Chapter 30

Laura POV

"What is she doing here? This isn't her pack, and Damian..." I trailed off, my voice barely above a whisper. I turned my gaze sideways, avoiding eye contact with Arla, with my eyes fixed on the ground instead. "God, I'm in trouble." I muttered under my breath.

Valerie's concerned voice broke through my thoughts: "Laura, are you okay?" She tapped my thigh softly, but my gaze remained fixed on the floor, unable to shake off the feeling of unease that had settled in.

Valerie's gentle prodding brought me back to reality, and I finally lifted my gaze to meet hers. "Yeah, I'm fine," I lied, trying to sound convincing. But Valerie knew me too well. She raised an eyebrow, her eyes filled with skepticism.

Just then, the server arrived with our baked beans, and the aroma filled the air, momentarily distracting us from the tension. But as we dug in, my eyes kept drifting back to Arla, who was now chatting with a group of people at the table almost close to mine.

Valerie followed my gaze and whispered, "Who is she, Laura? And why does she seem to be bothering you so much?"

The memories came flooding back, and I couldn't hold back the tears. "She's the wolf who pretended to be homeless in the woods," I sobbed, my voice cracking with emotion. "She manipulated Damian, used him, and then she took my mate from me. She made Damian reject me."

Valerie's eyes widened in shock, and she reached out to hug me tightly. "Oh, Laura, I'm so sorry. I had no idea," she whispered, her voice filled with compassion.

As I cried, the restaurant around us faded away, and all I could see was the pain and betrayal of that fateful day. Arla's deceitful eyes, her cunning smile, and the way she had torn my life apart.

But as I looked at Valerie, I knew I wasn't alone. I had a friend who cared and understood. And with her support, I felt a spark of determination ignite within me. I would face Arla, but I can't because I don't want her to find my actual location.

"Hey Miss, can you get us the menu?" I heard Arla's soprano voice ringing out, demanding the waitress's attention. Her voice sent shivers down my spine, and my foot began to vibrate impatiently on the chair. Sitting there, I felt like I was trapped in a wolf's den, with Arla's table mere feet away. She was a toxic presence—a psychopath I couldn't deal with.

The waitress scurried over to their table, menu in hand, and I watched as Arla's eyes scanned the options with a calculating gaze. I could feel her eyes on my table, like a cold draft that raised the hairs on the back of my neck. Valerie's hand on my arm was a gentle reminder that I wasn't alone, but even her support couldn't quell the anxiety building inside me.

As the waitress walked away, Arla's gaze locked onto mine, her eyes gleaming with a sinister intensity. I felt a shiver run down my spine, and my heart raced with anticipation. What was she planning? Did she see me?

Valerie's voice broke the silence, her tone laced with concern. "Laura, are you okay? You look like you've seen a ghost."

I forced a smile, trying to reassure her. "I'm fine, Val. Just a little...uneasy."

We finished our meal, but I couldn't just leave without making my presence known to Arla. As the waitress approached with our bills, I saw my chance. "Ma'am, your bill," she said, handing the check to Valerie.

As I peeked at the waitress's outfit, an idea struck me. She was wearing a head tie and a colorful scarf wrapped elegantly around her head. My eyes locked onto that scarf, and a plan began to form in my mind.

Without hesitation, I reached into my bag and pulled out a similar scarf, one that I had purchased earlier that day. I tied it around my head, mimicking the waitress style. Valerie raised an eyebrow, confused, but I just smiled sweetly.

"What are you doing, Laura?" Valerie asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

I bowed my head, almost touching my forehead to the table, and whispered back, "Meet me outside the restaurant. I don't want that crazy lady to see me."

Valerie's eyes widened in understanding, and she nodded discreetly. I could sense her curiosity, but she didn't press me for answers. Instead, she quietly got up from her seat, leaving me to settle the bill.

As I waited for Valerie to emerge from the restaurant, I leaned against a Camry Hybrid, my eyes fixed on the road ahead. The warm sun beat down on me, casting a golden glow over the bustling streets of Santiago, Chile. I could feel the tension building inside me, my mind racing with thoughts of the impending confrontation with Arla.

The sound of the restaurant door swinging open broke my reverie, and I turned to see Arla approaching me. What the heck! I dove into a nearby store, my heart racing with surprise. I hadn't expected her to come out so soon, and I definitely hadn't expected her to be heading straight for me.

I hid behind a rack of clothes, holding my breath as Arla walked past the store, her eyes scanning the sidewalk. I let out a sigh of relief as she continued on her way, unaware of my proximity.

Valerie had also emerged from the restaurant, scanning the sidewalk for me, her eyes searching left and right. I peeked out from my hiding spot, relieved to see that Arla was nowhere in sight. That was way too close for comfort! I let out a sigh of relief and leaned against a large teddy bear display in the store window, my heart still racing from the close call.