Fated

Chapter Seven

I take Mia to her apartment, my mind still buzzing with her words. I want to ask her more about what happened with Luke, but I don't want to make her sadder. As we reach her door, Mia turns to me and asks if I want to come inside for a bit. I hesitate, not ready to face Hudson yet. I know I'll have to either explain what happened or lie, and I'm not sure which is the right choice. We've never lied to each other, but telling him the truth feels like opening a can of worms. I agree to hang out for a bit, grateful for the distraction.

Mia's apartment is cozy and welcoming. The living room is filled with soft, overstuffed furniture in warm tones, and there are plants everywhere, giving the space a fresh, lively feel. A bookshelf lines one wall, packed with books and trinkets, and a large window lets in the evening light, casting a golden glow across the room. The kitchen is open to the living room, separated by a breakfast bar with a couple of stools. There's a faint scent of lavender in the air, mixed with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, making the space feel even more inviting. The overall vibe is warm and inviting, a stark contrast to the tension I feel inside.

Suddenly, a familiar girl emerges from one of the bedrooms. I recognize her immediately as the girl who was at Lex's cabin last time. Mia introduces her as Olivia, her cousin, and informs me that Olivia is part of the pack council.

Olivia greets me, but there's a coolness in her demeanor. She keeps her distance, shooting cold glances my way from time to time. Mia continues talking about how Olivia's father was part of the council and how brave Olivia was to take over after his passing.

"That must have been really hard," I say, genuinely admiring Olivia's strength. "To step into such a role while grieving."

Olivia barely acknowledges my words. "I'm going to go check on the mess and patrol with some pack members," she tells Mia. She then looks at me, her eyes sharp. "I'll be working closely with Lex on this."

A strange feeling flares up inside me, a burning sensation in my stomach. I don't understand what it is, but it's uncomfortable. Mia notices the tension and tries to change the subject, but I can't shake the feeling of unease.

As Olivia leaves, Mia turns to me, trying to gauge my reaction. "She's a bit intense, but she means well," she says softly. "She's just very dedicated to the pack."

"I get that," I reply, though I'm still unsettled. "It's just... I don't know. I can't explain it."

Mia gives me a sympathetic look. "It's okay, Gaia. This whole situation is confusing and overwhelming. Just take your time to figure things out."

I nod, appreciating her understanding. We sit down on the couch, and Mia puts on some music, filling the room with a soothing melody. As we talk about lighter topics, I try to push away the thoughts of Lex, Hudson, and Olivia. But deep down, I know I can't avoid them forever. The choices I have to make are looming over me, and I need to find a way to navigate through this tangled web of emotions and responsibilities.

As we continue chatting, I can't help but admire the little details in Mia's apartment. There's a collection of vintage teacups displayed on a shelf, each one unique and beautiful. The walls are adorned with framed photographs of nature scenes, taken during what looks like Mia's many hikes and adventures. There's a basket of knitting supplies by the armchair, and a cozy throw blanket draped over the back of the couch. It's clear that Mia has put a lot of love and care into making her space a reflection of herself.

Mia goes to the kitchen and returns with a tray of cookies and two steaming mugs of tea. "These are my favorite," she says, offering me a cookie. "I bake them whenever I need to relax."

I take a bite, savoring the sweet, buttery taste. "These are amazing, Mia. Thank you."

She smiles warmly. "I'm glad you like them. Sometimes, it's the little things that help us get through the tough times."