Arya.
In the dimming light of the forest, I walked back from the temple, my thoughts racing as Elder Ivan's words echoed in my mind. The idea of harnessing my newfound powers both excited and scared me.
As I recalled the night of the battle between my pack and the Crest pack, I couldn't help the thrill I felt as I remembered the power that coursed through my veins.
I’d never felt so powerful and whole. So that was how the wolves felt when they changed. It was strangely satisfying watching Ethan cower before me. After what he’d done to me in Crest, I should’ve killed him.
However, knowing Ethan and his ridiculously inflated ego, he wouldn't back down without a fight. He would attack again. This time, with his full fighting force. I shuddered as I recalled his menacing stare before he retreated. I never wanted to be looked at like that again.
The last I needed was another unprepared attack. I needed to work on my powers as soon as possible. Be prepared to put my powers to good use.
My powers were a force that could defend my pack from the likes of Ethan, but the potential for its untamed nature left me slightly uneasy. I didn’t note the extent to which they went but for the first time in my life, I felt fully confident. I could defend myself against any wolf.
My heightened senses tingled as I moved through the woods, and an unshakable feeling of being watched enveloped me.
"Who's there?" I called out to the shadows, my voice echoing as I searched through the trees for any form of movement.
To my surprise, Lauren emerged from the concealment of the trees, her presence sending a ripple of suspicion through me. I watched her warily as she slowly confronted me.
"Don't come any closer," I yelled as she kept walking towards me, getting too close for comfort.
"What are you doing, hiding in the forest?" I asked her coldly, raising my eyebrows in contempt. "Planning another gossip or betrayal? Or perhaps waiting for your next prey?"
"I just want to talk to you.” Her eyes were downcast, looking too demure for my liking.
Nothing was ever simple with Lauren. She just wanted to talk? Who was she kidding?
"Is this supposed to be some sick joke?" I frowned, my tone edged with suspicion and anger. "What do you really want, Lauren?"
If she thought she could fool me so easily, she was in for a big surprise. I wouldn't put anything past her at this point.
She approached slowly, a mixture of remorse and sincerity in her eyes. "Arya, I've been trying to find a way to talk to you, to ask for forgiveness."
Who the hell was this and what had they done to Lauren?
"You?" I replied with amusement evident in my voice. "Asking for forgiveness? I don't know how stupid you must think I am, but I'm not your plaything, Lauren. Keep that in mind and stay the fuck away from me and mine"
"Please," she whispered, taking two steps forward as I turned to leave. "I just want to talk. You don't have to say anything. Just give me a chance and listen. I won't take much of your time. I promise."
It wouldn't hurt to hear what she had to say though. But if this was some trap or joke she had orchestrated, I swear by the moon goddess, I'd deal with her. No second chances.
"Speak Lauren," I said as I folded my hand across my chest. "This better be good."
"I know I've hurt you and Tyler really bad in the past," she started, taking a step towards me.
Unable to hold myself, I retorted, "Hurt is an understatement, Lauren."
"I know, Arya." She said wringing her hands as though in distress.
She took a deep breath, her eyes locked onto mine as if trying to gauge my reaction. "Arya, I've been carrying the weight of guilt on my shoulders, and it's tearing me apart. I let jealousy cloud my judgment, and it led to the tragedy that struck the pack."
I scoffed, unable to hide my disbelief. "Tragedy? Is that what you call it? You destroyed lives, Lauren. You almost killed me and the man you say you love.”
Tears welled up in her eyes, and she took another step forward. "I know, Arya. I can't change the past, but I want to make amends. I want to do everything in my power to fix the damage I've caused."
If Lauren wasn't sincere about her apology, then she must be a really good actress. She could win an Oscar with her theatrics.
Her words seemed sincere, but I couldn't shake the suspicion that this might be another one of her schemes.
"And why now? Why are you suddenly so eager to make amends? What's your angle, Lauren?"
I watched with shock as she dropped to her knees, a desperate plea in her eyes. "I've lost everything, Arya. My pack, my friends—I'm alone. And I can't live with the guilt any longer. I need your forgiveness to find some semblance of peace."
I crossed my arms, studying her carefully. “Forgiveness won't bring back the dead. What do you expect from me, Lauren? Should I just forget everything you've done?"
Lauren reached out, gently touching my hand. "I don't expect you to forget, Arya. I just want a chance to prove that I can change, that I can be better."
I pulled my hand away, still skeptical. "You expect me to believe that you've changed overnight? That you're suddenly a different person?"
"I don't expect you to believe anything without proof," Lauren replied, her voice trembling.
"That's why I'm willing to do whatever it takes to show you. I'll stay away from Tyler, stay away from you, if you want, just to make amends."
I raised an eyebrow. "Stay away from Tyler? Why would you do that?"
She sighed, a mix of guilt and regret on her face. "I let my jealousy of your relationship consume me. I thought if I could separate you two, I'd have a chance at happiness with him. I thought wrong. My actions only brought pain and destruction. I promise, Arya, I'll stay away from him. I'll do whatever it takes to make it up to you."
I hesitated, conflicted between the memories of Lauren's past actions and the desperation in her eyes now. "Why should I believe you, Lauren? You've caused me nothing but pain since I joined the Rogue pack."
Lauren looked down, her voice barely above a whisper. "I understand your skepticism, Arya. But please, give me a chance to make things right. I know I don't deserve it, but I'm begging you."
I sighed, feeling a mix of pity and irritation. "Fine, Lauren. I'll give you a chance. But don't think for a moment that this erases the past. You have a long way to go before I can trust you again."
Lauren's eyes lit up with gratitude. "Thank you, Arya. I won't let you down. And to show you how serious I am, how about we go on a girls' outing? Just the two of us. We can bond, and I can make it up to you."
I raised an eyebrow, still skeptical but intrigued. "A girls' outing? You must be joking."
Lauren smiled nervously. "I'm serious, Arya. It's the least I can do. Let me prove to you that I'm sincere about what I said. I'd also love to get to know you too."
I hesitated for a moment before nodding reluctantly. "Fine, Lauren. We can go on this outing. But don't mistake this for forgiveness. You still have a lot to prove."
Lauren grinned, elated. "Thank you, Arya. I won't let you down, I promise."
As we walked back towards the city, I couldn't shake the feeling that this might be a mistake. But perhaps, just perhaps, Lauren was genuine about turning over a new leaf. Time would tell if she could truly redeem herself.