Chapter 7: Tonight, I'm Going to Make You Shine

Briony's POV

"Pretty much what it sounds like. No friends. No social life. Most kids act like I've got some contagious disease." I shrugged. "Been that way forever."

I glanced up at her. "You're actually the first person who's talked to me about stuff that isn't homework or combat drills in... I can't even remember how long."

Weird. I used to get this hollow ache thinking about being the school pariah. Now I just feel numb. That's probably not healthy.

Layla's amber eyes studied me. "So what's the story there? And I'm guessing those silver-powder whip marks connect somehow?"

"Yeah, they're related." I looked away.

"We'll circle back to that eventually," she said. "Count on it."

Layla turned back to her closet, rifling through hangers. "My mom's a chemist. She married your pack's scientist, like I mentioned. They research werewolf abilities and healing stuff."

I tensed immediately. The memory of silver burning into open wounds made my skin crawl.

Layla caught my reaction. "Hey, don't freak. They're not mad scientists. They study the worst possible injuries werewolves could suffer and work on ways to heal them. Sometimes they analyze substances from territorial disputes. That's partly why we moved here - Mom's helping with some project. Don't know all the details."

She straightened up, giving me a mock-serious look. "And that stays between us, got it?"

"Seriously? You've known me like five minutes and you're spilling classified pack stuff?" I raised an eyebrow. "Why trust me?"

Layla's face softened. "Because you're taking hits for things you didn't do, and nobody seems to have a clue. You're loyal and honest, but totally blind to your own situation. That's what worries me."

She pushed aside a stack of shirts. "So level with me - why would someone torture you with silver powder? You don't strike me as the boyfriend-stealing, backstabbing type. Which means you threaten someone, somehow. And I bet you don't even realize it."

"I wish I knew what made me a target," I said quietly. "It started when I stepped in when a freshman was getting bullied. Then everything snowballed."

Layla's mouth quirked up, one eyebrow raised. "That the same BS you feed Griffin?"

I stared at my knees. "Maybe."

Her bullshit detector is scary good. I'll need to watch what I say around her. She'd make one hell of an interrogator.

Layla tried on another jacket, shaking her head. "Back to the friend thing - why don't you have any? You're decent and real, and I've got good radar for people." She hummed, still hunting through clothes.

I sighed. "It's messy. Being alone is easier. Anyone who hangs with me becomes Victoria's next victim. My brother Noah gets the Beta position someday, while I'm just waiting to see what rank my future mate has. There's nothing special about me, nothing I bring to the table. You're only talking to me because you're new and don't get how the pack pecking order works yet. You're gorgeous - the triplets and Noah's crowd already noticed you..."

And pretty soon you'll ditch me like everyone else.

"That's 'cause you've never had real friends," Layla said. "I don't scare easy. And after seeing you fight today, I'm shocked you let anyone mess with you, especially with silver powder. Can't believe your Alpha - hell, even your own brother - hasn't shut this down."

"Like I said, it's complicated," I mumbled. "They don't know about the whipping or silver powder. The other stuff isn't worth their time. If I can't handle minor problems myself, I'm not worth their attention. I've got Beta blood - I should be tough enough to deal with my own issues instead of running for help over every little thing. Noah and his friends think some bullying is normal. It's their whole 'survival of the fittest' crap."

Layla scowled. "Sounds like they're all cold-blooded jerks who have no business leading anyone. From your scars, they probably don't know half of what you've been through. And the emotional damage? They'd never get it - boys are clueless about that stuff."

I burst out laughing.

She nailed it. The pain inside cuts way deeper than anything they've done to my skin.

Sometimes I dream about just leaving this pack when I turn eighteen. Finding my mate somewhere else, or becoming a warrior for a different Alpha.

Layla grabbed a hat that matched her emerald green coat, spinning in front of her mirror. Her eyes lit up as she turned and looked me over.

"Tonight, I'm making you hot. Like, actually showing off how awesome you are. Don't even try to wiggle out of this."

"Wait, what?" My eyes widened. "I'm not 'hot' material. And exactly which guys are you trying to impress?"

"I saw how they checked you out during training and after school. I noticed in class too," Layla said, pulling tops from her closet. "You're not invisible, Bri. Even your brother looked at you differently after you took me down this morning."

I snorted. "Yeah right. Noah is just like my dad - all about rank and duty. I might as well be furniture. But nice try."

"I'm dead serious," Layla laughed, grabbing my arm and yanking me toward her closet. "Right clothes, little makeup, and you won't believe the difference."

I rolled my eyes. "A jacket and some lip gloss can't work miracles."

Despite myself, I laughed as she dragged me into her fashion vortex.

This is so far out of my comfort zone, but damn if her excitement isn't contagious.

Two hours later, I stood frozen in front of the mirror. I still wore my school jeans and t-shirt, but with an ice-blue jacket that somehow made my eyes look brighter. My light golden hair was pulled into a high ponytail with soft waves, and subtle makeup with pale pink lip gloss highlighted features I hadn't really noticed before. At least my boots were still mine.

Layla stood behind me, practically bouncing. "See? That blue makes your smoke-blue eyes pop, and the makeup gives them this silver shimmer."

She fluffed my ponytail. "This makes you look taller, more confident. I barely changed anything, but look how different you look."

"Ready?" she grinned.

I took a deep breath and nodded.

For the first time in forever, I actually feel... excited. And nervous. But mostly excited.