Suddenly A Beta's Daughter

Chapter 15: Seeking New Connections

Gabi POV:

I rushed into the building and started to scan the faces of the students passing by until I spotted him. Dylan was standing at his locker with some of the other wolves. I was hesitant to approach because even though that had given me an open invitation to join them it still felt weird talking to them as I’ve never really had any reason to before.

‘I really don't think this is a good idea.’

‘Well how else am I supposed to get the information I need?’

‘You could try talking to dad, he did say he would. Or Ben for that matter. You shouldn’t just go around putting your trust in someone you don’t know.’

I rolled my eyes, ‘right because I know Rob and Ben so well. Plus they’re always busy. And it’s not like I said I trusted him, I just want to talk.’ She let out a sigh of disapproval. Ironic that she has been hounding me to open up and talk to someone just to turn around and tell me that talking to wolves my age is a bad idea.

‘Just be sure to proceed with caution, if I feel like you’re putting yourself in danger I will tell.’ She receded to the back of my mind and I steeled myself before I made my approach.

As I made my way up to them Dylan looked up, he smiled at me as our eyes met. That friendly smile was just what I needed to melt away some of my nerves.

“Gabi, hey.” the rest of them looked on as Dylan spoke. “Didn’t think you would talk to us lowlifes.”

“Sorry. Ben smelt you on me that first day, I thought it’d be best to keep my distance. I didn’t want to risk any problems.”

“You could’ve texted, I did give you my number.”

I felt a wave of awkwardness overcome me. “I uh, didn’t really know what to say.”

He nodded, “ I suppose. Not like we’re friends. So, what makes today any different, not afraid daddy will smell me today?”

“No. I’m not going back, at least not for the weekend.” He stared at me patiently, as if waiting for me to get to the point. “ Could we hang out this weekend maybe? I was kinda thrown into all this, I figured hanging out with you guys would help.”

He folded his arms and leaned back on his locker. “Does the big fancy pack not have anyone for you to talk to?” His brow lifted.

“None that are available as far as I’m aware.” I looked down choosing to focus on fiddling with my bookbag strap. “I’ve spent most of my time completely alone and the few times I have been around the others I felt like everything was being censored.”

I looked up when I heard him sigh. “I doubt hanging out with us will make much of a difference but I guess we could hang.” I smiled at him just as the bell rang. “Sit with us at lunch?” I nodded my head and then the two of us went our separate ways.

***

My morning classes went by in a blur as I was waiting eagerly for lunch. So much so that the second the lunch bell sounded I was the first out the door, rushing towards the cafeteria. Just before I got there I felt someone grab my arm. It was Steph and she looked out of breath as if she chased me down.

“Jesus Gabi-kins. I’ve been looking for you all day.”

“Sorry, guess I’ve been a little distracted.”

“A little?” She looked at me skeptically. “Gabs, what's going on? You haven’t been yourself lately and now you're rushing through the halls ignoring me as I literally scream your name.”

“I’m fine really.” I gave her my best smile, “I Guess I’m just having a hard time adjusting but nothing's wrong.” I could see she didn’t believe me but before she could ask any more I heard Dylan calling for me.

“Hey Gabi.” He approached us, that friendly smile still plastered on his face. “ Oh, Steph what's up?” She looked at him , clearly annoyed, but didn't say anything. “Right. Anyway Gabi, you still eating lunch with us?”

“Wait, what?” she looked between the two of us in confusion. “Since when have you 2 been close?”

“We’re not, I just had some stuff I wanted to talk to him about. Nothing important.”

“Nothing important.” she let out a sharp, icy laugh. “You’v been avoiding talking about damn near anything all week, but now your gonna talk about unimportant things with this random douch?”

Dylan raised his hands in surrender before slowly backing up. “Didn’t mean to ruffle any feathers. Gabi If you wanna join us you can, no pressure.” With that he turned away and entered the cafeteria.

I tried to follow him but Steph grabbed my arm. “Oh no you don’t.” she pulled me back in front of her, forcing me to meet her eyes. “Talk. And don’t you dare say it's nothing.”

“I can’t.” I looked down in shame. “Even if I could, you wouldn’t understand.” She dropped my arm and scuffed. When I looked up she seemed hurt and frustrated. “Steph.” She held her hand up stopping me.

“Fine. If you wanna cut the world off then do it, but don't be surprised if you look up one day and no one's there.” Then she stormed off.

I made my way to the back table with all the other wolves but my mind wasn’t all there. I kept looking across the room hoping to catch Steph's eyes but she was determined to ignore me.

‘It’s your fault you know.’

‘It’s my fault everyone told me not to tell her I was a werewolf?” I packed as much sarcasm in as I could.

‘Ha! Who do you think you’re fooling? You aren’t upset because of me and you know it.’

“Gabi?” I looked up at Dylan, “You okay, you seem a bit distracted.”

“Yeah it’s just… I’m pretty sure Steph’s mad at me.”

He nudged my shoulder with his. “Try not to let it bother you so much. I’m sure if you give it some time she’ll cool down and you guys will be able to talk it out.”

I dropped my head to the table. “That seems to be my only problem later. Everyone wants me to talk.” I felt him tug at one of my loose curls, when I turned towards him he had a soft, understanding smile on his face.

“How dare they try to get you to share your feelings.” I couldn’t help but laugh. “ But seriously I get it, being forced to share when you're not ready is a burden. Just take the time you need and talk when you’re ready.” He held his hand up, crossing his fingers. “I won’t be asking any questions so don't feel like you have to offer any answers.”

“Thanks.” I sat back up and decided to join in the conversation. Not sure what I was expecting but it was just normal teen drama. I guess that's on me for thinking that they would be openly talking about wolfy stuff in a room full of humans.

Once the final bell rang I wandered the halls looking for Steph. Usually she waits with me for Ben, the 2 of them have been flirting constantly, but I couldn't find her. I shot her a quick text and waited for a response but when none came I decided it was time to start the journey home. As I walked I allowed myself to get lost in thought. Mostly about what I would get up to with the others this weekend. I tried to list out all the things I’ve been curious about but there was so much I wasn’t aware of that it might just be better to ask for a history lesson.

When I got home I tossed my shoes and made my way to the couch. Flopping face first. “I’m home.” I announced. I knew I wouldn’t get an answer but the silence that followed was heartbreaking. I checked my phone once more but there were still no new messages. I guess she is still mad. I closed my eyes praying that tomorrow would be better.