Five
1123 Words
Elara’s POV
I walk back to Ember’s cabin, feeling guilty and nervous. Ember probably thinks I'm an awful person especially when I just left with my things just because of an argument. I’ve been a terrible sister lately.
It’s dark outside, and the moon is hidden behind the clouds. I shiver from the cold and damp air against my skin. I knock the door quietly and hope she'll answer me.
The door opens, and Ember’s face appears in the dim light. She looks tired and frustrated, but also relieved to see me.
“Elara, where have you been? What happened to your cheeks?” she asks as she touches my face but I flinch. Ember's voice is full of concern and irritation. “I’ve been looking for you everywhere. You just took your bag and left... gosh Elara”
I lower my eyes, feeling ashamed. “I’m sorry, Ember,” I say softly. “I just wanted to tell him about the baby.”
She sighs and pulls me inside then closes the door behind us and locks it. Ember taps the couch and asks me to sit.
“What did he say?” she asks, looking at me with a mix of curiosity and suspicion. "Did he do that to you?"
"No," I shake my head but Ember scoffs as she bites her lips.
"You're lying."
"It's Thalia--"
"Lukas' girlfriend?"
"Yeah. I told her about the baby and she told me to get rid of it."
Ember squeezes her brow and I can tell she's about to school me again. "Is she crazy? That b***h!" I open my mouth as I'm surprised by Ember's anger.
Not in a million years did I think Ember would have my back.
"I'll gut that girl if I see her," Ember growls and I remember how protective she can be.
"It's fine--"
"No it's not."
The universe has been cruel to me but this is a turn around between Ember and I. I can’t help but wonder if Lukas will do the same if he ever finds out I’m carrying his child. Sadly, that won’t be happening anytime soon.
'What if you called his phone?' I don't think that would ever work. Thalia would probably find out and get rid of me, that's if she hasn't blocked my number on his phone now.
I get up from the couch and arrange my clothes in the closet and a soft knock interrupts me.
"Who's there?" I ask.
"It's me... Aiden."
My heart skips. Aiden had tried to ask me where I'm heading this morning but I wouldn't tell him.
"I-I'm coming..."
I open the door to see Aiden smiling with worry lines on his forehead.
"Hey, Elara," he says, his voice friendly. "I'm glad you're back. Ember told me you were here."
I nod shyly and ask him to come in. I close the door behind him and we both stand some feet away from each other. If a needle drops we'll probably hear it.
He looks around, admiring the cozy cabin. "Nice room."
"Yeah. Thanks," I point at the chair and he sits and I slump on the sofa. The room feels tense with unspoken words between us.
"I know i've got no right to tell you what to do... but I thought you weren't coming back"
I play with my fingers and look at him with tears in my eyes. "Well, I'm not going anywhere again."
"Cool."
"So… how's your day been?" I ask, trying to change the awkwardness around us.
"Nothing much," he frowns as he looks at my left cheek. "What happened?"
I touch my face and look away. "It's–I got into a fight. It's no big deal."
"Wow that must have been a hell of a fight," Aiden frowns. " I hope you're okay now?"
"Yeah… I'm fine, really it's not a big deal."
Aiden rubs his hands together and I can feel the awkwardness hanging in the air again.
"You know scars tell a story though. I've one on my stomach," Aiden says pulling his t-shirt up so I can see the scar on his firm belly. "I got it when I was trying to save my little brother from a pack of rogue wolves. You know… it was a close call but we made it out."
I had no idea he's got this brutal story. Aiden introduced me to his brother, Hank just a day after we met.
I look at him curiously. "That's brave."
He nods as he smirks and I can tell he's proud of himself. "He didn't let me forget it for a while. He still calls me his 'his scar-bearing guardian'."
I chuckle. "Sibling can be like that but it's quite a story."
Aiden nods as his face takes a serious note. "Yeah. This scar defined me… it reminds me what I'm gonna fight for."
"True."
Aiden gets up to sit beside me and I feel like the heat in my body has increased.
"That scar doesn't make you anyless beautiful…" Aiden leans closer to me as his lips grazes mine.
My heart races because I know what's about to happen if I don't put a stop to this. I'm carrying Lukas' child and I'm not supposed to feel anything for any other guy.
"Elara, you're really special and I can't keep pretending we've got no connection."
I swallow hard as his soft lips presses against mine. If I let the worries go Aiden will kiss me.
"Aiden… I can't," I put my hands on his but I can't bring myself to push him away. 'f**k!' I love Lukas so much and I'm not supposed to feel a thing for any guy. I'm starting to think the moon altar is a joke–
"I know we barely know each other but it feels like I've known you for so long–"
"I'm still in love with Lukas."
"Lukas… your mate?" Aiden looks into my eyes and I almost melt into him. "He rejected you."
"I know but I still have this strange pull to him."
"That's the same way I feel about you. If this whole soulmate thing is so real then why am I going crazy about you?"
"Aiden, I can't just forget everything with Lukas."
He gets up and I can see the bulge in his jeans. I know he wants but it'll be cruel to just throw away what Lukas and I shared that night. Besides, if Aiden finds out I'm pregnant he'll not find me so attractive anymore.
Aiden has a sad smile as he scratches his hair. "I'll see you later." Aiden leaves me alone with my thoughts about Lukas but I can't deny the chemistry we share.
- Writer
