Seconds
1248 Words
I wake up in my bed. I snuggle down under the sheets, finding the perfect cool spot on the pillow. That is until I remember I didn't go to bed. I bolt upright, my vision hazy with sleep. Ryan is sitting at his desk, the circles under his eyes betraying his smile.
"Rise and shine sleepyhead, first time you'll catch me up before you" He winks and chuckles simultaneously.
"Sh*t I stole your bed, I didn't want to sleep in your nasty ass sheets" I reply dryly, before adding a quick "joking". I looked at Ryan's clock, and it was about time for breakfast. Whilst getting out of bed I asked Ryan why he wasn't prepping breakfast with the others. He gave a quick shrug and said "Looking after you babe, you snore btw". "btw isn't a word Ry". I put my hand on my face, letting out an exaggerated sigh. " I do not snore as*hat". I jabbed Ryan in the ribs with my elbow. He feigns injury by clutching his ribs before mocking my weakness - earning him a swift kick to the shins. I poke out my tongue in jest, and he holds up his hands in defeat. I remember to grab my phone, checking it, forgetting the battery was empty. I swiftly exit Ryans room, head to mine and stick it on charge. It turns on and begins to beep loudly, there are a few messages from Grace. Mentally, I note to check them later. Ryan peeps his head through the door and motions me to hurry. My stomach growls loudly. I don't think I've eaten since yesterday morning. We power walked up to the hall to join the others for breakfast. I stop at the door. I can already smell the fresh linen, the Alpha is in there... my mate is in there. I have to make sure I don't let on to others. Ryan puts a warming hand on my shoulder for support. I took a deep breath, and we head in. The smell hits me with a strong breeze. My stomach rumbles again, snapping me out of it. We are one of the last ones in, so we rush over to sit to avoid others' gazes. Graze has a stormy expression on her face and Leon shifts in his seat uncomfortably. I hung my head to avoid her death stare.
You're in for it now. Wolfy chuckles with glee.
Amal is sitting looking everywhere but towards Grace sitting opposite, and my entrance to the table. Claire is sitting with her head bowed down as usual, her expression hidden by the thick curtains of her hair. I guess because of her tensed shoulders she isn't feeling comfortable either. I hold my hand pretending to be waving a white flag. I sit down and brace myself for the lecture, Ryan sits and quickly starts a conversation with Leon to avoid being pulled into trouble.
Grace slowly inhales before starting. "Where have you been, Remilda? I have been worried sick. I called several times, I texted you several times. I had no clue if you were okay, if you were alive or dead! The last time I saw you, you were unconscious in someone's arms being carried off to the hospital. Do you have any idea how much Leon and I have been worried sick? And then do you even think about letting anyone know how you are? NO, you texted Ryan to come and meet you. Did you even think about me? Did you even think about Ryan? He was sat waiting for a quick message to know you were okay too. Not even a bloody apology, I mean, I am exasperated". Ryan shuffles a little in his seat, stealing a quick guilty glance towards me before carrying on his conversation with Leon a little too enthusiastically. Grace stares me down with a stormy expression, her neck starting to redden, the little vein in her forehead extruding slightly. "Well Remilda Hawcroft? I'm waiting for whatever bulls*t excuse comes out of your mouth". With that, Grace folds her arms and glares even harder. I start to flush, I feel like I'm being interrogated, I glance around and tables near us are starting to look over at the noise. I stare at one or two people to intimidate them, I don't want people listening in. I start in a hushed tone "Keep it down Grace, I'm fine. I'm so sorry I couldn't reply, I haven't read them yet. My phone died just after i managed to send a text to Ryan. I was unconscious yesterday, then they sedated me. How could I have answered? Besides, I kind of fell asleep on Ryan's bed when I got back... I only just put my phone on charge. Really sorry Grace, you are my best friend too, I do care, I promise.". I extend a hand across the table to show forgiveness, but Grace remains rooted in her spot. She lets out a small humph and moves her eyes away from me. I guess I have a lot of making up to do. I catch eyes with Leon and mouthed an apology. He looks to Grace for approval to forgive but is met with her cold stare. Leon shrugs and mouths sorry. The conversations are broken up by food being served. I get handed a bowl of porridge, a pastry and a small bowl of fruit. I'm so hungry I devour it within minutes. I pop the last slice of apple in my mouth and crunch before sitting back and rubbing my stomach. Amal breaks out in laughter, and says "oink oink". Leon and Ryan double over, Grace elbows Leon to make him stop and scowls at Amal, which makes them laugh harder. Claire snorts over her breakfast bowl. "Rude much?" Grace chirps. My ears go red, and I scowl at Amal "I haven't eaten in 24 hours dumb*ss, oink oink yourself". I put on my best upset expression and pout my lip, then winked to Amal. I made the mistake of looking up towards the end of the hall, steely ice-blue eyes staring back into mine. The Alpha's expression is hard, his face set as stone, but I study his features, his cheekbones sharp and chiseled, the slight lines above his thin brows, the slight shadow of hair on his jaw, the misshapen ridge of his nose, the way his hair flicks over his brows. My heart aches, I feel a welling in my eyes. I tear myself away and stack my dishes to stop the threatening tear spilling out. I wish to never feel this pain, to never feel rejection, to never suffer. I made myself a promise 7 years ago I would never open my heart to anyone. If you don't love, there's never a chance of pain. Your heart is your own, your body and mind is your own. The mating bond takes away choices and self control. I wished it would stop, the yearning, the aching, the empty feeling in my chest.
You might feel that way, Remy, but I want to feel it, I want to feel my mate, I'm so alone, cooped up inside all the time. I need to be loved, you are pushing my needs aside.
I'm sorry wolfy, I love you. I'll let you out soon. It's hard being two beings in one. We both have duties to fill
Wolfy pants in response, a small nod of agreement.
- Writer
