CHAPTER 6
1114 Words
KADEN
NIGHT, LEXIE.
We're already on the fifth game when I throw my controller onto the couch and push to my feet.
A chorus of protests from the guys immediately follow.
"Come on, sit down."
"Can’t take one more round before going to see her."
"You can't leave when you're losing."
I ignore them all. “Any help opening a portal?” I ask Thal. Pushing my luck.
“Unless you want to appear in your room,” he snorts, not tearing his eyes away from the screen.
I’m not surprised he refused. He dislikes Macy the most. Not wanting to use the word ‘hate’
The guys keep trying to convince me to stay, but I already have plans.
In between games, I'd been messaging Macy. At first she ignored me. I know she’s pouting over what happened earlier. And I intend to make it up for her. Apologise on behalf of these knuckle heads around me.
Then came the short replies. Then the dramatic complaints. As I suspected.
Then finally I see the message I'd been waiting for.
Fine. Window's open. Better make it up to me.
I smirk as I grab my jacket. Imagining how I intend to do just that. I have all night to do so.
The guys groan one more time when I head for the door.
"You’re so hopeless," Thal mutters.
"Pathetic," Lucius adds.
"Hooked badly," Nathan says.
Noam nods solemnly. "Terminally. He needs saving."
“Link us if you need help,” Noam adds.
I flip them off and leave to the sound of their laughter.
Goddess. I love them no matter what.
The cold air hits me immediately as I reach outside. Winter is creeping closer every day. My favorite season.
The grass crunches faintly beneath my shoes, touched by the first signs of frost. My breath leaves my mouth in white clouds.
I shove my hands into my pockets and continue down the quiet street. The pack is peaceful at night.
Lights glow warmly through windows. The scent of wood smoke drifts through the air. Some households have started preparing for the coming season.
For a while, my thoughts wander as I keep walking.
Toward my future. As a ranked member of a strong and large pack. A powerful one too. The Firestone Pack wields more power than any other pack in our world.
We have not only wolves, but vampires as well. And the strongest male witch in existence. And his son.
We also have strong representation in the Council as well as The High Table.
No one would dare think of attacking us without first weighing the cost.
I veer toward my shift.
I wonder what my wolf will look like.
Most sons resemble one parent or the other.
Maybe mine will inherit my father's midnight-black coat.
Maybe it'll be red like my hair. Or have my mom’s red fur.
Whatever it looks like, it'll be mine. I’m going to be proud of it. Can’t wait to meet the damn thing.
The thought brings a small smile to my face.
Then my mind drifts further.
Toward the future waiting beyond school. Toward the title I've carried my entire life.
Future Beta.
The words have always felt heavy.
My father has been Beta for as long as I can remember.
The pack respects him and trust him. He’s lead them alongside the Alphas.
I've spent my whole life watching him do so. And know people expect the same from me. To lead alongside Noam, Nathan and Adrian.
I want the pack to look at me the same way they looked at my father. To trust me enough to lead them. To respect me. Not just because the title is passed down to me, but because I deserve it.
The thought both excites and terrifies me.
I want to make both my parents proud.
I want to be worthy of the position waiting for me.
A soft burst of laughter breaks through my thoughts. Then the soft smell of apples and lemongrass in the air.
The scent is unmistakable coming from opposite me.
My body relaxes suddenly like I needed to do so.
Alexa.
I stop walking. Fisting my palms.
Immediately my attention sharpens. Eyes dart around like there’s a hidden enemy somewhere.
What is she still doing outside this late?
The pack is safe. I know that. Yet it doesn’t lift the unease that crawls through me anyway.
Then another scent reaches me.
Male.
My jaw tightens instantly. A strange heat rushes through my chest. Familiar but often disregarded by me.
Her laugh comes again. Light. Bright. Unfairly pleasant.
The sound travels straight through me. I hate that. I hate how easily it affects me. And at the same time like it.
Goddess. This girl confuses me.
My feet keep moving toward the two figures emerging from the shadows ahead.
When the streetlights spill golden light over them, my tension quickly disappears when I see the man next to her.
I almost want to smack my head.
It’s her father.
Of course.
Relief washes through me so fast it almost annoys me for caring.
Then Alexa looks up. Her mouth parted in surprise as our eyes meet.
For the briefest second I catch something soft in her expression. The same one I know when she doesn’t realise I am watching her.
Then it's gone. Replaced by that familiar glare which she seems to reserve for only me.
"Where are you heading this late, Kaden?" her father asks.
Alexa rolls her eyes immediately.
I fight a grin. "Good evening, Mr. Adam. I’m heading home, Sir."
The eye roll gets worse. For some reason, that only makes it harder not to smile. This is my favorite part of the day. Riling her up for no reason.
Her father steps aside. "Don't let us keep you."
"Yes, Sir. Goodnight, Sir." I say as I walk past them. Then, on impulse, I glance back at Alexa, smirking. "Night, Lexie."
She freezes, before showering me with her glare again. A huge victory for tonight.
A second later comes the annoyed huff I'd been expecting. “Night, Kaden.”
I can’t help grinning to myself as I resume my walk.
The grin doesn't last. Because a few minutes later I'm still thinking about her. About how worried I'd been. About how angry I'd gotten when I smelled the man near her.
About the relief I'd felt when I saw who it was,
None of it makes sense.
Why do I care? Why does she get under my skin so easily?
I shake my head willing myself to forget it.
Macy is waiting. Tonight’s going to be a good night.
- Writer
