Piss Off, Alpha! You Lost Me Forever novel Chapter 43

Chapter 43: Chapter 43 Thanksgiving Day

SOPHIA’S POV

Thanksgiving Day arrived.

I stood in front of the mirror. My reflection stared back at me. My eyes were tired. I had dark circles under them. My whole face looked hollow.

I didn’t want to go anywhere public. I didn’t want eyes on me. I didn’t want whispers, questions, or pity.

Most of all, I didn’t want to risk running into Damien again. I thought about Ashley and how much I had disappointed her. I thought about Lance too.

Everything made me feel like a failure.

I just wanted to stay in and sleep in bed all day. But Klara had talked about this day for weeks.

Every phone call ended with, “Don’t forget, Aunt Sophia. You promised.” Every visit included her tugging my sleeve, reminding me about her costume, her poem, her class.

I pressed my fingers against my temple.

I already broke so many promises, I thought. I can’t break this one too.

I chose a simple sweater and dark jeans. Nothing that drew attention. As I pulled my boots on, my wolf stirred inside me. Crowds made her restless now. There would be too many scents and too many emotions.

“It’s just a school event,” I muttered to myself. “You can handle an hour.”

The words sounded thin.

Klara burst out of the house like a spark the moment I opened the door. She wore her pilgrim costume proudly, construction paper hat crooked. She had on a paper buckle glued slightly off-center.

“Look at me!” she said, spinning. “Mom said I look perfect!”

“You do.”

“I’m so happy you came,” she said into my sweater.

During the drive, she talked nonstop about the poem, about the songs, about who was sitting next to her and how her friend, Emma, forgot her lines during practice.

“I’m not going to forget mine,” she declared. “Even the turkey part.”

I laughed. “I have complete faith in you.”

The parking lot was already packed when we arrived.

Klara tugged my hand. “Come on! We’re going to be late!”

I swallowed and followed her.. Inside, banners hung from the walls. I noticed the paper turkeys. Kids ran around, laughing and playing.

I spotted the banner over the stage.

MEADOWBROOK ACADEMY THANKSGIVING CELEBRATION.

My blood went cold. I stopped walking. This was Ashley’s school too.

“Klara,” I said softly.

She turned, frowning. “Aunt Sophia? What’s wrong?”

I forced a smile, even as my heart pounded.

“Nothing, sweetheart. Just... trying to find good seats.”

We sat in the back corner, as far from the center as possible. I helped her off with her coat, straightened her hat, adjusted the collar of her costume.

Parents chatted around me. They laughed while taking pictures. A woman beside me smiled and said, “Crazy weather this year, huh?”

“Yeah,” I replied politely, keeping my eyes down. I hoped nobody would see me, especially Ashley.

I scanned the room constantly. My wolf was alert inside me.

Klara first, I reminded myself. Just get through this.

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