RISK

14

The increased border control Xander put into place was definitely necessary. Although, Octavius has not attacked again, he has sent his pack members to loiter around Xander's border. Probably to keep Xander's pack frightened. Xander's pack members have been vocalizing their concerns and worries all week. They are confused as to what Octavius' pack is doing, but Xander does not want to tell them. All they would do is worry and be on edge. It is Xander's job to make sure his pack is comfortable and at ease, so that's what he is going to do. If it takes lying, then he will.

Once again, Xander has not been sleeping well. He is scared an attack will strike while he's sleeping, or his stress level prevents him from getting a good night's rest. He needs to come up with an actual plan to stop Octavius, rather than waiting around like sitting ducks. But what is he to do? Attack the pack and scare them into surrendering? In doing so, he could lose pack members. However, if he does nothing and they attack off guard, he could also lose pack members that way.

Xander rubs his temple trying to think of a plan that won't result in possibly losing his family. Octavius said something about having tricks up his sleeve. That's how he got past Xander's border, without anyone noticing. If Xander can figure out how Octavius did this, and eliminate it, it will leave Octavius' pack weak again. Now all he has to do is figure it out. But he can't do it alone. He'll have to tell his friends everything, but no one else. At least not yet.

"Xander!"

Xander hears his name yelled in a whisper, and it snaps him out of his thoughts. He looks to his right to see Josh looking at him skeptically.

"You ok? You've been staring into space for about 10 minutes." Josh whispers, trying not to disturb the class.

"I'm fine. I just need to have a meeting with everyone after school."

"Oh, I didn't know you scheduled one."

"No, just us two, Matt, Kristin, and Melissa."

Josh furrows his eyebrows. They have never had a meeting without the rest of the pack.

"Is it serious?"

Xander nods his head, "Yes but I think we can control the situation with a good pla-" Xander is cut off by the bell, signaling the end of the school day, "I'll meet you guys at the pack house. I told Isabella I would drive her home."

Josh nods. "How's that going?"

"How's what going?" Xander ask.

"You know, you and Isabella." Josh smirks and he sees Xander try to conceal a smile forming on his face.

"Fine." He shrugs.

Josh gives Xander a pointed look, "Just fine?"

"It's good. We're taking it slow. I think she's still a little skeptical because she knows there's something I'm not telling her. But she also feels the bond, so it's hard to be apart. I'm just going with the flow right now. I want to tell her what we are, I just can't yet."

Josh nods. He can't relate to Xander's situation so he trust him when he says waiting is the best option. "Ok, I'll see you later."

Xander walks out of school and into the parking lot to see Isabella waiting next to his car. He immediately feels bad for making her wait. He sneaks up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist. Isabella jumps at first but quickly recognizing those familiar hands. He turns her around, and they can both see the smiles they're sharing.

"Sorry for making you wait." He kisses her cheek, and she is about to look down at the ground when he lifts her chin up, stopping her. Xander knows eye contact for Isabella, especially when she's blushing, is hard for her but he loves it.