Chapter 4

*Leonora*

Bethany immediately jumped on the bed, lying down and reveling in the softness of the mattress. Back at the pack, our beds were not soft and we were all crammed into a small room. No one really cared about our living conditions. Whether we slept or not was none of their business.

"Bethany, start talking." I sternly spoke. I have never spoken to Bethany like that before but there was a first time for everything and right now my life hung on the balance of her every word.

She sat up. "Jax wants you to come back. That's all they ever talk about." She answered. "I still don't know why you left. Why was Jax angry about you and Noah…" she trailed off and I sighed. "You know."

My mind drifted back to the time when I found out Jax was my mate. I remembered how he made me swear not to tell a soul or he would kill me. I knew he was bluffing because his wolf wouldn't let him. He would die of heartache and a part of me wanted that.

"It's a long story." I said as I joined her on the bed. Before I left, a part of me wanted to tell her the truth but I never understood why I held back. "You know what, screw Jax." I muttered to myself. I was no longer under his ruling and I was free to do what I wanted. "He's my mate." I said which was followed by a gasp from Bethany.

"Why didn't you tell me? Oh my- What?" She exclaimed, evident that she didn't know anything. "No wonder he was mad at you! I guess I would be angry too if I caught my mate in- Wait a minute! You cheated?"

I sighed. "First of all, Jax and I are not together so I could never cheat on him. Second of all, Noah and I never slept together. We were framed."

"What are you on about, Nora?" She asked calling the nickname she used to call me. Bethany and Noah were the only people that called me Nora. We used to joke a lot about Noah and I being twins.

"I can't start telling you everything. Just know that pack is not safe for me. I have a target on my back." I explained to her as she laid down on the bed, staring at the ceiling. I couldn't tell what was running through her mind but I wanted to believe that she was still the sweet Bethany that I've know my whole life.

"Me coming here isn't about Jax. I missed you and I really want you to come back with me." She said as she turned her head to look at me. I shook my head.

"There is no way in hell that I'm going back there. Didn't you hear me? There's a target on my back and besides it would be dumb to go back there after what happened with Noah. His death would be for nothing." I explained and she sighed. She turned back to look at the ceiling and I noticed a small pout in her lips and her soft eyes. I could tell that she was sad but there was literally nothing I could do.

"Is there any way I could convince you?" She asked and I shook my head. She nodded in acceptance. "Jax told me you lived in this apartment. Why are we here?"

I was stupid to think Jax would really let me go. All those times I was being watchful and cautious were all in vain because my monster, the villain in my story, was spying on me. Watching me and waiting for the right time. He didn't have the guts to come here by himself. He didn't have the guts to tell me to my face that he wants me back.

"It's not my apartment. I live here." I lied. I was so good at lying now. It came naturally. I've spent the past 2 years perfecting this craft. "Someone gave me an apartment to housesit. That is a thing here. All I do is stay in the apartment while they're gone and they pay me. But this is actually where I live."

"Oh wow. That's a really cool job." She commented. "Maybe I should even move here. Get a job and the whole nine." I wouldn't lie and say I've never wanted for her to join me here. I just couldn't go back. I couldn't sneak into that pack and expect things to be different. Jax would have captured me and most likely killed me in front of the pack. The worst part is, no one would care. No one would bat an eyelid. It would just be a regular day in the pack and I would be the unfortunate girl that disrespected the King.

"I honestly want you to stay with me but I know Jax would want you back and I'm trying to run from him. I don't want you to live that kind of life." I answered her as I laid down on the bed with her. We both turned to face each other as I held out my pinky finger. "Sisters for life?"

"Sisters for life." She said as she wrapped her pinky finger around mine. We both leaned down and kissed our hands to complete our signature handshake. "Now you have to tell me everything that has been happing over the years. How is living with humans like? Do you turn at all? Has anyone suspected you? I have so many questions I don't even know where to start."

"Pick one." I responded.

"How is living with humans like?" She asked me again and I began my story- the fake one. I told her of how I got my job, how I also did a few odd jobs here and there. How I had to hide my identity from any lurking eyes, which was true. How I felt free.