Chapter 6 - Apple-Green 1911 Ford Jitney

Lilly's POV

"You must be insane if you think I will be driving in that to the ball!" Sade cried in horror as the apple-green 1911 Ford Jitney pulled up.

Jacob had made a call, and moments later, the old vehicle came rolling up the driveway.

The driver, an older wolf with grey hair, stepped out, nodded toward the two warriors, and quickly moved to the back to open the door.

I couldn't help but stifle a laugh at Sade's reaction.

"It's just a car, Sade," I teased, stepping closer to inspect the vehicle, "but I have to admit, it does look like something out of a vintage movie."

Sade shot me a hateful glare.

"What's wrong with riding in the Jitney?" James asked, irritation evident in his voice. "It's a classic! A wonderful ride! You should be grateful for it!"

I bit my bottom lip to hide a smile. Sade's face was now turning red out of anger.

"Grateful? You mean stuck in that old rust bucket?" She shot back, her voice filled with sarcasm.

James raised an eyebrow, clearly amused by Sade's reaction.

"It's not just any old rust bucket; it's got character," he replied, a grin spreading across his face.

"Character? More like a death trap on wheels," she retorted angrily.

"You are in need of transport to the ball," Jacob added.

"And we arranged it for you," James continued.

Sade crossed her arms defiantly, clearly not convinced.

"Not in that!" she shrieked, pointing a trembling finger at the jitney. "It's... it's hideous! I can't be seen in that! What will the pack members think of me?!"

Jacob exchanged a glance with James, both trying to suppress their laughter.

"They'll think you're the most daring pack member, ready to make a statement," he said, attempting to lighten the mood.

"Seriously!" Sade exclaimed.

"The rest of the she-wolves on the jitney seem not to care," James stated, gesturing to other dressed ladies.

I instinctively swept my eyes over all of their faces, hoping to spot a familiar one. Yet, not a single face triggered a memory.

"They are just happy they have transport to go to the ball," Jacob said. "So should you!"

"I am not just anyone!" Sade yelled, stomping her feet. "I have class, you know! That thing will ruin my hair and reputation forever!"

The girls on the jitney found Sade's comments offensive, causing them to shift uncomfortably in their seats on the small bus.

James rolled his eyes toward the sky. He seemed to do a little prayer—or was he counting to ten?

Jacob instead let out an irritated huff, his gaze shifting towards his brother, searching for a possible solution.

I was used to Sade's temper tantrums, but they weren't.

I found the situation somewhat amusing. Sade was quite the diva, clearly entitled. Will she be able to sway the two brothers to let her go with us? Which one will give in first?

I couldn't help but smile. The tension growing between the three was electrifying.

"Suit yourself," Jacob said abruptly, shrugging as he turned away and walked toward the limo. It was clear he had grown tired of her demands.

I quickly pressed my hand over my mouth, stifling a chuckle that threatened to escape.

"If you would rather not accept the ride on the jitney," James said seriously, reaching for me, and he began steering me toward the limo, "the only other option is that you shift and go in wolf form..."

"But if I were you," Jacob added, glancing at her, "I would make my decision quickly. You've already wasted enough time, and the jitney needs to leave. I will not delay eleven other guests because of your stubbornness..."

"Why can't I go with you?" Sade cried out, her bottom lip quivering. She was on the verge of unleashing her tears to try to sway them.

"Because this is a private arrangement," Jacob said sternly, opening the passenger door for me.

James helped me inside, and I scoot over to the center of the seat.

"But Lilly is like a sister to me!" she cried. "She is practically family! Sisters stick together! We should go together!"

I rolled my eyes and bit my lip. "More like an evil stepsister..." I hissed under my breath, realizing I should have anticipated her dragging me into this.

"Did you say something?" James asked, squinting his eyes as he got into the car.

"Nope," I chirped, shaking my head. "I was just thinking out loud." James chuckled and winked, closing the door behind him.

Jacob came around the car. He opened the passenger's door and suddenly stalled.

Did Jacob yield to Sade's demands?

My heart raced as worry set in. I really didn't want to share the car with her... was it wrong to feel that way?

Jacob's expression was cold, and his eyes had turned black. His wolf must have taken control. His focus was on Sade, and a moment later he let out a warning growl that made her whimper.

I internally sighed. I was glad that Jacob didn't yield to her demands and allow her to ride with us. She would certainly ruin my evening.

"Get in, brother!" James growled impatiently from my other side. "We are already behind schedule! Beta Zack will be furious with us."

Jacob's attention snapped back to us.

"I said, get in!" James snarled impatiently.

Jacob gave a quick nod, turned his gaze toward Sade, giving her one last glance, and got into the car.

"That she-wolf is going to drive me to something stronger than just alcohol," he muttered in his seat.

I chuckled, amused.

Jacob's gaze snapped toward me. "How the hell isn't she driving you insane?" he huffed. "She is impossible!"

That made me laugh even louder.

"I am serious!" he groaned, taken aback at my response. "I'll do anything—even chew off my wrists—just don't let me be the one to deal with her ever again."

"I can't make that promise," I said, trying hard to get my laughter under control. "Besides, you two have done a better job handling her and her mother than I ever did."

James's and Jacob's interested gazes shifted to me, and I could feel my face heating up.

I could tell they were curious about my experiences—they had asked me a few times. However, I was still avoiding the topic. I wasn’t ready to open up about my pain to someone I hardly knew.

"She isn't worth getting upset about," I said, placing my hand on Jacob's shoulder. "Sade is just a spoiled brat. She doesn't know any better."

"Yes, but—" I shook my head, signaling to him that whatever he said wouldn’t change anything.

Jacob sighed, crossed his arms over his broad chest, nodded, and leaned back in his seat.

I rolled my eyes at him, and he raised a teasing eyebrow, which made me laugh.

James quickly knocked on the driver's window, indicating that we were ready to leave.

The driver slowly pulled out of the driveway, and my heart raced in my chest. This was it! I was leaving the Black residents—even if it was just for the night.

My gaze caught Sade's face; it was flushed, and her eyes were dark and filled with fury.

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