Chapter 5

I couldn’t bring myself to call the room mine yet. It smelled faintly of pine and fresh linen, too new to belong to me. I sat on the edge of the bed, tracing the grain of the nightstand until sleep dragged me under.

Soft laughter tugged me awake hours later.

Not angry voices, but playful and quick ones. Footsteps pounded up the stairs and halted right outside my door.

A whisper.

A giggle.

Then I heard voices arguing by the door, on whether they should open the door or not

And I was wondering, if I should just open it and save them the argument

“Give her space,” a voice chided.

The voice sounded much like Lenas and it was reprimanding the latter voice saying I need space, I don’t know who she was talking to, I knew it wasn’t Finn because when he left, he said he was going come late tonight so I wonder who the other person was

After few minutes of them still going back and forth, I stood up and then opened the door

Two startled faces snapped toward me.

Lena wore a guilty half smile. Beside her stood a girl about my age with the same striking features sharp cheekbones, glossy black hair that caught the light like ink.

Were the girls in this pack carved from the same mold of goddess!

I thought Lena was giving a model vibe, until I met the girl standing with her

I then cleared my throat and said” I wanted to save you guys the trouble, your back and forth was getting to me” while leaning on the doorframe.

Oh I’m really sorry” Lena said

I gave her a smile, then she then looked at the girl by her side and said

Since you’re awake now, this is my sister, I told you about her at breakfast

Aria meet Lila . Lila meet Aria

Can I go now, Lena said with her full attention on her sister, I have cookies in the oven

The girl Lila just kept staring at me with her hazel eyes and I thought she was just shy, until she bombarded me questions.. I guess I spoke too soon

“You’re so beautiful “

“How are you maintaining your hair “

“How Old are you “

“How long and you staying “

“Do you have a mate “

“Breathe,” I said, catching her hands before she ran out of air.

To my surprise, she obeyed

Thank you

No, I never put much effort in my hair….as a matter of fact, I used to hate my hair while growing up

I’m not sure how long my stay is

Yes and no..Yes I had a mate and no I don’t have one anymore..my mate rejected me

I guess that’s all what you asked or did I miss anything

I said the rejected part like it was normal and I didn’t feel a sick in my guts this time, maybe it’s a good thing

Oh my goodness

I didn’t know

I’m so sorry “ she said

It’s fine really , I’m over it now, do you want to come in or..

“I thought you’d never ask.” She breezed inside and perched on the arm of the chair. “So, how are you settling in?”

“I can’t say much. I only arrived a few days ago. Honestly, it doesn’t feel like moving in. More like… running. I was lucky Finn found me and didn’t ask too many questions.”

Her curiosity flickered, but she only said, “I’ll wait until you’re ready to tell me.” Then, slyly: “Have you found your mate yet?”

“That’s part of why I ran.”

Her brows shot up. “Interesting.”

A pause, then: “Aria, are you free tonight?”

“Yeah… why?”

“The pack’s having a bonfire. I want you to meet my friends. You can’t hide in this house forever. Live a little. Maybe give love another chance.”

“If I decline, will you take no for an answer?”

“Nope.” Her grin was wicked and cherubic all at once. “I’m just asking out of courtesy. Six o’clock. I’ll be back.”

She spun away in a whirl of energy, the slam of the front door punctuating her exit.

Time slipped past. The clock crept toward 5:15. I was still staring at the room when a knock sounded.

“That was quick,” I called. “Come in.”

“You must be joking. Lila punctual? Never.”

Lena leaned against the doorway, all quiet grace.

“She said you’re going to the bonfire. I wanted to make sure you’re okay with it. My sister can be… persuasive. You don’t have to go if you’re not ready.”

“No, it’s fine,” I said. “I could use a change of air.”

Her smile warmed the room and made me wonder what she looked like when she wasn’t smiling.

As she turned to leave, I blurted, “Wait.”

She glanced back. “Yes?”

“This might sound silly, but… I don’t have anything to wear. I didn’t pack. I didn’t even plan to run. After the after the rejection, I just left. I didn’t think, I just”

Lena reached over, a gentle hand on mine. “It’s fine. I might have something perfect.”

Minutes later she returned with a soft canvas bag and pressed it into my hands.

“Try this.”

Inside lay a cropped cream sweater soft as cloudlight, high waisted black jeans that hugged like a second skin, and a pair of worn brown boots perfect for dancing in the firelight. A charcoal gray wool jacket completed it warm, a little wild, smelling faintly of pine.

“It’s perfect,” I breathed.

Lena smile deepened, “ Good”. Have fun at the bonfire and stay close to Lila

“ Yes I will, I said while still admiring the sweater

The door bell rang, and this time I didn’t need to guess, I knew it was Lila.

“ Your ride to the bonfire is here” Lena said while walking towards the door.”Stay here and finish dressing , I will get the door “

I tightened the last buckle on the borrowed boots, smoothing my palms over the black jeans. Footsteps pattered down the hall, a muffled greeting floated back, and then like a gust of wind Lila swept into the room, with yet another dramatic entrance.

Lila wore a deep berry cropped sweater that clung just enough to hint at curves, the knit catching the light with tiny silver threads that winked when she moved. Her high rise charcoal jeans were artfully ripped at the knees, the frayed edges brushing against ankle high combat boots polished to a soft shine. A thin black leather belt cinched her waist, and a moon shaped pendant rested at her throat, glowing faintly against warm brown skin. Her hair thick curls streaked with copper highlights was pulled half up with a velvet scrunchie, the rest spilling down her back in defiant waves. She smelled faintly of vanilla and bonfire smoke, as if she carried the night with her.

Girl, you look so good,” She blurted . “That sweater does something to your skin it’s like it’s making you shine and pop.”

My grin widened until it threatened to split my face. I didn’t realize how hard I was smiling back until my cheeks began to ache. When was the last time someone complimented me and it felt this… genuine?

“You look good as well,” I said, letting my eyes sweep her outfit one more time, cataloguing every bold, beautiful detail.

“Girl, I know,” she answered with a playful hair flip, her grin practically weaponized.

“Are you done yet? Theo is coming to pick us up in five.”

“Theo?” I tilted my head, puzzled. She said it like I should already know.

“Oh sorry! Theo’s a friend of mine. And he has a car, so it’s a win win.”

“Ohh,” I murmured, the name still unfamiliar on my tongue.

“Don’t worry,” she added quickly, reading my hesitation. “You’re going to like him. You’re going to like all of them. They’re chill.”

I turned back to the mirror and sighed. “I need help styling my hair,” I admitted, after what felt like my tenth failed attempt to tame it. My fingers kept tangling in the thick strands, every twist falling flat.

Lila clapped her hands together, eyes sparkling like she’d been waiting for this.

“Say no more. Sit. I’ve got magic fingers and trust me, Aria, we’re about to make you bonfire ready.”