Amelia;
I tried to keep up with Matt, but he was going too fast, something had clearly spooked him, his face turned white as he leapt to his feet and ran. I know he told me to stay here, but there was no way I was letting him go on his own. I hesitated for a moment, knowing that I should have done as he had told but, stupidly, I followed him. When he told me to stop, there was a tone in his voice which made me know that I had to, but I had gone too fast, I had built up too much momentum so as I got to the ditch I slipped over the end and tumbled down. I fell through the air for a few seconds. I saw everything happening in slow motion, and there was nothing that I could do to stop me from falling into the dead body of another pack member. I hit the ground with a wet smack and squeezed my mouth shut as I fought through the strong scent of blood and tried to stop myself from throwing up. I laid there for a few seconds, my eyes tightly shut and unmoving.
I pulled back and looked down at my arms. There was blood everywhere. This killing was nothing like the first; from what I had heard anyway, I opened my mouth but was cut short by a high-pitched scream. It took me a few seconds to realise that the scream was coming from me. Matt leapt down into the ditch and grabbed my hands, yanking me towards him before pulling me into his arms, trying to calm my down. I buried my face into his chest and sobbed, this was by far the worst experience of my life.
The sound of running footsteps approaching us caused Me and Matt both looked up. Arlo and the other Elites were stood there, staring down at us in shock. Arlo's face drained all colour as he looked down at the body and then at me. The other Elites; who were as equally pale and silent, were staring in horror at the naked, blood-soaked female, who's body parts were wrenched from her body and were out on display for all to see. I tried to focus on anything other than the fact that I was still sat in the ice-cold remnants of a deceased human. A familiar voice snapped me from my daze, causing me to focus on them.
'I fucking told you lot it was her and that Mutt, they killed Jaime! And because none of you listened, they have killed again.' Charlie cried; his face full of anger.
'What? No! This was not Amelia!' Matt shouted pulling my head closer to his chest and slightly covering my ears. 'I found her reading a book with Pretty Girl galloping about. She followed me when I smelt the blood, but she fell into the pit. She has nothing to do with this.' Matt continued, sounding angrier than I had ever heard him before. A sob escaped my mouth as Matt defended me. What had I done to make these people hate me so much? What was it about me that made them think that I was capable of something like this? And worst of all, why was it my brother who was the one leading them all to this conclusion?
'So, where the fuck has, she been all day? she wasn't with us at lunch. And I don't remember seeing her all morning!' Charlie sneered pointing his finger at me. I opened my mouth to answer but the look that passed over Charlie's face had me pausing in fear. It didn't matter what I; or anyone else, said, he had clearly already made up his mind!
'She was in the kitchen helping to prepare food and feed our pack!' Matt hissed; I could hear his heart beating faster. 'If you don't believe us, then go and ask Tanya!' Tears burned my eyes and there was nothing that I could do to stop them from rolling down my cheeks in warm waves. Why would anyone believe I was capable of such a cruel and hideous thing? Me? Murder someone? Anyone that truly knew me would know that. I didn't have it in me. I paused for a few long seconds, waiting for Arlo to just to my defence; but he never did. He stayed quiet, his wide eyes darting from the dead body to me. Did he actually think that I did this? I was distraught. The tears came faster, and I sucked in heavy sobs, allowing Matt to wrap his arms around me tighter. Why was he the only one jumping to my defence? I burst into tears again and tried to break away from Matt's comforting grip; which only caused him to hold on to me that little bit tighter. A feeling unlike anything I had ever felt before gripped my chest so tight that I thought it was Matt at first; I could hear my heart pounding in my ears, and I struggled to suck any breaths. I felt my chest heave and is struggled to breathe, my breaths coming in quick and shallow. What was happening to me? I needed to get away from here. With all my might, I wrenched myself free from Matts hold and ran. I ran as fast as I could, ignoring all the horrified looks and gasps as I ran though the gardens and people were taking in my bloodied appearance. I could see the mansion in the distance, getting closer with every step I took. My lungs were on fire and it was even harder to breathe, but I wouldn't stop until I was back I the safety of my room. I could hear my friend's footsteps behind me.
'Amelia please wait.' Matt called trying his hardest to catch up with me. I ignored his shouts as I ran past Piper. She turned to speak to me, but I didn't hesitate. I barged past her and took the stone steps to the mansion's entrance two at a time and continued to run. Before I knew it, I was stood staring at my bedroom door, my hands trembling so much that I couldn't even pull the key from my pocket; when a strong warm hand gripped my shoulder. I didn't need him to speak to know who it was. I stopped what I was doing, allowing my arms to fall limp and my sides, before spinning around and falling into Matts arms, letting go of all control I had on my emotions and stood there, uncontrollably sobbing.
I felt one of Matts arms loosen from around me and dip into the pocket of my jeans and pull the key from within. He slipped the key into the lock and threw the door open, ushering me inside before shutting; and locking, the door behind us.
'I am going to run you a bath, take these clothes off, I will take them downstairs and put them in the bin' Matt whispered, releasing me from his hold and walking me over to my bed. I slumped down onto my knees, shakily pulling off the blood-soaked T-shirt, and feeling the cold blood scrape over my face as I did so. Matt was already in the bathroom by the time all my clothes came off. I wrapped a blanket around my naked shivering body and sat on my bed staring into space.
'Come on Lia; the bath is running, and I have added some of those relaxing bath oils to the water. You're clearly still in shock so I am going to stay with you okay?' Matt smiled reassuringly as he sat on the floor next to me. I turned my blank stare to him and then down to my blanket wrapped body, blinking slowly. Usually I would have protested about having a guy see me this vulnerable; but today I really didn't care. I shook my head, feeling the clumps of hair stuck together with blood tap my face.
'W-w-why are you being so nice to me?' I stammered looking down at the floor.
'Are you kidding? Lia, you are one of my best friends. I know that we haven't know each other that long, but you have no idea how loved you are. You are an angel. You have so much love for this pack, I have never known an Elite to break every rule possible just so she can be kind to the Non-Elites. You have a heart of gold; and you do all this without expecting to gain anything in return.' He smiled rubbing my back. I was still shivering uncontrollably, but the fact that he used my term when speaking about the Mutts made me smile. It may have only been a twitch at the corner of my mouth, but it was there. I turned my blank stare towards him and sat for a few seconds, allowing my eyes to fully focus on him before speaking.
'You will make a woman really happy someday Matt, your so kind and caring, I have so much respect for you.' My voice came out sounding alien to me, it was hoarse and cracked. I sighed, while looking up at him and smiling. His face went pale and then he looked down at the floor. 'Hey, what is it?' I asked, sitting up a little straighter and twisting myself around to look at him properly. His face paled further, and he turned his face away from me, a look on his face that seemed as though he was fighting a mental battle in his head. Had I said something to offend him? I cleared my throat and reached forward, placing my ice-cold hand on his cheek; the warmth of his skin instantly thawing out the coldness that I felt. 'You know that you can tell me anything, right?' I asked, my voice softer, but no less panicked. Whatever was happening right now was clearly very hard for him. He shouldn't have to face that alone. Matt sighed heavily and closed his eyes once more.
'I…I'm gay.' He whispered, his shoulders sagging as though he had just dropped the weight of the world from then. I paused for a moment and creased my brow as I let everything sink in. Everything made so much sense now; when he helped pick out my clothes. The way he is so closed off from the other pack members. The fact that I am so in love with him; but like a brother. I smiled at him and rested my head on his shoulder snuggling into him that much more. He cleared his throat and turned his dark eyes towards me; 'I haven't actually told anyone else that. I mean, Arlo knows, but he is the only one. I am just worried that All the others would treat me differently if they knew. Do you know what I mean?' He asked. I nodded, still not looking up at him and rested his hand on his chest.
'Thank you for telling me, I know that must have been so hard for you.' And I was thankful. Matt trusted me with something he didn't feel he could tell anyone else, that was true friendship.
'Can I tell you a secret?' I asked, sitting up slightly and turning to face him. If he could be honest with me, then I could finally open up to someone. 'I keep having these really weird dreams. I mean, I have been having this same dream every night!' I paused for a moment and allowed myself to drift into the memory.
'So, you have been having the same dream, every night? Isn't that weird?' Matt asked, peering at me a little harder as though he was looking at me with new eyes. I sighed and shook my head.
'There's more. It gets weirder.' I paused again for a moment, not believing that I was actually about to tell someone my biggest secret, and the thing that scared me most in this world. 'For years, I have been hearing a woman. I don't know who she is, or what she wants. But I hear her voice. In the dead of night. In the quiet points in the day. Even when I am in the middle of washing up in the kitchens. I hear her. Singing her Lullaby.' Matt smiled at me and kissed my cheek.
'Does it scare you?' he asked, his voice soft and concerned, my fear of him thinking that I was going insane slowly began melting away. I nodded, then hesitated, actually thinking about the question.
'No, I mean, yeah… I mean… maybe. I don't know. With the dream, usually I just wake up with an awful feeling in the pit of my stomach and it doesn't go away. The singing. That scares me more. That happens when I am awake. It terrifies me.' I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper.
'Lia; you have been through so much shit in your life. And you have been living here, what? Over a month now? And life is still shit for you. I am not surprised you are having nightmares… have you told Arlo?' Matt asked pulling me up from the bed. I shook my head and walked towards the bathroom.
'No, I haven't. Please don't tell him.'
'What about the singing? Does anyone else know about that?' He asked. I shook my head and paused once I caught sight of myself in the bathroom mirror. My pale skin was a stark contrast with the dark, dried blood that was coating the entirety of my body. My knees trembled as I tried to calm myself down. But it was no use. Matt turned back to the bath water and swirled it with his hand, causing an array of scents to wash over me, calming me instantly.
'Get in the bath and try your best to relax okay?' Matt said walking to the bathroom door.
He paused and turned back to look at me once last time. 'I will be right out here waiting for you when you're done, ok?' He asked, smiling softly. I nodded and watched as he carefully closed the door behind him. And that was when I silently crumbled once more. Tears streaming down my face. I needed to get to the bottom of all these murders. And fast!
I climbed from the bath staring down at the red murky water and shuddered; the images of the dead body scattered everywhere and me laying in the middle of it. I pulled the plug from the bath and watched as it quickly drained away. I tightened my towel around me and wandered out into my room. How did my life end up this way? All I wanted was to be free, and now look at me. Apparently, the prime suspect in a series of murders. I bit my lip in attempt to stop myself crying again and turned to the bay window and perched myself on the bench. There in the distance was the top peak of a mountain. Maybe I could just run away and live there? Maybe that would make all my troubles disappear? I sighed to myself and began to turn away when the sirens call echoed in my mind. I glanced back out the window and my eyes fell on the mountain once more. A sudden desire to go there filled the pit of my stomach and it took everything in me to not just up and run. I leaned into the call and allowed the full pull to consume me; the sound was beautiful and almost hypnotic. I reached my hand up and placed it on the cool glass when a loud knocking snapped me from my trance. I sat back and shook my head, feeling more than a little dazed and rose to my feet, rushing over to the door and pulling it open.
'What do you want?' I snapped, glaring angrily at Arlo as he stood sheepishly in my doorway. He creased his brow in confusion and shook his head slightly.
'What? What is that supposed to mean?'
'It means why are you standing here in my doorway Arlo. I have nothing to say to you.' I snapped angrily. He let out a low growl in his throat and stormed past me into my room. 'Why don't you come on in.' I muttered sarcastically, slamming the door behind him.
'Look, I'm not here to argue Lia. I really did just want to make sure that you are ok.'
'Make sure I am ok? Are you being serious? Where were you making sure that I was ok when my brother was fucking accusing me of murdering people. Do you honestly think that I would do that? Me… murder someone? You want to make sure that I am ok, how about you fucking defend me.'
'I wish that it was as simple as that. Do you not understand the position that I am in right now? Charlie is my Beta. Standing against him publicly is not how things are done in a pack! I can't just call him out in front of everyone!' He snapped, his anger clearly getting the better of him.
'Do you know what makes me laugh. Ethan is there by my side through all of this. And he actually tries to defend me. I know that he would stand up to you if he could. But he can't. You just chose not too in fear of disturbing the precious balance of this bullshit pack!'
'For fuck sake Lia. You think that using him against me right now is the right thing to do? I am the alpha. I can banish him if needs be.' His words stunned me worse than if he had slapped my face. My eyes narrowed and I took a step closer to him, poking him in the chest.
'You do that, and you will lose more than just a member of the pack. You will also lose me, and any respect that I felt for you.'
'So, you would become a Deviant for this Mutt? Please, are you really that insecure that you would have to follow a Mutt into the darkness?' he asked with a humourless laugh. My blood boiled and I saw red. I reached down to the shelf beside me and grabbed large, leather-bound book that was resting there, and threw it at him.
'Who the fuck do you think you are?' I screamed, as he ducked under the projectile book and took a step closer towards me. He turned back to face me with a smirk, only to feel the sting of my palm across his face. My hand throbbed and I bit my tongue to stop myself crying out. Damn, that was some slap! 'If you are just here to insult me then get the fuck out of my room!' I shouted, clenching my teeth and trying my hardest to get my anger under control. Why did he know all the things to say that caused my temper to ignite? I closed my eyes and gulped down some deep breaths. I refused to let him get the better of me. I opened my eyes just as the lights above us flickered, and a small trickle of blood had escaped his lip from my slap.
Arlo dropped his stare down from the flickering lights to meet my eyes, flicking his tongue out and licking the blood away. He swallowed and stared at me in shock; before breaking out into a fit of laughter.
'What the fuck are you laughing at? It's not funny Arlo!' I snapped, gritting my teeth and narrowing my eyes at him. He clutched his stomach as he continued to laugh, and I felt the anger melting from my face. 'I am serious! It's not funny!' I snapped again, this time a little less forcefully as a smile tugged at the corner of my lips.
'Get dressed!' Arlo panted breathlessly, trying his hardest to stop his laughter.
'Excuse me?' I snapped, still trying to be angry with him.
'Get dressed… we are going to the pub!'
Piper;
Today was the day that we were holding the funerals for our fallen pack members. I was terrified and had no idea what to expect. In all the years that my family had been a part of this pack we have never needed a funeral rite for someone who had died under these circumstances; except for Amelia's mother, but I was only a child when that happened, I don't remember it much.
I sucked in a deep breath and tried to calm my racing heart, but it was no use. I hadn't seen Amelia since before the second killing, no one except Matt and Arlo had seen her. And I was so worried about her. Everything seemed to be taking its toll on her, and I was terrified about what effect that would have on her.
I stood to the side and took in all the devastated faces of our pack; all looking equally as heartbroken as the next, watching as Arlo, Charlie, Matt and Eddie, piled more logs around the bodies wrapped in white sheets. Everyone watched on in silence for a few minutes before they all stepped back simultaneously, and Arlo crouched down to the side and struck a match. The smell of sulphur filled the air for a split second and then the logs were ablaze. The flames climbed up the dry logs, moving at a rapid speed. I watched until it was too bright for my eyes and then turned my gaze out across the crowd.
The smell was strong and unlike anything I had ever smelt, the mixture of charred flesh and burnt hair filled my nostrils and almost caused me to gag. The two bodies of our fallen were now fully ablaze and I wondered how long it would take before they were left as nothing but ash. I turned my gaze around the group once more, and then I noticed her, standing right at the back under the tree with a look on her face that finally broke me.
Amelia was so pale, paler than normal, she was thin and a shell of the person she used to be. I followed her gaze to our pack, the pain in her eyes was unbearable, she held back tears as she noticed members of our pack had started dividing. Some who believed she was the killer; mainly the Elites looked up and glared at her; baring their teeth in silent snarls, they stood away from all the ones who believed she was innocent; the Mutts. Arlo was standing in between everyone, with Jaime and Laura's parents either side of him. I felt as a warm tear rolled down my cheek and onto the end of my chin, I hurt for the parents of our young fallen members, but I also felt for my best friend. After the whole pack sung a song to help our fallen find their way to the Goddess Selene, everyone started departing and going back to their homes. Amelia left first, no one had even noticed that she had gone, my eyes met Matts with a look of worry upon his face. 'Amelia' he mouthed at me, I shrugged and nodded to the mansion. Matt looked like he wanted to go and find her, but he had duties and that was to stay with Arlo to support Jaime and Laura's parents. I tapped my mums' hand and smiled weakly at her.
'I need to be with Amelia.' I whispered. My mother looked down at me with sorrow filled eyes and nodded lightly. She too was just as worried about Amelia as I was. Before anyone had a chance to stop and talk to me, I ran.
Amelia;
I sat on the edge of my bed and stared at the wall, my gaze not breaking away as thoughts plagued my broken mind. I knew the Elites thought I killed Jaime and Laura, I could feel their hatred for me, and it broke my heart. My own father believed it was me and, in an instance, they would put me to death. Thank Selene I had Marie on my side, she was my angel in disguise. Maybe I should just let them all kill me because as they all have said, people always died around me; my mother when I was born and now Jaime and Laura not even two months after I joined the pack. I was a bad omen and bad omens always affected the people around them, including the people they cared about. Piper, Matt and Arlo flashed through my mind, what if something happened to them? Because of me. I could run away, but no doubt I would be tracked down and that would show everyone I was guilty; guilty of something I didn't do. I dropped my face down into my hands and sobbed quietly. Why did everything have to be so complicated? The sound of a gentle tapping at my bedroom door had me turning my face around to stare at it. I didn't care who it was, I didn't want to see anyone. I needed to be alone. If I was alone then no one else was going to get hurt. I closed my eyes and held my breath, hoping that whoever it was, was going to just go away.
'Lia; it's me.' I opened my eyes as I heard Pipers soft voice. I remained where I was sat in silence, listening to my own heart pounding in my ears. I sighed and pushed up to my feet and walked over to my bedroom door and sat down, placing the side of my head against it.
'Please open up.' Piper cried softly, I heard as her voice went from above my head down to my level. She too was sitting on the floor and leaning against the door. 'You know none of this is your fault, right?' she asked. 'Ignore them all, the people that matter know you wouldn't hurt anyone and anyone who believes otherwise needs their head's testing.' Tears started falling down my face, soaking my cheeks. The people who mattered did believe me but the people with the power didn't, I had no hope.
'The pack have divided because of me. I croaked.
'No Lia; the pack have divided because of the real killer and because they are too fucking stupid and ignorant. Did you not notice how many were standing for you? Nearly all of us non-Elites, Marie, Tristan and Matt, we are all on your side here.' Piper cried, I could hear the frustration in her voice, she desperately wanted me to listen to her, but I had a feeling that I was beyond that now. My phone beeped causing me to glance down with my heart in my throat.
Ethan; Hey baby. I hope you are ok after the funeral rite. I noticed how you were stood aside and looked really out of place. But you have nothing to be ashamed of. Did you not see how many of us were gathered around you? We know that you are innocent in all this. Even if your dick of a brother doesn't.
I felt the corners of my mouth tilt up into a smile and all the fears and stress that I had been holding onto slowly melted away. How did he always manage to make me smile? It was almost as if he could just sense when I needed someone and there he was. If only I wasn't so conflicted. Why did I have to really like two guys? And why did they both have to drive me wild in different ways?
Arlo;
It had been two weeks since the murders, we had held both funerals on the same day a week after they had happened. No one knew who it was that killed them, we all had our suspicions; mine being that it was an outsider, but Charlie was still convinced it was someone in the pack; Amelia to be precise. He tried to persuade anyone and everyone he could into believing the same, and much to my disgust that was a lot of the pack. Thank Selene for the Mutts. Some had questioned if it was her as she was not far away from the second body; laying on top when we found her. I had spoken to Tanya the day that the second murder took place. She said Amelia was with them from 7:30 until 2:30, helping in the kitchen. I just didn't understand why no one else could see that she was innocent especially since she had a fucking alibi. Amelia wasn't the same though, ever since seeing that body, she had been becoming more and more withdrawn from everyone. From me. I knew that there was something she wasn't telling me. She wouldn't do anything on her own. If she was not sleeping in my room, then she was in her room with Matt or Piper. Or sometimes both. I was so grateful to both of them for being there for her. I don't know what she would do without them. Something was happening to her and it was destroying me seeing her go through this.
I would listen to her through my bedroom wall as she whimpered in her sleep. Sometimes, she would scream out sobbing. Most nights now, I had to let myself in her room just to wake her up just to calm her down, holding her trembling frame as close to me as possible and every time she would end up in my room; in bed with me.
Today was the first pack meeting of the new week and being that we are now in December; meant it was time to prepare for our Annual Yule Ball, our celebration of Winter Solstice. Maybe this was going to be the distraction that Amelia needed. Something to look forward to, but first I needed to get her to talk to me.
I climbed from the bed, before pulling on my jeans and a black t-shirt, before slowly making my way down to the meeting room. The moment I walked in the room fell silent as all eyes turned to me. Wow. At least now I understand what Amelia feels walking into the dining hall. I cleared my throat and smiled to my pack and the room fell back into their own general chatter. Matt, Charlie and Eddie were sat close together; Matt looking as though he would rather be anywhere other than next to Charlie. I dropped into my chair beside them and cleared my throat, trying my hardest to forget everything that had been happening the last few weeks and act as normal as possible.
'So, who are you all taking?' I asked looking at Matt, Charlie and Eddie. Matt shrugged; he didn't really like the yule Balls and would have rather had gone to the pub.
'Maybe Lori or Adela, or maybe Harper, I don't know. I haven't decided which one I want yet.' Charlie replied rubbing his chin. Eddie looked awkward
'I guess I'm taking whoever Charlie doesn't take.' He replied, 'And you?' he asked grinning. Matt smirked at Eddies question and Charlie rolled his eyes as he crossed his arms against his chest.
'Amelia.' I grinned sitting back on my chair.
'What the fuck? You're taking the murderer?' Charlie asked huffing, his eyes opening wider than I thought humanly possible; he was really starting to piss me off with this bullshit, but I had to remain calm and level minded but before I could say anything Matt spoke up.
'She isn't a fucking murder you moron.' He snarled through clenched teeth. Charlie narrowed his eyes and turned to face Matt, before laughing mockingly.
'Let me guess, your fucking her too? Wow, who knew that my sister was so lose and free.' I watched as Matt's face turned from red to purple with anger. I knew Matt, and he would only take so much, especially when it involved someone that he really cared about. I saw the muscles twitching in his arms as he fought to keep his emotions under control. He opened his mouth to shout back.
'Enough.' I roared, slamming my hand on my desk causing the room to fall silent. I turned and stared into my Beta's eyes; he knew he had overstepped the mark this time. he quickly looked away and put his head down, Matt had since walked out of my office slamming the door behind him.
Amelia;
I slowly made my way down the winding halls. I knew that I would be safe from the threats that I had been receiving lately as most of the Elites would be in the pack meeting. Why was I letting all these bastards get into my head? I hurried down the staircase and twisted myself around so that I was stood outside the main kitchen doors. I hesitated for a moment but knew that everyone behind this door was supporting me. With a heavy sigh, I placed my palm on the heavy door and shoved it, slipping in and smiling over to the friendly faces that greeted me.
'Amelia! What are you doing in here…again?' Tanya asked, hurrying forward and pulling me into her arms. I shrugged and looked down at the spotless floor, trying my hardest to fight through the fog in my mind. What was I doing in here?
'If I am honest, I just don't want to be alone.' I answered softly, I hated sounding so pathetic, but I knew that Tanya would understand. She planted a gentle kiss to the top of my head and squeezed a little harder.
'I thought you and Matt were out with Pretty Girl?' Piper smiled wrapping her arms around me and her mother, cuddling me.
'We were planning to go after the pack meeting.' I replied, trying my hardest to not roll my eyes. I cleared my throat and turned my eyes around the busy room. 'Can I do anything?' Tanya smiled at me, her face full of sadness, I knew they all felt sorry for me. A lot of the Elites were questioning if I had killed Jaime and Laura; which I didn't, but I could say it until I was blue in the face, no one believed me. Arlo wouldn't even talk to me about it and I understood why, it was awful for him knowing that two of his own Pack members had been murdered right under his nose; and I was the prime suspect. I just hoped that he didn't think that it was me also. The only two people that did talk about it with me were Matt and Piper; my two biggest supports; my warriors! Tanya looked up at the kitchens clock and sighed.
'Okay, you can cut up some fruit, but you must go for lunch today; darling, you haven't gone for any meals since…since what had happened, you can't hide away for ever.' She whispered, untangling her arms from around me and walked over to one of the many huge fridges and pulling a massive tray of fresh fruit from within. I smiled weakly and hurried over to her.
'I don't want too; I can't sit with them all. The only people who talk to me are Arlo, Marie, Matt and Eddie.' I sniffled as a tear fell down my cheek. 'And even that is getting more difficult. I can literally feel the pack dividing around me. And it's all my fault.' I whispered.
'Hey, listen to me okay? No one else in that hall believes that you had anything at all to do with those killings. And the four people that matter the most on your table also know you didn't. Yes, the other Elites have questioned it, and yes it will be uncomfortable. But you hold your head up high; madam. You have done nothing wrong; you have nothing to be ashamed of. So, cut up this fruit, go and get showered, put a bit of make up on, put on some of those lovely clothes that you own and go for Lunch, you have 45 minutes. Go.' Tanya smiled motioning to Piper to join me. I chopped the fruit, allowing myself to get lost in my work with Piper at my side. And before I knew it Tanya was back at our table, ushering us from the kitchen.
'Come on, let's go and get you ready for lunch.' Piper said softly, linking her arm through mine.
I listened to Tanya and Piper, allowing their words to take over everything else. I had a shower and put some make up on, my lips were blood red and matched my tight-fitting long-sleeved top, I put some black leggings on and wore my red converse. Piper did my hair; two French plates fell down past each shoulder resting beside my breast. Here goes nothing I thought exiting my bedroom and making my way down to the food hall.
The moment that I entered the room, all the non-Elite pack members smiled at me and carried on talking amongst themselves, but Charlie and the other Elite's turned their stone-cold glares on me; making me feel as though I didn't deserve to be there. I ignored all the hatred that was being pushed my way and locked eyes with Ethan. The minute that he met my stare he broke out into a goofy grin that melted my heart and caused butterflies to fill my stomach. I smiled back to him and looked away from him momentarily to meet the disgusted stares of my brother and father.
I turned my attention over towards where Matt usually sat; and much to his disgust it was always next to Charlie, he gave me a reassuring smile and nodded to the door. Arlo and his parents had just walked into the dining hall. I scurried over to my chair which was now between Arlo's and Marie's and stood waiting for them to take their seats. Matt was grinning at me and gave me a side glance towards Arlo, trying his best to be discrete, I looked up at Arlo, our eyes meeting each other's, he smirked and then looked me up and down as he walked closer to me. I felt his body brush against mine as soon as he walked past me before sitting at his chair. I bit my lip, every time he touched me, I just went weak. I never understood the expression weak at the knees until now.
'Nice to see you finally joining us.' He smiled rubbing my leg under the table, I smiled back and felt his hand running further up my leg. 'Stop.' I mouthed crossing my legs together, he chuckled quietly and pulled his hand away. Not now Alpha! I thought to myself.
Marie turned towards me and beamed. 'Arlo has given me permission to take you out shopping and we are going to get you a Ball gown, the only condition is, that Matt comes with us.' She excitedly clapped her hands. 'We need a dress that would match those beautiful eyes of yours.' She looked up at Arlo and he smiled. 'When are you going mother?' he asked. 'Well the ball is on Friday and we are on Monday, so ideally Thursday?' Marie said looking over at Matt. 'Yeah Thursday is good for me.' Matt smiled. 'It will be nice for Lia to get out as well.'
Arlo had told me that he was going to buy Matt's Tux this year because he knew he was saving up his money for a motor bike. Matt Loves Motor Bikes, especially Harley Davidsons! He always walked around in black jeans and leather jackets, girls and guys fell at his feet and yet he never showed any interest in any of them. He was a closed book to everyone but me and Arlo and I respected him for that, he had such a sad start in life and made the best out of it. Arlo adored him and he is the best friend a girl could ask for; I was so lucky to have him.
I noticed that Charlie didn't say a word, he didn't even look at me. I couldn't work out if that was through disgust because he hated how close me, and Arlo were or because he had been forbidden to say anything else to me, but I was thankful for it. I couldn't bear to listen to anymore of his nasty rumours. I knew Charlie hated me, but I didn't realise until two weeks ago how much he hated me. It broke my heart, what girl doesn't want to have a protective big brother? I had two big brothers and neither of them protected me, Charlie would rather me be dead and Eddie was too scared of him to defend me.
The rest of lunch wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Me and Marie spoke about dress shopping, Arlo spoke to Matt about the training sessions with the Non-Elites and Eddie and Charlie spoke about their possible dates. No one mentioned anything about Jaime and Laura and if I am honest, that was a welcomed surprise, because I couldn't get that awful memory out of my head.
Arlo;
'You look beautiful today; Lia.' I said as we left the dining hall. 'It's so nice to see you back to your usual self, I have missed it.' I whispered, taking her hand in mine as we went outside; it had started to snow, and it looked beautiful, but Amelia still looked sad.
'I don't feel like I am back to my usual self.' She admitted wrapping her arms around herself, trying to keep warm.
'I know I let you down; Lia, but from now on you always have me and Matt.' I said putting my arm around her.
'Hell, yeah she has!' Matt grinned standing beside me. 'Pub?' he asked, his grin getting wider. Amelia started giggling.
'Pub!' she agreed.
Once we had got to the pub, I ordered a round for us and we all sat in Matt's favourite booth which was right next to the juke box.
'So, are you excited for the yule ball?' Matt asked Amelia, she smiled and nodded yes. 'I am so nervous though.' She admitted.
'Why?' I asked.
'Because I can't dance!' she replied.
'Shut up; Lia' Matt laughed shaking his head. 'I saw you dancing on that bar, you know how to dance!' Amelia blushed and put her head down.
'Yeah, maybe when I am drunk and pissed off.' She smirked looking up at me, Matt chuckled.
'So, that just means that we need to get you drunk beforehand?' Matt added with a wink. Amelia sighed and then bit her lip. Matt then turned a sideways glance to me; 'And I am sure that Arlo will piss you off soon so then we will be good to go.' He added with a chuckle.
'Seriously? Dude!' I said, sounding amused.
'I don't think my Alpha would appreciate that.' Her eyes still not moving from mine. No, I wouldn't, well not until she was alone with me anyway. Every time she looked at me or bit her lip it drove me crazy, I just couldn't get over how beautiful she was and she wanted to be with me of all people, a pang of sadness washed over me but I pushed it aside, I just wanted to be with her forever.
After a few glasses of Rose Amelia became tipsy and giggly, she jumped up in excitement when Piper walked into the pub.
'Dance with me?' she asked running over to her.
'Yes!' Piper laughed pulling Amelia over to the duke box. The girls chose a song I had never heard of and took their shoes off.
'Uh oh.' Matt laughed looking at me. 'She is going to dance on the bar again!' I shrugged and sat back smiling. This time I was here with her and with my best friend and today Amelia was going to enjoy herself, we all were, we needed it.
I watched as Amelia and Piper danced sexily with each other and put my head in my hands. Matt laughed at me,
'That bad, eh?' I looked up at him
'Man, you have no idea, she has literally got my head fucked. I haven't had sex in ages and her doing that is driving me crazy.' I admitted. Matt smirked and then looked over at Amelia.
'Yeah but when you do have sex with her, it's going to be special and worth the wait.' I nodded my head in agreement,
'We came really close to doing it a couple of weeks back and can you believe it was me that stopped it?' Matt looked shocked
'Really?' he asked raising his eyebrows.
'Yeah, I just want her to be truly ready you know? I don't want to hurt her, it's a big thing. I want her to be sure, but with the way she is going I don't think I could stop it next time.' Matt laughed at me. 'She is something special.' He smiled changing the subject.
'That she is.' I agreed. 'She idolises you, we both do.' I continued, looking at my best friend. Matt blushed and stood up taking a cigarette out from behind his ear. He could never take a compliment.
Amelia;
I looked up at Arlo who was now sitting by himself drinking another pint of beer.
'Dance with me?' I mouthed as we caught each other's eyes, he shook his head a chuckled. 'Pleaseeee' I begged playfully. I couldn't stop my mind from drifting back to the night that Ethan and I were drunk and dancing. Was this another way of showing me that I wasn't really destined to be with Arlo? Maybe Ethan was the one that I was supposed to be with? Maybe this was Selene's way of answering my cries for help.
'I don't dance.' He shouted over the music. I got off the bar and walked over to him.
'You okay?' I asked putting my hand on his broad shoulder.
'Yeah I am, I'm just glad seeing you have a good time.' He then looked down at his watch. 'You know we have missed dinner, right?' I looked at my phone, it was 9 pm already.
'Oooops, my Alpha is going to be so pissed off with me.' I joked sitting on his lap.
'I can never be angry with you; even when you slap me round the face… providing you don't puke down my back again.' He said wrapping his arms around me. 'But if you don't eat something soon, you will end up really sick.' I smiled lent my head back, so it was on his shoulder.
'We will go and get food soon and then come back here?' I said closing my eyes breathing in his scent.
'I will go and get you something to eat from the bar, they serve dinner here.' He said before kissing my cheek.
'Okay well I am going for a wee' I whispered getting up, I looked around, Matt had just walked back in the pub and Piper was gone.
'Have you seen Piper?' I asked concerned.
'No, she hasn't left so I presume she is on the toilet.' He replied holding my arm as my legs got wobbly. I am so drunk I thought trying not to fall over.
I locked the cubicle door and was about to undo my jeans when I heard two people panting, I recognised one of the voices and smirked.
'Piper, you dirty thing.' I shouted as I pulled my jeans down. The panting stopped and the toilets fell silent. 'Don't stop on my account.' I said leaning on the cubicle wall, trying my best not to fall over. 'I am just having a wee.' I announced, I heard giggling and then I recognised the second voice. 'Eddie?!' I cried realising my brother and best friend were having sex next to me. 'Oh, my goddess! You didn't tell me you two liked each other.' I said finally managing to pull my panties down. Piper and Eddie still didn't reply. 'Okay I get the hint.' I giggled finally managing to pee. I covered my ears and hummed away to myself; but I think I had probably already killed their moment. 'I am just washing my hands.' I slurred pulling my underwear and jeans up; unlocking the bathroom door and stumbled over, feeling as the cold tiled floor smashed against my face.
'Lia! Are you okay?' Piper called over Eddies hysterical laughter.
'Fuck sis! You really do know how to kill a moment; don't you?' He sniggered; clearly amused at the fact that I fell over.
I pushed myself back up and leant against the sink staring at the hot mess before me in the mirror. 'Yeah, I am good.' I said before throwing up in the sink.
I assumed that no one knew about them and I certainly wasn't going to tell a soul. Now I knew why Eddie wouldn't really talk about who he was going to take to the yule ball, because the girl he wanted to take was a Non-Elite. I stumbled back into the pub like nothing had happened, Arlo and Matt were sat with three plates of food in front of them, my stomach rumbled, and I sat down trying to not miss the chair on my way down. I glanced up as Piper walked back into the pubs from the toilets. Eddie wasn't with her; he must have secretly slipped out through the back doors. Matt moved over slightly so she could sit down, I shared my dinner with her, and we talked about the Yule Ball, her secret was safe with me. We all looked at Arlo as his phone started ringing loudly and vibrating against the table. He quickly answered it and his face softened.
'Hello mum. Yeah of course. Okay I will be there in 5 minutes and we can discuss it then. Yeah…Yeah…Okay bye!' He turned to look at me and smiled. 'My mum wants to talk about the yule ball and someone's shopping trip.' He winked, I smiled and took in his beauty. 'Meet me back in my room…when you are ready?' He asked rising from his seat.
'Okay.' I smiled standing up to face him, I stood on my tip toes and our lips met; gasps filled the pub as the Non-Elites watched their Alpha kiss the girl every other Elite hated.
Arlo;
I hurried back to my office, knowing that my mother said that she wanted to speak to me in private. At least this way I knew that it wasn't going to be anything negative about Amelia. My mother seemed to be her biggest fan. By the time I reached the door of my office, my mother rounded the corner and broke out into a beaming smile. I pushed open the door and held it open, pausing as she leaned in a planted a soft kiss on my cheek.
'How are you doing darling?' She asked, stepping past me and taking a seat on the sofa. I nodded, closing the door behind me and taking the seat across from her. I knew that she hated small talk, but she was trying to be polite. I forced a smile and shook my head.
'What is it that you wanted to talk to me about?' I asked politely, she sighed softly and glanced out the window for a moment before answering.
'This is about Amelia's dress for the Yule Ball. I wanted to buy it for her. I mean, I know that you wouldn't mind, but I always like to run things past you.' She answered sweetly. I hesitated for a moment, before shaking my head.
'No.' I watched as her face fell slightly and was replaced by a look of confusion. 'I mean. I wanted to buy it for her. I wanted it to be a treat from me.' I added quickly. My mother broke out into a huge grin and nodded excitedly.
'Brilliant! Then I shall take her out shopping as soon as she is available.' She said, clasping her hands together in front of her.
Amelia;
By the time that we all left the pub I was incredibly drunk. And I had the sudden need to go and see Pretty Girl. I stared up at the clear sky above me and stumbled onwards. Matt had insisted that he come with me, but I had told him that I was fine. Why did everyone think that I need protecting? It wasn't like the stables were far from the pub anyway, and since my little bust up with Lori, she had been keeping her distance, so I was certain that she wouldn't be an issue.
I continued walking onwards, allowing myself to get lost in the peaceful nights air, when a hand gripped my wrist and pulled me around to face them. It took me a second to keep up with the movement, which caused my stomach to lurch slightly, before I shook my head and forced my eyes to focus on my captor. The minute my vision came into focus I broke out into a beaming smile.
'Ethan!' I squealed excitedly, lunging forward and wrapping my arms around him. He chuckled lightly, and tightened his arms around me, kissing me lightly on the cheek.
'Hey baby girl, how are you doing?' He laughed, as I stumbled in his arms, causing him to tighten his grip on me.
'I'm grilliant!' I slurred, pausing for a second as I tried to make sense of what I was attempting to say.
'Grilliant yeah?' He asked laughing. 'So I take it that you have had a nice time at the pub with everyone?' He asked sweetly. I nodded enthusiastically and twirled in his arms.
'Yeah I did… but the boring old one wouldn't dance with me.' I pouted, looking up at Ethan through my eyelashes. He rolled his eyes and pulled me in close to him, holding his body against mine and dancing from side to side.
'Well, you know that I am always down for a good dance.' He whispered, resting the side of his head against mine and gently brushed a strand of hair away from my neck. I felt a rush of desire wash through me, as his fingertips brushed my neck and I leant back and stared up at Ethan once more.
'You're a really nice guy!' I whispered, staring at his beauty in the dim midnight light. He leant forward and gently placed his lips against mine. He really was an amazing kisser. And so different from Arlo. Arlo kissed like there was no tomorrow; like it was the last kiss that we were ever going to get. And Ethan's kisses were slow, passionate and full of feeling. But… why couldn't I stop thinking about Arlo? Ethan pulled back and cleared his throat and gently stroke the back of his fingers down my cheek.
'Hey, I wanted to ask you something.' He paused for a moment and shifted nervously. 'Would you… would you go to the Yule Ball with me?' My smile faltered and I dropped my stare to the ground between us.
'Ethan… I…' I sighed heavily and turned my stare back up to meet his. 'I am so, so sorry. But… Arlo already asked me… and I said yes.' I held his stare as he broke out into a smile.
'No, I mean… obviously… why wouldn't you be going with… him…' He sighed and looked to the side for a moment and stepped away from me. When his eyes met mine again, I could see the pain that I had caused, and it broke and little part of me.
'Ethan…'
'No, it's ok. Honestly.' He cut in, taking a step back from me and glancing over his shoulder. 'I better get going, I am working in the medical ward in the morning with my father… so… I better get some sleep.' He stepped back once again and began to turn away, before spinning back around and kissing me on the cheek. 'Sweet dreams Lia.' He whispered, before turning and disappearing into the darkness.
I shouldn't be doing this to him.