Chapter 54

Lila’s POV “Why are you spending the weekend at the Calypso pack?” Rachel asked from across our dorm as she watched me pack some of my belongings into my weekend bag.

“I told some of the children that I would help them with their combat,” I explained to her.

“And Professor Enzo is okay with that?” She asked, raising her brows.

“It took a little convincing. But eventually, he came around,” I told her.

This much was true.

Enzo was against it at first, but I asked him again the other day if I could go to his pack and train some of the local children and he finally agreed.

Rachel looked questionably at me for a few moments before shrugging and plopping down on her bed.

“Well, I’ll be here. Being bored out of my mind,” she said, grabbing one of her old magazines to flip through.

“I’m sure you’ll be fine,” I chuckled. “I’ll be back in a couple of days.”

I gave her a quick hug before leaving.

...

“I’m so happy that you are here!” Dee said as soon as I walked into the packhouse.

She greeted with me wide open arms and I couldn’t help but laugh as she wrapped me in her tight embrace.

“You have been missed, Lila dear,” she breathed. “Have you eaten? I can make you something delicious.”

“I ate not long ago,” I told her. “Thank you though.”

“Enzo is in his office if you want to say hi,” she said, a knowing smile playing on her lips.

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My face warmed and I shook my head.

“I don’t think he wants to see me,” I told her. “It’s okay though. I’d rather just get to one of the guest rooms and get some rest.”

“Of course,” she breathed, running the palm of her hand down my narrow features. “I’ll bring you up some tea in a little bit.”

“Thank you,” I said, hugging her again.

I turned to walk up the stairs, but just as I was about to take that first step, I saw someone at the top of the stairs.

My heart fell deep into my stomach at the sight of her. A smile plays on her lips as she folds her arms across her chest.

“Well, isn’t it funny to see you here,” Bethany said coolly. “I must say, I’m a little surprised. Does your professor know you’ve followed him to his home?”

“He knows I’m here,” I told her, trying to keep my voice even. “I’m training some of the local children tomorrow on combat.”

“Combat?” Bethany said, raising her brows. “You?”

She scanned my body briefly before meeting my eyes.

“Yes,” I answered as I began walking up the stairs. “I’m actually quite good,” I added.

“Oh, I’m sure you are,” she nearly laughed.

I wasn’t going to entertain her with any more than that, so I walked past her and toward my room. I wondered what she was doing here but it wasn’t something I wanted to find out right now.

My heart remained heavy in my chest, and I kept my eyes on the ground as I walked.

“Oh, hello, Lila,” Laura, one of the pack workers, said as I walked by.

“Hello, Laura,” I said in return. “It’s nice to see you again.”

“Lila?” I heard Bethany say from behind me. She sounded shocked for a moment but then came to a realization. “So, it’s true... you’re the same Lila after all.”

“I’m sorry?” I asked. “We’ve met before,” I reminded her.”

“Yes... but I didn’t know you were that Lila.”

What was that supposed to mean?

“Well... anyways. I’ll be staying here for a little while. I hope you don’t mind,” she said coolly, flipping her long hair behind her shoulder.

“Why would I mind? It’s not my packhouse,” I told her, trying not to sound bothered.

“Right, but I’ve heard you are here often and well... as you know... Enzo and I are kind of making things happen between us. He invited me to stay with him until the next unforeseen fortune. I was quite shocked by that.”

My heart fell into my stomach at her words and this time, I was sure she could tell I was in pain.

“I see,” I managed to say. “It’s nice here... I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.”

“I’m sure I will too. I’ll especially enjoy Enzo.”

I didn’t say anything in response to that, I turned away and went to the guest bedroom.

...

Later in the evening, after successfully avoiding Enzo and Bethany, I went into the kitchen to find Dee preparing the packhouse dinner.

She smiled when she saw me entering because she knew I wanted to help her.

“Where are we?” I asked as I washed my hands.

“I’m really glad you’re here, Lila,” she breathed fondly. “You can cut those vegetables. I’m making stirfry.”

“Sounds delicious,” I told her. “My mother always puts a little sugar in it for sweetness.”

Her eyes lit up.

“Then we shall put sugar in it,” she said happily.

I chuckled at her eagerness.

“How have things been at school? How was the dance? The bake sale was so fun. We’ll have to do that again soon.”

“Everything is great. Thank you again for helping me with the bake sale. I couldn’t have done that without your help.”

“It was my pleasure. I’ll always be here to help you...” she said with a fond smile. Then her smile kind of shifted and I saw it turning into a frown. There was something she wasn’t saying, something on her mind.

Just as she was about to open her mouth to speak, the door of the kitchen swung open, and Bethany made her way in.

“Oh, hello Miss Bethany,” Dee said with a kind and yet plastered smile. “Dinner isn’t quite ready yet.”

“Why is she in here?” Bethany asked, narrowing her eyes at me.

“Oh, Lila helps me cook when she’s here. It’s one of our bonding moments...”

“You bond with Enzo’s student?” Bethany asked, raising her brows. “Isn’t that a bit inappropriate?”

“I don’t see it that way, no,” Dee said with a frown, glancing over at me. “She’s a very good cook and—”

“I’m an even better cook.”

“I thought you said that—”

“I’m here now and I’ll help you cook for our darling Enzo. It’s the least I could do. He’s given me a home that I could be happy at. I would like to do my part.”

“Oh,” Dee said, questionably. “Okay... yes. I would love to have your help.”

“Good,” Bethany said as she went over to the sink to wash her hands.

I glanced at Dee; I felt a little sad and she could read that on my face.

“You can both help,” Dee suggested.

“Um, I don’t think so,” Bethany said, shoving me away from the vegetables. I allowed the knife to fall onto the counter.

Thankfully, nobody got hurt.

“Thank you, but I got it from here.”

I nodded and turned away; I wanted to cry, but I refused to do so in front of them.

Later, Laura came to fetch me for dinner. I was expecting Bethany to be in the kitchen eating with Dee, but she wasn’t.

“She went to eat with Enzo in his office,” Dee explained as I sat down on the high stool.

“I see,” I said, trying not to look too bothered.

“She’s an interesting woman,” Dee said shaking her head. “But Enzo apparently likes her enough to have her living here.”

“You think he likes her?” I asked; my voice sounded strained, and I was aware of that.

“There’s no other reason for her to be here,” Dee said, shaking her head. “I never actually saw them together but do believe that Alpha Enzo is quite smitten with this woman.”