9: Worried friends

"There's nothing like a really loyal, dependable, good friend."

***

"You're devouring your food like you haven't eaten in days," Nova chuckled, her tone lighthearted.

"It's just so delicious," I moaned in pleasure, savouring every bite. "The only redeeming aspect of staying here is the food," I confided, enthusiastically spearing a crispy sausage with my fork.

"It's intriguing how food can easily shift your mood. Just a few moments ago, you were fuming about not being able to leave," Nova observed, raising an eyebrow inquisitively.

"I'm still angry, but for now, I'm channelling my focus into the one thing that fills both my heart and my stomach—food," I replied, my voice tinged with resignation.

"Do you truly believe that food is the only thing that can satisfy your heart?" Nova probed, her curiosity evident.

"Well, what else is there?" I asked, puzzled by her question.

Before Nova could respond, a girl with vibrant green eyes and blond hair interrupted us.

"Hi, I'm Lucy," she greeted us cheerfully.

"Um, hello," I replied awkwardly, taken aback by her directness.

"Are you Mr. Woods' daughter?" Lucy inquired without hesitation.

"Yes," I answered, taking a sip of my apple juice.

"Oh, that means you'll be the next alpha," she exclaimed excitedly, prompting the nearby onlookers to lean in, awaiting my response.

"I suppose so," I replied, offering a hesitant smile.

"How exhilarating! You'll have your own pack," Lucy gushed, her energy infectious. I couldn't help but find her adorable.

"Lucy, a human can't possibly lead a pack, especially a female human," a guy with spiky blue hair interjected, smirking. "She wouldn't last a day."

I turned towards him, unleashing a glare that could make an old man weep.

"Firstly, it's the twenty-first century, where men and women are equals. So, stop being sexist; we're not living in the damn 50s. Secondly, I'm confident that I can find examples of packs led by women if I dig deeper. Thirdly, what's wrong with humans? You're acting as if you're some sort of deity. Last time I checked, it was humans who forced your kind into hiding. And finally, no one asked for your opinion, so I'd appreciate it if you kept your disgusting, sexist thoughts to yourself. And the next time you feel compelled to express your unwanted opinions, kindly ensure that your breath doesn't smell worse than a dog's," I exploded with frustration.

"Why, you little—" Dylan began, but Blake swiftly intervened.

"Dylan, sit down!" he ordered sternly, causing the sexist blue-haired man to begrudgingly comply while sending me spiteful glares.

"Let's finish our meal," Nova suggested, diverting my attention from Blake and the tense atmosphere.

"No, I've lost my appetite," I declared, standing up and casting a glance at Dylan. Oh, how I longed to deliver a punch to his face.

Nova followed me as we stormed out of the now silent dining hall. Although I hadn't been able to savour the rest of my delicious breakfast, at least I left with a touch of style.

"Well, that was quite an eventful breakfast," Nova commented awkwardly once we had distanced ourselves from the dining hall.

"It only reinforces my desire to return home," I groaned, my irritation palpable.

"That was quite the spectacle you put on. You definitely know how to make things interesting," a familiar voice remarked, filled with amusement.

I turned around to find none other than Mr. Not My Type, Tyson.

"Tyson, stop being annoying," a beautiful girl chimed in, approaching us. As she drew closer, I noticed a nostril piercing adorning the left side of her nose.

"Hi, I'm Khloe, Blake and Brandon's sister. I apologise on Tyson's behalf; he can be quite bothersome, but you'll get used to it," she introduced herself.

I had suspected that she was their sister; she possessed an exquisite beauty, and the piercing suited her. I couldn't help but wonder if it had hurt when she got it.

"Nice to meet you. I hope you're right about Tyson because I don't think I could handle it if he becomes any more exasperating," I responded, rolling my eyes in Tyson's direction.

"I don't know if you two ever stop bickering," Brandon interjected, suddenly appearing out of nowhere, with Blake by his side.

"I wouldn't waste my time arguing with him," Khloe replied, her smirk indicating her confidence.

"I took care of Dylan," Blake announced, turning to face me while disregarding the others.

"Thanks, but there was no need," I replied.

"He mistreated a visitor to our pack, someone who was personally brought here by his Alpha. Such actions warrant punishment," he stated firmly.

"Yeah, the guy deserves it," Brandon chimed in, showing his agreement.

"Here's your phone. I promised to return it to you after breakfast," Blake said, handing me my phone.

Unlocking it, I was relieved to find it still charged. I had dozens of missed calls and messages from both Violet and Brett.

The messages expressed their concern for my well-being and urged me to call them as soon as I saw their messages. I surmised they had heard about the attack at the party, but they were likely unaware that werewolves were behind it.

"Brett seems worried about you," Nova commented, peering over my shoulder and playfully poking me.

"Of course he's worried. Who wouldn't be concerned upon hearing that their friend was attacked?" I rhetorically questioned, a smile tugging at my lips.

"Are you sure he's just a friend?" Nova inquired, wiggling her eyebrows mischievously.

"Yes, I'm sure. Now, shh. I need to make a call," I playfully hushed her.

"Are you calling your boyfriend?" Khloe asked, her excitement evident. Meanwhile, I thought I heard a low growl emanating from Blake.

"No, I'm calling my assistant, Violet. And Brett isn't my boyfriend. In fact, I don't have a boyfriend," I chuckled, correcting her assumption.

Before Khloe could respond, Violet's voice filled the line.

"Oh my gosh! Are you okay? Are you hurt? Why didn't you call earlier? I thought you were dead!" she exclaimed in a rapid, rap-like manner.

"Slow down," I instructed, chuckling softly. "I'm sorry I couldn't call earlier. There were... complications I had to deal with," I said, stealing a glance at Blake.

"As long as you're unharmed, that's all that matters. I'm relieved to hear that you're fine," she sighed, her relief palpable.

"I don't think I'll be able to make it to work today, maybe for a few days. My dad doesn't want me going anywhere until he's certain I'm safe," I lied, regretting the need for such deception.

"I completely understand, and I agree with him. Just relax until things settle down, and I'll let the others know you're okay," she sympathised. "Oh, and I think you should give Brett a call. He's been worried about you." I detected a low growl escaping from Blake's throat.

"I will. Take care, and don't overwork yourself," I advised.

"I'll do my best," she replied jokingly. "Bye."

"She seems sweet," Khloe remarked, her smile warm.

"Now it's time to call Brett," Nova teased, prodding my sides and wiggling her eyebrows. I responded by rolling my eyes and swatting her hands away.