Chapter 46

"And, what's that?"

"They say that it's best to keep your distance from her niece … the further, the better … and, you should especially never allow her to make physical contact with you, at all costs."

Intrigued; 'Madame X' asks, "And, why's that?"

"I'm not exactly sure; the rumor's a bit vague … but it mentions something like how she'd be able to easily read your mind, even if your not mind-linking with her, or take control over your inner-wolf … or, something like that."

'Madame X' laughs; then, mildly scoffs, "Seriously; mind reading … controlling inner-wolves … don't tell me you honestly believe that? Sounds like nothing but a load of hooey, if you ask me."

"Maybe … but, even if the rumor is a 'load of hooey' … fact is, she's still a wild one; and, I'd prefer to stay as far away as possible from her, as I can. … Do yourself a favor, and take my advice; keep your distance from her … and, make sure you never cross her. Trust me; you'll be much better off that way."

********

Back over at the Gamma's residence...

**Raina's POV**

Ever since Rhi and I got back, a wild range of various emotions have been expressively thrown around, out of control; and, the tension in the air has been so thick that you could cut it with a knife … and, truth is; Rhi and I are partially responsible for this mess. Honestly; I have no idea what Rhi was thinking when she put us into that situation.

Now, I'm not trying to shift all the blame onto Rhi … nor negate or diminish my part in all this … but, I swear; if I had known that was Casper Whitmore who approached us at the club, I'd never agree to go to the hotel with him. And, I wouldn't have even accepted him buying our drinks if I knew that he was Pomona's actual mate; and, not just some randomly chosen husband-to-be in an arranged marriage.

Dad was asked to go over to Alpha Gordon's; and, hasn't returned, yet. Mom went out … saying she was going for a walk to get some air … not too long after Dad left; and, she's hasn't returned, either. I'm guessing she's still really upset over what Rhi and I did last night … not that I could blame her.

Barely a word has been spoken since our parents left; we've basically just split up into two groups … Bellona and Pomona in one, obviously; and, me, Rhi, and Helena in the other … silently keeping each other company in moral support. Up until now, I've kept my mouth shut, trying to stay under the radar; but, I can't hold it in any longer … I have to ask …

"Pomona … is Casper Whitmore really your mate?"

Pomona briefly stares at me with a seemingly blank expression on her face; then, just sullenly nods.

I'm instantly overtaken by another huge wave of guilt … a stronger guilt than I've already been feeling … and, I glance over at Rhi; who still doesn't appear to be feeling any remorse whatsoever for having sex with him. Again; I really have no idea what Rhi's thinking. I mind-link over to her...

"Rhi; I don't get it … don't you feel bad at all for what we've done to Pomona?"

Rhi defensively snaps aloud...

"Why should I feel bad about it … what did we do to her, anyway?! Even if he is her mate … which I still highly doubt … is it our fault that he wanted to have sex with us? I mean, if he already met Pomona, and knew that she was his mate; then, why would he cheat on her with us?"

Pomona … or, should I say, more than likely Daphne … snaps back at Rhi...

"Probably because he knew you were two whore-sluts who'll willingly spread your legs open for some cheap booze!!"

Rhi … poorly defending her honor with a pitifully sad comeback … proudly boasts...

"They weren't cheap! I'll have you know, he bought us the most expensive champagne; and, all top-shelve liquor."

Oh, Rhi.

Pomona … again, probably Daphne … flippantly retorts...

"My apologies. I didn't realize you were such high-maintenance whore-sluts. You must be so proud of yourselves."

**Raina's POV**

Unexpectedly … Bellona curtly snaps...

"Enough; Daphne!!"

Once again, total silence befalls the room … at least for the moment … as the four of us direct our eyes upon Bellona; and bewilderingly stare at her. I can't recall the last time Bellona raised her voice at Pomona … no, correction; I don't remember ever hearing Bellona raise her voice at Pomona.

Then, Bellona cradles Pomona in her arms, and starts slowly rocking her back and forth; as she gently strokes her hair. Bellona begins speaking in a soft, soothing voice … a voice which as far as I could tell has always only been reserved for Pomona; and, typically used at times like these, when Daphne is agitated and out of control…

"Calm down, Daphne; be a good girl. Shh. Stay calm."

Bellona continues rocking Pomona in her arms and stroking her hair; while, softly repeating that mantra over and over. And, after a few minutes of that; Bellona says...

"Daphne, I know you're upset … and, you have every right to be … but, still; you shouldn't be calling Rhiana and Raina those horrible names, and speaking so harshly about them. You know Pomona would never say such things about them; and, right now, she's probably hurt by hearing you say that to them.

In fact … knowing Pomona as well as I do … I'm thinking that she's being hurt more by hearing you saying those awful things to her sisters than they are hearing it. Don't you think?"

Pomona softly utters, "She's right; Daphne … please stop making me say those mean things."

Suddenly … I hear Rhi mind-link me...

"Figures; huh … those two always stick up for each other. Now, they're putting on an act together; trying to put the blame on this alleged Daphne … like Pomona has nothing to do with it. I'll tell you what; I'm not buying it anymore ... how about you; Rai?"