Running From The Alpha

Chapter Twenty Two

"Hey Violet," Cole said back. "You're marked." I was unsure of what to say until he whispered in my ear, "You did the right thing. Choosing your mate."

I smiling at him softly, "You'll find someone, someone who's better than your mate. Someone who deserves you."

"I'll take your word on it," he said.

I went back to Peter. "Peter, this is Kaylie, Jared, and Cole. Guys, this is Peter. I'm told that last time you guys met he was rude."

Peter gaped. "It's dinner all over again."

I chuckled and patted his shoulder then grabbed Cynthia. "And this is Cynthia."

"The one who drinks juice boxes like a bad ass?" Cole asked and she nodded proudly. "Not an easy feat."

"I know," she said nonchalantly. "You the people that let her get kidnapped?"

It went silent. Now it's awkward. Cole bit his lip then grinned. "I like her Violet. She's got a lot of spunk in her."

"Oh she's got a lot of something in her alright," I said and she gave me a mock glare. I gifted her with a smug smile. "Love you," I sang chipper.

"Uh-huh, I'm really feeling it over here," she said sarcastically. She turned back to Cole. "What did you guys do to her? She wasn't this sassy when we sent her to you. You don't give a toy back damaged."

"Toy?" Peter and I said together.

Cole being Cole and Cynthia being Cynthia they just disregarded us. "How do I know you didn't just do that to her and you're trying to blame it on us?"

Cynthia slapped a hand over her heart. "Why I have never been so offended in my life!"

"Please," Cole said, "how do imagine I feel with your outright accusation that it was us."

"I imagine that you've had worse," she said without missing a beat, "looking the way you do."

"Oh?" Cole said faking being taken aback. "Really? You're going for the looks? If I did that it'd be completely different."

"Yeah," Cynthia agreed. "Because it'd be completely wrong. I'm adorable."

Kaylie, Jared, Peter, and I stood back watching the two go back and forth like it was a ping pong match. "My God," Kaylie said in horror. "What the hell have you done?"

"I don't know," I replied in a numb tone. "I don't know how this can possible turn out well."

Jared cleared his throat and needless to say we all looked uncomfortable. "Uh guys, while your guys'... whatever the hell is going here is thoroughly creeping us all out I'm hungry."

Both looked disappointed. "Are you guys okay with following us in Peter's car?" I asked.

"Of course, where to?" Kaylie asked.

"There's a diner about ten minutes away," Peter said.

"Cool," Jared said. "Let's go."

"Ah Jared," I smiled, "you and your food."

They got in Jared's jeep and I was forced to look at the people in the parking lot. At this point I'd had enough. "I swear if you people don't get lives and back off I will make you!"

Everyone stared at me in shock. This was probably the first time any of them had heard me say anything in years. I turned away and storm to the car. Peter stopped me before I got in to kiss me on the lips forcefully. "You are so hot," he murmured.

I blushed and Cynthia cleared her throat loudly. "Make out later. Let's go people."

"Pushy," I laughed and got in.

"So that was them," Cynthia said.

"You and Cole seem chummy," I said grinning.

She rolled her eyes. "Tell your boyfriend that he could be a little less happy about it."

I glanced at Peter who was failing at trying to do what Cynthia said. "Really Peter," I asked. "I told you that Cole and I are just friends."

"I'm possessive, I'll admit," he shrugged.

I huffed. "You weren't like this before we became mates."

"Yes he was," Cynthia cut in. "Only difference is I was the once stuck listening to him nag and complain and whine. It was dreadful. He was like a chick but he never got off his freaking period."

"Hey!" I bit my lip to avoid smiling. Peter noticed. "And you're not going to say anything."

"Honey," I started, "Take a deep breath or you'll smudge your makeup."

Cynthia laughed and Peter frowned. I reached over and rubbed his leg. 'I'd stop that if I were you.'

I looked at his face and his jaw was clenched and his leg tensed. 'What's wrong?'

'You're making concentrating on driving very difficult,' he replied and I felt my face flame. I slowly slid my hand back onto my own lap. 'You're beautiful when you blush.'

'Focus on the road,' I mumbled back hiding my face with my hair.

Cynthia sat in the back seat oblivious to what was going on with us. Peter was smirking at the road. I hate how easily he's able to get me embarrassed. I opted to change the subject. 'What are they doing here Peter?'

'I called them,' he admitted sheepishly. 'A couple days ago. I thought that if we were coming back to school today you could use something to cheer you up. Am I in trouble?'

I shook my head. 'Of course not, Peter. It's really sweet. Thank you. I'm surprised you brought Cole here.'

He shrugged. 'I trust you, Violet. And I know how hard it is for you to let people it. If you think he's worthy of your friendship then there must be something redeemable about him and I can't blame anyone for not falling for you. It's impossible not to.'

After all these years and I can't help but feel like I'm only now starting to really see Peter for who he is. And for once, I wasn't scared about being in love with him in the least.