Flutter

Flutter: Neuf (1/2)

"How ungrateful." She said, spitting. Nora's reply upset her. "Plenty of girls would be dying to be in your shoes."

"I would gladly hand them over in a gift wrapped box."

Charlene paused for a moment, before giving Nora a harsh smile.

"You have more moxie than I'd assume."

"Jumping to conclusions never did anyone good."

"Mmm. Well, as I was saying, you do have it all here. Can't say that I'm not a tad bit... envious. Though from the looks of it, he hasn't shared everything with you has he."

Nora cocked her head to the side, confused.

"I mean he still hasn't let you into his bed I see. Or his heart. It is hard to win over his affections but...he's affectionate in plenty of other ways."

"What?" Nora said, agitated and confused. She was dancing around a subject but Nora wasn't sure what she was getting it.

"I'm saying, child, that your mate and I have been close. Closer than you two have been." She purred out with a sly grin.

Nora understood then what Charlene was telling her and the realization shocked her. She wasn't naive enough to not understand the implication of her words. It was as if someone had just poured ice water on her and yet set her on fire at the same time. Nora had no idea that Quinton was active with Charlene. She didn't think he was innocent by any means but Quinton had the audacity to invite his playmate to dinner! The vile woman had actually sat besides her. Nora didn't know much about wolfen culture perhaps, but she did know about morals and decency. She was beyond insulted.   Nora couldn't help the images that flashed in her head - Quinton and Charlene wrapped around each other. 

"You're awfully silent. Don't tell me you didn't know? Whoops. Guess the cat's out of the bag now." Charlene chuckled darkly and turned away from Nora. Nora was still silent, frozen. Inside though, Nora was fuming, completely outraged and humiliated.  Everyone in that room knew exactly why Charlene was here - even Blaine! Yet, they all kept it a secret from her.

The men came back to the room then, finished with their little chat. Nora stood apart from them, still trying to get a hold of herself.

"Is everything alright, miss?" A unexpected voice said to her. Nora turned to find Todd standing besides her. Nora had been too distracted to even hear him approach her.

"Oh. Yes. I'm fine, thank you. How are you?" Nora sputtered.

"I'm doing well this evening. I must say, that dress suits you quite well." He said in his quiet, monotone voice.

"Thank you." Nora replied, trying to ignore the awkward feeling that was seeping into her skin. His gaze was heavy on her. 

"You are a beauty. An unappreciated beauty. It's quite a shame that Quinton doesn't recognize the gem that rests at his feet."

Nora smiled, not knowing how to respond.

"That must make you feel put out." He continued.

"Honestly, I don't mind it at all. I couldn't stand to have his hands on me." Nora blurted out. She put her hands to her lips. "Oh gosh. I shouldn't have said that. It's not right to talk  about things like that. You're a guest."

"Excuse me for making you feel uncomfortable. It was not what I was intending. But it's such a shame that you would feel unwelcome here." He said, reaching out his hands and taking hers into his own. Nora pulled her hand back. His touch sent a shiver down her spine but not in a good way.

"It's alright. Sorry, but I think it's best that I leave. I don't feel well." Nora excused herself, and walked up to Quinton, who was having a laugh with the rest of the group.