Chapter Twenty-Nine: Girls' Night

Freya’s POV.

The last week hasn’t been too bad since the pack didn’t hate me anymore. I spent time with Gabriel on my off days and Demetri spent time with him on his. Co-parenting with Demetri wasn’t too bad since he was surprisingly still giving me a lot of space… My wolf hated it but I thought of Sasha and how she’d feel. Maybe we weren’t friends but my guilt was still there.

Things were going okay. I didn't need Demetri to ruin things for me again.

I was in Adam’s office fixing up his schedule for this month. He walked in after checking on his patients. “One more Full Moon and your father should be on his way to a full recovery,” he said. “Spontaneously opening his eyes is a good sign.” Mom and I swore he’d squeezed our hands before. The last full moon was helpful after all.

I smiled brightly. “That’s good to hear, I’ll go tell my mom,” I said and felt his eyes on me as I left.

Mom was in Dad’s room sitting by him. I told her the good news and she was excited. “You won’t have to spend all your time here,” I said since I’ve been worried about her lately.

“I go to other places…” Mom said. “I was driving around yesterday and I drove by your grandparents’ house.”

“Mom...” I said.

She said quickly, “I’m not going to try to see them and make a fool of myself.” Good.

I grabbed her hand, trying to show her I understood.

Then, I went back to Adam’s office to get back to work. “I was at the assembly last week,” Adam said. “Alpha Demetri put you through a lot, I’m really sorry about that.” It was weird that everyone knew but their reactions were also validating. Like I wasn’t overreacting this whole time and feeling overly sorry for myself. What he did was wrong and people agreed.

“Thanks, I just hope that was the last of it.”

Adam walked behind me and put his hand on my shoulder, making me blush. “No one should treat their mate like that,” he added.

Was he doing what I thought he was doing…? After I watched him walk back to his desk I tried to concentrate.

After work, I went into the dining hall to have dinner with Ashley Becca, and Caroline. We were all getting together for a sleepover, Ashley’s idea. Caroline was becoming a good friend to have around. The dining hall was crowded but we were at our own table talking. Being around the rest of the pack was becoming normal. I didn’t draw as much attention anymore.

“I’ve heard you’ve been spending time with my mom,” Ashley said. “Maybe you can be the daughter she always wanted.” She was joking but I knew it came from a place of hurt.

“I’m only doing it out of obligation,” I said. “I’m still on your side.”

Caroline was glued to her phone and barely touched her food. “Care,” Becca said, snapping at her. “What’s up?”

Caroline frowned as she put her phone away. “I’m kinda having an argument with Brandon.”

“I don’t know why you won’t just date him already,” Becca said before continuing to eat her food.

“I like our friendship the way it is,” Caroline said. “Plus… um.”

“It’s okay if you still want to be with Alpha Cornell,” Ashley said. “We don’t blame you.”

“Shhh,” Caroline said. “I don’t want Demetri or Brandon to find out. They’ll think I’m not loyal to the pack but that’s not it at all. I’ve just always dreamed of being with my fated mate and you never know what can happen.”

I didn’t want to understand her but in a way I did. I mean my wolf would never love someone else, it would take a lot for a wolf to get over their fated mate. It would be easier for me if I could forgive Demetri and be with him. Just because I wanted to didn’t mean I would. It would have to be worth it.

We all promised Caroline we wouldn’t tell anyone.

After we were done eating we left the dining hall and went to Ashley’s house for the sleepover. Gabriel came with us since he gave me no other choice. He wanted to be a part of the fun and hadn’t slept over with his father yet, he wasn’t ready.

Lucky for us Gabriel knocked out early so we were able to continue our girl talk. “Kyle refuses to go see your Dad,” Becca said while the other two were in the kitchen getting snacks, but why would Kyle go see my Dad anyway? “If my family was in that state then I’d want to be there for them, no matter what family drama. Plus he needs to apologize for not believing in you guys.”

“I don’t know Becca,” I said. “You might just be wasting your energy. There’s no hope for our family.” Even with the truth out, everyone was too stubborn and not ready to admit their wrong-doings.

“Don’t say that,” Becca said. “Maybe we can start with you two.” Uh… fuck I didn’t want to have to say no to her. “Let’s do a double date, us and you and Demetri.”

I laughed. “I’m not going on a date with Demetri.”

“Wait, you guys didn’t already get back together?” Caroline asked. “When I see you around the pack house you’re so comfortable together.” The only times we talk are when he’s getting me away from his mom or we’re trading off with our son.

“We’re not together.”

“It’s just a matter of time,” Ashley said as she came into the living room with Caroline, carrying snacks. “Demetri doesn’t give up.”

“Guys we’re not even friends,” I mumbled.

“Oh please,” Becca said. “You’re totally friends but whatever, let’s just hang out the four of us anyway. Don’t call it a date if you don't want to.”

I looked away and said, “What if… wait no.”

“What?”

I shrugged. “Do you guys think I would be able to date here?” I asked. “I never wanted to date before but there is someone. It’s kind of stupid.”

Ashley sat down on the ground in front of the couch between me and Becca. “My brother would never let that happen,” she said. “But who?”

All three pairs of eyes were on me, curious to hear my answer. “My boss,” I murmured and everyone froze, staring at me like I was crazy. “What?? I think he’s interested and there’s no rule against it.”

Quickly Ashley said, “Demetri will make a rule against it.”

“Isn’t he a lot older than you?” Becca asked. “I think he has a daughter closer to you in age.”

“Did his mate die or something?” Caroline asked.

“She got kicked out of the pack and they separated since he didn’t want to go with her,” Ashley explained. “And yes Becca you are right, he has a seventeen-year-old daughter and he’s in his forties.” It was just like Ashley to know all the personal information of our pack members.

That stuff didn’t bother me, but it’s not like I was sure if I wanted to make a move anyway.

I got up and laid down on one of the blow-up mattresses. “I need to get some sleep,” I said, annoyed by the conversation. “I’m meeting with Demetri in the morning to take Gabriel to the park.”

“Ooh sounds like a family date,” Ashley teased and they all laughed.

I ignored them and quickly fell asleep.

In the morning I said goodbye to the girls and Left with Gabriel. I was nervous about spending time with Demetri outside of short exchanges. Demetri met me and Gabriel at the park. Gabriel was already playing with some other kids on the playground.

Demetri sat down next to me and we didn’t speak right away.

“I never thanked you for that public apology,” I said. “It got a lot of people off my ass.”

“You don’t have to thank me,” he said. “I care about you, Freya.” Here comes the flirting, it was just a matter of time. “I know I don’t have your friendship but you’ll always have mine.” Friendship… where the fuck was that coming from? I thought he still wanted something more, was friendship really enough for him?? He cheated on his girlfriend he was with for years, and ruined my friendship with her… just to be friends.

Ugh, why do I care?

“So how was your meeting with Alpha Cornell?” I asked, ignoring his statement about… friendship.

Demetri shrugged. “He’s not backing down, that’s all.” It seemed like there was something Demetri wanted to tell me but wouldn’t. I looked over at the swing set where Gabriel had just run to. “You want me to push you?” he asked.

I spit out a laugh and shook my head. “Hell no.”

“Come on, you look like you want to,” he insisted. “Since when did you stop enjoying a good session on a swing set?” I guess ever since I moved. I didn’t have a friend to have dumb childish fun with and I was focusing on raising my son.

“Okay fine,” I gave in when I saw how much fun Gabriel was having.

I walked to the swing set and giggled as Demetri picked me up to sit me down. “That was completely unnecessary!” I exclaimed with a laugh and Gabriel was amused on the swing next to me.

Demetri went back and forth pushing me and Gabriel. With every swing, the wind bidding my face was refreshing.

Later on, we walked to one of the nearby food trucks for lunch.

“If I want to be a good friend to you this time around I need to tell you something,” Demetri said and I was afraid he fucked up something for me again. “It’s about your ado—“ Demetri stopped mid-sentence when his eyes clouded over. His expression grew serious and he said, “A member of the Cold Lighting Pack was spotted.”

Not again.