Chapter 2 : Ultimate Heartache

Squeezing the phone in my sweating hand, I swallowed hard.

"A-Are you sure?" I asked, feeling tongue-tied.

"Yes, definitely. It was the dean who made the notes. We can’t make changes in the system without having our names attached. It’s all about accountability."

My stomach was in knots, and my mouth went dry. All I could muster was, "Thank you, that's all."

As I hung up, I held my hand to my chest. My heart was thundering as my footsteps dropped heavily on the carpet back to my father's office. I didn't want to stomp like a child, but I was outraged. I deserved an explanation.

He wasn't in his office, however. When I rushed in, ready to argue, all I could see on his desk was a sticky note. Picking it up, I read, 'Orientation for Arlene' with a schedule written down. I gritted my teeth. I needed to find him and see what he had to say.

After searching the study and the dining hall, I finally located him in his bedroom on the computer. I knocked loudly on the half-open door but couldn't contain myself before pushing through.

"Dad, we need to talk."

"I'm busy. And please don't think you can just barge into the bedroom without asking." He glanced back at me with a fatherly look of frustration and an alpha tone that said I'd better obey.

"I knocked!" I rebutted.

"Don't be fresh with me, Juliana."

He was right to tell me to stop. I didn't really have an excuse, but I was too upset to worry about invading his privacy. The situation he had created was so painful that I had to know why.

"The reason I'm here is because I called the college, then I saw the papers in the kitchen, then a note on your desk about Arlene. Please tell me..." I trailed off as I glimpsed over his shoulder. The computer screen had information about Arlene's classes on the Moonlight College website. He was helping her sign up!

My father glared at me.

"You're monitoring my computer use now, Juliana?" he scoffed flatly. He was highly frustrated, though his face was cold.

"So, it's true!” I blurted out bluntly, feeling panicked. “Arlene really is going to Moonlight College in my place, and it’s because of you! You're not even trying to hide it from me right now."

"Why would I hide it? Arlene deserves a chance."

My head was spinning so much that I had to sit down on the bed to keep from fainting. I needed to gather my thoughts as much as I could, but this was unbelievable!

Finally, I said, "I know you are my father and my alpha, and I don't want to be disrespectful, but ever since Mom died, I have been dealing with Arlene getting her way. She has constantly played the pity card for ten years, and you've all been eating it up the whole time."

"Don't speak about your sister's plight in such trite words. Her real father is dead, let's not forget. We owe this to Arlene. Without me, this wouldn't happen."

"Well, maybe it shouldn't happen, then. I'm your blood daughter. Did you think of my feelings when you bumped me off the list and put her first? You've been by my side many nights, helping me study to get the best grades for years so I could apply and get accepted. How could you do this?"

Suddenly, Arlene stepped in, widening her eyes and gasping, obviously having already overheard our argument. When she had fully entered, I crossed my arms. I'd been incredibly patient for so long, but I was tired of her charade. She was going to do what she always did, and I was at the end of my rope.

I bet she didn't care half as much about being accepted as I did.

"Juliana, I'm sorry," she said to me. I couldn't help but glare at her. "If it weren't for me, you'd be able to go to Moonlight College." As I glanced at her and then back at my father, I could see his compassionate expression as he looked at her, nodding in comfort. When my eyes met his, his expression changed to disappointment.

I hated letting him down but didn't think I was overstepping here. This was my future, my life, my dream. How much more emotional debt did I have to pay after ten years? Would it never end?

"It's nice of you to say that, Arlene, but don't feel badly about it," my father said, assuring her. "You deserve to be a student. If they were willing to put you on the waiting list, that means they would have accepted you otherwise."

"No, it's my fault. I take full responsibility," Arlene said, bowing her head. I couldn't see her face to know what she was really feeling, but I knew this was all smoke and mirrors.

It wasn't the first time it dawned on me that my father hadn't treated me like his own daughter ever since he married Lily, Arlene's mother. And it certainly wasn’t the first false show Arlene had put on to get sympathy.

When Mom and Beta Drummond first died, we all were distraught, but I fully expected us, especially my father, to go through the grieving process as a family, but year after year, we did the opposite. We barely mentioned them anymore.

Our lives changed so much after such a tragedy, which I fully expected, but this was really cutting. I'd been careful and kind to Arlene and respected my father's wishes, but this was the last straw. My dreams were being shattered because of her.

I could feel my face flushing with fury and melancholy as I glanced at the two of them one last time. I exhaled in upset, racing out of there, hoping not to see their faces for the rest of the day. Without much of a plan in mind, I sprinted through the front doors.

Immediately, the refreshing wind on my face helped to keep me in the moment. Although it was still summer, a touch of coolness cued me that autumn was on its way. I'd been hoping to see the leaves drop from my college dorm room.

I felt my heart breaking knowing I wasn’t going to Moonlight… or could I?

It was time for me to advocate for myself. I'd call college admissions again and see if I could plead my case. The number was still on my screen as the last call I’d made. When I was connected, I realized it was to the same person as before.

"H-Hi, this is Juliana Anderson," I said, unable to stop the tremor in my voice.

"Hello, Juliana. It's nice to hear from you again. What can I do for you?"

"I’m hoping you can answer some questions, but if not, please transfer me to someone who can."

"Of course, but you can start with me," she offered.

"The note about Arlene Anderson being accepted into the college...that was my father who asked for the change, right?"

"If your father is Alpha Anderson, then yes, it was."

I muffled my exhale of frustration. How could someone who wasn't in the school system make a change like that?

"I'm not going to be able to enroll this year, right?" I asked.

"That's what it says."

"Is that even...ethical? I mean, he isn't employed there."

"Your father is the alpha of the Gold Valley Pack. He has a lot of pull here. In fact, he's one of our biggest donors. The computer room on the second floor is all possible because of him, and believe me, the students really needed those upgrades. We're grateful."

I dropped my head back in disappointment, holding the phone away from my face for a minute. Even if it wasn’t morally right, since he’d helped out, they were willing to pull strings for him. This was a dead end.

"Are you there, Miss Juliana?" I could hear her ask from the phone in my lowered hand. Slowly, I raised it back to my ear.

"Yes, I'm here," I said with a sigh. There was a thoughtful pause from her before she continued.

"I can tell you're really disappointed. I'm not one to get personal often with someone I barely know, but for what it's worth, I'm sorry."

"I appreciate your apology,” I said to her. "I understand your position."

"Well, I promise you, the first we hear of someone withdrawing from the college, I'll make sure to personally call you if I can. My name is Zora, by the way."

"Thanks, Zora," I said, holding back tears.

I hung up and began walking down the street until I was in the northeast neighborhood. A bar called Lycan Blanca was up ahead. After walking through the door, I found a stool to plant myself on and drink my pain away.

My first was a shot of rum, and then I asked for a mango daiquiri, with more rum, of course. I'd slowly sip on that. My goal was not to get an ice cream headache or be too wasted so soon. I was starting small, but I doubted these were the only two drinks I’d be having.

Over the hours, my phone exploded with texts from my father, Arlene, and Carl, as well as phone calls. Seeing their names and profile pictures next to their numbers only made me feel more ashamed and betrayed. My father was already upset about my opposition to Arlene's acceptance to Moonlight College, and I didn't want to imagine the disdain on his face.

Before I knew it, I was feeling quite intoxicated. I was barely able to sit up on the seat anymore. The bartender had to cut me off, which at the time annoyed me, but I realized it was the best idea after I bumped into the wall, nearly knocking down a beautifully framed painted picture of a white wolf.

Outside, the fresh air gave me perspective, and I regretted dealing with things this way. Even in my hazy, drunken stupor, I was able to see my family's point of view. I loved them all, even Arlene, and I could always apply again next year. Most likely, I'd get in, and everything would be okay.

With new resolve and my chin held high, I was ready to apologize and work things out with everyone. I'm sure they were worried that I hadn't texted them about where I was all night.

First, I'd start with my father since he was the most difficult one to talk to. Next, I'd fix things with Arlene. Maybe her heart really was in the right place. Finally, I'd have a chat with Carl. He's the easiest to approach.

As I opened the door, it was eerily quiet. The strong scent of Arlene's favorite perfume permeated the air. It was 5 AM, but it smelled like she had just applied it.

My curiosity was piqued.

The stairs were carpeted, so my footsteps were softened. As I slowly ascended, I noticed the articles of clothing draped on the banister and steps. Bending down, I picked up an emerald-green dress shirt that Arlene had recently bought. The next thing was her jeans, then her bra and underwear!

At first, I found it funny until I thought I heard another voice. It sounded like my boyfriend, but that couldn’t be real. Maybe she had a secret guy who sounded similar.

Just as I rounded the corner to knock on the door, I stepped on a pair of boxers. Something caught my eye, so I crouched down to get a better look. Sure enough, I could see the initial 'C' on the tag. That was something Carl did with all his clothes.

I began to feel uneasy.

It was so uncomfortable that my first instinct was to run away, for privacy's sake at the very least, but then I couldn't bear it. Even if I made a fool of myself, I had to make sure my suspicion was only that. When I neared the closed door, I had to open it.

As I did, I couldn't believe my eyes. Among the strewn clothes were two naked people entangled together in bed. My heart dropped to the floor.

It was Arlene and my boyfriend, Carl.