CHAPTER SIXTEEN
TINY'S POV
The two continue to snap at each other as I collect my satchel and crossbow. Slipping on a pair of flats, I hear a knock on the door.
"If you two came to argue, I don't want to--"
A rich stout voice registered in my ears, "hell no. Are you decent, Tiny?"
I smile at the sound of Luca's voice behind the door. Luca is the oldest orphan- sixteen years young- and by far the most dramatic. He's an airhead, a rambunctious flirt among his peers, and quick to find himself in trouble. Your typical standard teenage boy.
"Yes," I say, "but I'm on my way to see alpha Gahiji. I'm late."
The door creaks loudly as he peers inside with pleading eyes, "please take me with you! If I have to listen about Akila's life crisis for another minute, my ears will bleed."
"Until I see blood, it's not an emergency." I coo.
"That's not fair!" He pouts.
I turn to face him when I hear Akila's voice snap in anger. Serene must have a death wish because the words coming from Akila were meant to stay in the dark depths she conjured them from. Teresa would fall over dead if she heard that language being used in her home. I sigh as I drop my satchel in Luca's hands as he gives me a distraught look.
"Fine. You can go, but don't cause trouble."
His eyes burn in a golden hue of joy as he hosts my bag over his shoulder. "I'll even carry your crossbow!"
I swat his hand away before leading him down the stairs. You would've never guessed I am older than Luca given his tall stature and tan-defined features. He could be mistaken as an adult if he wasn't immature, "don't push your luck."
"Yes ma'am!" He says as he puffs out his chest, saluting the air.
I grab my keys from the mudroom and slip outside unnoticed as Akila and Serene bicker in the kitchen. I know someday they both will move on with their lives and find joy in their sibling quarrels. But my heart aches at the thought of these moments becoming distant memories. It's inevitable though, I tell myself as I climb into my car.
Slipping the bow behind my seat, Luca joins me, quickly fastening his seat belt. He's probably afraid I'll leave him here to listen to the two, and I smile at his quirky gesture.
"I bet Cass and Erika are there," he grins as I start the ignition.
Shaking my head to the side, I can only sigh out loud. "Your girlfriends?"
"Pff, of course!" The pride rises in his voice as he pulls the seat back.
"Just save yourself for your mate, or at least wrap it," I said, mocking him.
A look of sheer horror washes over his face as he slaps his palms against his red ears, "that's disgusting!"
I shrug unapologetically as I peel out of the driveway. Between the constant bickering among my roommates and aiding in the care of others, I feel drained. The last thing I needed was Luca to come home with a pup out of wedlock. He's still just a kid, jokes aside. His antics are always interesting, but this is one I hope doesn't come back to bite. Unbothered by his repulsion, I press through the silence, "I'm not wrong."
This is going to be a long day, I tell myself.
The drive felt like a death sentence. The silence seemed to last forever as Luca sat impatiently in embarrassment. I don't mind it though. For once, I don't hear constant bickering or cries from the forest. I like to find tranquility in watching the road stretch before me and a mind free from worry.
To drown the silence, Luca shuffles through the radio channels, grumbling to himself. "Why are you seeing Gahiji anyway?"
I cut a glance at him, surprised he even asked, "so you do think of other things instead of girls. I'm shocked."
"I'm serious," he wails, "did you do something bad?"
I think for a moment while digesting his words. Does Gahiji have the same fears regarding my shift? I drum my fingers against the steering wheel and sigh, "it's about my birthday."
Luca's eyes light up as he stops tuning the channels to watch me, "your first shift!" He leans towards me batting his eyelashes mockingly, "are you excited? Oh my stars, Tiny. Let me pick out your outfit!"
I stifle a laugh while pulling into the yard of the pack house. Luca was trying to sound like Serene. That's exactly how she would sound too. I park the car and kill the ignition. Listening to the low whistle as the car idles. I unbuckle myself as Luca follows my gesture.
"You're too much," I hum as I reach behind me for my bow.
He continues to hold my satchel, straightening himself, "hey, Tiny. Can I ask a favor?"
I glance at him while inspecting the tiller and safety cord of my bow. "What is it?"
"Well," he shifts uncomfortably in his seat, "could you check on Tori? There have been rumors that she's..."
I lower my head in anguish, listening to him utter the truth. We all knew the kids would figure it out, but no one wanted to speak of it out loud. Yet here we are.
"Is it true?" He questions, "is she a lady of the night?"
I gesture for him to hand me my bag, watching his face fall as I confirm his suspicions, "I think you're old enough to hear it." I breathe, "so, yes. It's not a rumor. It's true."
"Oh," he says quietly, handing my bag over.
"I'm sorry you found out this way," I say under my breath.
Luca avoids my gaze as he tries to regain his posture. "Okay, but why? It makes no sense."
I've thought about this many times. Considering everything that she's been through with Akila. The twins are vastly different from each other. Akila is cold, distant from others, and disregards relationships as a whole. But Tori? She's the life of the party. Always smiling, bubbly personality, great at concocting friendships, and surrounded by attractive companions. Despite the hostility between the twins, I could always confide in Tori. Yet, she's never explained why she chose to be a harlot. I suppose she doesn't have to anyways.
She's made bad choices. Sure. But Victoria isn't a bad person.
"There's only one person who can answer that question," I slide the strap of my satchel over my shoulder, "and she isn't me."
Luca gives an exasperated stretch, knowing I won't say more on the matter. "Thank you for telling me."
"Don't mention it," I say, "seriously."
I watch him intently as he reaches for the car door before I stop him by locking it. "Teresa will wail if the other kids find out at a young age. Luca, promise me you'll keep it to yourself around the others."
His lip twitches in annoyance. "Why would I tell them?"
"I'm talking about Skye."
I know him. It's not easy growing up as an orphan, even if Silver Crest is accepting of us-- the majority of the time. It wouldn't be unusual for Luca to run to Skye the moment he found a drop of hearsay. But Skye is fourteen. He doesn't need to know.
It exhausts Teresa enough by the pack knowing of Tori's late nights. I can't imagine how she'd handle it if all the kids knew the true reason Tori didn't live with us anymore.
Luca sits in his thoughts, replying slowly, "I understand. I won't say anything to Skye or the others."
Unlocking the doors, I pat Luca on the back, "you're a good brother."
He puffs his chest and gives a cocky grin, "no, I'm the best brother."
I don't bother smothering my laughter as I open my car door, "that's adorable."
"The girls tell me all the time," he chimes, getting out of the small framed car.