Not your normal wolf

Conundrum

Cathy POV

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I was shocked when Alaric kissed me but even more shocked when he went flying off of me. In a blink of an eye I was up looking for the threat but realized that Jackson was the one who had thrown Alaric across the room. I can’t say I was excited by Alaric kissing me but I would’ve never guessed Jackson would try to protect me. I could see him having an internal battle with his wolf.

I watched Alaric get up and just by his walk and eyes I could already tell this would be bad. However he knew how to stay composed in these situations. Hunters had to be composed on missions at all times. But the deadly look in his eye already told me everything I needed to know. I could tell Jackson also saw the look but he didn’t look afraid. More like confused?

I listened as Alaric brushed off what just occurred and excused us to head off to bed. He looked like he wanted to grab my hand but I know by the look I gave him that he understood to back off. I could give as good as I got and he knew better than to pick a true fight with me.

We crossed up into the pack house and headed towards the kitchen. No food was made. Not that surprising from what I heard this morning, apparently people now mostly took care of themselves besides special occasions.

Alaric began ransacking the cabinets and fridge for meat and vegetables. It’s basically all we ate as hunters. Protein was a must. He managed to find some steaks and peppers and threw them into a pan. We both knew I could help if I wanted to- he also knew he was literally in the dog house with me and it was best to not push it.

“So are we going to talk about what occurred out there or just pretend like that didn’t happen” I asked casually. Peering at him from my place on the kitchen island.

He paused and seemed to think about his words before speaking. “You know he likes you right? He’s too interested in you and that’s unacceptable. You know what would happen if a hunter left us for the wolves. You know too much. I needed him to back off. But I should have discussed it with you beforehand. For that I am sorry.” He looked at me pointedly “however I’m not sorry I did it” and I could see that glint in his eye at that moment. He looked like he wanted to own me and it made me stomach roll. Perhaps it was Deidra crawling at me under my skin but I felt a real urge to get away from him.

“Look I just need some space… and I need you to not address this with Jackson. Starting a fight with a wolf is a bad idea. If it ended badly the hunters would be a target.” At this I jumped off of the counter and strode outside. I really couldn’t stand another minute in there with him- even if I had to give up food for it. Unfortunately for me this left me pretty weak. I was already rapidly losing energy having to work hard to keep my appearance in front of Jackson. I never truly went back to myself when I got tired. Features would start to peel through but I fear what would happen if I fainted from exhaustion.

Lost completely in my thoughts I didn’t hear when someone approached. “Why are you here alone? I thought you and Alaric went pack to the house” Jackson asked questionably but he already seemed to know the answer.

“You know you could tell someone when you’re tiptoeing from behind. I am a hunter- my natural instinct would be to attack you” I snapped out. Better to completely ignore his question than try to explain. “Why are you out here anyways? figured you’d be off with some girl by now.” I swear I heard Deidra growl in my head at the inclination.

“I’ve been out on a run with my wolf- gotta let the beast out sometimes” he shrugged nonchalantly but seemed a little concerned about how I would react to his wolf. If only he knew I’ve been around them my whole life. “And for the record- I haven’t been with a woman in 10 months.”

I swallowed my shock at that. He could be lying. I didn’t have Deidra to feel it after the first time it happened. He seemed to be telling the truth but naturally I was skeptical. “Couldve fooled me with the noises coming from your room last night” I smiled but I know it didn’t reach my eyes.

He looked genuinely confused about what I was on about. I raised my eyebrow and pointed up. He literally facepalmed and I shifted a bit. I never thought he had a side like this.

“Your room is um right below Hudson’s and Jenny’s. They can be a little loud… I apologize I can ask them to quiet down” he looked super embarrassed. But Jenny? Was she my Jenny? I couldn’t ask without drawing attention but I swore to look around later.

I remained my generally unamused expression but seeing him look so embarrassed kind of made him look cute? I couldn’t help but c***k a smile at this. When I looked back up he was staring at me with a strange look in his eye.

“What do I have something on my face or?” I looked at him with a raised eyebrow

“Oh no- you just remind me of someone I used to know” I startled at that. He couldn’t be figuring out my identity this soon right? I seriously hope not.

“Well I hope they were a good person” I stretched and looked into the kitchen of the pack house. I couldn’t help but groan out loud when I saw Alaric staring out still eating his food. I swear he even licked his fork when he caught my eye. I shivered disgusted by the whole interaction. When I turned back around Jackson was staring at me perplexed.

“Do you want to stay somewhere else? You can stay at one of the empty houses closer to the warriors if you prefer?” He seemed to sense how uncomfortable I was. I shouldn’t have let that show. Someone can always use a weakness against you and Alaric and I are meant to be a team.

“No. We’re fine I just wasn’t sure if I was ready to go back in yet” it was a lame lie but I continued “I’ll head back in now and just go on to my room.” With that I turned but I couldn’t seem to get my feet to move towards the house. Towards him.

“Hey uh have you eaten? We could go get something from the diner in the town and get out of here for a while?” He was very polite in his asking and I was about to lie and say I already ate when my stomach let out a very loud grumble.

I sighed and turned. I’m sure my face was beet red. “Yes okay that would be preferable thank you” I felt shy all of a sudden and worried about what he thought of me. When I looked up however he didn’t seem at all concerned about the grumbling of my stomach. He was just standing there smiling… like an i***t

“Oh okay yeah let’s just get in my car and we can head out.” He seemed to want to hold his hand out to me but at the last second held back and gestured to the garage. I don’t know if I was happy or sad that he didn’t take my hand… and that’s dangerous.