Now, I just felt… hollow.
Carla spotted me first. Her voice rang out, falsely sweet. “Debbie! Want some apples? Beta Muxim gave them to us. Darrell said you love them.”
Darrell turned, grinning like we were friends. “Debbie loves apple pie,” he chimed in.
I met his gaze, unflinching. “No,” I said. “I don’t like it.”
He blinked. “What? Of course you do. We both—”
“I said no,” I cut in, steady. “You love it. Not me.”
Carla’s expression twisted, a mask of innocence and hurt. “Did I do something wrong? I only wanted to share with you…”
I could see right through her act. Every time I refused her false kindness, Darrell treated me like the villain.
His voice snapped like a whip. “Debbie, what is wrong with you? Carla’s being nice. Could you stop being petty and just try to get along?”
I bit back the storm of emotion threatening to rise. Arguing was useless. I was done being the one who always had to defend herself.
I managed a forced smile and reached for the basket. “Thanks, Carla,” I said, selecting three apples. “I need to get to class. The pups are waiting.”
I turned away, but before I could step forward, Darrell caught my arm.
Debbie's POV
“You’re acting cold, Debbie,” Alpha Darrell said, his voice low but laced with irritation.
“Cold? In what way?” I responded calmly, though I knew exactly what he meant. Carla, standing behind him with her ever-present smug grin, didn’t even try to hide her satisfaction.
“Toward Carla,” he snapped. “How many times do I need to say it? Don’t be cruel to her. You’re constantly envious, and honestly, I’ve had enough of it. You never seem to grasp the situation.” His hand clamped tighter around my arm, sending a jolt of discomfort through me. “Why is this so difficult for you to accept?”
“I’m not envious, Alpha Darrell,” I said flatly, though deep inside, my wolf let out a low growl, itching to retaliate. “I do understand. And it’s fine. Don’t trouble yourself over it.” The words burned as I forced them out, but I kept my composure. I had the urge to tell him it didn’t make a difference anymore—that I was leaving, that I was engaged—but what would be the point? He wouldn’t even blink.
He let go of my arm, and his hand moved to gently touch my cheek. What used to make my heart flutter now left me numb. “Please, Debbie. Trust me. I’d never hurt you. Stop filling your head with doubts about me and Carla.”