Sinner
1285 Words
Layla turned and came face to face with
her mother. "Where were you, her mother
asked sternly?" Never breaking eye contact.
I I I was with Ella. She stammered.
Suddenly, Layla saw stars. "Liar!" Her mom
spit the words out with such venom. She
grabbed her face. Trying to sooth the sting
of being slapped. "You were with that boy!"
She yelled. Getting in Layla's face. She just
stood there. Layla was only eighteen years
old. But being in a pack, she wouldn't reach
maturity until twenty-one. You are not
allowed to set foot outside the house until
further notice. "What?' Layla gasped softly.
Servants take her away. At that, two male
servants appeared to escort her to her
room. "But mom!" She pleaded with her. But
all Layla got was her mom's retreating
form. Oh and Layla, if you dare sneak out
to meet him. I promise you, you'll both
regret it. A lone tear made its slow descent
down her face. One of the servants made a
gesture for her to go ahead of them. Feeling
defeated, she went on ahead. Once in the
room, the door was locked behind her.
From the outside. Walking over to bed,
she sat down heavily. She missed him
already. Layla felt like she was in prison.
She wasn't allowed out, except for in the
garden. And she was kept under lock and
key. She had to be escorted everywhere
around the grounds. Some days were
unbearable, but she pushed forward. With
the knowledge of meeting him again. One
day she woke up with a terrible headache.
Sitting up on the bed, she was about to
head to the bathroom. When she went to
stand up, her head started to spin. Sitting
back down, she shook her head. It seemed
to help. Once the room stood still, she was
able to freshen up. After getting dressed,
she heard a light knock on the door.
Breakfast, as usual, was brought up to her
by one of the maids. "Come in ." She said
meekly. A covered tray was placed on her
bed. The maid bowed and left the room.
Suddenly, Layla felt famished. Fresh blue
berry pancakes, bacon, orange and
scrambled eggs. It smelled absolutely
delicious. Drizzling maple syrup over them.
She began shoveling the food into her
mouth. She couldn't remember the last time
she was this hungry. It tasted like heaven.
By the time the maid returned, her plate
was empty. "The guards are waiting for you
outside. And your mom said, "you must
make an appearance at dinner tonight."
"And to dress formally, as there will be
guests in attendance." Layla nodded.
Getting up, she headed to her closet.
Reaching inside, she grabbed a lightweight
royal blue cloak. As she was escorted
outside, the warmth of the late summer
day. It was refreshing. Though she still
missed Gab terribly. She is able to get
through the days. Though she did at times
still cry herself to sleep. It was over
three weeks since she last saw him. And
was barely able to see other people. To her
relief, Ella was still able to visit once a
week. And today would be the one day.
Shortly after she'd entered the garden, Ella
arrived. The garden had always been one
of Layla's favorite spots. It was an escape
of sorts for her. Her mom barely ever came
here. The bugs and birds annoyed her. The
flowers of different bright vibrant hues,
clean cut grass. With the fountains near by,
that trickled in the background. She'd sit
outside for hours and forget her troubles.
Like now. As Ella approached, Layla stood
to embrace her. While in Layla's embrace,
Ella slipped something into her pocket. And
leaned in to whisper, "I'm not alone." She
looked at Ella strangely. Leaning back, to
look at Ella. Layla looked at her, not
understanding. And said, "huh?" She
noticed. Ella looked off in the distance.
Following her eyes. She noticed Gab
beneath the shadow of a tree. Her
heartbeat quickened. As her eyes become
moist with emotion. How she longed to be
wrapped in his warm embrace. Suddenly
she felt a familiar warmth. Closing her eyes,
she leaned into it. Tears began to run down
her face. Taking a deep breath, to calm her
emotions. She breathed in the scent of
him. The tears flowed freely now. Ella
notice. Opening her purse, she handed her a
tissue. Leaning near her once more, Ella
whispered. "Don't let them see you cry.
Layla took the tissue and dabbed her eyes.
After Layla composed herself, she invited
Ella for a walk through the gardens. A few
hours later, Ella left. After that time, it was
time to get ready for their dinner party.
Layla really didn't want to be bothered. But
she knew better than to displease her mom.
She'd never hear the end of it. So, with a
quiet resolve, she began to freshen up. Just
as she put on her robe. There was yet again
a soft knock on her door. "Come in." Once
again, the maid came in. This time with a
white box. She gently placed it on the bed,
and excused herself. Looking confused, she
walked over to the box. Opening it. Inside
lay a very plain white dress. Layla
scrunched up her nose in distaste.
Shrugging her shoulders, she reached for
the dress. Sighing, she removed her robe
and put the thing on. Instead of the guards
escorting her this time. It was her mom.
Before heading downstairs, her mother
warned her. " Look, Layla." She said with
venom. "You will carry yourself like a lady."
" And under no circumstances will you
make a fool of this pack." Do you
understand me?" Layla, lost in her thoughts,
didn't respond. Grabbing her arm, her
mother dug her nails in. "I said, do you
understand me?" "Yes, Layla cried out."
Good girl, her mother said, patting her
head. Spinning her around, she pushed her
toward the door. Layla stumbled through it.
A few minutes later, they were seated at the
dinner table. The guests were announced
and shown inside the dinner hall. Layla was
taken aback. Why on earth, was young
Alpha Stone present? She had a sinking
feeling. Nevertheless, she plastered on a
fake smile. Everyone in Layla's pack was in
attendance. Alpha Stone, his parents and a
few other pack members were also in
attendance. The large table in the center
could seat one hundred guests easily.
Layla set to the right of her mother. And
Young Alpha Stone to the left, across from
her. After a dinner of roasted chicken,
potatoes, vegetables and rolls. The maids
started clearing the tables. At that moment,
Layla's mother stood up. A wineglass in
one hand and a fork in the other. She gently
clanked the glass. "Can I have everyone's
attention please?" She announced to the
full room. The room slowly grew quiet. I
have a grand announcement to make. Layla
narrowed her eyes at her. Careful that she
hadn't noticed. Stand up Layla, she cooed
at her. With a fake smile that matched her
own. Doing as she was told, she pushed the
chair back and stood. Young Alpha Stone,
she gestured toward him. Looking at her
with confusion. His mother ushered him to
his feet. Take a long swallow of her wine.
Her mother cleared her throat. It is with
great pleasure that I share with all of you.
Layla and Stone will be married. Layla
gasped and stared at her mom with
disbelief. Stone looked around at his
parents, just as shocked. "What is going
on, he demanded?" But before they could
answer. Everyone heard a loud thud.
- Writer
