Chapter 13

Sitting on a marble bench, in the middle of a packed shopping centre, I slurped noisily on the milkshake that I was holding, while I crossed one leg over the other and stared silently into the distance. I had agreed to meet Beth to make amends and do some prom dress shopping. Sighing, I swivelled my heard and looked at Beth silently, who was staring down into her lap apologetically.
“Well?” I demanded, stiffly.
“Look Ros, I’m sorry for kicking off at you. I get it. It’s your life and I’m happy for you. I really am! I guess I’m just so used to having you around as my best friend and I was shocked when you said you was leaving!” Beth began, looking up at me sadly.
“It’s okay,” I replied. “I would have done the same, I guess. You will still be my best friend, no matter what! Things are just going to be different now, I guess.”
“Sam text me the other night. He said that you weren’t moving into the forests, but two or three states away?” Beth replied, looking up at me gently. “What’s going on Ros? You can tell me anything. You know that.”
I sat there in silence, and thought of my werewolf secret, the pack choosing ceremony, Jace and his parents and the fact I was now Mated with an Alpha Werewolf. I knew if I told my best friend my secret, and it got found out, the wolves would kill her. I knew Beth wouldn’t say anything if I asked her not to, but I couldn’t risk her life. Carefully, I looked back up and shrugged casually.
“I’ve had to make some changes in my life. Changes that are beyond my control,” I muttered quietly. “You’re just going have to trust that for whatever reason, I’m alright. Can you live with that?”
“What do you mean, changes?” Beth pressed on. “Is this to do with this posh regal family of yours? And live with the fact that your look like my best friend, but actually don’t?”
“So, I found out, I actually come from a long line of Ladies, Lords, Dukes and Duchesses etc,” I lied. “Now that I’ve turned 18, I’m expected to go back and take my place in the hierarchy.”
“So, what changes have you made then?” Beth replied, taking a sip of her coffee gently. “And why do you have to go away? Why can’t you just stay here?”
“Well, I’m having to leave Carlsden, leave my friends behind and I’m going to have to end it with Sam,” I replied, biting my lip. “Then, when I get there, to my family, I’m going to have to take lessons on how to dress, act, behave and how to speak like a privileged person! And I can’t stay here. My family wouldn’t allow it!”
“Does Sam know you are going to end it with him?” Beth asked quizzically. “Do you even want all this?”
I looked up at her sadly and shook my head slowly. “It doesn’t matter what I want. I have no choice in the matter. What I am doing is for the best. For everyone!”
“How’s it for the best?” Beth laughed sarcastically. “You’re going to break Sam’s heart, you’re leaving all your friends and memories behind. And for what? Money and titles!”
“Look, I’ve had to make these changes, to be able to live happily. For whatever reason, can’t you just accept that I’m okay?” I asked quietly. “Need to know basis, remember? Can’t you just trust me that I’ll tell you anything that you need to know.”
Beth looked at me curiously, before nodding and sighing deeply. “Okay! Need to know basis. I’ve got it! But I am really worried about you! Are you sure that I don’t need to know this?”
“No. Really, you don’t need to know. And whatever for?” I asked quizzically, looking at my best friend oddly. “There’s nothing to be worried about. Honestly!”
“These people are making you change Ros!” Beth replied, clutching my hands in hers. “I know they are your family, but please don’t change to much! And don’t let them force you into something you’re not happy with! Don’t forget, you have options too! Me and Sam would never ask you to change!”
“I know you wouldn’t,” I smiled slowly. “But don’t worry about me. I’ll be just fine. Just promise me one thing though! No matter what happens!”
“What’s that?” Beth asked slowly, while looking at me thoughtfully.
“Just look after Sam for me!” I replied. “Keep him safe and keep him happy!”
“Keep him safe from what?” Beth murmured. “What are you not telling me?”
“Let’s just say, this family of mine aren’t the type who likes common people sniffing around. That’s what he is. Compared to what I shall be, a commoner! I just don’t want him trying to find me and end up getting hurt okay. Can we just leave that here?” I asked gently before grinning broadly. “Come on, let’s go and find us some prom dresses, before all the good ones get cleared out!”
Grabbing my bag, I stood up and waited for Beth to join me. Sighing, Beth stood up and began to follow me to the nearest dress shop. The mall was filled with kids from the local college and from the neighbouring schools, all chattering excitedly about the end of term proms. I was going to miss this hustle and bustle and being able to hang out with my friends every weekend. Instead, my days were going to be filled with looking after an entire pack of wolves, helping them train to be the best they can and keep other packs from stealing our territories and finding new members to strengthen our pack, while remaining hidden from sight. If my human friends ever caught sight of me, then they would know I lied about moving away to be with some regal family. Snapping out of my thoughts, I paused outside a brightly lit glass window, displaying bright coloured dresses, shoes, and matching shrugs. Turning to the door, I paused and looked back at Beth who was eagerly eying up a pale blue princess dress in the window.
“Come one! Let’s go and try on some dresses!” I said eagerly.