Ariana's POV

"Carla?" I looked at her dumbfounded.

When she seemed to get out of her shock, she took a step towards me.

"Ariana? Weren't you visiting your dad?" Carla asked once she was in front of me.

I just stood silent, not uttering a word. I forgot that Carla still thinks I'm with Daniel and am currently out to visit my father. Now, what should I say?

As if something suddenly clicked in her mind, Carla looked at me with an excited expression. Wait, excited?

"Your dad is from Anthony's pack, isn't he?" She asked enthusiastically while I was taken aback by that question.

My dad, from Anthony's pack? Yes, Dad and I aren't rogues, but we sure as hell aren't from Anthony's pack either. Now, if I say Carla so, she'd ask me why I'm here and if it comes to that, then what will I say? So, the better option is, I go with the flow.

"Yeah, he's from this pack." I lied, smiling at her.

Carla is still naive and innocent. I don't understand what she's doing with Anthony. I just hope he isn't playing with her, which despite me hoping, I'm certain he is. But does Daniel know about this? He'll be furious when he comes to know that Anthony is playing with his sister's feelings. One thing I am sure about is, Carla does have feelings for Anthony by the way she is looking at him now, full of love, but that isn't a good sign.

"What about you, Carla? What brings you here?" I asked her but my eyes were trained on Anthony who wasn't looking me in the eye. Why is he acting so weird all of a sudden?

"I..." Carla's voice trailed as she looked at Anthony, probably considering whether to tell the truth or not.

"She's my girlfriend, Miss Cristford." Anthony replied my question and I raised my brow at the formality lacing in his voice. Wow....like when had he ever spoken so respectfully?

Anyways...Girlfriend, huh? How many girlfriends do you have in total, Anthony? Why are you playing with Carla's feelings? Daniel wouldn't be happy when he comes to know of this...

"Yeah, he's my boyfriend." Carla smiled glancing lovingly at Anthony. She really does love him. "By the way, she's Mrs. Rodriguez now, Anthony. She's Danny's wife. Isn't she lovely?"

"Yeah, she is..." Anthony stared at me while I sent him an icy glare when Carla wasn't looking. He's playing with her emotions. This is not good. I don't want her to be heartbroken when Anthony decides to ditch her.

"Why don't you both talk for a while? I'll go do some work by then." Anthony was trying to get away from the matter in hand. Not on my watch.

"How can I take away your girlfriend when she came so far just to meet you? I can't be inconsiderate to the both of you and be a third-wheel now, can I, Alpha?" My tone contained malice when I said 'Alpha' but I made sure to maintain a sweet smile on my face, for Carla's sake.

"You're so amazing, Ariana!" Carla jumped up to hug me, "I can't thank you enough. I already have limited time before I have to return back to the castle."

I smiled back at her, maintaining the fake smile. I really hope she isn't too into him or else, it'll hurt as much when Anthony ends his game of revenge and decides to leave her.

After that, I left Carla and Anthony on their own and headed to my room. Once in my room, I searched for my phone and without a thought, called Daniel. He picked up the call on the second ring.

"Hello, Ari?"

It wasn't until his deep voice echoed from the other line did I come to my senses.

What was I thinking when I called him? Why did I call him? What is wrong with me? It's as if I'm waiting for a chance to speak to him or simply listen to his voice....

"Hey, why aren't you speaking? Are you alright? Ari, you're scaring me. Please say something." His voice was laced with panic and concern, which made my heart melt.

"I'm okay, Daniel." I retorted as a small smile surfaced on my face.

"Thank God. Why did you call by the way? Do you have anything to ask? Not that I mind you calling me. Infact, I'm happy that you called. And you can always call me and-"

I chuckled lightly at his blaberring making him stop mid-sentence. He rarely talks so much in a single breath.

"Are you laughing at me?" I could imagine the wide smile on his face as he asked that.

"No." I lied. "About why I called you..." my voice trailed.

Should I tell him about Anthony and Carla's relationship? But it's not my place to tell when Carla herself didn't say him yet. Besides, I don't know why Anthony is using her, knowing very well that she's Daniel's sister, the sister of the man he loathes so much.

Now, what am I supposed to say to Daniel if not that?

"I wanted to ask you how Ariel and everyone is doing? I miss Cami so much." I lied, but it wasn't practically a lie. I did miss all of them. Especially, the little girl. But not Kiana, ofcourse. I would never miss Kiana.

"Oh..."

Oh?

"So, you don't miss me?" His voice contained sadness and disappointment.

But doesn't everyone include him as well? How can I not miss him? He's the person I miss the most...but ofcourse I can't say him that.

"Maybe." I muttered under my breath, totally forgetting about the person on the other line.

Daniel seemed to have heard it as he spoke with a flicker of hope, "Maybe? Is that a 'yes'?"

Blame my stupid mouth for uttering that....now what?

Yeah, it's time for you to take the train and run away, you dumbo Ariana!

I scolded myself before hurriedly speaking into the phone, "I think they're all good? Okay, then, I should hang the phone. Goodbye, Daniel."

Just as I was about to cut the call, Daniel spoke again from the other line.

"Hey, wait, Ari!"

Ignore him. Ignore him and cut the call.

Despite my subconsciousness warning, I placed the phone back to my ear, "Yes, what?" I tried to act impatient when I was anything but that.

"You said you missed Cami. Well, Cam wants to talk to you. Wait a second..."

Before I could stop him, the little girl was already on the line.

"Hello, Ari?" Cami's cute childish voice reverberated from the other line. My heart melted further. My little sweety. I do miss her so much.

"Hey, Cami! How are you doing? How's mommy and daddy and everyone there doing? And how's Mr. Muffles doing?" I asked referring to the teddy bear Cami adored, which Daniel had gifted her, more like, was forced to gift her. Although it's name is ironic and weird at the same time. She could have named it Mr. Cuddles or something more toy-like but she chose that name anyways.

"So many questions," Cami mused in her cute voice, "Anyways, I'm goody. Mommy and Daddy are goody too. Though, mommy keeps complaining that I don't do my homework on time and only play with Mr. Muffles. I do try to do the homework but it's boring that I lose interest. Aunt Carla is goody as well. She was supposed to be here by now, but she isnt back yet. You know, Mr. Muffles is running a fever at the moment. I checked him to Doctor Green, but he told Mr. Muffles was cold when Mr. Muffles was actually warm. This is so stupid. I miss you, Ari. You even understood Mr. Muffles' problem every time. When are you coming back? By the way, Mr. Muffles says you a 'Hi'."

I laughed as she finished, ready to reply back, and say her that I missed her too, although I won't be saying her that I won't ever come back and there's also about Carla...No one there knows she's here....but Cami continued before I could say anything,

"Also, Dan is a sad and grumpy man ever since you left, Ari. He acts like he lost his own Mr. Muffles. So sad, right? Even mommy is worried-" her sentence was cut short as her voice became muffled and Daniel came on the line, "Don't listen to her, Ari. She's gone a bit crazy ever since that teddy got sick and-"

"You called me crazy?! Mommy! Mommy! Dan called me crazy!!!" I heard Cami complain as she shouted at the top of her lungs, "How can you say I'm crazy?!!! Wagh....you said I'm crazy! This is not fair! Wagh...." little Cami was practically throwing a tantrum at the moment.

Hehe, serves you right, Daniel! But about what Cami said earlier, was she right? Are you really that sad, Daniel?

"Slow your voice, Cam! You're piercing my eardrums! I'm sorry, okay? I won't ever say that again. Now, please quiet down, for pete's sake!" Daniel tutted, trying to calm her down which didn't work as she wailed louder.

"No! You have to kneel on your knees and say sorry to me and Mr. Muffles. Or else, you will not be forgiven." I heard Cami's demand which made me want to laugh but I kept quite, listening to their conversation in silence.

Poor Daniel was in a fix.

"I'll say sorry to you. But why do I have to say sorry to that obnoxious bear?" Daniel was now completely focused on mending the feud with Cami which made me smile wider.

"You called Mr. Muffles ob-go-dious! Mommy! Dan called Mr. Muffles ob-go-dious! Wagh...." She screamed, again throwing a fit.

"It's obnoxious. Not ob-go-dious." Daniel corrected only to receive an earful.

"Mommy! Dan is calling me stupid! Wagh...." Cami wailed louder. Everyone in the castle could probably hear her now.

"When did I...?" Daniel seemed speechless and I could almost picture him raking his hand through his hair while sighing defeatedly.

I smiled at their banter before slowly taking the phone off my ear and hanging the call. I switched of my phone so that Daniel doesn't call back.

I have to find out what Anthony is planning by keeping Carla and threaten him to stay away from her if it comes to that. Something says me, he doesn't have good intentions and in the end, Carla is going to be deeply hurt which I don't want.

With that thought, I head out of my room towards where Anthony and Carla are--that is in his study. When I reach Anthony's study, the door opens and Carla comes out of the study, smiling brightly.

Carla scurries over to me and hugs me, "I miss you so much in the castle, Ariana. Even Danny misses you so much. Poor thing keeps himself distracted by doing tons of work day and night. Come back soon, okay? Or I might really see Danny turning into a lonely puppy once again which he does look right now though...but whatever, you'll come back soon, right? So it's okay. I'm sorry I can't talk to you much. I actually had to be in the castle by now but I thought of visiting Anthony. I missed him so much. Now, I'm screwed and I have to think of an excuse as to why I'm late. Okay, bubye. See you soon." She backs away from the embrace and hurriedly heads towards the main door of the packhouse.

So, she isn't planning to say anything to Daniel or anyone?

As if she heard my thoughts, Carla turned her head to look at me, stopping mid-way.

"Please don't tell Danny about my and Anthony's relationship. I want to tell him myself when I'm ready. Will you please do that?" she asked with a vulnerability in her voice which made my heart hurt for her.

She has no idea, does she?
Nevertheless, I nodded my head with a smile, assuring her that I won't say anything. She smiled back mouthing 'love ya' before dashing off.

In my rage, I stormed towards Anthony's study and pushed the door open without as much as a knock. Once I was in, I walked over to Anthony's desk where he was seated behind it.

I slammed my palm on his cherry wood desk and spat spitefully, "Why are you playing with Carla?"

Anthony merely lifted his eyes to look at me and raised a questioning brow.

"Don't give me that look! You know what I'm talking about. So, quit with the pretence. Tell me, what do you plan to do with Carla? Do you know how angry Daniel will be when he comes to know of this?" I am beyond livid at the moment. Who does he think he is, using people for his own fun?

"You aren't as stupid as I thought," Anthony looked amused before a grave expression took over his face, "You don't get to ask me what I do with my life or with anyone in that matter. You get it? So, mind your own business, little mate."

"Mind my own business?" I let out a crazy chuckle, "How can you be so heartless? And Believe me, I'm minding my own business. Hence, I'm politely asking you this. What is your motive behind making Carla stay by your side? Does she know that you hate her brother to the extent that you would do anything for your revenge? Is she aware that you're just using her as an ally to provoke Daniel if I'm not wrong? Does she know that you tried to separate Daniel and me by teaming up with Kiana? Does she know that you already have a mate? Does she know that your mate is me?"

"What did you say...?"

My entire being stilled at the familiar voice. No it can't be....I just saw her leave in front of my own eyes...

I dreadfully turned around, hoping with all my might that it isn't her, but life was never fair. Next to the opened door of the study, stood Carla looking shell-shocked, tears brimming the edge of her eyes threatening to fall any moment.

"Carla, Listen," Anthony said walking towards her, but before he could reach her, she dashed off in her werewolf speed, crying remorsefully.

She had heard everything.....

___________

I honestly don't know what I feel about this chapter....poor Carla:(

Next chapter shall be hopefully updated on Thursday:)

I'm currently working on a short horror story side by side and once I'm done writing it, I'll post all the chapters together. It will contain maximum 15 chapters, not more than that. So, it wouldn't take much time to read. Just try giving the first three chapters a read when it's published and see if it is up to your taste;) Although, I said it's horror, a little romance won't be a problem;) All in all, the story is going to be a mix of Horror, Mystery and Romance.

That's all! Goodbye for now.
Have a Nice Day ^_^