Scarlet's Daughter

Chapter 13: The Rumors

    By the time I finally made it to the floor of Zora's apartment, I've received multiple condolences from others as well as a few whispers behind my back. Zora was standing outside of her apartment pacing, "what's up?" I asked her walking faster. "We need to talk, and I also want to show you the garden." Zora says to me while opening her apartment door and shutting it quickly behind us. "There has been rumors about what's going on between you, Barin, and Isabella." Zora says making her way to the living room. A girl looking about the same age as me stood up from the couch and turned around quickly to face me. She has long golden brown hair that reached her middle of her back was half up and half down, her light brown eyes stuck out against her tan and her elegant spaghetti strapped light blue dress hugged her slender figure. "Hello, my name is Stacy. I'm Barin's sister." Stacy says making her way to me holding her hand out. Sister? Well I guess Barin and I haven't had any time to get to know each other. "It's nice to meet you, I'm Annie." I say taking Stacy's hand who has a surprisingly strong grip. "I know. There's very little I don't know about that goes on in my pack. Please come take a seat, we must discuss the rumors and who the source is." Stacy says justering to follow her. I looked over at Zora who only nods her head, then making her way to the kitchen. Being curios, I followed Stacy to the couch. I wonder what these rumors are. 

    Taking a seat next to Stacy, Zora comes around and hands us each a can of pepsi. "What are the rumors that you mentioned? I haven't been here long, didn't think anyone had anything on me." I say opening my can. "Honestly, it doesn't take much. Especially, when people have caught my brother has been watching you from afar. Currently, there has been whispers about you being my brother's mate. Is it true?" Stacy asks giving me a stern look, as if warning me to not lie. "He is my mate, but I know nothing of him following me. Perhaps it's only a coincidence, the only places I've been is here and the graveyard. Zora has been with me this whole time, but I walked here by myself after the funeral. Your brother showed up and we had a few words. Then, on my way here I had a run in with Isabella." I say to Stacy, taking a good swig after finishing. "What did my brother say to you? What happened between you and Isabella? There are rumors of the three of you getting together in private." Stacy says leaning back into the couch, still making direct eye contact with me. "Barin told me that he wants both Isabella and I. He refuses to reject me and won't let me find my second mate. Barin, Isabella, and I haven't made any private get togethers. As for Isabella, our encounter wasn't what I expected. She was completely opposite from what I was expecting. She was respectful and said she was sorry for my loss. Also gave me a warning about if I tried anything to make Barin mine, she'd intervene." When I finished I could tell my face was red as a cherry and attempted to hide it by taking another gulp of my soda. I wonder if I should tell them I'm planning on leaving tomorrow. Although, it wouldn't really do me any good considering that I'd still have a bond with him.

    Stacy nods her head and opens her can of soda. "So what is your plan? Surely you aren't allowing Isabella to have your mate?" Stacy asks, "honestly, I was going to leave tomorrow. I don't know Barin all that well, but I feel like he'd make a perfect mate. I won't get in between Isabella and Barin's relationship because I want what's best for your pack. If that means I can't be with my mate then so be it. If I had known your brother I'd be willing to fight for him, but it seems that the best option is to get rejected." I couldn't help but start crying. I doubt anything I'd do would be able to change Barin's mind to take only one of us, and if he did choose; it'd have to be Isabella. Otherwise, the pack will have to endure more years of war. My mom would know what to do in this situation. At least she'd know how to make Barin reject me. Before Stacy got a chance to ask another question I ask, "what would be bad enough that'd make Barin reject me?" I finished my can while Stacy thought about my question. "Honestly, the only thing I can think of is annoying him and being up his ass 24/7. He will be more willing to reject you. OH! Perfect timing for all of this!" Stacy says all excited, quickly picking up a small black leather pouch down by her feet and pulls out a piece of paper showing it to Zora and I. Zora gasps and squeals, "I need to find a dress!!" Zora exclaims all excited. The paper had a photo of a male punk rock band judging by how the guys present themselves in the photo, and in big red letters writes YOUR PACK IS INVITED TO THE BLUE MOON MATING BALL. "Mating Ball?? How is this perfect timing?!?" I ask Stacy who is smiling proudly, "we have to get my brother to reject you before the mating ball, so you'll be able to attend and find your 2nd chance mate!!" Stacy squeals shaking my hands in excitement. 

    I looked over to Zora for help, but she was too busy typing away at her phone. By the look on her face, she was angrily typing. "Zora, what's wrong?" I ask removing my hands from Stacy's grip and walked over to her, "Harper Lovings is the one that started the rumors." Zora says ignoring me and looks directly at Stacy who just rolls her eyes. "Of course it's her." Stacy says getting up from the couch carrying her leather pouch in hand and downs her can. "I'll take care of it." Zora says grumbling and sighing heavily.