Alessia pov
Sarah’s anger erupted as she shouted, “I saved you from the fire, remember?” Her eyes blazed with fury, and her words dripped with disdain.
“Just be quiet, Sarah! You started the fire, and we both know it,” I shot back, my legs casually crossed on the table.
I took a moment to sip my drink, then continued, “I don’t understand why my brother sees you as a friend from his childhood while I see you as nothing but a wicked bitch!” My heart raced with anger as I spoke.
“You deserve to suffer! I can’t stand you; you always come between me and your brother,” she hissed, leaning in close to spit her venom.
“And I won’t stop, sweetheart. My brother has his mate, Harper. Why do you keep hanging around the pack house when you have a home? Let the couples enjoy their marriage,” I replied, locking eyes with her. The walls of my room seemed to close in as we engaged in this fierce argument. I knew it would drag on because she couldn’t handle being challenged.
Sarah’s face contorted with rage, her eyes glowing like coals. She slammed her fists on the table, causing my drink to shake. “How dare you!” she yelled, her tone dripping with malice. “You think you’re so great, but you’re just a selfish jerk!”
I smirked, taking a sip of my drink and relishing the burn. “And you’re just a bitter, scheming witch,” I shot back, my voice calm and steady.
With a flash of fury, Sarah lunged at me, her hands reaching for my face. I caught her wrists, holding them tightly as we were mere inches apart, the tension in the air palpable.
“Let me go!” she growled, struggling against my hold.
“Not until you settle down,” I replied, my heart racing in my chest.
The door swung open abruptly, and my brother, Ethan, marched in, his eyes filled with authority. “What on earth!” he bellowed, his voice reverberating through the room.
Sarah and I froze, our breaths quickening, as Ethan positioned himself between us. “What’s happening here?” he demanded.
Sarah pulled away from me, tears streaking her face. “He’s just being his usual arrogant self,” she shot back.
I raised an eyebrow. “And you’re being your typical dramatic self.”
Ethan’s expression hardened. “Both of you, enough. This is spiraling out of control.”
I shrugged and leaned back in my chair. “Just stating the facts.”
Sarah glared at me, but Ethan interrupted. “Sarah, I need to speak with you. Outside. Now.”
Her expression twisted in frustration, but she followed Ethan out, leaving me alone with my thoughts.
The walls felt like they were closing in, the tension still thick in the air. I finished my drink, feeling the burn settle in my stomach.
I hissed as I gathered my things from the wardrobe when the door was abruptly pushed open. I knew it was her; it was foolish of her to think I would welcome her.
“What do you want, Sarah? Don’t provoke me,” I said calmly, still facing the wardrobe. Grabbing the door handle, I struggled to contain my anger. I turned to see Harper standing there.
“Hey Harper, it’s you,” I said, trying to lighten the mood, my eyes widening as I took her in.
“Who were you fighting with? You look tense,” she asked, still at the doorway.
“Not anyone important. Come in; let’s do something fun. I have a ton of clothes to go through,” I replied, gesturing for her to enter, though she didn’t seem impressed by my invitation.
Harper’s face remained serious, her eyes narrowing slightly. “Save the charm for someone else,” she said, her tone firm yet tinged with concern. “I know you were arguing with Sarah again. What’s really going on?”
I laughed softly, running my fingers through my hair. “Just the usual chaos. Don’t stress about it.”
Harper entered the room, her eyes sweeping the area before landing on me. “I am stressed. You two are like fireworks volatile and unpredictable.”
I scoffed, turning my attention back to my closet. “That’s one way to describe it.”
She approached me, her demeanor calm and reassuring. “I’ve been considering… Perhaps it’s time for Sarah to find a new place.”
I halted my movements, surprised. “Do you really think that’s necessary?”
Harper affirmed with a nod. “Absolutely. The tension between you two is impacting everyone. Ethan is stuck in the middle, and it’s not good for him.”
I exhaled deeply, rubbing the back of my neck. “I get that. But asking her to leave… feels harsh.”
“I’m not saying it’s simple, but sometimes it’s needed. For the good of all.”
Our eyes locked, and I recognized the sincerity in hers. Harper was right a change was needed.
“Alright, let’s switch things up with my wardrobe,” I said quietly, shifting the topic. She has a delicate heart, so I want to be gentle with her.
I sifted through the closet, pulled out a red dress, and tossed it playfully onto her face. “Try this one, Harper. I think you’ll love it.”
Harper’s eyes widened in surprise as the dress landed on her. She laughed, pulling it away, her cheeks turning pink.
“You’re diverting the conversation, I see,” she teased, her tone light, though curiosity danced in her eyes.
I smirked playfully. “Maybe. But really, give it a shot. You’d look amazing.”
Harper studied the gown for a moment before shrugging. “Why not?”
She grabbed the gown and slipped into the nearby bathroom. I could hear the soft sound of fabric moving, then a brief silence.
The bathroom door opened, and Harper stepped out, glowing in the red gown. The fitted bodice highlighted her figure, while the flowing skirt gracefully draped over her legs.
“Wow,” I said, truly amazed. “You look… stunning.”
Harper’s cheeks flushed, but her smile was bright. “Thanks. You really know how to appreciate it.”
“I need to check on a friend, but I’ll be back,” I said as I excused myself.