“Elara,” Serena’s sweet voice chimed in, “Damon’s helping me unpack some equipment and set up my new office space. It’s a lot of work, and there’s so much to do. Don’t wait up, okay?”
I stared at my phone, unsure if I wanted to laugh or cry.
Then another message popped up.
“By the way, don’t overthink this,” Serena added. “Damon just felt sorry for me because I’m new here and don’t know anyone. He’s just being a good Alpha-in-training. You understand, right?”
My chest tightened, but I refused to let it show. Without replying, I closed the app and called a cab.
As I gazed out the window during the ride home, Damon called me. I debated ignoring it but picked up, curious what he’d say.
“Elara,” he began, his tone frustrated, “why are you being so harsh with Serena? She’s just a subordinate, and I was helping her get settled. It’s not a big deal.”
“Since when do you act like this?” I shot back. “At the pack's celebration party, you couldn’t even pretend to care about me. Now you’re bending over backward for her?”
“She’s new to the pack!” he snapped. “The company hasn’t arranged her workspace yet. Of course, I had to help. Why are you so insecure about this?”