Her Very Own Flame

Chapter 7 Pushing Boundaries

Swiftly, I unbuckle my seatbelt. Opening the door and hopping out, I turned around. “I’ll go inside and order for us”, I say a little too enthusiastically.

This would be one of the few times I’d get space from any of them. So, I was going to take full advantage of it. Though Nikolai c****d his eyebrow out of suspicion. “Alright…what do you guys want”?

“It’s two stuffed crust supreme pizzas still, right”? I quickly said.

Anxiously tapping my foot while I wait for their response. “Calm down, Alexa, sheesh”, Noah lets out annoyed before continuing, “Yeah that’s fine just don’t forget to add two boxes of cheese sticks”.

I nodded and shut the door before walking into the restaurant. As the bell rang above my head, announcing my arrival. I’m soon greeted by the wonderful aromas of spices they use. “Alexa! How wonderful to see you”, Michelle exclaims from behind the cobblestone counter.

Smiling, I waved while walking towards her. “I know it’s been a while since I was last here”.

She flashes me an understanding expression before asking, “So, you’re here for the boys, right”?

Sighing, I nodded. “Yup, they want their usual”.

Laughing, she shakes her head and starts on the base. “Let me guess, you’re moving back in again”.

“You always seem to know what’s going on. Should I be worried you’re spying”, I playfully replied.

She grins while sprinkling on the toppings before placing them in the oven. As she preps the next one, I glance towards the windows at the front of the shop. Seeing that the guys seemed to be having an intense discussion, I wondered what it was about. As Nikolai turned towards the backseat, his hand tightly gripped the steering wheel. I knew it couldn’t be anything good.

Suddenly, I hear Michelle ask, “Do you want me to make some pasta? I know how the toppings on the supreme pizza upset your stomach”.

Meeting her comforting gaze, I half smiled. “Yeah, I’d appreciate that”.

She nods while walking over to one of the pantries. Sifting through it for the ingredients she wanted to use. I find myself appreciating how much she cares. I know I may give this town a lot of s**t for the downsides. But no matter what, I’d always love and appreciate how much the townspeople cared for one another. Despite my differences from the rest of the community. They always treated me better than my own family did, at least. Watching as she placed the pot full of water onto the stove. I heard the bell go off. Signaling someone else had come inside. Expecting it to be Nikolai, I turned around.

Only to be met with a surprise when I see it’s actually Arius. My eyes widened while worry spiked in me.

Flashing that half-lazy smile of his, my heart palpitated again. Though I don’t think it’s only due to how charming that smile can be. Glancing past him, I noticed the guys were still engrossed in conversation. God, I hoped they’d stay that way. The last thing I wanted was for a fight to break out in Michelle’s restaurant.

“Alexa, having pizza tonight too”? He asks cheerfully.

Shaking my head, I glanced back at Michelle. Naturally, she’s watching this take place. Though I couldn’t read how she felt about it. As she turned away, I looked back at him. His silver eyes held an unwanted admiration in them. The last thing I needed was that. f**k, I’m currently in a situation right now that I don’t want with Nik either. If it were up to me, I’d be single as a pringle and far from this town. Sighing, I don’t know if it’s best to ignore or answer him. So turning away from him, I resume watching as Michelle moves around the kitchen. Gracefully cooking the dinner I’d soon be having.

“Wow, you're giving me the cold shoulder huh”, he says playfully, hurt.

Oh my goodness, why can’t he take a hint? Another problem a lot of people had in this town. Minding their own business and leaving someone alone when asked. Gazing up at him, I find he’s standing next to me now. Taking a few steps to the left, I take a deep breath and exhale.

“It’s not that, Arius. I am just thinking about how early today went. It’s best we avoid another”, I answered quietly.

He hums as if contemplating what I told him. As I began to tap my foot anxiously, I only hoped he’d leave me be. It’s for his best interest at this point. Suddenly, he’s nudging me with his elbow. “Hey”! I shouted, stepping away while rubbing my shoulder where he nudged me.

Grinning mischievously, he says, “Loosen up, my friend. Nothing bad’s going to happen with us talking”.

Looking at him as if he'd lost it. I scoff and murmur, “You really are careless apparently”.

He laughs while reaching out, pushing some of the wild curls away from my face. Causing me to briefly hold my breath. The mixed signals and unsettling emotions he caused me to have my anxiety at an all-time high.

“If we’re friends, then you shouldn’t be doing gestures like what you did”.

My gaze burns into his while he smiles. Amusement flashing in his eyes before placing his hands into the pockets of his jeans. “Well, we have to start somewhere, right”?

As I glanced around him, making sure Nikolai hadn’t looked this way. I let out a heavy breath. I don’t know why I wanted to keep him safe. Granted past situations, I didn’t want those guys hurt either. But this desire and need to keep Arius from getting hurt, burned stronger than that. Causing confusion in its wake, because it tested my self-preservation and protective mechanisms. They’ve been in place since I was a kid. Not once have I wavered at throwing them out the window for anyone. Despite my therapist trying to urge me out of my comfort zone. Shaking my head from the thoughts. I realize he’s still waiting for me to say something.

Did he ask a question? I should know better than to zone out while in conversation with someone. Sighing, I ask, “I’m sorry, did you say something after that last question”?

Grinning, he lets out that warm laughter I heard earlier. “All I said was, I think you should try throwing caution to the wind sometimes”.

Oh, this man had lost it. If he knew anything about me, I certainly am not one to seek out danger. Throwing aside caution only leads to conflict and situations I had no desire to be a part of. The last thing I wanted was to be dragged down along with him. At this rate, I could already see the possible scenarios playing out. I’m already doing some of what he’s suggesting by engaging in conversation. Especially if Nikolai saw this going on, I groaned internally.

“Alexa? Are you okay”? Michelle asked from behind the counter.

Turning towards her, I sighed. “Yeah, it’s only Arius being an i***t per usual”. I say that as if it’s a daily occurrence that’s been going on for years between us.

But in fact, I just didn’t want more people getting dragged into this. Michelle’s too good of a person to be thrown into my problems. Plus, admitting there’s an issue means having to deal with it. I’d rather avoid a problem like a plague than that. While thinking about this, I noticed she had a skeptical look on her face. Then her gaze moves behind me. “Are you sure”, she asks.

I nod and after a moment she refocuses on finishing up my pasta. Realizing now that the pizzas were done, I feel a little relief. Knowing I’d be out of here soon. I looked towards Arius. Offering me a relaxed smile, I couldn’t help wondering how someone becomes as chill as this one. I know I’ve been uptight my whole life. Always wishing I could be unwavering and not give a care in the world. Especially when facing situations where physical harm is coming my way. But unfortunately, I came to the conclusion that it wouldn’t ever be a reality for me.

“Arius, I’m serious when telling you, it’s best to stay away from me. I don’t want you getting hurt”.

He laughs briefly while I watch him roll up the sleeves of his shirt. The long sleeved navy blue t-shirt he had on paired nicely with the frayed, light-washed jeans. While noticing his black vans, I heard the bell ring above the door. Oh, this could be bad, I thought. Meeting Arius’s gaze for a minute, I understand now why he rolled his sleeves. He knew that Nikolai had discovered we were talking.

“How”, I started, but he shook his head, causing me to stop.

Turning around, his back facing me, I couldn’t help the bad feeling in the pit of my stomach. I stepped towards the left and placed a table between me and them. Nikolai walked towards us unnervingly calm. Though I knew better than to believe that. Below the surface, that man was boiling mad. Despite the calm expression on his face and matching body language. His eyes gave him away. The inferno raging in those blue irises was easily seen. Gripping the wooden chair in front of me, I became worried about what might happen.

It was nearly silent in this place except for the sounds from the appliances. After another uncomfortable couple of minutes, Nikolai finally says, “I thought I made it clear earlier to stay away from her”.

Instantly, the muscles throughout my body tensed. “Oh, you mean that little tantrum on the campus earlier was you warning me about that”? Arius remarked, unimpressed.

My eyes widened in shock. Has this man gone mad? I panicked and yelled in my mind. Glancing towards Michelle, I was surprised to see her relaxed. Leaning against the countertop, she seemed fine with this escalation.

“You really are that dense, it seems”, Nikolai said while stepping closer towards Arius. As he rolled his shoulders, getting them relaxed, I knew any minute now. They were going to be in another altercation. “Thinking this is all a joke and that you could come into my territory. Disrespecting me in front of my people”. While saying this, he shoves some of the tables towards the left. Like they’re light as feathers to move, he never once broke eye contact with Arius.

Though as I glance towards Arius, he still appears unimpressed by this. And stays silent, watching as Nikolai closes the remaining distance between them. Allowing me to notice that Nik was a couple inches shorter than Arius. Nibbling my lip nervously, I debated whether I should try to step in. The thought alone, though, caused my body to start shaking. Before, I started to focus on calming myself.

Nikolai, in a chilling tone, says, “You’ve already overstayed your welcome and crossed too many lines, lycan. The last straw was trying to steal my mate”.

What in the actual f**k is going on? Glancing frantically between them and Michelle. I wanted this whole thing to end. I don’t know if lycan was a term meant to insult someone. Let alone hearing that word mate again. Regardless, this situation had to stop. Suddenly, goosebumps broke out across my skin when Arius let out a humorless laugh.

I let out a gasp when he suddenly shoveled Nik a few feet back. “So much talk with no action to back it up, Nikolai”, Arius mockingly spoke.

Oh god, I thought. “Arius”, I said in a panic, out of warning.

Meeting my gaze, I shook my head and with a pleading expression. Silently trying to beg him to stop. He has no idea why he just started by doing that. Though he ignores me and refocuses on Nikolai. Who suddenly is lunging toward him. As Nik makes contact with Arius, he hoists him up before throwing him through the wall. Fear gripped me while watching this.

“Michelle”, I pleaded, looking towards her.

She only gives me a sympathetic expression in return. Why wouldn’t she stop this? I panic as I look back towards the guys. Arius is now covered in plaster from going through the wall. While Nikolai seems to be contemplating his next move, I try to think. I knew there was not much I could do in the grand scheme of things. However, if I could find that courage from earlier. Maybe throwing myself in the midst again would stop it. Trying to steady my breathing, I forced myself to move. Right as Arius is about to hit Nikolai, I quicken my pace.

“Guys! Please”! I shouted out of sheer terror.

Though Arius’s fist is already connected with Nikolai’s cheek. Causing him to stumble backwards. This can’t be happening, I thought. As tears began to fall from my eyes, I realized how overwhelmed I was. But there was no time for that, so I quickly went towards them. Right when Nikolai is about to tackle him. I throw myself between them. Taking the brunt of Nikolai’s attack. Falling onto the cold tile floor, I let out a groan.

“f**k”, Nikolai shouts.

“What are you trying to do?! Kill her”!? Arius yells.

“Ugh, stop it. Both of you”, I wheezed while talking

.

God his tackle knocked the wind out of me. Still lying on my back trying to recover. I look at them both. Standing above me seeming concerned, before I say exhausted, “I’m tired of this fighting”.

As I try to move, I flinch as my spine shoots out pain signals along my back. “Here”, Nikolai offers, reaching out his hand. He grasps mine while helping me onto my feet.

Sighing, I remain slightly hunched over. Not fully able to stand up straight comfortably, I shook my head. “I’m sorry, babe. I didn’t mean to tackle you like that”.

I waved him off before meeting Arius’s gaze. He looked adorable when having a guilty expression. Chuckling briefly, I forced myself to straighten my posture. Grimacing as the pain radiated along my spine. “Hey! Take it easy okay”, Nik says, concerned.

“Pfft, if you two were remotely worried about my well being, then you wouldn’t have gotten in another fight with each other”, I replied, annoyed.

They both look at me as if I lost it. Though at this point, I could care less. Especially now that the stupidity had worn off me, I didn’t have a lot of energy left. I really needed to stop doing things I normally wouldn’t do. I took a few steps, deciding to exit through the massive hole they made. I hear them start to bicker again.

“This wouldn’t have happened if you listened earlier”, Nikolai shouts.

“Right, like that’s really the cause of what just happened”, Arius retorts.

Groaning, I turned towards them. “Shut up for the love of god. Just.Shut.Up”, I said tensely.

They both looked at me once more as if I'd gone crazy. Shaking my head, I looked over towards Michelle. Of course, I can’t say I’m surprised she finds this amusing. After all, the three of us have been bickering like a bunch of children. “Is the food all ready to go”, I decide to ask.

She nods and points towards the far end of the counter. Where five boxes sat, I looked back at Nik and Arius. “I don’t know about y’all. But the food is ready to go and so am I”, as I turned to walk towards the door. I decide to mumble more to myself than anything, “I’m tired of being surrounded by testosterone”.

“Hey”! They shouted in unison.

Ignoring them, I painfully walked out of the restaurant. Looking towards the jeep, I noticed Jacob watching me. Quickly, he gets out and jogs towards me. “Here, you’re hurt, let me help you into the jeep”, he softly says.

I nod. While lowering down slightly, he places my arm around his shoulders. Then wrapping his arm around my waist before standing up to his normal height. Causing me to be slightly lifted off the ground. Honestly, I feel relieved to not be carrying my weight right now. Especially as my back stopped hurting since he’s helping me. As he opens the passenger door, I hear them come out of the restaurant. Looking their way, I noticed them quietly saying something to another. From the appearance of their body language, I knew it wasn’t anything friendly. Probably more threats, which cause me to become annoyed.

Once, I’m hoisted up into my seat. I put my seatbelt on before meeting Jacob’s gaze. “Thank you, I appreciate it”, I quietly said.

He nods before shutting the door and making his way around. Getting into the back seat, he stays silent. As I look back at Arius and Nik, I couldn’t help but wonder. Why is Noah so quiet? He’s usually very aggressive and involved in altercations like that. Turning slightly, I looked back to find him resting. Shocked to see such a peaceful expression on his face, I glanced at Jacob. He shrugs as if to say don’t ask. Sighing, I returned my focus up front. Noticing that Arius had left, I watched Nik come around and get into the driver-side seat. Slamming the door before handing the food off to Jacob. Great, and I had to ride back to the house with this man.

Settling into my seat in an attempt to get comfortable. He starts the engine up before we head to the house. While driving, it was quiet until Jacob asks, “What the f**k happened in there”?

“We’ll talk about it later”, Nik grumbles in response.

“Lovely”, I said while letting out an exasperated breath.

Suddenly, Nik shoots me a glare that causes my body to stiffen. “What’s wrong with them knowing what happened, Alexa”?

Sighing, I shook my head before replying, “I just don’t see the point. That’s all”.

“Just because you don’t see the full picture. It doesn’t mean there’s not a purpose to it”, he answers, annoyed.

What he meant by that, I don’t know. But right now, I’m too tired to even try and think about everything up to this point. What they said left me confused. Not to mention having taken a spear for Arius, I’m ready for sleep right now. Maybe a warm bath too. So, I decided to close my eyes and rest a little. This drive would be about another thirty minutes anyway.

As I’m about to doze off, I hear Noah quietly say, “She really has no idea the dangerous world she’s a part of”.