Her Very Own Flame

Chapter 4 Caught Up In The Middle

Nikolai, noticing the change, pulled me into a comforting hug. I don’t know why, but it always had a calming effect. While breathing out a sigh of relief, I think about how to get away from this situation. The quickest way to get out of this crowd would be my sister. I knew she wouldn’t be wasting any time leaving this place. Plus, it’d give me an excuse to get away from Nikolai for a few hours.

“Well”, I began to say while pulling back slightly, “I should probably go to tell Christian about moving back in with you”.

He scoffs out of disbelief. “Why? She never cared about knowing beforehand”.

I rolled my eyes and smacked his chest. He could always see through me. I should’ve known better at that point. But it was worth a try. Suddenly, we were interrupted by Noah and Jacob. Great, like I wanted to deal with his best friends right now. Of all things, I’d prefer anything else. Sighing from the thought, I noticed Noah, as usual, leaning against the side of Nik’s jeep. His hands were tucked into the pockets of his leather jacket. All the while, Jacob leaned against the side of the open passenger door. Gripping the top part with one of his hands.

Naturally, the chipper one of the bunch, Jacob, grinning, teasingly says, “I see you two love birds made up again”.

I huffed out a breath feeling rather annoyed at the statement. Crossing my arms over my chest, I looked at the ground. Swinging my feet slightly as I heard him add, “It took long enough. I thought Noah and I would continue to suffer from his terrible moodiness”.

Suddenly, Nik hits him on his shoulder, causing me to chuckle. Though I quickly stop it when Jacob sends me a glare while rubbing the spot that got hit. “See what I mean. He’s short tempered without you around”.

Rolling my eyes, I replied, “I doubt that, since he just hit you right here with me present”.

Grumbling, he shrugged. “How’d you manage to get her to come back this time”? He asked, grumpily.

Nikolai chuckled while answering, “My wonderful charm, of course”.

“Ha! Right”! I shouted while laughing.

He grimaced and it only made me laugh more. Until his gaze turned into a warning sign, causing me to mumble, “Like I ever had a choice”.

Now looking elsewhere, I feel my mood matching Jacob’s at this point. Then nudging Nikolai with my leg, I added, “See what your charm does to the mood around here”, I pout.

Rolling his eyes, he snatches my leg in his hand. Giving me a gentle tug signaling for me to get out of the jeep. Sighing, I leaned forward, wrapping my arms around his shoulders. Then I was hoisted out and set on the ground. Before I could step away, he leaned in close to my ear, whispering, “You’re adorable when you pout”.

Instantly, I shove him out of annoyance. Of course he’d find my pouting cute. It’s like everything else about me that he always comments on being adorable. This seemed to make him laugh while stepping back to give me space. Though Noah finally chimes in with his raspy voice, “So, what are we going to do about that new guy”?

Quickly turning in his direction, I pointed my finger while narrowing my eyes. “Nothing is what will happen. Neither of you are going to get involved. The last thing I need is a repeat of what happened in senior year of high school”. Pausing as they laugh, I grumble before continuing barely audible, “Poor Sam, the guy had to switch to being home schooled aftwards”.

This catches Nikolai’s attention, which isn’t good. Gently he gripped my chin, making sure I couldn’t avoid his intense gaze. Then, eerily calm, he says, “Hey, that was well deserved after what he tried to do”.

A shiver erupted along my spine as the mood between the guys became serious. Taking in a steady breath, I tried to relax myself, while Jacob chimed in, “You can’t be so forgiving, Alexa. Especially for people like that”.

Sighing, I pulled my chin out of his grip. Moving to a spot where I could look at all three easily. I crossed my arms over my chest, while replying, “I wasn’t. I just thought that course of action was too cruel for what he did”.

“No, it was exactly what he deserved. Scum like that don’t deserve to get off without consequences, little one”, Noah spoke slightly agitated.

Letting out a defeated sigh, I shrugged in response. Not even wanting to gripe about his nickname for me at the moment. All I decide to finally let out is, “Whatever”, before I look at the ground.

Turning away from them, I notice Arius walking across the field. God, the man looked like a Greek statue. His chiseled figure wasn’t difficult to see even from there. Since the clothing he had on fit him perfectly. They emphasized his muscular thighs, arms, and shoulders. While observing this, I realized he was walking in my direction. Swallowing out of nervousness, I glanced briefly at the guys before back at him. He really had a death wish apparently. If what happened earlier wasn’t a big enough hint, I don’t know what would get through to him. Sighing, I shook my head. The man seemed fearless. I'd give him that. Especially choosing to approach me when these three were here. Tenseing from the thought, Nikolai noticed and looked for the source of it. Once, his eyes landed on Arius. I became uneasy about what would happen next.

Jacob clasped Nikolais shoulder, “We should take care of this now before it gets any further”.

All three nodded in agreement before making their way towards him. Sighing, I anxiously tapped my foot. Helpless to do much of anything right now, I could only hope nothing dangerous would happen. As I watched, my sister soon captured my attention. Yelling to me nearby, I met Christian’s gaze. Before walking to her, I closed the passenger door of his jeep. Then, coming to a stop halfway, I started to ask what she wanted. Naturally, she cuts me off and excitedly asks, “Are they going to put that guy in his place”?!

“Seriously”? I answered back agitated. “I hate that you’re even excited about the fact someone may get hurt”.

Disgust wouldn’t properly describe the feeling I had towards her. Shrugging, she replies, “Everyone knows that you belong with Nikolai. Anyone who values their life understands not to go near you”.

Her eyes glistened with excitement a moment later. Watching the four of them, Christian seemed like she couldn’t wait to watch a bloodbath. Letting out a disappointed sigh, I glanced away from her. Noticing the growing crowd of spectators, I can’t say I’m surprised. The hunger for violence around here at times didn’t stop with my sister. Thinking about it more, I realize some of that may be from the fact. A lot of the community participates in physical sports or competitions. Most of them promoted getting into altercations. I happened to be possibly the only one who didn’t actively participate in such things. Granted, even if I did, my parents would’ve prohibited me from doing it. Though as I look back at Christian.

I found myself saying, “This shouldn’t even be happening, you know. I mean, I should be able to associate with anyone. Even with that, Arius is new to town. It’s not like he’d know as everyone else does to avoid me”.

Instantly, she laughs before grasping my arm. “Oh don’t tell me you’re still stuck on that ridiculous idea of yours, little sister”.

Glaring at her, she ends up laughing even more. “Alexa, you’re in denial at this point about your future. Regardless”, she pauses on that word, taking the time to examine her clear-coated nails. Then continuing, “You’re always going to belong with Nikolai. So, you might as well get around to accepting that now. No matter how hard you keep fighting. Your fate was sealed when he staked his claim”.

Brushing off her nails against the faded skinny jeans she wore. After a minute, Christian looked at me finally. I knew tears were brimming in my eyes at this point. So, quickly looking away, I noticed all four guys had rigid body language. The reality of it all hit me hard at that moment. Maybe she is right in the end. But at the same time, she always said things to bring me down. Most of our life together she’d snark and poke fun at me. Using the things that bothered me most to get inside my head.

Thinking about this, I shook my head, then quietly said, “I have a choice, Christian. No matter what anyone else believes…I.Have.A.Choice”, I bit out those last few words.

She rolled her eyes in response at first. “Whatever, Alexa. Keep living in that fantasy world. You’re just making things harder for the rest of us and yourself”.

I scoff at that while thinking about the scene playing out before me. It appeared like two alpha males having a pissing contest. The way they were sizing another up and talking about something I couldn’t hear from where I stood. Turning away, I decided to just ask, “Can you take me home? I need to start packing anyway”.

Her gaze met mine, and for a moment. I thought I saw a brief flash of sympathy in those hazel eyes. But then again, I could’ve imagined it. “Sure, but you’ll have to ride in the back seat. Xander is coming over today”, she answers.

“Gross”, I respond while my nose scrunches up in disgust.

Before she could say anything back, I started walking. Heading towards her SUV, I felt relieved. Mostly because she didn’t give me any s**t about why I really wanted to leave. She usually made fun of my lack of tolerance for watching violence. Despite having a valid reason for why. Ever since what I went through growing up in our family and that infamous incident, I have had the worst panic attacks and reactions when seeing or being around any conflict. It happened to be rare for me to be able to stay standing firm when it happened. My body typically ends up shaking like a leaf, among other things. Especially if men were involved, I’d freeze instantly. Despite wanting to run far from the problem. Sighing, I found myself feeling terrible from these thoughts. Just as I was about to be at her SUV, I suddenly heard Nikolai’s voice booming.

Halting me in my tracks, I quickly turned in their direction. Seeing that Nikolai and Arius were now fighting one another. My heart rate picked up while my eyes went wide. Shock and fear started to course through my body. I knew the flashbacks wouldn’t be far away. Suddenly, I see Nikolai throw an uppercut at Arius. Something in me snapped. For some ungodly reason, my feet started taking off towards them. While running through the crowd, I hear gasps ring out. I didn’t know if it was because of what I’m doing or the fact Arius dodged the hit. But it didn’t matter, I needed to stop this. Not sure where this newfound courage came from. I decided to hold on to it as long as possible. As I finally cleared the crowd, I heard Christian yelling at me to stop. I don’t know why she cared so much if I interfered. Not like she ever cared about my well being before. So, I continue running towards them. Throwing myself in the middle right as they’re about to hit another again. I brace myself for the impact. What I had been thinking. I have no idea. All I knew at this point was I didn’t want either of them hurt.

Suddenly, whispers broke out amongst the crowd. I opened my eyes after realizing I had closed them when I braced myself a moment before. Then I noticed Nikolai and Arius looking at me bewildered. “What are you doing”?! Nikolai yelled.

My body flinched from the intensity his voice held. Right after, I felt the fear hit me hard. Even though I quickly tried to reason in my head. Nikolai wouldn’t hurt me like what my brain is imagining. As I continued trying to calm myself, my breathing quickened. God, steady breaths Alexa, steady breaths, I chanted in my head. Knowing a panic attack wasn’t far off, I was trying my best to keep it from happening.

Though my focus is broken, when I hear Arius say, concerned, “Don’t yell at her like that. Can’t you see how terrified she is”?

Glancing towards him, I noticed his worried expression. As he’s about to reach out for me, I heard Noah speak threateningly, “I wouldn’t do that”.

Arius narrowed his eyes at him before taking another step forward. He really didn’t give a f**k about what they had to say. As much as I wanted to admire that, I had other pressing matters. My gaze went towards Nikolai. I could tell by the look in his eyes that he was upset with me. Honestly, I couldn’t blame him because I had put myself in danger. All to try and stop them from fighting. Which sort of worked, I thought. Finally, he let out an exasperated breath before extending his hand out to me. I knew this would be my one chance to possibly have this fight completely stop. So, I placed my hand in his, allowing him to pull me close. As I’m tucked into his side, I peek over his arm to find everyone staring intently. Waiting to see what would happen next. Though glancing at Jacob and Noah, I couldn’t help but flinch. Sensing that they were angry at me isn’t something I’m thrilled about.

Swallowing nervously, I returned my focus and gazed up towards Nikolai. Who briefly glances down and shakes his head at me. Yep, I’m in big trouble after this. I could already imagine the possible punishments I may be in for, when getting to his place. Suddenly, I heard him say in that unnerving, dangerous tone, “You come near her again, I’ll kill you”.

As if my body hadn’t been tensed up enough. Those last three words definitely added to that. Usually, most people would try to laugh it off and say he’s joking. However, I knew he certainly wasn’t. This was one of the things that made me hesitant to fully accept him. I had been aware he’s blatantly murdered people without batting an eye. Hell, that was actually him being merciful compared to the other acts he’s committed. A complete psychopath, in my opinion. Though right now, I am waiting to hear what Arius says.

A long silence had passed as they stared at each other down. Then Arius’s deep rich voice cut through it, “You couldn’t kill me even with your two friends helping”.

Gasping, I found myself grabbing Nik’s shirt tightly. Shaking my head at Arius hoping he’d see and back down from that. But looking at me, I could tell he meant every word. As his silver eyes held nothing but a sharpness to them. Then he adds while keeping my gaze, “I’ll be back for her”.

Uh, what the f**k, I thought. What does that even mean? As I held his gaze, Nikolai tightened his arm around me. “You’ll be dead before you can even get her. She’s mine and mine alone”, he said, threateningly.

Maybe this will be a day filled with firsts. I don’t know. But hearing that, I became frustrated. Shoving against him, I moved away from them. “That’s enough”! I yell.

My breathing quickened as I observed their shocked expressions. Despite the fact, my body started to shake from the anxiety and fear. I forced myself to continue, “I have had enough of being told that I belong to someone. I am a person, not someone’s property”!

Gasps spread throughout the spectators. I knew everyone was shocked at that point. Hell, I’m even surprised. I haven’t truly stood up for myself in a long time. So, this is definitely rare. Clearing my throat, I added, “I should have a say about something like that, okay. Anyway, I am the main reason this is happening”.

My voice was shaky as I spoke. Though my heart palpitated when I saw Nikolai’s expression. His whole body language got tense. As his fists tightened, he took a step toward me. Instantly, I stepped back. This seemed to stop him. Contemplating for a minute before he looked at Arius.

“We’ll pick this up another time. Right now, I need to take care of my mate”.

My brows furrowed out of confusion. He hasn’t referred to me as that before. What the hell is going on? Before I could wonder further, I noticed Arius roll his eyes. But he nods, though as he turns to walk away, I hear him say, “Enjoy your time with her while it lasts. Here soon, she’ll be leaving you in the end”.

Then he walked off. Conversation erupted amongst everyone that had watched this take place. But all I could focus on was Arius. Heading towards the trees with his head held high and confident strides. Suddenly, Noah asks, “Should we go after him”?

“No. We have other matters to attend to”, Nikolai responded.

I could sense the agitation rolling off him. Swallowing nervously, I decided to take a few more steps back. I should probably run at this point. Though I knew that would be pointless. Yet while thinking, I’m taken by surprise when Nikolai closes the distance between us swiftly. Wrapping his arm around my waist and pulling me harshly against him.

Leaning down, he whispered in my ear, “We’ll talk about your little stunt later, when we’re at home”.

Pulling back slightly, I met his gaze. My heart is racing wildly now. As I contemplated responding, he calmly said, “Now go with your sister and pack. I’ll be by later this afternoon to get you”.

A chill erupted along my spine. Oh did I dig the deepest hole I could this time, I thought to myself. Pulling away from him, I took off running towards Christina’s suv. Dread filled the pit of my stomach as I jumped inside.