Chapter 22 - A New Friend

“Oh,” I say, taking a step closer toward the women who are staring at me and nodding sagely. “Yes, an incredibly good point. Certainly, it’s something to consider.”

The women smile, pleased with my affirmation, but they hesitate as they continue the conversation, a few glancing over their shoulders at the woman in purple speaking alone with an Alpha. Our group breaks up a few moments later, everyone finding someone else to mingle with, and I can’t help but heave a sigh of relief.

There’s an unusual pause as I am alone for a moment, and I’m savoring it, but suddenly the woman in purple is standing next to me.

“Terrible little Lunas,” she murmurs to me, imitating Larissa’s words and inflection from just a few moments ago, “that little one in particular.” She raises her wine glass to her mouth with a smirk and I find myself laughing freely – perhaps the first time I’ve done that in any of these conversations.

“Vain,” I continue, likewise repeating Larissa’s insults about Vivi and gi