“What’s your problem?” I ask Isla. “Seriously, you are acting like a jerk. Lori didn’t hurt you or do anything to you.”
“Don’t worry,” she huffs. “I for one think you fit perfectly.”
“Exactly,” Lori says, a hint of annoyance in her voice. “You might not think highly of me, but I couldn’t give a shit about your opinion. It’s not likeyoumatter. You are just being pathetic now.”
“He was mine first,” Isla exclaims, taking me by complete surprise.
Her words shut everyone around us up, and I can almost see how some of them are putting two and two together. “Wait a moment…” Nova says. “What did you do, Isla?”
“I am sorry for not wanting an outcast,” she spits out.
“If you don’t want him, why are you throwing such a hissy fit now?” Lori asks. “Your words and actions don’t make sense. I want him; he is a great guy. He is generous and patient, and very respectful. So much so that his alpha chose him as his gamma. You don’t want him? So what? I do!”
I don’t know what the fuck triggers Isla, but like a flash, she suddenly lunges towards Lori. Before anyone can react, Lori smacks her with the spatula in her hand, successfully managing to make Isla stumble back.
It’s completely silent around us before everyone bursts into laughter. “That was the best thing I’ve seen in a while,” Anton wheezes.
“She just beat her with a spatula,” Jonah laughs. “Lori, I love you, and I mean that in the most platonic sense ever.”
The only ones not laughing are Nova and me. I feel something stir in me, the presence of my wolf getting stronger. “If you ever try to hurt my mate again,” I growl with a voice that doesn’t seem to belong to me. “You won’t walk out of it alive.”
“Are you fucking insane, Isla?” Nova asks. “What the hell were you thinking?” She glances at Kitty. “Make sure the others are distracted,” she says. “I will make sure Isla gets home.”
“Nothing even happened,” Isla complains. “Shehurtme!”
“She defended herself,” I huff. “You attacked her!”
Isla tosses her hair back. “It was just a joke.”
“Don’t make this a big deal, please,” Lori mutters towards Nova. “I don’t want to be the reason for any drama.” She looks at her insistently. “Please,” she begs.
“Alright, only because Lori says to. But you are still going to fuck off from my party,” Nova says to Isla. “Never pull such a stunt again. I will need to report you to Cass. I doubt he will be happy.”
thirty-one
Official
*LORI*
Despite the drama I was unfortunately the center of, the party proceeds, and soon everyone is chatting and joking around again. I don’t know what the fuck I was thinking, challenging Isla, but she just riled me. The audacity of her to talk to Benji the way she did.
To my utmost surprise, no one here seems to mind my past, and it looks like me, fighting back against Isla, has earned me some kudos with Nova’s friends.
My biggest worry is that I might have upset Benji, though. I was so possessive and clearly claimed him as mine. I just hope he doesn’t mind. I don’t want to lose him. He is the perfect guy,so respectful and supportive. I don’t think I would survive his rejection.
“I am sorry I didn’t react faster,” Benji tells me as we step away from the others for a bit. “I should have protected you.”
“From Isla?” I ask. “I was actually happy I could smack her.”
“That was amazing,” he says with a bright smile.
“So, you are not angry?” I ask.
He seems to be taken aback. “Why would I be?”
“I kind of ruined the party,” I admit quietly. “And I was too possessive.”
“You were amazing,” he exclaims. “Everyone here agrees!”