Chapter 12

“Are you sure you’re okay? You really don’t have to go if you don’t want to,” Kellan said for what felt like the hundredth time as we stood outside the hospital room door.

I remembered how he helped me out of the bathroom earlier, dressed and ready, and I told him that I wanted to go downstairs to eat with him and the others, including Lucian.

He had told me it was okay if I changed my mind or needed more time, but I insisted I was fine. He kept asking if I was sure, over and over again, until I almost snapped at him.

And now, just as I stepped out of the room, I was the one hesitating.

I was so nervous about meeting new people, and for a second, I started to worry. What if they didn’t like me?

Back in my former pack, it had always been hard. I was never really liked, and trying to fit in or make friends felt like a chore. I was either too quiet, too strange, or just… too different.

People saw me as weak, someone easy to ignore or look down on. So maybe that was why I felt this way now, like I had to shrink myself again, away from people.

But then again… was I really nervous about meeting new people, or was it the thought of seeing Lucian again?

Because truth be told, that thought scared me more.

I didn’t know what I would say to him and that’s even if he ends up showing up for breakfast. Hopefully…he doesn’t.

“We have to go now or we won’t meet any food,” Kellan said with a small smile.

“Okay, okay. Let’s just go,” I replied, grabbing onto his arm for support.

Walking down the stairs wasn’t easy, but Kellan stayed patient, matching his steps with mine and making sure I didn’t stumble. By the time we made it to the dining room, my legs were shaking slightly, but I managed to sit down at the table.

Thankfully, we had arrived before the others, so there wasn't anyone at the table yet. But as soon as they walked in, I didn't look up again. I just kept staring at my food, avoiding everyone’s eye.

“So, guys… this is Seraya,” Kellan said, introducing me.

I slowly lifted my eyes from the plate in front of me and gave them a small smile.

“Seraya, this is Fiona,” Kellan said, pointing to the girl sitting across from me. She had almost white blonde hair and a kind face. She smiled warmly and gave me a small wave.

“It’s nice to meet you!” she said cheerfully.

“Next to her is Lucas, her mate and also the Gamma of the pack,” Kellan added, nodding toward the man beside her. He was just as handsome as Kellan, but still… not quite like Lucian.

Speaking of Lucian, where was he? Was he avoiding breakfast because he knew that I would be here? Did the idea of sitting at the same table with me make him uncomfortable? What a jerk!

“Welcome to the pack,” Lucas said in a deep, gruff voice.

I quickly gave him a small smile and muttered, “Thank you.” But he wasn’t looking at me anymore. His attention had already shifted to Fiona and the way his eyes softened as he looked at her filled me with an unexpected ache. The way he stared at her… it was full of love.

It reminded me of how Kade would look at Leona, and I would be there, watching them and quietly wishing he would just look at me the same way.

“Did you really run away from your pack?” A voice snapped me out of my thoughts. It was the third person sitting next to Lucas, and she didn’t look as kind or welcoming as Fiona.

“Come on, Dee. Did you really have to ask that right now?” Fiona rolled her eyes, clearly irritated.

“I see no reason why I can’t ask. Why are you all walking on eggshells around her?” Dee’s tone was sharp as she turned to me. “It’s not like I asked a harmful question. Or did I, Seraya?” She shot me a pointed look, one brow arched like she was challenging me.

“Erm… no… no,” I stuttered and I hated that I did. It made me sound weak, like I couldn’t even stand up for myself.

But also, I didn’t know how to answer. How was I supposed to explain something so messy and personal in front of people I barely knew? I didn’t owe her, or anyone an explanation.

“Cut it out, Dee. This isn’t an interrogation room. We’re here to eat.” Kellan’s voice was firm as he dismissed her, but Dee didn’t seem bothered. Lucas, on the other hand, just kept eating, as if he hadn’t noticed the tension.

“I’m Gabriel, by the way,” the last person said, looking at me with a calm smile. “And I’m Fiona’s twin.” He was tall and lean, almost as tall as Lucian, and I could already see the resemblance between him and Fiona.

Dee was the only one who didn’t introduce herself, and from the look on her face, I could tell she already had a personal issue with me. Great. Another person to add to the list of people who didn’t like me, apart from Lucian.

Speaking of the devil, Lucian walked into the room, dressed in gym clothes and covered in sweat. He had just finished working out. Everyone greeted him with a quiet “good morning,” except for me, and he didn’t acknowledge anyone. He just walked straight to the sink, washed his hands, then returned to the table, wiping his face with a towel before diving into his food without a word.

What the hell? Didn’t he notice that I was here too? Why didn’t he say anything to me or even acknowledge my presence?

Heck! He didn’t even glance at my direction.

Was I invisible to him, or did he just not care?