The Alpha Shifter

Chapter 21 - Ari

I had no idea how much time had passed, but looking outside through the window I could see the sun setting. Getting up slowly I exited the room, closing the door behind me. I needed to make it up to Davin somehow. But now wasn't the right time. Even through the mind link I could feel his hurt and anger. I headed into the dining room because I knew at this point dinner would be ready, and I knew one little cub was waiting for me.

On my way to the kitchen I spotted Laiyla. Heading towards her I called her name, "Laiyla wait!" I could see her lip twitch, but she refused to acknowledge me and continued to walk on as if I hadn't called her. Anger surged through my body as I grabbed hold of her wrist. "Do not ignore me." I couldn't hold back the growl that escaped my lips at her sudden disrespect. I could acknowledge her anger towards me, but I couldn't tolerate her direct disobedience.

Laiyla had stopped, still refusing to even look at me. "Laiyla..." I spoke with warning in my voice. Her sharp eyes finally made contact with mine, full of hatred and anger.

She grit her teeth. "Let. Go. Ariella." My grip tightened on her arm. I knew she was serious, barely anyone called me by my full name.

"Let me explain. Please."

She shook her head. "You hurt him Ariella. You hurt Davin in a way no one else could." I flinched. She was right. Davin and I had been so close, and my stupidity had lead to this.

"He misunderstood Laiyla—" I was interrupted when the mind link had been sent out to everyone that dinner was ready. The mind link hadn't even finished when cubs had come racing out of nowhere heading to the dining room and the kitchen for the food that had been promised.

One cub in particular stopped at my side and took hold of my hand, a grin plastered onto his chocolate smeared face. I shook my head and smiled. I let go of Laiyla's wrist and mind linked her. This isn't over. I need to explain what happened. It's not what it seems like, I promise.

The anger on her face had dimmed down a little. She gave a slight nod as I walked away with the little cub in tow.

I took a seat at the head of the main table and noticed that Davin was nowhere in sight. I pulled over a chair and placed Will onto it. Usually it would be me at the head of the table, Keil to my right and Davin on my left with Laiyla next to him. A frown made its way onto my face. They were all missing.

After a minute or so I finally noticed that a small hand was tugging on my own. I looked down and saw Will's frowning face. I smiled at him and pinched his cheeks. "What's the matter little cub?"

He shook his head. "Ari... Why are you sad?" His large hazel eyes were staring at me intently. I smirked and ruffled his hair. "Nothing you need to worry about little guy."

At that moment Keil decided to join us for dinner. His face was stern and he looked like he had a stick stuck up his butt. He took a seat to my right "Ari... I gotta ask you. Did you really—" He cleared his throat. "Did you really do what I think you did to Davin...?"

I ran my fingers through my tangled hair. "It came out wrong. Well really... I didn't even say anything. But he knew by the look on my face." I looked around and suddenly realised the whole dining room was quieting down trying to eavesdrop on my discussion with Keil. Even though they were all whispering in their own little groups it was pretty obvious.

Look, I'll tell you later. But I might have jumped to conclusions.

Keil began to fill his plate with food. He had begun stuffing his mouth so full of food that he couldn't speak.