The weekend wasn’t a long wait, and I got a slice of peace for once since I stayed in the packhouse, away from Axel. The warrior’s barracks were separated from the mansion, so the odds of me running into those two were none. However, Axel still sent me texts after my shifts asking me out on a date, which I always turned down.
Gosh, he just wouldn’t stop!
This time, his patience must have worn thin and gone back to being a prick.
[Axel: Wait up front. I’m picking you up.]
I quickly muted his number and put my phone on silent.
A black jeep pulled up the back gate and honked at me.
“Hop on, D!” Cris yelled and grinned. Seeing them after a while was like a breath of fresh air.
Dawn immediately captured me in a bear hug the second I sat with her at the back.
“I heard the news,” she said, rubbing my back. I didn’t realize how badly I wanted to be comforted until that moment and cried.
Cris drove away from the pack mansion and they took me to a club. Dawn ordered four rounds of drinks as soon as we got in and got wasted, talking shit about Axel and Jena and hitting the dance floor. At some point, I remember checking my phone for time and seeing hundreds of miscalls, but had no clue what I did after blacking out.
That night, I had a dream again. It was a strange dream of a yellow-furred wolf trapped in a dark place. I’ve had it since I was eight but had no idea why. They said old traumas often resurfaced in dreams, but I didn't think that was it. There was always something different with the wolf whenever I dreamed of him. Well, he used to look like a kid, but as I grew up he did too. Despite those years, we never really interacted with each other, as if I was only pulled into wherever he was for a little company.
Recently, though, my dreams of that wolf have become more frequent. I just had this dream the other night, and I was lost at what to do with a mad huffing ball of yarn.
However, this time was different. The wolf turned into a young man. I knew it was him despite the veil of shadow on his face. I could feel it. Suddenly, his eyes locked with mine and my heart drummed wild for some reason, then I woke up.
I got up in a daze, my phone beeping at my side, and the image of his golden eyes burned in my mind.
“What the hell was that?” I muttered.
I grabbed my phone and saw a long list of voice messages from Axel, screaming at me.
“Where are you? What do you mean we’re over?” he growled.
First thing in the morning and he gave me a headache. What was he whining about now?
Then I saw the screenshot of an anonymous post on wolfline Dawn sent to our group chat.
[PearlMoon: Guys, I’m so sad for Beanie. Some heartless girl broke up with him over the phone. He’s so heartbroken. What should I do?]
The photo attached showed only the back of the guy, but I know by the tattoo on his back that it was Axel.
“You two are such a pain!” I growled, almost crushing my phone in fury.
I called Axel, barely keeping it together.
“You wanted to talk, right? Fine,” I said before he could utter a word.
“Good. I’ll book us a res—”
“Don’t bother,” I cut him off. “Meet me at the training ground cafeteria at lunch.” I hung up immediately.
They love making scenes, I would make them a scene.
Dawn wanted to join me as backup when she found out, but I told her I would be fine. I went to the cafeteria early then grabbed the centermost table and waited for them to come.
Jena always made sure I wasn’t alone with Axel, so I knew she’d tag along. A few minutes later, I was
right. Axel walked up to my table with her hiding behind him.
“Jena said she wanted to talk to—”
“Diana, I don’t think this is a good place for a conversation.” Jena butted in. “How about…”
“Here is fine.” I cut her off, not hiding my contempt. The cafeteria was packed. Almost everyone in Crimson Wolf was here. Why would I change such a perfect stage?
Axel cleared his throat. “Let’s grab a bite first.”
“Hmm.” I shrugged, disinterested.
Axel ordered enough food to fill the table, and I almost gagged watching them eat while flirting like newlyweds in their own world.
I scoffed. “Cut to the chase, Axel. I don’t have all day.”
Axel looked at me as if he just remembered I was there.
“Don’t be cold, Diana.” His hand scrambled to get me food from the table. “Here, I got you your favorite blueberry cheesecake.”
I laughed, hysterically. “Are you planning to kill me? I’m allergic to blueberries,” I snarled.
Axel looked surprised. “What? I didn't know about this.”
“No wonder. You didn’t even care enough to remember I’m your fated mate when you bonded with this skank,” I retorted, loud so everyone could hear.
The cafeteria hushed. Their eyes fixed on us. Axel looked pale as a ghost while Jena sobbed, tears beading in her eyes.
“You’re so mean, Diana,” Jena cried.
“Are you getting back at me for the other night? I’m sorry, okay? I just love Axel so much. But if it makes you happy, I’ll give him up,” she said between sobs and buried her face in his chest.
What a spectacular performance. She always contradicted what she said.
“Are you kidding me? Why would I want to have your trash?” I laughed sardonically.
“Keep it to yourself,” I snarled.
Without warning, juice splashed on my face, and my hand moved in reflex, ripping a slap on her face.
