~LAIA~
Zia’s happy squeal immediately makes me smile.
She’s clearly fresh from a shower, the faint scent of soap and cream still clinging to her skin.
“And look who finally decides to visit us,” Zia says, her voice teasing as she grins at me.
I step forward and hug her, fighting the awkwardness and my body not knowing how to hug friends. For some reason, I miss her. I miss her chatter. Her easy presence.
She stiffens for only a second, then hugs me back.
“I honestly didn’t think you’d want to associate with me anymore,” Zia admits softly.
I pull back slightly. “Why would you think that?”
She gives a small shrug. “You’re the Alpha’s bedmate now. I just… figured you’d be too important. Or too busy.”
“I’m still me,” I say quietly. The dubious “honor” of being someone’s broodmare esc
