Witch in wolf's clothing - Namaari

Chapter 20: Sensitive Topic

Namaari’s POV

The entire shower scene feels like a blur. Normally, I would have protested harder, but my weakness make me give in. Plus, I can't deny that a part of me secretly enjoys the contact with Kaynim.

When we finally step out of the shower, Kaynim takes a step back, maintaining a respectful distance. He drapes a towel over himself, but his care for me remains evident as he ensures I have a towel as well. "I'll leave a fresh T-shirt for you to sleep in on your bed," he says, his voice gentle. "I'm going to my room to dry off and change."

I nod, too exhausted to say much, but grateful for his help. He heads towards the door but turns back to me before leaving. "From now on, I'll bring you your meals and make sure you eat small bites until you're back on your feet," he says with a small grin. "And if your fever spikes again, we might have to take another shower together."

I feel my cheeks heat up, blushing at his words. I quickly muster a playful retort, "Don't get too ahead of yourself, Alpha Kaynim." But deep inside, I can’t deny the thought of sharing another shower with him doesn't sound entirely unwelcome. Kaynim's presence is a comfort I didn't expect, and as he leaves the bathroom, I find myself hoping he'll come back soon.

Wednesday and Thursday pass in a haze of slow recovery and unexpected comfort. True to his word, Kaynim brings me meals every morning, afternoon, and evening. In the mornings and afternoons, he stays only briefly, just long enough to make sure I can manage to eat something. He goes back and forth to the university, trying to keep up with his classes despite the added responsibility of taking care of me. I feel a twinge of guilt for all the trouble I'm causing him, but it also touches me deeply.

In the evenings, Kaynim lingers a bit longer. We talk, albeit superficially, about various things until I grow too tired and drift off to sleep. I’m not used to this level of care, especially from someone like him. But slowly, I start feeling better. When Kaynim isn’t around, Zephyr keeps me company. His playful banter and lighthearted antics bring a smile to my face, making the days pass more quickly. What would I do without my best friend?

By Friday morning, I stretch and feel a significant improvement, though I'm not completely back to normal. I turn to Zephyr, who’s lounging beside me. "I think I can go back to school today," I say, determination in my voice.

Zephyr raises an eyebrow, giving me a look of mild skepticism. “Are you sure? You don’t want to push yourself too hard.”

I sit up, feeling a bit more energized. “Yup, I’m…” I start, but before I can finish, Zephyr makes himself invisible. I glance towards the door just as Kaynim walks in.

“Alpha Kaynim…” I begin, but he interrupts me with a smile.

“I think we’re past the ‘Alpha’ now. Just call me Kaynim. How are you feeling today?”

“I’m feeling better. I’m going back to school today,” I announce confidently.

Kaynim chuckles and casually lies down on the bed next to me, crossing his arms behind his head and his legs at the ankles. “It’s the last day of the week. Skip it. One more day won’t make a difference.”

“I’ve rested enough and missed too many classes already,” I protest, feeling the need to get back to my routine.

He laughs again. “From what I’ve seen in class, I’m sure you already have all the answers ready.”

I raise an eyebrow and smirk. “So, you missed my insightful comments, then?”

“Oh, absolutely,” he replies with a playful grin. “Classes have been dreadfully boring without your witty remarks.”

“Admit it, you missed me putting you in your place,” I tease, enjoying this lighter side of him.

“Maybe I did,” he concedes, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “Though I think the other students were relieved to have a break from being overshadowed by your brilliance.”

I roll my eyes but can’t help the smile spreading across my face. “I’m sure they were heartbroken.”

“Devastated,” he agrees, grinning.

I glance at him and say, “Don’t you have classes to attend?”

He shrugs nonchalantly. “I could use a day off too.”

We spend the next few hours talking, mostly about school. The conversation flows easily, and I find myself enjoying his company more than I expected. His presence is comforting, and for a while, I forget about the stress of school and the pack dynamics.

Eventually, I gather the courage to ask something that's been on my mind for a while. “Kaynim, can I ask you something personal?”

He looks at me with a hint of caution but nods. “Sure, go ahead.”

I bite my lip, hesitating before speaking. “Where is the Luna of this pack? Your mom?”

The atmosphere changes immediately. Kaynim’s warm demeanor turns cold and distant. His expression hardens, and his eyes lose their friendly sparkle. “That’s not something you need to concern yourself with,” he says sharply. “It’s none of your business, and you should never ask about it again.”

He stands up abruptly, the change in his mood palpable. “I think I’ll go train. I need it,” he mutters, moving toward the door. “Take care.”

As he leaves, I barely catch his mumbled words, “Bloody war, bloody witches.” The door closes behind him, and I swallow hard, feeling a lump form in my throat. The warmth of the morning evaporate, leaving a chill in their place.

I sit there, processing the sudden shift, feeling a pang of guilt for bringing up such a sensitive topic. Feeling the weight of Kaynim's abrupt departure, Zephyr crawls onto my shoulder and materializes. He quirks an eyebrow and says with a cheeky grin, "I think I need popcorn to watch all the drama in your life."

I can’t help but laugh, albeit a bit sadly. “Come on, let’s get dressed. My clothes are still in the attic room. If I’m not allowed to go to school, I might as well work on my spells to distract myself.”

As I head to the attic room, I think about the messages I exchanged with Willow, Ebony, and Kieko earlier. They've missed me this whole week, and I’ve missed them too. Willow asked if I wanted to hang out tomorrow at the beach, and I eagerly said yes. I can’t wait to see my friends again.

Willow also asked if I could stay over at her place tonight since her brother, River, will be at the triplets' house all evening, leaving her alone. The triplets will all be home tonight, and I’ve already seen each of them in awkward situations. Maybe it is better if I’m not around the packhouse tonight.

That evening, I head downstairs, dressed in a baggy pair of jeans and a black top, my hair pulled back into a ponytail. My backpack, filled with things I need for the night, is slung over one shoulder. As I approach the front door, I pass by the dining room and hear someone call out.

"Ari, where are you going? Aren’t you eating with us?" Zyméo’s voice halts me in my tracks.

I turn slowly and stand cautiously in the doorway of the dining room. At the table, Zyméo, Kaynim, and Tazzym are seated. Kaynim doesn’t look up, continuing to eat without acknowledging me. Tazzym’s gaze is cold as it meets mine.

I clear my throat and say hesitantly, "Oh, hey, long time no see."

Tazzym sneers, "Yeah, I've been with my flings all week, you know how I am." He goes back to eating, and I feel a sting from his words. Ouch, both Kaynim and Tazzym seem a bit upset with me.

Zyméo glances at Tazzym with a frown but then looks back at me with a warmer expression. "I stayed with Seraphina this week, but Kaynim let us know you were getting better. It’s good to see you up and about. Are you sure you don’t want to eat with us?"

Just then, River walks in. Saved by the bell, I think to myself. The last thing I want is a chilly dinner with the triplets.

"Beta River," I say, my tone brightening as I see him.

River greets me with a friendly smile. "Hey, Ari. Willow's looking forward to tonight."

"Ah, great. I better get going then. I’ll eat something over there. See you all later," I say quickly.

As I turn to leave, I can feel the tension in the room. Zyméo watches me with a concerned expression, while Kaynim and Tazzym remain distant.

I drive to Willow's house, feeling a mix of emotions. The triplets' coldness bothers me more than I want to admit, but the prospect of spending time with my friends brings a much-needed sense of relief. Tonight, I’ll focus on enjoying myself.

That evening at Willow's house, I dive into a real girls' night for the first time. We paint our nails in vibrant colors, try out different hairstyles, and gossip about school and crushes. Willow introduces me to her favorite chick flicks, and we binge-watch them, laughing and tearing up at all the right moments. We make a mess in the kitchen baking cookies and end up having a flour fight that leaves us both in fits of giggles.

This is the first time I've experienced something like this, and it hits me just how much I've missed having a friend in my life. Back in my pack, I’m never invited to do things like this. Being the princess, the daughter of the Alpha King and Luna Queen, intimidates most of the other girls. Plus, being a hybrid doesn’t always work in my favor, adding to the distance others keep from me.

So tonight, I soak in every moment with Willow, cherishing the laughter and the bond we're forming. Despite the fun, a small part of my mind keeps drifting back to the triplets. Their reactions, the coldness, and the awkwardness weigh on me.

Should I talk things out with them? Should I tell them who I really am and that I think we might be mates? The questions linger, but for now, I push them aside, focusing on the joy of the present moment with my new friend.

The night winds down, and as Willow and I lay on her bed, staring at the ceiling and talking about our dreams and fears, I realize just how much this friendship means to me. Willow turns to me with a smile.

“I’m really glad you came over tonight, Ari. It’s been so much fun.”

“Me too,” I reply, my heart full. “I didn’t know how much I needed this.”

She nods, understanding. “You’re always welcome here. Anytime.”

We eventually drift off to sleep, the bond of friendship warming my heart.