Chapter 3

They say a problem shared is a problem solved. 

A pretty dumb quote if you asked me. Because a problem shared was just one more people got to know about. I'd rather fix my own issues myself. 

I was trying and failing. Where was I even supposed to begin looking for my diary? Two days had gone by and I walked to classes nervously. My subconscious told me my secrets were already out in the open and everyone I walked past was staring at me, even when they weren't. 

I'd received a total of three notes from an anonymous sender claiming to be with my diary. During lunch I sat alone by a corner, perhaps if I blended well enough, no one would care enough to potentially ruin my life. 

I heard the clink of hells on the marbled floor and then the voice I'd already learnt to dread in just the few days I'd been in Crimson Claw.

“Hello, Anaya. I hope you're doing well today?” Her voice made me want to throw up. I felt like I'd get diabetes just from listening too long. 

Her perfectly manicured hands rested on the table, a small smile played on her lips, her dark eyes glinting. Her two minions sat on either side of her across from me. 

“What do you want from me, Sierra?”

I'd learnt the very next day after my altercation with Cade that Sierra was his ex girlfriend, at least that's what Seth had told me but it was clear she didn't think that way. She'd promised to make my life hell for treating her ‘boo boo bear’ the way I did. 

“I told you already, you have to pay for your crimes. You think you can get away with hitting my boo boo bear?” 

I stopped myself from rolling my eyes. The only crime was that monstrosity of a pet name. No wonder she was his ex-girlfriend.

I told her to leave me alone and focused on my food tray again. Suddenly, she pushed the tray towards me, spilling its contents on my uniform. Most of the food was just warm but the tea still burnt my skin. 

I yelped, as Sierra's minions grabbed my hands, pinning my face flat on the messy table. Sierra herself grabbed a fistful of my hair so hard I began to see black spots.

“I have to admit this is fun. But let's not create a scene here. Come outside with us.” 

“No. Let me go.” I muttered.

She whispered into my ear. “Come outside or I'll tell Cade just how badly you want to kiss him.” 

At first her words didn't make any sense and I was just going to deny it until I saw her holding up a small book with a purple cover. 

My diary. 

I tried to lunge for it but Blair and Penelope still had me pinned down. 

Sierra smirked, “See you outside, Anaya.” They let go of me as they stood up. Blair and Penelope glanced back at me with cruel smiles. I sighed. So this was my life now. I got up only having enough tissue paper to wipe my face clean. People gave me weird looks as I did my walk of shame out of the Cafeteria with my clothes still messed up. 

Sierra and her minions were already waiting outside. Before I walked far she grabbed me herself and tossed me to the ground like I was nothing. “You're really pathetic, you know that? Pining over a man that will never even notice you.” 

“I'm not interested in Cade… if this is what this is about then you have nothing to worry about. Just please let me have my diary back.” 

Sierra looked offended. 

“Me? Worry? Who the fuck do you think you are, you little slut?” She delivered that stance with a kick to my side. I groaned out, the wind knocked out of me by the sudden force. Blair and Penelope snickered. 

“W-what do you want from me?” 

She squatted next to me. My hair wrapped around her tight fist, as she craned my head up, forcing me to meet her blazing gaze. 

“I want you to know your place. You're a nobody.” 

“I heard she doesn't even have a wolf.” Blair pitched. 

“Yeah they say she's cursed.” Penelope. 

I glared at both of them, that earned me a firm slap from Sierra. 

She got up then, opening my diary and reading out some of the most embarrassing things I'd ever written about Cade. How I constantly stared at hom from afar how I'd sometimes sneak around the pack to watch him train. How I imagined kissing him would be like. 

“...And then his hands would trail lower and lower down by body, my centre pooling wet already and—”

“Stop!” I yelled near tears already.

“I think Cade deserves to know what a dirty little girl you are. Stalking him. Fantasizing about him.”

“No… no… please no—don't say anything to him. I'll do whatever you want.” 

That seemed to interest her.

“Anything?” 

I swallowed, my breathing already increasing as my pulse quickened. What had I gotten myself into? I gave her a small nod. 

“Clean my shoes.” She said simply. 

I hesitated at first but I didn't have a choice. It was either that or the whole school found out I was an even bigger loser than they imagined.” 

I moved closer to her feet, already reaching for the hem of my skirt when she stepped back. 

“With your tongue.” 

“What?” 

“I want you to lick my shoes clean. When you're done you'll clean the soles too. 

I felt instantly sick. Sierra nudged me with her feet for every second I delayed. “Get to it.” She commanded. I saw Blair with her phone recording my humiliation. I closed my eyes, lowering my face to her shoes and then—

“What the fuck is going on?” 

My blood froze. I looked down the hall, to see Cade still walking towards us. 

It was at that moment I realised I was royally screwed.