for you. I can arrange everything if that’s what you want, and no one will ever find out,” she said. There was something so calm about her demeanor that it made me wonder if anything ever surprised her.
“You don’t want to hold this leverage over me? To get me to do something for you?” The words slipped out of my mouth reflexively. Too many people in my life had used my vulnerabilities against me, and I assumed she’d do the same.
“I don’t think people who take advantage of someone’s misery are good people,” she replied, giving me a sad look.
“I didn’t mean to question you–” I sighed, feeling guilty.
“It’s okay. I understand why you wouldn’t trust anyone. As a rogue, life must have taught you a lot. Do you live alone?” she asked, sitting down on the staircase and patting the empty step beside her.
I sat down with her, staring off into the distance. “I have no one who wants me.”
I didn’t want to overshare and risk regretting it later, but I didn’t want to lie either. So, I chose the middle ground.
“Where do you stay when you’re not at the academy?” Of course, that question had to come up. No one could survive these mountains or woods alone without a roof over their heads.
“I–” I filled my mouth with air, trying to think of a lie. I didn’t even know how I’d managed to survive this long. I guess I had Kaye to thank for giving me a suite to stay in.
“I’m only asking because the academy hostel closes during vacations or holidays. Do you have a place to stay then?” she asked, her eyes filled with concern as she sat before me, looking so genuinely innocent.
“I don’t,” I admitted, this time being entirely honest.
“Oh, well, no worries. You can come stay with me in my pack! I have an all-pink bedroom. We can share it or–wait, what’s your favorite color?” she asked enthusiastically, but I just stared at the wall.
She was kind, and her offer seemed sincere, but the answer to her question felt different now.
“I like black. It represents strength and power. Darkness and mystery,” I said, unable to think of rainbow colors in my current situation.
“That is so cool!” she grinned widely. “You’re the badass type, I get it. But hey, I’m taking you with me during holidays and vacations, and I won’t take no for an answer.”
Her pout was so adorable that it made me laugh a little.
“By the way, what were you doing out of your room at this time?” I asked, curiosity getting the better of me.
“I was getting bored in my room. Gavin was leaving, so I left too, but then he went outside, and I decided to wander around when I heard your voice,” she explained. Then she pulled out a chocolate bar from her side bag.
“I carry chocolates. Don’t ask me why,” she said playfully. Her way of talking was so comforting, and she didn’t seem judgmental at all. As she insisted, I accepted the chocolate with a small smile on my lips.
“Hey, I’ll be there with you when you make a decision, okay?” she added.
It was time for us to leave. I gave her a nod, and we both got up from our spots. She pointed to the elevator for me, and I guessed she didn’t mind me using it.
“I’ll see you in the morning, and please don’t worry too much. We’ll figure something out, okay?” she said, patting my shoulder and helping me into the elevator.
As the doors closed, I sighed in relief. She could be faking her kindness, and maybe she would go around telling others. I couldn’t be sure.
At least her initial response helped me calm down. Otherwise, I would have completely freaked out.
I made my way to my floor and briefly stopped to look out through the large open corridors. It was so foggy and peaceful outside, even in the dark.
Hugging myself to shield against the cold, I walked steadily to my room door and opened it. But the sight before my eyes was something I swear I had never expected to see.
Lamar was in his bed, on top of some girl. He was naked, with a blanket covering his lower body.
“You’ve got to be kidding me, Lamar! This is not a room for your *fun activities*! Why the heck did you bring someone here? What if the warden sees her–” I started ranting, not caring that I was ruining his so-called fun time.
I was beyond furious, already upset about the pregnancy test, and now this.
My voice startled them, and Lamar instantly rolled to the side while the girl sat up, holding his sweater to her chest to cover herself.
“What the–” My hands flew to my mouth as I recognized her.
Lucy.
She stared back at me, her eyes wide with shock.
“Lucy! What the fuck!” I yelled.
Helanie:
“Fucking put your clothes on,” I hissed at her, but then I just felt like I didn’t even want to be there anymore. Everything was falling apart so badly now.
“You know what-,” I sighed, “I’ll just leave.” I didn’t know what I was thinking. I was so overwhelmed with emotions, wanting to get away one moment and then stay the next.
And that’s exactly what happened the minute I stepped out of the room.
“I’m not going to leave her in there, making out with that animal,” I muttered, rolling my eyes at my own indecisiveness before storming back inside with renewed determination.
Once I was back in, I got to see their reactions.
Lamar had put on pants, while Lucy was crying on the bed-still naked, covered in sheets, her hands over her face.
“You’re really not drunk, are you?” I accused, narrowing my eyes at Lamar. It was obvious he wasn’t as wasted as he was pretending to be. In fact, he might have had only a few drinks.
“Did you know he isn’t drunk?” I asked Lucy, since I’d already confronted Lamar about it.
“She knows. I didn’t trick her or anything,” Lamar muttered, his head bowed. Lately, he’d been doing that a lot-acting all cutesy as if it could fool everyone.
More Kickass Werewolf Reads
Dive into our collection of free werewolf romance novels—where fierce Alphas, daring heroines, and heart-stopping twists await. Every story burns with forbidden desire, loyalty, and destiny. Don’t wait—here’s a world where love bites hard and nothing is stronger than the call of the mate.
Leave a Reply