Chapter 43 The Bitter Truth
I pushed open the door to Cora’s house and walked into the living room, sinking into the chair as I ran a hand through my hair, my thoughts drifting back to Aiden.
His cold gray eyes, the way he held me so close, so protective. The memory sent a chill down my spine, and I lifted my hand to touch my flushed cheek. I sat up suddenly when it hit me that I didn’t get his number, and I might never get to see him again.
With a tired sigh, I rested my back against the couch, wondering what to do next. My body ached from the stress I’d carried all day, and after taking a deep breath to calm myself, I stretched out on the three-seater couch and closed my eyes.
The room was quiet, almost too quiet, and as my mind slowly relaxed, I tried not to think about what Layla had done. My eyelids grew heavy, sleep pulling me in gently.
The creaking sound of the door opening snapped me awake.
I opened my eyes quickly, my heart jumping, and turned toward the door to see Cora walking in. I sat up as she dropped her bag and collapsed onto the couch beside me.
“How are you doing, Diana?” she asked softly.
“I’m fine,” I replied, though my voice didn’t sound convincing even to me. I looked at her for a while noticing the tired look on her face. “What happened? You look tired… and not your usual cheerful self.”
She lifted her head from the armrest and forced a smile. “I had the most stressful day of my life. The alpha mate made me do her work and mine.” She sighed, her frustration clear. “Does that witch ever work? She just sat in her office all day like she owns the whole place.”
My heart sank the moment I knew she was talking about Layla. Every time her name came up, it felt like claws digging into my chest. The Layla she described didn’t feel like my sister, yet it was her.
“I’m sorry about that,” I mumbled.
“Don’t apologize, Diana,” Cora said quickly. “It’s not your fault. Honestly, I’m starting to feel like quitting my job, just like you did. Working with that witch around is like living in hell.”
I laughed softly, more out of habit than humor, and she stared at me like I had lost my mind.
“Please don’t do that,” I said.
“Well, I won’t,” Cora chuckled. “I love my job too much.” She shifted to face me properly. “By the way, what really happened today? I heard a few people gossiping. They said you were crying as you ran out of Alpha Warren’s office, and then a few minutes later, Alpha Warren came looking for you.”
I lowered my gaze, my fingers curling into the fabric of the couch as the memory flooded back, his office, Layla, the kiss.
“Tell me,” Cora said gently. “Did something happen? I told him I didn’t know where you were.”
I took a shaky breath, tears stinging my eyes. “Cora… the alpha mate, the one you said was mean to you… she’s my sister. Layla.”
Her jaw dropped. “You’re joking. Wait, didn’t you say she already had a mate? And that you were the only one who hadn’t found yours yet?”
My chest tightened. “Yes. Layla had a mate. I knew him. He’s not Alpha Warren.” I swallowed. “I don’t know why she rejected him all of a sudden and went for the alpha.”
Cora blinked slowly. “Is that even possible? The only way they should bond is if she’s his mate. This doesn’t make sense.”
“It doesn’t,” I whispered. “When I walked into his office… they were bonding so well.” My voice cracked. “They were kissing, Cora. Like nothing else mattered.”
Cora’s face softened instantly. “Oh, Diana…” She paused, then added, “That must’ve hurt like hell.”
I nodded, tears finally spilling over. “I couldn’t breathe. I just stood there, watching them like a fool.” I wiped my face angrily. “I can’t believe Layla would lie to me. Reject her mate like he meant nothing… and still look me in the eyes like she did nothing wrong.” My voice dropped. “It’s almost like she isn’t the Layla I knew.”
The words broke something inside me.
“She used to have my back,” I cried. “No matter what. If anyone hurt me, she was the first to stand up for me. And now…” My shoulders shook as I covered my face. “Now she’s the one hurting me the most.”
Cora pulled me into her arms without saying a word, rubbing my back gently like she always did. “You don’t deserve a sister like that,” she said softly. “And I promise you, you’ll be fine. You’re stronger than you think, your wolf is too.”
I sniffed, leaning into her. “It doesn’t feel like it.”
“I know,” she said. “But listen… as much as I hate that woman, and trust me, I really do, I feel like Layla must have had a reason.”
I looked up at her. “A reason to do this?”
Cora nodded slowly. “Think about it. Remember when Alpha Warren was still mateless?”
I frowned. “He was mateless.”
She nodded. “For years, rumors said he was looking for his mate and was feeling the same way you're feeling right now,” she continued. “I don’t know the full story, but I remember hearing that the alpha suddenly started searching for a particular girl. It was like he was desperate.” She shrugged. “Maybe Layla saw the opportunity and took it.”
The thought made my stomach twist.
“And honestly,” Cora added, “it’s obvious they don’t bond that well. If they did, everyone would feel it. The pack bond doesn’t lie.”
I looked away, my chest aching. “It still hurts whenever I think about it.”
Cora nudged me lightly. “Hey, don’t. Don’t let them live in your head rent-free.”
I gave a weak laugh.
“Live your life,” she said firmly. “Like the things that hurt your feelings don’t even exist. Focus on your wolf, on healing, on you.”
I sighed deeply. “Thank you, Cora.”
She smiled, then suddenly jumped up. “Speaking of healing—”
She walked to the corner of the room and grabbed two takeout nylons, placing them on the table dramatically.
“I brought your favorite food,” she announced proudly.
I stared at her. “You’re amazing.”
“I know,” she grinned. “Now come on. Let’s eat like the people who hurt us don’t exist.”
For the first time that day, I smiled, small, but real, as I stood up and joined her.