- Nymeria -
I climb up Caleb's house as quietly as possible, I don't want anyone to hear me sneak into his room. As I reach the window, I pull myself up, fortunately, the window is open. I am halfway in, one leg in and the other out, stopping myself from entering when I see Cal shirtless. He's staring at himself in the mirror. He's holding the necklace wrapped around his neck.
- Nice necklace. – I say. He turns quickly confused and then smiles.
- Hey, you came. – he greets me. I then proceed to enter his bedroom.
- Of course, I came. – I answer like it was a stupid comment.
- I didn't see you downstairs, I thought something happened to you. – he says concern
- My father happened. I'm avoiding him. – I explain briefly, sounding a little bitter.
- Because he's been looking for suitors... - he says matter of fact.
- Yeap, but right now I don't want to talk about it. It's your special day. – I try cheering up the mood.
- There's nothing special about it. – he says rather seriously.
- Hey, I'm supposed to be bitter, not you. – I try tickling his ribs playfully, earning a smile from him. He quickly embraces me in a deep hug, which I accept gladly.
- Thank you for coming. – he says lowly, with such a deep meaningful tone.
He holds me tighter, and I do the same, holding him closer to me. I can feel the heat coming off him, his bare chest pressing against me. My hands are on his back while he holds my waist. He smells so nice, like a mixture of dew and slight berries. It's so refreshing and sweet at the same time. I've always liked the way his scent is. After my mother died, he stepped up and helped me get through it. You can say he was my rock. Now, every time I remember that time, his scent comes to mind. It's strangely soothing and comforting.
I caress his back with my hands a little. The hug is lasting longer than I thought, but it doesn't bother me in the least. I don't want to let go. I take one last deep breath before we break the hug.
- So, how are you? – I ask lamely, still flustered.
- I'm great, never better. – he says genuinely content. – What about you, are you okay? – he asked concerned. I nod slightly.
- Sure, I just need some time to process what's happening. – I respond reassuringly.
- Have you spoken to your father about it? – he asked calmly.
- No... I'll delay that conversation as long as I can. – I say firmly, trying to avoid the subject. He nods in understanding.
- Maybe it won't be as horrible as you think... - he tries to ease the mood. I look at him baffled, what did he just say?
- What? I mean... yeah. I don't know. – I cut myself. I don't know what I want to say.
- We always knew this day would come. – he pointed out.
- Yes, but I don't like being...objectified. I feel like a means to an end, you know? Just so a guy becomes an alpha. I hate it. – I confess.
- That's what's been bothering you? You'll still be the alpha... - I interrupt him.
- Yeah, but why can't I be alone? Why do I need a mate for the pack to acknowledge me, to respect me? – I respond more upset.
- Everyone in the pack respects you, they love you. Try to see it from a different angle; you'll have a mate to cherish, love, and support you. – he points out calmly.
I look deep into his eyes. His deep grayish blue eyes. Even in the evening when the sunlight is starting to settle his eyes shine brightly. I get lost in his beautiful eyes. Maybe if it were him I wouldn't be like this. He already knows me and cares for me, but he's going to be the beta in command. It's never going to happen...no. I snap myself back to reality.
- Like you would know. – I say defensively and step away, turning my back to him.
- You're right. We've both neglected that part of our lives so far, but maybe is time to start and allow ourselves. – his voice taking a more serious tone. I turn around.
- Why the sudden change of heart? – I ask expectantly
- Well, it won't be long after your father and Convel step-down... finding someone's started to feel nice. – he responds. – I think... I'm ready for a relationship. – he finished.
- Really? Do you have anyone in mind? – I ask somewhat nervous.
- Yeah, you kind of know her. – he says a little shy. Could it be? Is he suggesting he likes me? My heart started pounding a little harder. Chill Nymeria, play it cool. I tell myself, controlling my nerves.
- I do? Who is it? – I ask trying my best not to sound nervous.
- She's here today. – he explains further, bringing my hope up. A part of me is feeling extremely relieved while the other is terrified and hesitant.
- Riley? Is that why she's here today? Are you two dating? – I'd be lying if I say I'm not dead worried as I say the words.
- What? No, we are just good friends. – he tells the truth and I feel relief wash through my body. I'm about to speak, but he says something. – It's Maya. –
And just like that, he killed my hopes. Of course, he wasn't referring to me. We've been friends all our lives. I've had a crush on him since I can remember, but the bond never developed. He's always been there for me, I love him so much. But I have to accept the fact that we won't be together...at least not in a romantic way.
- Maya? I thought that ship sailed years ago. – I responded sharply. He laughed a little.
- Me too, but I don't know... maybe I could try again. – he answered.
- Wait, so you are not dating? Why do you want to try it then? – I asked a bit confused. They didn't break up under bad circumstances, but I definitively thought that was it.
- Well, we've kind of been fake dating because... -
- Fake dating? – I interrupt him.
- Before you judge, listen. It was so domestics would leave her alone. – he explained.
- Okay? – that's got to be the lamest excuse.
- Either way, I'm starting to think that it might be a good idea. She's smart, strong, pretty, my parents like her, we get along... - he started explaining but a quickly cut him
- Get along? I can't remember a time when you were not bickering. – I contradict.
- We like bothering each other, it doesn't mean anything. – he says a little defensively.
- Okay, fine. How do you know she even likes you that way? – I ask a little harshly.
- Well, we did date for a while, and yeah, maybe we broke up. But I can still try and win her back. I don't see a reason not to try. – he says.
Because I like you, you idiot! Why can't you see that? To be honest, I've always been a little jealous of Maya. She's all that Caleb said, smart, cunning, beautiful, strong, and on top of it, they've dated before. Cal's right to try and find a mate like her, but he doesn't see I'm right here. Sure, she may be a healer, but I'm going to be the alpha. It's my fault, though. I should've said something years ago. Maybe he would have seen me as a romantic partner and the bond could've formed. I'm so stupid.
- What do you think? – he asked me expectantly.
- I... - I consider whether to tell him or not. – I think you two look good together. – I lied but controlled my heartbeat so he wouldn't notice. Perks of being an alpha.
- Really? – a smile grew on his lips. I nod, not wanting to speak afraid he'd notice something was wrong. – Thank you. It means so much that you approve. – he says excitedly.
- Because I'm you're alpha... – I say more to myself.
- Because you're my best friend. – he says with such a genuine tone that it makes me a little emotional. Maybe it's for the best.
- Shut up, you're making me cry. – I say trying to think of something else. Oh, right. My father is forcing me to marry someone.
- Oh, come on. It's my birthday, loosen up a little. – he says playfully with a grin on his face.
- Fine. – I accept.
He smiles at me with those stupid blue eyes I love so much. Maybe is for the best that we remain friends. He pulls his shirt up to his head to put it on, exposing his abdomen to me. He has a well-defined six-pack and v-line marked, efforts of working out so much. I take advantage of the situation and start tickling him. He quickly moves, trying to get away but I continued. His hands we stuck on the shirt, so he couldn't use them to push mine away. He starts laughing and I keep tickling him harder.
- Nymeria, stop. What are you doing? – he says between laughs and chuckles.
- You said I needed to loosen up. Well, I am. – I respond and continue with my tickle attack.
- Stop. – he says this time louder.
He finally manages to fix the t-shirt and grabs my hands. The piece of clothing is still up his body, rolled up around his neck, so I free myself from his grip and continue tickling playfully. At one point he also starts tickling me, laughs filling the room. We move around his room, playing like we were kids, and we are having so much fun. He trips and falls backward, pulling me with him. We fall on his bed mattress, and we laugh blissfully for a while. I'm on top of him, my loose hair falling to one right side. We're so close to each other, our faces less than a foot away. I can feel his hands resting on my legs, his touch is so warm. We stare at each other, and no words are said. It's not uncomfortable or awkward, but peaceful and right... but then his door opens quickly, making us turn.
- You okay Cal, we're all waiting. – Mr. Brosme cuts himself as he sees us. - Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't know, I didn't mean to interrupt... - he apologizes embarrassed. He turns around to leave, but Cal speaks quickly.
- No, dad. It's not what you think. – Cal says, getting his father's attention.
I swiftly get off from him, getting some space between us. He stands up as well, pulling his shirt down.
- Yes, we were just fooling around. Nothing inappropriate, I promise. – I join in the conversation as if nothing happened. Although, honestly, I'm a little embarrassed as well.
- Oh... okay. Well, everyone is waiting downstairs. Nymeria you're welcome to join, your father already left. – he says politely, suspecting I've been avoiding him.
- Thanks, Mr. Brosme. We will. – I say kindly.
- I've told you before, you can call me Allan. Mr. Brosme makes me feel like my father. – he says easing the mood and making me smile.
I've known him all my life and Mr. Brosme has been so nice to me. After Caleb and I became friends, he always made me feel welcome. At first, I thought it was because my father and he are friends, but over the years I learned that he truly cares for me. And not just because I'm the future alpha, but because he sees me as family. We head downstairs the three of us, I quickly shake my embarrassment so that no one will notice.
Just like Mr. Brosme said everyone was waiting around the table for Caleb to come down. Maya and Luke were seated next to each other. She looks at me a little confused. She stands up offering her seat to me since it was near Caleb's.
- No, it's fine, sit. I'll find another. – I assure her kindly while moving to sit next to Riley. – Hey, how are you? – I say politely.
- Hi, I'm okay. You? – she asks.
- Me too. – I respond with a smile.
After greeting Lena and the rest of the family I turn to see Caleb sitting a few places away. He's having a conversation with Maya while Ally is sitting in his lap while looking at him lovingly. The little girl adores him, she's so protective of him; I smile at the scene. He's an amazing older brother and, one day, an amazing father too, Maya's lucky.
- Well, before we slice the cake I'd like to raise a toast. – Mary said standing, Mr. Brosme sitting next to her. – Cal... - she turned to him. – I met you when you were just a kid. I've seen you grow and become the handsome young man you are today. You've worked so hard to get where you are. You have the kindest heart I've seen... - tears started forming in her eyes. - I'm sure you'll be the best beta in command this pack will ever see. And although I'm not your mother, I want you to know... - her voice started to break. – That I do love you as a son. – Some tears started falling down her cheeks. She raised her cup and spoke. – To Caleb. The best wolf, friend, brother, and son. – she said with an uplifting tone.
Everyone raised their cups and toasted. It was such an emotional toast even Caleb had some tears in his eyes. Lena and Riley were drying their tears as well. It must've been hard for Mary to form a new life with Mr. Brosme and Caleb. Cal never met his mother, she died in labor, so he grew up without one. Then Mary came along, she cares for them. She treats Caleb like her son, and I know he sees her as a mother too. Seeing them so close makes me want to be like dad with my father. Maybe I should talk to him, he loves me and wants the best for me.
- Thanks Mary, I love you too. Thank you for loving my father and being part of this family... – he said wiping a tear from his eye. – and thank you all for coming, it means a lot to me. – he turns to look at everyone present.
After some more emotional chat which, I must admit, I almost cried, everyone at the table was very emotional. Although my dad hasn't announced it yet, we all know this is Caleb's last birthday before turning into beta in command. It's a big thing.
- Well, dig in. – Mr. Brosme said excitedly, not waiting anymore to bring a piece of cake to his mouth.
The cake not only smelled amazing but also tasted delicious. At least Caleb will eat well. Maya is a terrific cook. It's such a shame she doesn't enjoy it as much as Mary, she'd be doing all of us a favor. I look at Caleb and he's devouring his piece. I'm happy for him. Maybe we just aren't meant to be, I just want him to be happy and I'm sure Maya will do just that. They'll make a nice couple.
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Picture of Lena at the top