Twelve

Natalie

I closed my eyes as I listened to Ruby’s soft sobs.

I could tell she was trying to be quiet since she knew she could easily be heard. If I hadn’t come to her door, I wouldn’t have heard her crying. Instead of knocking, I pulled the door open slowly and entered the room.

With the evening sun lighting the room I easily found her. She was face down on her bed with her face pressed into one pillow and another pillow over her head. I sighed as I approached her bed and sat down. Despite her heart skipping a beat from her fright, she didn’t physically jump. She fell silent and I waited for her to sit up. When she didn’t, I tapped her leg.

“Ruby, it’s only me.” She sat up then, the pillow on her head falling to the floor, and I could see her swollen and bloodshot eyes. “I’m so sorry.”

“You could have told me,” she said weakly, and I shook my head.

“I couldn’t babe. Alpha’s orders. But I wish I could have.” I reached out to smooth down her hair, but she suddenly swatted at my hand and