Amelia pov
Initiate something and create something. Why are you all talking about my personal vacation in front of this idiot? I blurted out, my gaze landing squarely on Sarah. I despised her every moment of my life. My brother’s ridiculous childhood friend.
My brother Alpha Ethan frowned, his expression tense and disapproving.
“Amelia, you shouldn’t speak to her like that.”
I crossed my arms, still glaring at Sarah, who appeared shocked by my outburst. “What’s she even doing here?” I demanded, my tone low and filled with disdain.
Alpha Ethan’s face hardened. “Sarah’s assisting us with the vacation plans, Amelia. She’s knowledgeable about travel.”
I scoffed. “Knowledgeable? More like a nosy busybody who can’t keep her nose out of things.”
Sarah’s cheeks reddened, but she stayed quiet. My brother’s warning look didn’t sway me.
“Amelia, that’s enough,” Alpha Ethan said firmly, his voice demanding respect. “Apologize.”
I rolled my eyes, but the seriousness in his gaze made me hold back my retort. “Fine, sorry,” I muttered, the word bitter on my tongue.
Sarah met my gaze, a flicker of understanding passing between us. For a brief moment, I thought I saw something deeper-an unspoken connection. But it faded quickly, leaving me questioning if I had imagined it.
“Let’s concentrate on the itinerary,” Sarah proposed, her tone even.
I sighed dramatically. “Oh, great.”
As Sarah started outlining flight details and hotel arrangements, my thoughts drifted. What was her true purpose here? What did she want from us?
Suddenly, Sarah’s eyes locked onto mine. “Amelia, how do you feel about visiting the ancient ruins in Greece?”
Her gaze seemed to challenge me, hinting at something unspoken. I narrowed my eyes, intrigued.
“Sounds… intriguing,” I said, my voice careful.
Alpha Ethan nodded. “Perfect. Sarah, arrange the tour.”
I had just said perfect, not because I was enthusiastic about the idea, and where is our Luna? I questioned Ethan. I knew Sarah wasn’t fond of Harper. She viewed her as a threat, so I figured I might as well spoil her moment. Silly girl!
Alpha Ethan’s demeanor shifted, picking up on the tension. “Luna’s out running errands, Amelia. She’ll be here soon.”
I raised an eyebrow, glancing back at Sarah. “How convenient.”
Sarah’s smile looked forced. “I’ll ensure the tour is booked for everyone, including Luna.”
I leaned back in my chair, keeping my eyes on Sarah. “That’s very considerate of you, Sarah. Given how much you admire Luna.”
The atmosphere thickened with unspoken hostility. Alpha Ethan stepped in, his tone steady. “Amelia, let’s concentrate on the itinerary.”
But I was just getting warmed up. “Oh, I’m only beginning. Sarah, don’t you find it curious how Luna always seems to be the center of attention?”
Sarah’s eyes narrowed, a flicker of anger quickly hidden. “I think Luna is a wonderful person,” she replied stiffly.
“Wonderful?” I echoed, my voice laced with sarcasm. “That’s quite amusing coming from you, Sarah.”
Harper burst into the room, leaning casually against the doorframe. “Hey, everyone! Sorry for being late.”
Sarah’s expression turned frosty.
“Hey, Harper!” I exclaimed, opening my arms wide.
Harper squealed, wriggling out of Luna’s hold to rush over to me.
As I enveloped Harper in a hug, I caught Sarah’s glare, a smug smile spreading across my face.
“Looks like the real star has arrived,” I said sweetly.
Sarah’s face drained of color, her jaw tightening.
Alpha Ethan cleared his throat. “Let’s take a break. We can resume planning later.”
But the damage was already done. The mood had soured.
“Can someone fill me in on what happened before I got here?” she asked, laughing as if she already knew everything. I watched her plop down on the couch with a thud. So considerate of her, which is why I adore her.
Her eyes glimmered with amusement as she sank into the couch. “Just the usual drama, Luna,” Alpha Ethan said, his tone lightening the atmosphere.
I wasn’t going to let it slide. “Don’t minimize it, Ethan,” I replied, my voice steady. “Sarah was crossing the line, as always.”
Sarah’s eyes narrowed, but she stayed quiet, her gaze locked on Luna.
Luna’s face showed curiosity. “What did I miss?”
I recounted the tense exchange, making sure to include every detail. Luna listened closely, her expression shifting from amusement to worry.
Once I finished, Luna turned her gaze to Sarah. “You know better than to mess with Amelia,” she said, her voice calm but firm.
Sarah’s cheeks flushed, yet she stood her ground. “I was just trying to assist with the planning.”
Her stare remained unwavering. “Assist? Is that what you call it?”
The atmosphere grew thick with unspoken tension.
Alpha Ethan intervened, his tone soothing. “Let’s put this discussion on hold for now. We can revisit it later.”
However, Harper’s focus stayed on Sarah. “You’re testing your luck, Sarah. Again.”
Sarah’s gaze fell, her posture stiffening.
I observed the interaction, feeling a surge of gratitude for Harper. She always stood by me.
Then, Harper broke the silence with her small voice. “Amelia, can we have ice cream?”
My expression softened, a warm smile emerging. “Of course, sweetheart.”
“Thanks,” I mouthed in response.
My smile suggested unspoken understanding. “Anytime,” I whispered back.
“Are you all leaving without me?” someone asked boldly, her tone unwavering. It had to be Sarah.
Sarah’s voice sliced through the moment, her casual demeanor masking her intent. I turned to her, keeping my face neutral.
“Not without you, Sarah,” Alpha Ethan replied, his tone steady. “We’re just taking a break.”
Sarah’s eyes narrowed as she shifted her gaze between Luna and me. “Good. I wouldn’t want to miss out.”
Harper maintained her smile, but her voice carried a slight edge. “We wouldn’t dream of it, Sarah.”
“How about we grab that ice cream, Luna?” I suggested, trying to ease the tension.
As we left the room, Sarah walked alongside Alpha Ethan, her voice dropping to a whisper. “Ethan, can I have a word?”
Alpha Ethan glanced at me before turning back to Sarah. “What’s on your mind?”
Sarah’s gaze was fixed on mine, a challenge evident in her eyes. “In private.”
Harper brushed against my arm, a silent cue. We exchanged a knowing look.
“Alright,” Alpha Ethan said cautiously. “But make it quick.”
As Sarah and Alpha Ethan lingered behind, Luna leaned closer. “What do you think she wants?”
I shrugged, my focus on Sarah’s retreating figure. “No clue, but I don’t trust her.”
“Same here. We should keep an eye on her.”