Rebirth Of The Rejected Luna Chapter 54: Telling Layla The Truth

**Theo's POV**

She scoffed, turning away from me. "That's not good enough. I'm your sister. I deserve to know what's going on in our pack, especially when it concerns our safety and important visitors."

"You're right," I admitted, standing up and moving toward her. "I should have told you. But things have been so complicated lately, with the rogue attacks and the Lycan King’s unexpected visit. Then Tiana and Fiona find out... I didn't handle it well."

Layla's eyes narrowed, her anger flaring up again. "Wait, Tiana and Fiona knew? And you didn't think to tell your own sister?"

I sighed, rubbing the back of my neck and wanting to slap myself for making it slip. There was a probability that Layla's anger could not be tamed.

"It’s not that simple, Layla."

"Oh, it is simple!" She yelled. "It's as simple as preferring to let strangers and friends know instead of your own blood. I can't believe you and father!"

"Layla—"

"Is this about me being a woman? Because I was under the impression that in this pack we value equality."

"It is not about you being a woman. Are you even hearing yourself? If it's about gender would I tell Fiona and Tiana about it?"

"Well, one is a woman you're hopelessly in love with and the other is your childhood best friend."

"Look Layla, when I left to meet Father it was all in a rush and when we came back home, Fiona somehow found out and was mad at me for not telling her. She was also terrified because we know how her parents died and stuff. I tried to explain to her, but then Tiana came to look for me and she overheard."

I took a deep breath and continued. "Then later on, I had so much on my mind because I might be losing one of my best friends."

Layla's confusion deepened. "What do you mean by that? How did Fiona find out? And why was Tiana there?"

I took a deep breath, knowing this was going to be difficult to explain. "No idea how Fiona found out but after that argument, we took a walk to my garden and then Fiona kissed me in the garden."

"She what?" Layla gasped dramatically, fanning herself like she was going to faint.

"Yeah," I sighed, rolling my eyes. "And this stays between us. You are not to tell Amara or any of your noble friends."

"My lips are sealed," she said, mimicking a zipper. "Well, what happened next? Did you push her or kiss her back?"

"Tiana walked in on us. Fiona stormed off angrily, and I went to find Tiana to explain what happened and of course, she didn't want that explanation and said I didn't owe her one."

"You obviously didn't. What happened with Fiona?"

"Obviously, Fiona was mad," I said, rolling my eyes while using the same tone she had used on me.

Layla's eyes widened in surprise, and her jaw dropped slightly as if she was just processing what I had said since. "Wait a minute! Fiona kissed you?"

"Yes, I said that like five minutes ago," I rolled my eyes.

"I know, I know... I'm just remembering... No wonder... that's why she was acting so strange during dinner. Plus Amara and I had our suspicions that she was in love with you since Tiana showed up, but to hear it confirmed... She's in love with you, isn't she?"

I nodded reluctantly. "Yes, she is. She admitted it."

"How did I not see this coming?" Layla murmured, shaking her head. "So, Fiona kissed you, Tiana walked in, and then what? You went after Tiana to explain? That's why she was so sour during dinner that day. Did you even talk to Fiona afterwards?"

I sighed again. "Yes, after dinner, I went to see Fiona."

"So what happened?"

"She was still mad, of course."

"Wait what did you tell her..."

"I told her that I cared about her deeply but not in a way that was romantic and that we should just stick to being friends."

"Too bad," Layla smiled wryly. "Let me guess, she didn't take it well?"

"She told me she didn't know if she could just be friends anymore, so now we're on a break from each other. Something like that."

Layla's shoulders slumped as she sat down on the edge of my bed then she stood up immediately scrunching her nose. "I forgot your bed was wet. Now my dress is wet."

"That's on you."

She rolled her eyes and paced back and forth in my room. "That's tough, Theo. Fiona has always been so close to you. It must be hard for her to accept that you don't feel the same way."

"It is," I admitted, sitting beside her. "I hate seeing her hurt, but I can't force feelings that aren't there. I value her friendship so much, but I understand that she needs time."

"I won't lie and say I feel bad for her though because she's been nasty with her behavior as of late but I do understand your feelings, Theo." Layla gave me a thoughtful look. "Why didn't you tell me any of this earlier? I could have helped. I might have been able to talk to Fiona even though we are not close... Just like regular girls talk or even give you some advice."

"I know, Layla," I said, feeling guilty. "I should have confided in you. Everything just happened so fast, and I was overwhelmed. I barely even have time to myself."

"Well, you can't handle everything on your own," she pointed out. "That's what family is for."

"I promise I will from now on," I said sincerely. "It's been a lot to deal with, and I didn't want to burden you with my problems or the problems of the pack. The rogues were a lot to deal with and the rash outbreak I didn't want to risk you getting it and Amara is pregnant so she can't be around that stuff... It may affect the baby."

"Burden me?" Layla asked with a raise of her brows. "Theo, we're siblings. There's no such thing as burdening each other with our problems. You should know that by now. Plus what's going on in the pack is everyone's problem!”