Chapter 27 Winnie
Winnie
Stella is glaring at me.
“We definitely should have gone into Traverse City,” Sunny stage-whispers.
“You said you didn’t have time,” I remind her. I haven’t had time to see the guys since I stayed over with Eli a few nights ago, and I likely won’t before the family dinner on Friday. So Sunny asked me to help her find a dress for my sister’s wedding.
“I don’t. I have to make sure all of the queens in each box are properly brooding. It’s a super crucial time for bees.”
I peer over, and Stella’s milky brown eyes watch me from above an oxygen tube. Despite her age, I can feel hot resentment rolling off her in thick omega waves.
I take a deep breath and turn to her, a smile on my face.
“Stella,” I start, going for friendly and inviting.
“How are you? How’s the move going?” Lots of the inventory is marked half off or more, which is why Sunny wanted to come here to pick out her dress for Flora’s wedding.
That, and it’s the only clothing store in town.
“Why? Hoping I’ll die so your pack can get the building faster?” Stella asks, venom in her voice.
My smile drops slightly. “Stella, that’s not—of course not. The Blackline Pack isn’t stealing your store. You’ve placed it up for sale. Don’t you want it to sell?”
“Not to them,” she grouses. My brow furrows. I look to Sunny, who shrugs.
“Why not them?” I ask. Maybe if we can get to the root of this issue, we can at least go back to being amicable.
She shrugs. “Don’t like ’em. Motorcycles are loud.” But it’s airy and offhand. It sounds like she made it up on the spot.
“Honestly, what is wrong with you?” Sunny asks, clearly over Stella’s behavior.
She seems to consider that for a moment. “You know, when I was young, I had a pack. We were going to bond, but on the eve of my biannual heat, they all died in a car accident. I suppose I’ve never been the same since then. All that deep-seated anger just bottled down and shoved deep.”
My heart clenches. That’s horrible. I can’t imagine losing the Blackline Pack like that.
My hand finds my chest. “Is that true?” I ask softly.
There’s a beat of silence before she grins. “No.” I go still, jaw clenching. She cackles. “I just don’t like people. I enjoy screwing with them.”
That part at least rings true.
“You know what? I never do this, but I’m going to go online and just order a dress.
Even if it fits funny. Even if I have to pay for rush shipping.
I would still rather pay some big corporate sleazy entity than give my money to a bag like you,” Sunny says, taking my hand and leading me out the door.
I glance back over my shoulder as we slip through the door and find Stella smiling after us.