Harper pov
“The villain is out of the picture, and I finally feel free. She has always been the issue. It’s always about Amelia, and I’m just so over it.” I was pacing around the house, my energy restless. Alpha Ethan’s voice broke through my thoughts.
“Hey, love, what’s got you so worked up?”
I couldn’t help but laugh. “I’m just thrilled that Alpha Lucas and his ridiculous fiancee, Amelia, have returned to their pack.”
“She’ll be ecstatic, considering how foolish and self-centered she is,” Sarah chimed in, another annoying presence adding to the chaos. I usually tolerate her since she’s my mate’s best friend, but I know she has feelings for him.
The thought of Amelia leaving made me snicker. “Finally, some peace and quiet,” I remarked, rolling my eyes.
Alpha Ethan raised an eyebrow, a mix of amusement and concern on his face. “Harper, love, you seem unusually happy about their departure. Everything alright?”
I nodded enthusiastically, a wave of excitement washing over me. “More than alright. That woman has been a constant irritation. Always stirring up drama and plotting. I’m just relieved she’s gone.”
Sarah interrupted again, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “Oh great, another troublemaker. Can’t we have just one day without the chaos?”
I shot her a quick look, irritation bubbling up inside me. I knew she was talking about Amelia, but the jab about “another butch” hit hard. Was she suggesting I was a problem too?
Ethan’s expression tightened, picking up on the tension. “Sarah, chill out. Harper’s just enjoying some much-needed freedom from Amelia.”
Sarah’s face softened, though a trace of bitterness lingered in her eyes. “Sorry, Harper. I didn’t mean to be harsh. It’s just… Amelia tends to bring out the worst in everyone.”
I nodded, recognizing her feelings. Sarah had her reasons for disliking Amelia, and I wasn’t going to dig deeper. But I couldn’t help but notice how Ethan’s gaze lingered on Sarah, his expression overly sympathetic.
A surge of possessiveness washed over me. I knew Sarah had feelings for Ethan, but he was mine my mate, my love. I moved closer to him, letting my hand brush against his.
“Hey,” I said softly, my voice low. “Let’s focus on the good. No more Amelia means no more stress.”
Ethan’s eyes crinkled with a smile. “That’s my girl. Always seeing the silver lining.”
As he wrapped his arm around me, pulling me in, I felt a rush of joy. Amelia might be out of the picture, but my love for Ethan was unwavering.
Yet, when I glanced at Sarah, I couldn’t shake the feeling that this was just the beginning of our troubles far from over.
“What are we celebrating?” I heard the familiar voice of drama queen Alessia, my dear mate’s sister who always had my back against Sarah’s antics.
Alessia entered the room, her long, curly hair bouncing with each step. Her radiant smile brightened the space, and I felt a wave of appreciation for my mate’s sister.
Alessia raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. “What’s all the fuss about?”
Ethan stepped back, gesturing with flair. “Amelia and Lucas are finally gone. Harper’s throwing a party to celebrate her freedom.”
Alessia’s face brightened. “That’s fantastic news! We’re finally free from that toxic influence.”
Sarah’s demeanor shifted, her jaw tightening. “Let’s not forget, Amelia is still Lucas’s mate. We should be respectful.”
Alessia scoffed. “Respect? After everything she’s done to Harper? No way.”
I shot Alessia a grateful look. She always stood by me, especially when it came to Sarah.
Sarah narrowed her eyes. “You’re just siding with Harper again, Alessia.”
Alessia stood her ground, her voice steady. “I’m standing for what’s right, Sarah. You know Amelia has been toxic to our pack with her deceit.”
The tension between Sarah and Alessia was thick. Ethan stepped in, his tone calm yet firm.
“Let’s stop this. We’re not revisiting old conflicts. Today is about moving on, free from Amelia’s chaos.”
Alessia nodded, a playful sparkle in her eye. “In that case, let’s celebrate! I’ll grab the champagne.”
As Alessia dashed to the kitchen, excitement bubbled within me. With Amelia out of the picture, our pack could finally start to heal.
But Sarah’s sulky expression hinted that our troubles were far from over.
“Hey,” Ethan murmured, sensing my worry. “We’re in this together, always.”
I smiled, feeling a wave of affection for my mate.
That’s where you always are, Alessia. Acting foolishly. Sarah suddenly cursed, glaring at Alessia with disdain.
Sarah’s sharp words lingered, challenging the air. Alessia’s eyes widened, her color draining.
“What did you say?” Alessia’s voice shook with indignation. “What’s your issue, Sarah?”
Sarah’s face contorted in anger. “You think you’re so perfect, don’t you? Ethan’s little sister, the embodiment of innocence. But we all know the truth.”
Ethan stepped forward, his eyes fierce. “Sarah, that’s enough.”
But Sarah pressed on, her words dripping with venom. “You’re just as manipulative as Amelia, Alessia. You use your charm to get your way.”
Alessia’s cheeks flushed, tears brimming in her eyes. “How dare you say that!”
I instinctively moved to shield Alessia from Sarah. “Back off, Sarah. This ends now.”
Sarah’s glare met mine, her eyes filled with anger. “You’re just as deluded as Ethan, Harper. You think Alessia is perfect, but she isn’t.”
Ethan’s tone turned serious. “Sarah, you’re overstepping. Apologize.”
For a moment, Sarah hesitated, but her voice still dripped with spite. “Fine. Sorry.”
The apology felt insincere. Tears streamed down Alessia’s face, and I pulled her into a comforting embrace.
“Leave, Sarah,” Ethan ordered, his voice firm. “Now.”
With a swift turn, Sarah stormed out, leaving a heavy silence in her wake.
Alessia’s soft voice broke through the stillness. “Why does she dislike me so much?”
I held her tighter. “Because she struggles to see the good in others. But we know the truth you are kind, caring, and cherished.”
Ethan joined our embrace, wrapping us in warmth. “We are a family, and nothing will tear us apart.”
As we held each other, I felt confident that Sarah’s bitterness wouldn’t divide us. Yet, a lingering thought remained what would her next move be?