Page 17 of Alpha's Twins
Her voice isn’t loud, but probably loud enough for others to hear, and I cringe. I swallow hard, my mouth dry. I force a smile, my voice barely above a whisper. “Yeah. Fine. I’m used to it.”
“Serena, you don’t have to be used to it,” she says, voice firm and protective. “You belong here. They’re just ignorant.”
Sarah is making her way back, a box of pastries in her hands. She catches sight of us, and her face clouds with concern. “Did I miss something?” She sets the box down, looking between us.
“Just some pack elders who should know better,” Cate says before I can stop her. “Talking about Serena and how she can’t shift.”
“Oh god,” Sarah says, her eyes wide with sympathy as she and Cate exchange a brief look. “I’m so sorry.”
I shake my head, trying to brush it off, but my voice betrays me, a small tremor in it. “They’re right. I can’t shift. It’s not a secret, not really.”
Sarah puts her hand on my shoulder. “It doesn’t matter whether you can shift or not. Our pack welcomes everyone, and we have lots of different people with different gifts living here.”
The sincerity in her voice is almost too much, and I have to look away, blinking hard. I’m not going to cry. I won’t. I’m stronger than this.
“They’re just old-fashioned,” Cate says. “Stuck in their ways. Things are changing, and they can’t handle it.”
“Promise you won’t let it get to you,” Sarah says, her expression earnest. “We’re so happy you’re here.”
I nod, but my chest feels tight, and I can barely breathe. I can’t stand the kindness in their faces, the pity. I’m about tosay something, anything, to steer the conversation away from me when the door to the bakery swings open. I see Aiden and Jace walk in, and Aiden’s eyes find mine immediately. His face shifts from surprise to concern as he obviously takes in our body language.
“Serena,” he says, striding over to us, his presence a force of nature. Jace follows behind, more cautious, his expression unsure.
I want to disappear. I don’t want him to see me like this, raw and exposed. I stand up too quickly, the chair scraping against the floor. “I-I think I’m going to go. We can reschedule with Tammy?”
“No, you shouldn’t. Please stay,” Cate says, her voice firm.
Aiden’s hand brushes mine in an unexpectedly public gesture that nearly sends me reeling. “What happened?”
“It’s nothing,” I say, pulling away. “I’m fine. I just need some air.”
He looks at me, his eyes searching. I notice his gaze turn to Sarah and Cate as they look toward the group of older shifters by the window.
A muscle ticks in his jaw as the older men look increasingly uncomfortable. “Is there a problem here?” he asks, his voice quiet but steely.
One of the older men, the one who nodded at me, shifts in his seat. “No problem, Aiden.”
“Sure about that?” Aiden presses, his tone making it clear he won’t let it drop.
“We were just talking,” one of them says. “Didn’t mean any harm.”
“Well, you did,” Cate snaps, eyes blazing. “You should apologize.”
They exchange glances but don’t say anything. I can’t take it anymore. I can’t stand here with everyone looking at me. I turn sharply toward the door, head down, my vision blurring.
“Serena,” Aiden calls, but I’m already outside, the cool air hitting my face like a slap. I walk fast, then faster, past the square, past the people who watch me, the overweight short luna who will never belong anywhere.
I feel the tears threatening, hot and unwelcome, and I angrily wipe my eyes. I’m not going to cry. I’m not. But the weakness and shame crash over me like a wave, and I fear I will drown in it.
Chapter 10 - Aiden
I’m torn between the overpowering instinct to follow Serena and needing to know what the hell is going on. I had only come in with Jace for a snack, and I was pleased to see her here with the women, but then I quickly realized it had all gone to hell. My wolf paces restlessly, his concern for Serena only frustrating me more. She’s got to stop running away like this.
I spin around to face Sarah and Cate. “Will someone please enlighten me?”
Just as Sarah is about to open her mouth, one of the older shifters, Bren, comes over. “I fear this is our fault, Aiden,” he says, looking genuinely remorseful. “We were just chatting…it is unusual for her not to be able to shift. I can see it’s upset the girl.”
“She’s not just a girl, Bren,” I snap, “She’s your luna.”
