Chapter 144
AYLA’S POV
The day started like any other, a routine that I was slowly getting used to despite the chaos Tammy brought into our lives. Breakfast had been quiet, surprisingly so, with Tammy nowhere in sight. It was almost peaceful, with Sophie cracking jokes and Fatima teasing Jake about his brooding expression. Even the twins were in good spirits, giggling and smearing jam all over their faces.
By the time lunch rolled around, the quiet had lulled me into a false sense of security. Tammy, however, made her grand reappearance, striding into the dining room like she owned the place.
But something was off.
"Good afternoon," she said, her voice unusually soft. Her gaze swept across the room, lingering on each of us as she offered a small smile.
Fatima blinked. Sophie froze mid-sip of her drink. I just stared, waiting for the punchline.
"Tammy," Jake said evenly, setting his glass down. "You’re late."
"I know," Tammy said, her tone surprisingly humble. "And I wanted to apologize for that, Alpha. I’ve been… difficult these past few weeks. I realize now that I’ve been disrespectful to you, to your family, and to this pack. I’m sorry."
The room went silent. You could’ve heard a pin drop.
"I beg your pardon?" Sophie asked, her eyebrows shooting up.
"I’m serious," Tammy said, turning to face Sophie and Fatima. "I owe you both an apology as well. I’ve been rude and dismissive, and you didn’t deserve that. I hope you can forgive me."
Fatima leaned back in her chair, clearly skeptical. "You feeling alright, Tammy? You hit your head or something?"
Tammy laughed softly, the sound almost… genuine. "I suppose I deserve that," she admitted. "But I mean it. I’m trying to be better."
I narrowed my eyes, watching her closely. This couldn’t be real. Tammy didn’t just change overnight. She was up to something, and I was determined to find out what.
"And the workers," Tammy continued, addressing the stunned staff standing nearby. "I’ve treated you poorly, and I deeply regret that. Please accept my apologies."
One of the workers, a young girl named Millie, actually looked like she might cry. "Thank you, Miss Tammy," she said hesitantly.
Jake, to my absolute horror, smiled.
"That’s good to hear, Tammy," he said. "It’s never too late to change."
I nearly choked on my water. Was he seriously buying this?
Throughout lunch, Tammy kept up her act, engaging in polite conversation and even complimenting Fatima on her dress. It was unsettling, like watching a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
When the meal ended, Tammy lingered behind to help clear the table, chatting amicably with the workers as if she hadn’t spent the last few weeks terrorizing them.
"She’s up to something," I muttered to Sophie as we walked out of the dining room.
"Obviously," Sophie whispered back, glancing over her shoulder. "But what’s her angle?"
"I don’t know," I admitted. "But I’m going to find out."
\---
The rest of the day passed in a haze of suspicion. Everywhere I went, Tammy was there, playing the role of a reformed saint. She complimented the garden, thanked the cooks for their hard work, and even spent an hour organizing the library.
But the worst part was Jake.
I caught them talking outside in the courtyard, Tammy laughing at something he said. Jake didn’t laugh, but he did smile faintly, and it made my blood boil.
"Unbelievable," I muttered under my breath.
By the time dinner rolled around, I couldn’t take it anymore. Jake had to see through this charade.
After dinner, I found him in his office, going over some documents. I knocked on the doorframe, and he looked up, his expression softening when he saw me.
"Ayla," he said. "What’s wrong?"
"Do you really believe Tammy’s act?" I asked, not bothering with pleasantries.
Jake leaned back in his chair, studying me. "What do you mean?"
"I mean, don’t you think it’s a little convenient that she’s suddenly turned into Mother Teresa?" I said, crossing my arms.
Jake sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "Ayla, people can change."
"Not Tammy," I countered. "She’s manipulative and self-centered, and this whole thing is just another scheme."
"You don’t know that," Jake said calmly. "Maybe she’s genuinely trying to be better."
"Do you really believe that?" I demanded.
Jake stood, walking around the desk until he was standing in front of me. "Ayla," he said, his tone soft but firm. "I understand why you’re skeptical. But everyone deserves a chance to prove themselves."
I stared at him, incredulous. "Even Tammy?"
"Yes," he said simply.
I shook my head, frustration bubbling over. "Fine. But don’t come crying to me when she stabs you in the back."
Jake chuckled, the sound low and rumbling. "You’re cute when you’re angry."
I glared at him, but my heart betrayed me, fluttering at his words. Damn him and his stupid charm.
"Just… be careful," I said finally.
"I always am," Jake replied, his eyes softening.
I left the office, still fuming. Tammy might have fooled Jake, but she wasn’t going to fool me. I knew people like her they were always up to no good. Tammy ,she wouldn't just wake up a saint like that ,she had a plan, and I was going to make sure it never succeeds. Speak of the devil, and she will surely appear. I spotted Tammy on her way to Jake's office as well,it made me growl lowly. That little devil!
"Ayla, hi," she said with an obvious fake smile . At least with me, she wasn't trying so hard.
"What are you up to now, Tammy.Drop the act." I said dryly
she smiled. "Me up to something...never. I'm on a path to becoming a better person so I can become a better Luna. Relax, Ayla, don't be jealous if it doesn't look good on you." She said before walking away. I rolled my eyes ...I was right she hadn't changed she was just up to shit.