Mason and Marcus

True to her words, Layla arrived exactly at six. The party will be kicking off from half past seven.

 Without knocking, Layla kicked the door open before sauntering with a smile plastered on her face making me scoff.

" It's hard to get rid of old habits," I comment and she giggles.

That's Layla for you. The girl who would rather kick the door open than push it with her hands. The girl who would rather jump over the window than walk out through the door.

She has always been someone who does what's not expected of her and gives no damn about it.

I used to admire her in the past,I still do.

While growing up, Layla was the kind of girl who would take no nonsense from anybody. The number of brawls she was involved in before we graduated from high school cannot be counted.

On the other hand,I was that shy nerd who would endure anything. I would rather cry by the washrooms silently than confront my troubles.

Growing up, I had to depend on Layla, Mason and Marcus to defend me.

That's just how useless and weak I was.

It's no wonder my mate rejected me.

" Not only are you wolfless, you are worthless. What were you thinking? That someone like you deserves to be my Luna. A weakling who can only cry when faced by danger can never be my Mate." Those were the exact words my mate told me.

Ugly right? But he did not even flinch when they left his mouth. The hate and disgust reflected in his eyes make me shiver every time that scene replays in my mind.

" Down to earth Ruby! What are you thinking about?" Layla's voice pulls me from my thoughts.

" It's nothing." I reply, forcing a smile.

" From the look of things, I can tell that it's something." Layla insists, her eyes regarding me suspiciously. 

Unable to hold her stare, I look away.

" Don't tell me you are thinking about that asshole again?" I could hear the disappointment in her words.

" Ruby, when will you ever learn that he is nothing but a ugly past, a past you ought to flush and get rid of? He has made you suffer for years,are you still thinking that there's a chance for the both of you? Women like you are the reason men continue to trample on your dignity and see you as desperate." 

Layla's words come out harsh but she is right.

What am I doing thinking about the man who drove a dagger in my heart and watched me bleed to death?

I am supposed to hate him, because that's what he deserves, hatred. But I can't control myself from thinking about him, whether it's cursing him or wishing things did not end the way they did.

Blame the stupid mating bond for making my life so messed up 

He rejected me but did not bother to make it official. Now, I not only swim waters of pain and bitterness,I have to endure my stupid Wolf longing for her mate.

My Wolf, Haven, resurfaced two years after I left the pack. I was wolfless before but an incident happened back when I was in the city causing her to wake up from her slumber.

Of course, nobody knows about that, not even my parents.

" Do you honestly think I want to have him occupy my mind? I detest him to the core but you of all people should know what the mating bond can do. I hate myself each day for thinking about him." 

Unable to control my tears, I let them fall.

They are tears of frustration and helplessness.

Sometimes, I wonder what sin I committed to earn such a bitter fate.

" I'm sorry,I didn't mean to make you cry but I don't want to see you in this situation forever. You got to move on Ruby. Prove to him that he is insignificant in your life. That you deserve better and he isn't even good."

Layla's words bring a smile to my face.

Yes, I can't continue like this or else why did I even leave five years ago?

I left to make myself better and this is the best version of myself I have managed to mould over the years. How can I let emotions take control and get the best of me?

" You are right. I need to erase him from my mind and heart. I will not think about him anymore because he is not worthy of it." 

With that new found determination, I smile to myself.

' Wait and see. I will prove to you that I am not useless, worthless and a weakling '

" That's the way to go girl. Let's get you dressed for the party." Layla says pointing to the two dresses sitting on the table.

" Red colour symbolises fierceness. Tonight, you will grace that party with the looks of a Queen because that is what you are, a queen."

 One hour later, Layla and I made our way downstairs to find my parents waiting for us.

The gasps that escaped their mouths did not go unheard.

" My princess has transformed from a girl to a beautiful woman. I am so proud of you." My father showers me with complements.

" Of course she is beautiful. After all, she takes after me, right?" My mother comments and we all burst out laughing.

She is not wrong, I am an exact replica of my mother. Starting from my hazel eyes to my brown coloured hair and my hourglass figure.

I have to thank her for passing me such excellent looks.

" Are you girls coming with us? Your brother and Clara already left." My mother offered but we turned her down.

We will be heading to the party with my car.

The packhouse is not far from here but we can't just walk to the place, not with the stilettos gracing our feet.

We watch as our parents' car drives away.

Suddenly, I start feeling nervous.

He will be there tonight. Will he come to greet me or should I be the one to greet him?

It's been five years, will he look at me differently?

I immediately shake away those haunting thoughts. Tonight is about me and not him.

" Are you ready?" Layla asks.

Taking a deep breath, I nod.

" Let's do this."