61: Prey

I stepped into the elevator, clutching my phone tightly. That conversation almost made me mad. I was trying so hard to get it together.

I hesitated for a moment before answering, my heart racing with a mix of annoyance and disgust.

Cinderalla? Really?

Lorraine's name flashed on the screen, and I knew this call wouldn't be a quick one.

"Hey, Lorraine," I said, trying to sound calm despite the elevator's suffocating silence.

"Alaina, oh my god, have you heard?!" Lorraine's voice was shrill, her words tumbling out in a frantic rush. "There's a ball, a masquerade ball, and it's for the Alpha to find his Luna! Alpha Alexander, to find his Luna. Your Alpha Alexander—”

“Lorraine—”

“You know, right? You heard about it too.”

I rolled my eyes, my grip on the phone tightening. "I know, Lorraine. I'm aware."

"What's going on, Alaina? Did you have a fight with him? You know, the Alpha?" Lorraine's tone was laced with concern, but I detected a hint of curiosity too.

She wouldn't stop rubbing it i