Use The Door

Landon's pov.

Cynthia's voice still rang in my ears as we pushed through the front doors of our pack mansion.

“What could have happened that made Cynthia sound so panicked?” Hayes muttered beside me.

“And she never panics,” Asher said tightly. “Something's seriously wrong!”

We moved fast, boots pounding against the hardwood floors. The second we entered the living room, we stopped cold on our tracks!

Victoria was standing dead center in the mess! Cushion scattered everywhere, a shattered base on the corner, and Cynthia clutching a broom like she was ready to swing it at someone.

The someone being Victoria, who has another cushion on her hand and ready to hurl it at Cynthia.

“What the fuck is going on?!” I growled out, anger emitting from my voice. “Why is this house a mess?!”

They both froze, but for different reactions. Cynthia was relieved, and Victoria, not so sure…

“You’re back! Oh, thank the moon goddess you guys are back!” Victoria shouted, running towards us like we are her savior.

“I said, what's happening here?!” I asked again.

“She…she wouldn't let me in!” Victoria cries, pointing accusing fingers at Cynthia. Her eyes are wide with tears that held no waters. “What kind of sister-in-law would you be if you hate your brother's mate and future Luna?!”

“You're not even my brothers mate, at least not yet!” Cynthia fired back!

“Moreover, I don't hate you, Victoria. But you're not Luna. Again, not yet. And you're not allowed to barge in here and destroy our living room.”

“She attacked me,” Victoria said dramatically, backing towards us like we were her saviors. “Your sister shoved me. Over nothing!”

I looked at Cynthia. Her stance was solid, the broom still raised like she’d use it again if needed. There was no fear in her eyes, only frustration.

“She's lying,” Cynthia said calmly. “I told her to wait outside. She's forced her way in. I didn't even touch her.”

“She called me a snake!” Victoria cried.

“I only said you slithered in uninvited,” Cynthia corrected with a glare.

Asher snorted, half amused despite the tension.

Hayes just folded his arms, looking at me.

We'd known Cynthia since birth. There was no way she was lying. But Victoria's was only a couple of years. If my sister said she didn't touch her, then she didn't.

But we're here, not because of broken vases and fling accusations. This was about Tessa, our mate.

“Victoria,” I said, stepping closer, “how did you know there were rogues in the woods today?”

Her eyes flicker towards me, and I caught it, the panic before she gave me a dazzling smile.

“I told you,” she said smoothly. “I heard it from someone. I mean, being the beta's daughter has its…perks. People talk.”

“Lies!” my wolf growled beneath my skin.

“Who exactly told you?” Hayes asked, voice sharp.

“I—I can't remember his name. Some patrol guy, tall, scar on his chin—maybe?”

She was trembling now. Her hands clutched her blouse like she could keep herself from slipping up.

When she saw we weren't bulging, she continued, shaking her head. “You know I'd never send you into a trap,” she said quickly. “I care about you, about us.”

“I find it hard to believe,” Asher muttered.

Victoria's lip quivered. “Is it about the girl?”

“What girl?” I asked instead, raising an eyebrow.

“That weak, soaked thing you dragged in today,” she spat. “I saw the way you looked at her. Don't tell me—”

“How did you know there was a girl?” Our voices echoed collectively, making her step back.

“I…I”

“Did you also burn her skin?” Asher cuts her off.

“No! I would never—”

“Do such a thing?” Hayes cuts her off again, eyes glaring icily at her. “You dare lie to your alpha? If you don't tell us the truth right now, we're done! All of us.”

I heard her breath hitch. I saw it in her face, the moment she realized we meant it.

There was no way in hell Victoria would say the truth. She didn't want to be seen as a liar and she didn't want to lose the chance of being a Luna.

So, she forced a smile. “I already told you. It was a rumor. I heard about the rogues, and I thought I'd be helpful. I didn't think it would turn into all this.”

She was lying. I know, but we couldn't force her hands just yet.

“We believe you,” I lied right back, giving her a long, cold look.

Victoria blinked, taken aback. “You do?” She didn't believe we would agree without putting up much of a fight.

“Sure,” Asher shrugged with a fake cheer. “But if we ever catch wind of you bullying anyone without a cause…”

“No, no. I would never do that again. Ever.” Victoria agreed.

“So, does that mean you're admitting that you did it?” Hayes asked, smirking.

Victoria froze, wide eyed. “But I just said—”

“Yeah, that you didn't,” I cut her off again. “And we believe you. But you have to leave now.”

“What?! Are you asking me to leave?” Her voice rose to a pitch. “After two years of training, and the very day you came back, you're asking me to leave?!”

Victoria was furious.

“You heard them right,” Cynthia sneered. “Use. The. Door.”

Victoria opened her mouth to say something but swallowed it when she felt the coldness we suddenly released.

I walked over to Cynthia and gently took the broom from her hands. She sighed and leaned against me. “Look, she even trashed Mom's favorite vase,” she muttered. “I had to do something.”

“And you did good,” I whispered.

Cynthia didn't speak again. But her eyes never left Victoria.

“We'll be in touch,” I told Victoria as Hayes and Asher led her to the door. “But don't come back unless you're invited.”

“What?! You can't do that to me. What will the elders say? Even the alpha?”

“The door,” Cynthia whispered, still glaring at her.

She paused at the threshold, her voice smaller now. “Landon… do...do you still love me?”

“...”

“The door!” Cynthia yelled again.

Turning around, she walked towards the door, closing it behind her with a loud bang!

******

“Our mate is in trouble!” Zorra urged me the next morning. “Hurry up and go to her. Now!”

Hurrying off the bed, I quickly put on my shirt, feet taking me towards my car only to see my brothers already waiting for me.

“You felt it too?” I asked, opening the car door and shuffling inside.

“Of course, she's our mate!”