Chapter 5: A Spot Close to the Alpha

Hailey’s POV

It's only when I'm alone with Sabrina, in her room, that I allow myself to vent about everything that has happened tonight, between Owen and me. Sabrina and I are the kind of friends who don't judge each other and have no secrets from each other, and more than being best friends, it feels almost like we're sisters.

We knew each other when we were little, because we were all part of the pack. She was a sweet, pretty little girl with chubby pink cheeks who felt very bad about herself because of her weight, so I learned early on to defend her, as she hated to see others picking on her. Because of that we became very close, and as she grew older, as her character strengthened, she was the one who learned to stand up for me no matter what.

Seen from a more recent perspective, I find it almost laughable that anyone could have picked on my best friend, as she doesn't have a single point to criticize. Sabrina is a kind and pretty girl like few others, with a figure to die for and a blonde hair that falls naturally wavy down her back and down her hips. But she, however, has always retained that humility of the past, and far from being conceited, she is an honest person with sincere feelings.

She has heard everything that has happened with patience, and now she looks at me, as I hide my face behind one of her pillows. Sabrina has given me shelter in her house because theoretically, I live in one of the wings of Owen's house, which looks more like a palace, since my father, as the official cook of the family, cannot go far away, as he always has something to do in the kitchen.

“From what you've told me, Hals, things don't seem to be going very well between Angus and Owen,” she says, as I deny with my face, and while biting a nail, which I've already damaged the nail polish. Sabrina frowns and sighs. “I'm not surprised, actually. Things don't seem to be going so well with the council, especially Angus. It seems he and Owen have been having a lot of run-ins.”

“But why? They were great friends when we were kids.”

Sabrina nods, and I know she remembers it too. When we were kids it was common to see Angus in the group, as well as kids from other packs. Their parents would bring them to play with Owen, since, as future Alphas and representatives of the High Council, it was ideal for them to get along well with each other. Something in that equation apparently went wrong, though.

“I just know that they have very different positions, and that has led to confrontations. My brother doesn't like him either, you know? And you know Sebastian. He's the kind of guy who makes good friends with everybody.” I nod, because, in fact, he is. Sebastian, Sabrina's twin brother, and who now occupies Owen's Beta rank, is a nice, light-hearted guy who gets along with everyone.

It's a pity I've hardly seen him. All of them. They were my friends too, but I left them behind when I left the pack, and now, because of my encounter with Owen, I've barely had time to spend with them.

“The truth is that Angus never struck me as a bad guy,” I admit, but I remember the challenge in his voice on the beach, and it's something I can't say I like either.

“Neither do I, but I haven't dealt with him much lately. I can't say I have a good feeling about him, though.”

I sigh, and then someone knocks on the door. Sebastian opens it carefully and looks at us with interest.

“What are you doing here?” His sister says as she throws a pillow at his face, which he catches easily. The truth is that, with the sole exception of height, the two of them are identical.

“I just wanted to come and say hello to an old friend who has come home,” Sebastian says, as he opens his arms for me, and I laugh as I get out of bed and walk over to him. Growing up, Sabrina and I made so many slumber parties, that part of me feels like Sebastian got used to seeing me as a younger sister, rather than his sister's best friend.

He gives me a big bear hug, and I laugh as he lifts me off the ground. He lets go of me and looks at me as he ruffles my hair, just like a brother would do, and as he smiles.

“It's good to have you back, Hailey, although it was a shame you left so soon. You missed the feast,” he admits, and his smile widens, as I remember the big roast pig my father has made to crown the table.

“I'm sure my father has saved me a piece of that amazing roast pig...”

“I can't guarantee there'll be much left by the time you go to ask him for anything, but if there is, you give it a go,” he winks at me and then, looks at me with interest. “You ran off like Cinderella before twelve. What made you leave so early?” I grimace, not wanting to answer, and he immediately understands everything. “Oh, wow. Are things still bad between you and Owen?” he asks.

“It's none of your business,” Sabrina says immediately, defensively.

“Well, I'm his Beta... I'm concerned with matters that keep him distracted.

“Bullsh*t.” Sabrina scoffs. “You're just curious.”

“You're a cat, not a wolf,” I tell him as a joke, and he growls at me in response, but he does it with affection.

“I know it's none of my business, but you should still give Owen a chance. Your departure changed him in many ways... And you would do well to believe me when I tell you that you might have things clearer now.”

“Yeah, I'm not so sure about that. Still, it's not like at this stage of the game it matters much. I assure you.”

“It does,” he affirms, and then denies with his face. “But it's not my place to have this conversation with you,” he says.

“Exactly,” Sabrina jumps in immediately. “It's none of your business at all, so please...” She points to the door, as if to tell him he can go.

“Wait, not so fast, sis... I've come with a message for Hailey,” Sebastian states, and we both look at him with a frown and curiosity afloat.

“What kind of message?” I ask him curiously. “From whom?”

“Who is it going to be from?” Sebastian asks, rolling his eyes. “Owen's, of course. He has asked me to inform you that you are to be at his private study first thing tomorrow morning.”

“No way,” Sabrina jumps in immediately, crossing her arms. “Hals doesn't have to do anything he asks her to do.”

“She does,” says Sebastian seriously. “It's not a request from an ex, it's a request from your Alpha. Owen has promoted you to an official member of his council.”

“He did what?” Sabrina and I jumped up at the same time.

Sebastian smiles, clicking his tongue and crossing his arms.

“You see. You're one of his advisors now, and so he needs you tomorrow.”

“Why did he do that?” I say immediately, indignant, and he shrugs.

“He says he needs people he can trust more than ever to give him good advice,” he says.

“Doesn't he want me to advise him? Because I can advise him to go scratch his--” Sabrina starts to say, but Sebastian cuts her off.

“No, Brina. Stop it. This is serious,” Sebastian then says, and we both fall silent. “Owen didn't do this as a stunt, Hailey. I think he's serious. You don't know it, because you've been away for a while, but a lot has happened, and the pack needs to stick together more than ever.”

His seriousness overwhelms me. Usually Sebastian is the type to take things in stride, so seeing him so serious about this matter immediately alerts me.

“Okay... I'll take it seriously then... As long as it's for the pack,” I affirm, and he nods.

“It is... So, if I were you, I'd better go to sleep... Anyway, tomorrow you have a private meeting with the Alpha,” he says, and then he says goodbye with a hand gesture.

“Great,” Sabrina mumbles, annoyed.

“As if things haven’t gotten more complicated,” I say, sighing and burying my face in the pillow again, while I want to close my eyes and disappear.