The Alpha's Unclaimed Mate (Jason and Laila) by Caroline Above Story novel Chapter 267

Laila’s POV

Hannah stood there for only a second, before I heard her footsteps thundering back up the stairs.

“You have to go now,” I told Carter.

His confusion was palpable, his brows pulling together

“Goodbye,” I said, and closed the door on him before he could argue with me. I’d deal with him later. For now, I was worried most about Hannah.

I went upstairs to her room and knocked on the door. “Hannah? Can we talk?”

“What’s there to talk about?” she called back.

“Hannah, please.” She knew what there was to talk about. A heart to heart between us was overdue. I waited, and would probably wait as long as it took for her to speak to me about this. I really wanted to repair the bond between us.

Fortunately, I only had to stand there for a moment before she opened the door. Her eyes red and puffy, she said, “Okay,” and let me inside.

We sat side by side on her bed. Glancing around, I was pleased to see that she had been making this guest room her own, pinning up a few pictures, a few of her sister and one a cut–out from a magazine. Her books were on the nightstand, some of her dirty clothes on the floor.

I wanted this to feel like her home. It always would be for as long as she needed it.

She clutched her pillow to her chest.

“I’ve liked Carter since the moment I saw him. How could I not? You can see for yourself how handsome he is. And he’s so nice too. He’s the reason I passed my statistics class. He saw me struggling and offered to tutor me with no questions asked. I’m incredibly grateful. But we’ve been friends ever since. I thought… I’d hoped there was more to his friendship, but I guess he’s just that nice with everyone.”

“Hannah, I am so sorry. I have no idea why this happened,” I said.

“I won’t lie. It doesn’t feel good seeing him so actively pursue you when I’ve been right beside him this whole time. I wish he could see me the way he sees you, but…”

“Hannah…”

She shook her head. “I care about him more than I want him to be with me. And I care about you too, Laila. You are like a sister to me. If being together is what you both want… I want you both to be happy, even if it hurts me a little at first. I’m sure, in time, I’ll feel better. It was just a crush, right? They call it that because it hurts.”

“But that’s the thing, Hannah. I have no interest in pursuing a relationship with Carter. He seems nice, but

15. 15.

“You don’t have to lie to spare my feelings,” Hannah said. “How could you not want to be with him? He’s absolutely perfect.” Looking at Hannah, I could practically see little hearts in her eyes as she talked about Carter. Trying to convince her of his flaws would be a waste of time. She was so in love, I doubted she would ever believe that anyone couldn’t be.

“I am sorry,” I said again.

She looked up at me, and I could see the struggle on her face. She smiled at me without it reaching her eyes. “I’ll need some time, but… I guess it will be nice just seeing him around more.”

“Hannah, really. I’m not

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