Arya.
On getting back from my training with Nate, I decided to go see Natalie and update her on the recent events. Especially the fact that we'd be practicing changing to our wolf form. It sounded really fun, especially since I'll be practicing with her.
My stomach growled in hunger as I pushed the door to the busy bakery. Looking for Natalie among the bustle, I found her yelling orders as the staff unloaded boxes of confections.
"Arya!" she yelled as she saw me and ran to meet me. I laughed as she slammed against me in a bear hug. "Missed me that much?"
"So much," she said as she released me. "And I need you to save me from this mess."
"It's your business," I mused as she frowned in frustration.
"I know I love to feel like an independent boss," she said turning back to her busy establishment."But I'm exhausted. I need some love and pampering. And also get these heels off."
"Can't you delegate the work to someone else?" I asked sensing her frustration.
"I can," she frowned facing me. "But I don't trust them to do it properly."
"Come on," I chuckled as I tugged her towards her office. "If you don't give them a chance, you'll never know."
Sitting down on one of her plush sofas, I told her about the training and the fact that she would be helping me learn how to transform.
A spark of excitement ignited in her eyes as she exclaimed, "Now that's something I'd love to do right now!"
I chuckled at her eagerness. "Definitely not right now," I replied, shaking my head. "I'm completely exhausted and hungry. Training on an empty stomach is a recipe for disaster."
Natalie feigned shock, her hand on her chest. "You're in my bakery, and you're hungry?" she exclaimed with a playful glint in her eyes. "You wound me, Arya."
Unable to resist her charm, I grinned, appreciating the banter between us.
She gestured for one of her staff to bring in some pastries and wine. As the delectable treats were placed before us, I couldn't help but feel grateful for having such a caring friend like Natalie.
"So," Natalie began, sipping her wine, "are you still going on your outing with your latest friend?"
I nodded, noting her sarcasm and taking a bite out of a delicious pastry. "Yes, I plan to take a walk with Lauren this evening."
Natalie's expression turned serious, and she leaned forward. "Arya, I still don't trust Lauren.
"I know," I rolled my eyes in amusement. "It's obvious."
"I'm serious," She frowned. "You need to be careful, though. Promise me."
Her concern touched me, and I reached across the table to squeeze her hand reassuringly. "I promise, Natalie. I'll be cautious."
The conversation shifted to lighter topics as we enjoyed the food and wine. Natalie's bakery was not just a place of business for her; it was a haven where she poured her heart and soul. I couldn't help but admire her dedication and the warmth she radiated.
As our time together came to an end, I knew I had to leave. Standing up, I hugged Natalie tightly. "Thank you for always looking out for me," I whispered.
"You're like a sister to me, Arya. I can't help it," she replied, returning the embrace.
Leaving Natalie's bakery, I felt a mix of emotions. Gratitude for having such a wonderful friend, excitement for the upcoming training, and a hint of nervousness about my evening plans with Lauren.
Outside the bakery, the cool evening breeze greeted me. As I turned round the corner, I bumped into Lauren. Just the person I wanted to see.
Her eyes lit up as she noticed me, and a warm smile spread across her face. "You look beautiful," she complimented, her words adding a touch of warmth to the cool ambiance of the mansion.
"Thank you, Lauren. So do you," I replied, reciprocating the compliment. Gesturing for her to walk with me, I wondered how our evening would unfold.
With Natalie's words of caution echoing in my mind, I promised myself to approach the evening with an open heart and a watchful eye.
"How have you been, though?" I inquired, attempting to ease into a conversation that seemed to carry more weight than the casual exchange of pleasantries.
"I'm alright," Lauren responded, her gaze fixed on the horizon. "Trying to accept the fact that Tyler isn't meant for me, though."
"I know how hard this must be for you, Lauren," I empathized. "but the moon goddess has a way of surprising us. You'll definitely find your mate soon."
Lauren's eyes flickered with gratitude, and she began to open up about the complexities of her past. "My dad actually put the thought of being with Tyler in my head," she confessed, a sigh escaping her lips. "Though I tried to rebel against him, I fell hopelessly in love with Tyler."
I listened intently, the weight of her words settling between us.
"Father started talking about the position of Luna more than he talked about Tyler," Lauren continued, her voice tinged with regret. "Like only the power mattered to him. But in my desperation to please him, I forgot about love and was blinded by power, hurting you, Tyler, and the pack in the process."
Silence hung in the air as I absorbed the gravity of her revelation. She turned to face me. "I'm so sorry, Arya," she implored, her eyes searching mine. "Please forgive me."
I could sense the genuine remorse in her words. Taking a moment to collect my thoughts, I spoke with a measured tone.
"Lauren, love has a way of making us blind to everything else," I began, my gaze softening. "We all make mistakes, driven by our own struggles and insecurities. I understand the pressure you faced, and you're forgiven."
"Thank you, Arya," Lauren said, her voice a mix of gratitude.
I squeezed her hand reassuringly. "It's alright, Lauren. We all navigate our paths as best we can."
As we continued our walk, Lauren revealed plans for our outing tomorrow, a genuine excitement lighting up her eyes.
"Can I hug you?" She asked tentatively, seeking a tangible connection to seal our newfound friendship.
"Of course," I replied, opening my arms to welcome her into an embrace.
As we parted ways, a calming peace filled me. I hailed a cab, grateful for the unexpected turn the evening had taken and hoped to the moon goddess that I had done the right thing.