Reyna’s POV
I wake up early, the soft morning light filtering through the small window beside my bed. After a quick bath, I dress and head to Stephanie’s room. She’s usually up by now, but today, I hadn’t seen her around, which isn’t like her. I feel a pang of worry but shake it off as I reach her door and knock softly.
Pushing the door open, I see her still lying in bed, her face turned away, breathing evenly. The sight surprises me. Stephanie never stays in bed this long.
I approach quietly and give her a gentle tap on the shoulder. “Steph?” I call softly, trying not to startle her.
She stirs, blinking her eyes open, and gives me a small, tired smile. “Hey, Reyna.”
“What’s going on with you?” I ask, concern filling my voice. “It’s not like you to be in bed this late.”
She stretches slightly, then sighs. “I’m just… tired. Nothing more.” Her tone is light, but there’s something off, a slight tension in her voice that makes me hesitate.
I narrow my eyes, studying her face. “Are you sure? You look… well, not yourself. If something’s wrong, you know you can tell me.”
Stephanie gives me another smile, but it’s faint. “I promise, Reyna. I’m fine, really. Just a rough night. That’s all.”
I nod slowly, but doubt lingers in my mind. Something feels off, and her answer doesn’t quite satisfy me. Still, I decide not to push. “Alright,” I say, stepping back. “But don’t stay cooped up in here all day. Do what you have to, and come find me when you’re ready. Don’t make me lonely in this place.”
She nods, her eyes slipping closed again, and I turn to leave, casting one last glance at her. I can’t shake the feeling that she’s hiding something.
As I make my way down the hallway, my mind spins with unease. I don’t know what’s going on with Stephanie, but I’m certain she’s not telling me the whole truth. Maybe I’ll get a chance to talk to John about it. If anyone could help figure this out, it’d be him.
I’m nearing John’s office when I turn a corner and suddenly bump into Diane. She’s standing right in my path, arms crossed, a smug expression on her face.
“Where do you think you’re going, Reyna?” she asks, her tone dripping with condescension. “Didn’t you hear? The Alpha’s busy. He doesn’t need outsiders interfering in pack matters.”
I clench my jaw, not in the mood to deal with Diane’s attitude. “It’s none of your concern where I go,” I say calmly. “If John doesn’t want me around, he’ll let me know. He hasn’t said anything like that, so I’ll be on my way.”
Her smirk falters slightly, and she steps closer, blocking my path. “Don’t get too comfortable, Reyna. Just because he hasn’t sent you away yet doesn’t mean he won’t. You’re not one of us, and everyone knows it.”
I meet her gaze evenly, refusing to be intimidated. “Then it’s the Alpha’s business, not yours. Now, if you’ll excuse me.”
Pushing past her, I continue down the hall without another glance. My heart beats a little faster, but I ignore it, keeping my stride steady. I’ve dealt with Diane’s petty hostility before, and I won’t let her get in my way now.
____
Diane’s POV
I glance around, making sure the hallway is empty before I step forward. The pack is quiet, everyone going about their morning routines, oblivious to my plans. I move quickly, silently, and reach Stephanie’s door. I turn the knob, surprised to find it unlocked, and slip inside, closing the door quietly behind me.
The room is dim, but as my eyes adjust, I see Stephanie stepping out of the bathroom, a towel around her shoulders. She freezes when she sees me, her expression hardening.
“What are you doing here?” she snaps, her voice low but laced with irritation.
I ignore the edge in her tone and take a step closer, my gaze piercing. “I should be asking you that,” I say, trying to keep my voice steady. “Has Sally contacted you?”
Her eyes flash with annoyance. “Get out of my room, Diane,” she hisses, her grip on the towel tightening. “I don’t have time for your games.”
I scoff, crossing my arms. “Games? Is that what you think this is?” I lean in, lowering my voice. “If they find out you’re working with Sally-if they even suspect you’re the spy-you won’t just be risking your life, Stephanie. They’ll come after everyone who helped you, including me.”
Stephanie’s eyes narrow, her expression hardening further. “Then maybe you should think about what’s at stake,” she replies coldly. “Because if I go down, I’ll make sure you’re dragged down with me.”
A shiver runs through me, but I try not to let it show. “You wouldn’t dare,” I say, though my voice wavers slightly. I take a step back, my eyes narrowing. “If you think you can threaten me and get away with it, you’re mistaken. I’ve survived worse than you, Stephanie.”
She tilts her head, a mocking smile touching her lips. “Is that a threat, Diane? Because if you’re planning to get rid of me, you’d better be prepared for the consequences.”
I swallow, forcing my face into a mask of calm. “You may think you’re clever, but remember-you’re nothing more than a pawn in Sally’s game. She’ll toss you aside the moment you’re no longer useful.”
Stephanie’s jaw tightens, and she glares at me. “And you think you’re any different? If you think for a second that Sally wouldn’t sacrifice you to save herself, then you’re more naive than I thought.”
Her words hit harder than I’d like, and I have to look away to keep from showing the doubt that flickers in my mind. But I can’t let her see that she’s gotten to me. I take a deep breath, schooling my expression.
“Believe what you want, Stephanie,” I say, my voice as steady as I can make it. “But if you so much as breathe a word to anyone about me… well, let’s just say you won’t be around long enough to regret it.”
She crosses her arms, unflinching. “Then I suggest you get out of my room, Diane. Before I make sure everyone knows exactly who you’re working for.”
Her words chill me, but I hold my ground, forcing a smirk. “Fine,” I say, moving toward the door. “But remember-you’re playing a dangerous game. I hope you’re ready to face the consequences.”
I turn back, catching her gaze one last time, but her expression remains as cold and unyielding as ever. Without another word, I slip out the door, closing it behind me. My heart is pounding, a mix of anger and fear roiling in my chest.