Her Nature

|Chapter 29|

Raven's narrowed eyes are already studying my face suspiciously. "Who is it?"

I look at her sheepishly, "Friends?"

She scoffs without a second thought. "No."

"Great! I'm-" Emma falls through the doorway but freezes mid sentence. After a moment of awkward silence, Jayniana indiscreetly leaned forward to whisper to her, "She said no."

Raven glares intensely causing Sierra to stifle her laugh and cover it with a cough. I chew my lip to fight my own smile. Emma is on her own with this one.

"Oh, uh, sorry." She stumbles on shaky legs and pulls her fingers nervously. Her red face matches that of an apple and my heart goes out to her. Raven doesn't return any words, she just looks between the four of us with guarded eyes. "You know what, I changed my mind I think I like her. She doesn't seem like the type to talk my ear off." The side of Jayniana's mouth curls up.

"I'm sorry Raven we did plan to ask first, I guess someone was just excited to see you." My eyes shift to Emma who tries shrinking into Jayniana that is now leaning against the doorframe. "This is Emma, Jayniana, and Sierra. They wanted to meet you." My lips stretch into a soft smile, trying my best to remain positive.

Raven continues to stare.

"I'm Sierra." She steps in front of her friends with a friendly smile directed at Raven. She extends her hand into Raven's space who only glances at it and then me. "Ooh burn, loser. I'm Jayniana and this," she slings an around around Emma's shoulders, "is Emma." Jayniana struts next to Sierra and smacks her hand down before throwing her other free arm around her shoulders.

"Hi," Emma waves shyly and tucks hair behind her ear.

"Who are they?" Raven final speaks up, although she speaks around them to me. I tilt my head and purse my lips in disapproval. "They just told you who they are and they are right in front of you. Be nice." I soften at the end. I know she isn't used to socializing. Positive attention at that. She huffs begrudgingly and murmurs, "I'm Raven."

"Hey babes, I like your vibe. Dark hair, dark eyes, very mysterious." Jay nods approvingly.

"Thanks." Raven deadpans.

"Don't mind them, they're the crazy ones. I do like your hair though." Sierra weasels from Jay's hold and drops herself into my office chair.

"Thank you." Raven seems to be more accepting of their company but noticeably distant.

"Even though they wanted to meet you, we have another reason for coming here." Emma starts. She regained her composure, her skin pale with soft rose cheeks. Raven shifts her intense gaze to Emma now, intrigued yet apprehensive. She raises a single brow. Emma takes that as a sign to proceed and clears her throat before continuing, "Tomorrow is our special dinner and we want to spend the day getting ready together. I know it can be intimidating going alone, so we thought some bonding beforehand could remedy that." She breathes out happily. Her shoulders are set and head high again.

For some odd reason, I feel like a proud mother bear watching her cubs walk for the first time.

"Yeah, be our bestie and put colorful shit on your face with us. Then we can ruin it at dinner." Sierra scowls at Jayniana.

"Sure."

My eyes bulge out of my head in shock. "Sure?" I repeat. Raven nods nonchalantly and looks down at her hands. "Yeah, why not? I'll probably be forced to go anyway. The whole pack is gonna be there?"

"Yes, ma'am." Sierra shouts from across the room.

"Okay, yeah, I'll do it." She nods her head to more herself than the girls.