Chapter 4 (Nori) – Me and my Best Friend, Lana…

“You know that what you did is wrong in so many aspects,” Drake said as he cornered me in the training room’s office where I stare at the lunch pack that Lana’s mother prepared for me. 

“Not just wrong,” Leon started to say, “You sounded like a worried ex-boyfriend.” He added before placing a piece of steak that Lana’s mom prepared for them in his mouth. Lana’s mom is a great cook. The moment that she found out Lana had friends, she started making extra lunches for Lana to share with us. 

She has always been kind and caring not only to me but also to Drake, Leon, and especially Calvin. I know that she always worries about Lana, not because she was weak. It was more because she can be so stubborn sometimes.

“Nori,” Drake said, interrupting my thoughts, “are you listening?” He asks.

I sigh, trying to release all my frustrations. 

“I just wanted to make sure that Lana can defend herself, that’s all,” I replied as I took a bite of steak from the lunch back that Lana’s mom gave me. Drake eyed me, I know that he didn’t believe a word of what I said.

“What’s the real reason behind all this, Nori?” Drake asks, “And please don’t use Dana as an excuse because I won’t accept it.” 

Leon stopped eating and stared at Drake and then at me. 

“There is no other reason than just me looking out for what’s best for her,” I lied, as I avoided  looking at him and just turned my focus on the food that I was eating. I know that he is my best friend but I made a promise to keep everything to myself. In that way, Lana would be safe.

“Bullshit!” Drake shouted, taking me by surprise. It was the first time I hear him curse with anger towards me. Drake was always the composed one. I would have expected this kind of attitude from Leon, then from him. 

“If you were looking out for her, you should have chosen a different mate other than her sister,” Drake said angrily, “Because from what I am seeing Nori, you are trying to push her away by hurting her. But then you wanted to make sure that she is safe? You're just being a selfish man who wants to have everything for himself. Make up your damn mind and stop confusing Lana. It’s either choosing her to be your Mate and being with her or just leaving her alone.” 

This is the reason why Drake is the next Alpha. Nothing can get past him. But unfortunately, I won’t give him the satisfaction of being right. For Lana’s safety, I can’t let anybody know what she really means to me, even if it means lying to my friends.

“Stop trying to fix me and Lana,” I retorted, “We are not your problem. Instead of trying to fix us, why don’t you fix what you and Isabel have, huh? I heard somewhere that she wouldn’t even meet you, let alone sleep with you.”

Drake stood up and so did I. If he wanted a fight I will fight him. After what happened with Lana, I can throw some punches to lose some steam. 

“Easy guys,” Leon said as he stood to break us apart, “We are friends, not enemies. We should be helping each other out not fighting each other.” 

“I didn’t start it,” I retorted as I pack the lunch box ready to leave. 

“Whatever you’re doing Nori, it’s not helping Lana,” Drake said, his voice pained. “You can lie to yourself all you want. You can go and continue pushing Lana away. But Lana doesn’t deserve this kind of pain. I can see clearly how much she cares for you. I know that you know that. You gotta be blind not to see it. But right now, all that you’ve been giving her is pain. So don’t tell me to stop telling you this. Because the truth is, I know how it feels to give your all, and not know where you stand. So if Lana doesn’t really have a place in your heart, stop giving her hope.” With that, Drake turned and left Leon and me. 

I slumped on my chair as Leon sat in front of me in silence. Now, I really feel like an ass. What happened between Drake and Isabel was complicated and I should not use that against him.

“I know you didn’t mean to hurt Lana or Drake,” Leon said softly, something that I wasn’t used to. He was usually brusque and loud. “And I can also tell that you have a reason why you are doing what you are doing. I just hope that you won’t regret anything in the end.”

Leon stood up and clean his table ready to throw his disposable lunch box. 

“For what it’s worth,” Leon said as he turned and look at me while standing by the training office door, “You and Lana do not only look like a great couple but also work as a great team. So if you finally decide that the couple thing doesn’t work for the two of you. I hope that your teamwork remains. And the only way to do that is to make her feel like your best partner, not your lover. But then again, what do I know about love right? When I, myself haven’t even experienced it.” Leon didn’t wait for my response, instead, he left as soon as he had said what he wanted to say, leaving me more miserable than I had been earlier. 

I closed my eyes as I try to calm my mind. It would have been easy if I was not feeling so guilty. I know that choosing Dana as my Chosen Mate would be hard for Lana, I was just not expecting her to be so distracted like this. I am just thankful that Calvin was always there for her when I couldn’t. At least I know that he will take care of her. 

Ring! Ring!

I took out my phone and answered it as soon as I saw who was calling. 

“We need to talk,” Dana said anxiously. Knowing Dana, I know that she is panicking and is currently biting her thumb as she walks back and forth in her room. 

“Calm down,” I said softly. 

I hear a loud sigh. 

“She hates me,” Dana said, her voice cracking. She’s about to cry. 

“She doesn’t hate you,” I said trying to soothe her, “If there is someone she hates it would be me.” 

“Are we doing the right thing?” Dana asks, her voice filled with doubt. 

“Yes,” I replied, even if part of me is starting to think that it was not the case.

“Okay,” Dana responds sighing, “I just don’t want her to hate me so much.”

“She will understand it in time,” I assured her, “We just need to give her enough time,” I added. Trying to reassure not only her but also me. 

“I hope so,” Dana replies.

I really hope that when the time comes, Lana would understand why I did what I did. And when everything is out in the open, I will make sure to let Lana know what I really feel. I want her to know that there is nothing in this world that I would want more than to spend the rest of my life with no one else but her.