“Why am I dressed up again? This party isn’t for me,” Athena huffed out as she glared at Deidra.
“Because there will be hot single men there, and I’m showing my bestie off.”
“Why are we friends again? These people already know me, Dee. The dress and makeup won’t make a difference.”
“Trust me, it will. Have I ever steered you wrong?”
“The Kappa Li Au party our freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior years. The Delta Ka Li parties, all four years. And let’s not forget the two other parties I didn’t want to go to, but you dragged me too as well.”
“Oh, please. You had fun at those, and you know it.” Deidra waved her statement off. “Live a little. Have fun. Let your hair down. Enjoy the party. Just because it’s a welcome home party for Draco and Leo and their team, doesn’t mean we can’t have fun and laugh a little. If anyone deserves it right now, it’s you. Don’t let anyone know how much this has hurt you.”
“You’re a pain in my ass! You’re lucky I love your crazy ass, damn it.”
Athena let out a heavy sigh. Deidra was right, she deserved to live just a little.
Following Deidra out of the house, she laughed with her best friend as they joked with each other over silly things they tended to talk about. She never saw Draco nearly stumble as he walked with Leo or the fact Leo had to smack his back when he choked on his drink.
Athena was oblivious to her beauty or the men who attempted to flirt with her. Her life had always been about escaping her family and her job.
Maybe that’s why she and Deidra got along so well. Deidra knew how to life her up and make her feel like she was worth it for someone.
“Thank you everyone for coming this evening. Today we celebrate, not only the return of Draco and Leo, along with their team following them, but a new generation that will be takingover as our Alpha and Beta. Draco has accepted his role as Alpha of the Blackwood pack and community, while Leo has accepted his role as the Beta. We have also agreed to merge Blackwood Financing with Blackwood Security. Congratulations son and Leo. Welcome home!” Coren announced to everyone gathered around them.
Athena joined in the cheers with everyone else even though she didn’t know what it all meant. She figured with Deidra excited about her big brother being home, that was a good enough reason to cheer.
After Draco and Leo gave a small speech, thanking their parents for welcoming them home, they introduced their teammates to everyone. Once that was done, the official party started.
A few of the kids she had in her class now and through the years came up to say hi and talk to her, along with their parents. The parents checked on her since they had heard about what happened to her house and car.
When they walked away, the moms and kids would hug her, and the Dads shook her hand. She loved her school and the kids she got to work with every day.
The biggest thing was how small their community was, so she got to see her former students grow into the intelligent individuals she knew them to be. Many of her former students kept in touch with her.
When she had a moment, she let Deidra and her mother know that she was going into the house to use the restroom. Before she could open the bathroom door when she was done, she heard voices outside.
“What the fuck are you doing, Shades?” a female voice asked harshly.
“What I’ve wanted to do for years. He’s going to be mine and some two-bit fat bitch isn’t getting in my way just because she’sthe boss’s sister’s best friend. I will fuck him tonight and stake my claim.”
“It doesn’t work like that, and you know it. You’re going to get into serious trouble.”
“Only if this doesn’t work. But I know it will. Come on, let’s go. I need to find out what he’s drinking.”
Athena sagged against the wall in the bathroom and counted to twenty. She was afraid to go out there now.
When she finally opened the door to the bathroom, Deidra was about to knock. “Oh, hi.”
“Hey, you, okay?”
“Y-yeah. What’s up? Oh, I’m sorry I didn’t mean to hog the bathroom.”
“You didn’t. Draco and Leo are looking for you.”
“Why? Is Draco okay?”
“Yeah, he has something for you.”
Athena looked at Deidra in confusion. “Oh. Why or should I even ask?”
