| RED'S POV |
"You know, for someone who was almost killed on her date, you sure look happy today," Jacob remarked, his voice laced with curiosity as we made our way to our fourth class. Ana had wasted no time in sharing the details of what had happened with him and Dean. Dean, in particular, seemed genuinely concerned, bombarding me with a barrage of questions that, while endearing, added to the weight on my shoulders.
We stepped into the classroom, the other students trailing behind us. As we settled into our seats in the third row, Jacob leaned in closer to me, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. "Okay, forget that, but you're still going to show me," he whispered, his eagerness resembling that of a child hoping to get a scoop of ice cream.
Confused, I replied, "Show you what?"
His gaze darted around the room before he spoke again, his voice barely above a whisper. "Your fire powers," he announced, prompting nods of agreement from the others. I couldn't help but chuckle softly at their insistence. "Ana, Avery, you guys have seen it."
Avery interjected, "We saw you burst into the room in flames, but we didn't actually see you use your powers." I nodded in agreement, acknowledging the truth in her words.
"But before the whole Gwen Madness, how was the date?" Jacob wiggled his eyebrows mischievously, causing the rest of the group to burst into laughter and my cheeks to burn with embarrassment. The image of the kiss with Nicholas flooded my mind, and I could feel the heat rising within me. I shook my head, trying to clear my thoughts, focusing on how soft his lips were and how he held me so tenderly, leaving me breathless with his touch.
"Damn, that must have been one hell of a kiss then," I blurted out in my mind, only to realize that Reyes had heard it. My eyes widened as I realized my slip of tongue. "Don't worry, love, your secret is safe with me. We wouldn't want anyone knowing just how your guardian's lips felt on you," he said with a playful tone, causing a lump to form in my throat. I knew he was teasing me, adding to the swirl of emotions within me.
"Red, you zoned out again," Ana said, playfully touching my arm and pouting her lips. I snapped out of my reverie, offering an apologetic smile. "Sorry, guys. So, where were we?" As Ana was about to respond, the class suddenly fell silent as someone entered the room. I turned my head and saw Nicholas standing at the doorway. Our eyes briefly locked, causing my gaze to quickly avert.
Act normal, Red. I reminded myself silently. I was no longer in the human world, and I had to maintain composure.
I struggled to maintain a composed exterior, my inner turmoil contrasting with the facade of normalcy I attempted to uphold. My heart pounded relentlessly, as if it held a secret that was both forbidden and exhilarating. It was as though we existed within the confines of a captivating drama, one where appearances were deceiving and our true emotions danced beneath the surface.
"Good day, students," he began, his voice laced with authority as he walked deliberately to the center of the classroom. He leaned against the desk, his arms folded, causing his muscles to strain against the fabric of his shirt. Sporting glasses this time, he appeared remarkably put-together compared to the previous night. The message he had sent had filled me with a giddy excitement akin to a sixteen-year-old receiving a text from her crush. I had been too timid to craft a proper response, settling instead for a thumbs-up emoji, now feeling foolish for my lack of eloquence.
"Stop staring at him like a predator, Red," Reyes's voice echoed in my mind, causing me to immediately bury my face in my hands. Slowly, I raised my head, only to be met with curious gazes from my fellow students, their expressions a mix of confusion and amusement. I had inadvertently made a noise in the process.
Shit.
"Is there a problem, Miss Red?" Nicholas's voice cut through the air, his eyes fixed on me. I could detect a faint trace of amusement in his stern tone. Was he mocking me?
"Everything is fine, Sir," I hastily replied, averting my gaze from him and instead focusing on the board behind him. He nodded, satisfied with my response, and proceeded to address the class. "Alright, students, today we will delve into the topic of weapons and the art of utilizing them effectively without facing untimely demise." Whispers rippled through the classroom at the mention of his chosen subject.
"This is his first time teaching, right?" Avery's silent inquiry reached my ears, prompting a nod of confirmation from Ana. As Nicholas made his way towards the board, ready to write, he was interrupted by an unexpected voice. "I was wondering..." The room fell into silence as all heads turned to identify the source of the interruption. I, too, was taken aback when I discovered who had spoken.
Xavier?
"Most of us didn't see you yesterday, and I heard students had questions about the training, and our teacher wasn't there to teach them," Xavier asked, his eyes blazing with an intense glare fixed upon Nicholas. There was a strange mixture of anger and suspicion in his gaze, as if he knew more than he let on.
Nicholas, undeterred, dropped the marker he was holding onto the table and began a slow, deliberate stride towards Xavier's seat. His movements exuded an air of confident authority, as if he were the embodiment of power itself.
"Since when does a student question the movement of a guardian?" Nicholas retorted sharply, his voice carrying a distinct tone of authority and dominance. The room fell into an uneasy silence, everyone waiting with bated breath for Nicholas's response. Xavier's seemingly harmless question had taken on a risky edge, and it was clear that something significant was at stake.
"Mr. Caddel, I just asked a harmless question. No need to bite," Xavier smirked, tilting his head in a sinister manner, his fangs partially exposed as if he were ready to pounce and attack Nicholas. The room fell into an unsettling silence, as all eyes turned toward Nicholas, waiting with bated breath for his response. Xavier's seemingly innocuous question now carried an undercurrent of risk and danger.
A thought flickered through my mind, questioning whether Xavier knew something that the rest of us didn't. I shook my head, dismissing the notion. Xavier hadn't been present when I left with Nicholas, nor did I sense anyone observing us when I stealthily returned to the hostel.
"What does Xavier stand to gain from all this?" Jacob's voice cut through the tension, his eyes scanning the room, searching for answers.
Dean, with a contemplative look in his eyes, responded, "I don't know, but there's definitely something personal about this. The way Nicholas and Xavier are locking horns, it's more than just a simple disagreement."
As I observed the escalating tension between Nicholas and Xavier, my heart skipped a beat when Nicholas's gaze briefly flickered towards me. For a fleeting moment, I caught a glimpse of a mischievous smirk dancing across his lips before his attention returned to Xavier. The intensity of the situation sent a shiver down my spine.
"Well, I suppose the question wasn't so harmless after all," Nicholas spoke up, his voice laced with a hint of amusement as he flashed a quick smile, scanning the room. "If you must know, I went on a date."
The words hung in the air, and a collective gasp swept through the room. It was as if Nicholas had dropped a bombshell, completely indifferent to the chaos he had just unleashed. Whispers filled the space, swirling with a mixture of curiosity and astonishment.
Why did he say that? He made it obvious that it wasn't a date. So why's he lying to Xavier?
"Red, you're living out my fantasy," Ana chimed in, playfully wiping fake tears from her eyes. I nudged her shoulder playfully, trying to maintain a sense of calmness despite the turmoil raging within me.
I glanced at Xavier and noticed the darkening of his eyes, a storm brewing beneath his calm facade. Something wasn't right.
"Now that I have answered your supposed harmless question, let's get back to work, and please, no more questions unrelated to the subject at hand. Is that clear, Mr. Woods?" Nicolas's voice dripped with a mixture of authority and frustration as he locked eyes with Xavier. The intensity of his glare caused some students to shift uncomfortably in their seats, feeling the weight of the tension in the air.
"Red, do you think this whole situation could be about you?" Jacob's question caught me off guard. I hadn't done anything to warrant such a confrontation. "No, it can't be about me. Let's just forget about it," I replied, trying to dismiss any lingering doubts. Jacob nodded, and the room fell into an uneasy silence as everyone redirected their focus to Nicolas, who resumed explaining the topic at hand.
As I tried to concentrate on Nicolas's explanation, a constant feeling of being watched nagged at the back of my mind.
*****
The final bell rang, signaling the end of the class. Most of the students swiftly made their way out, eager to start their break. I chose to linger behind, deciding to inquire about Nicolas's well-being and whether Xavier's words had elicited any anger. I informed the others of my intentions, and they understood, exiting the classroom.
Remaining composed, I walked toward Nicolas's desk as he gathered his notes. It seemed he had sensed someone approaching as he looked up, locking eyes with me.
Why does he have to look so charming right now?
I shook my head, trying to clear away any distracting thoughts. There were still students present, and I couldn't afford to act in a suspicious manner.
"Mr. Caddel,"
"Miss Red,"
He responded in the same measured tone, and we both called each other by our surnames simultaneously. The awkwardness of the situation caused me to cough abruptly, masking any hint of the uncomfortable exchange. Thankfully, it went unnoticed, and we remained silent until the classroom was empty.
"Is there something you need, Red?" Nicolas finally broke the strange silence, attempting to suppress a hint of laughter that threatened to escape.
"I wanted to give you this." I reached into my bag, retrieving his car keys and placing them on his desk. He nodded silently, staring at the keys for a moment before shifting his gaze back to me. It was evident that he wasn't entirely pleased with what I had said.
"Is that all?" Nicolas's voice held a hint of curiosity as he leaned slightly closer, his eyes fixed on me. I could feel the weight of his gaze, as if he was trying to unravel the depths of my thoughts. My heart skipped a beat, and I struggled to maintain my composure.
"N-No," I managed to reply, my voice barely above a whisper. "How are you really doing? Has the injury completely healed?" The words slipped out, laced with genuine concern. It felt as though time slowed down, emphasizing the delicate nature of our conversation.
A small, knowing smile played on Nicolas's lips, and he leaned back slightly, his posture relaxed. "I'm fine, and you don't need to lower your voice, Red. It's just the two of us here," he whispered softly. "You don't need to worry. Werewolves heal quickly, you know." His words carried a comforting reassurance that momentarily eased the tension in the air.
I nodded, but there was something more pressing that I needed to address. "And about Xavier's question... I hope you know that it was uncalled for. You shouldn't pay any attention to it." I spoke with conviction, wanting to ensure that Nicolas didn't allow Xavier's words to affect him.
A flicker of amusement danced in Nicolas's eyes, and he chuckled softly. "Not a problem, Red. Xavier has a peculiar way of probing, but it wasn't entirely a foolish question," he replied, his voice tinged with mystery. His response left me intrigued, I didn't want to delve into what he meant, fearing that I might further complicate matters.
"Okay, then," I muttered, trying to regain my focus. "But seriously, are you experiencing any lingering pain? Any discomfort?" I couldn't help but worry, my concern for his well-being overriding my own confusion.
Nicolas's expression shifted suddenly, a mischievous glint replacing his calm demeanor. It sent a jolt of anticipation through my body, as if I had unknowingly stepped into a realm of tantalizing possibilities. "If you're so worried, why don't you take a look for yourself?" His voice was laced with a playful edge, his gaze holding mine with an intensity that made my breath hitch.
I froze, my mind struggling to process his words. Did he just...? No, it couldn't be. My cheeks flushed with embarrassment, and I stumbled over my words, desperately trying to salvage the situation. "I-I didn't mean it that way," I managed to stammer, feeling a mix of mortification and a strange flutter in my chest. I felt foolish for even asking such a question. After all, he was a werewolf, and healing was practically their specialty. Besides, I shouldn't be getting closer to him. He had a mate, and pursuing any further intimacy would be wrong.
"I apologize, Mr. Caddel. I think I may have overstepped my boundaries. I have to go," blurted out, my voice trembling. I hastily gathered my belongings, my heart pounding in my ears, and made a beeline for the door, desperate to escape the mounting tension. But just as I opened the door, ready to flee, my heart skipped a beat when Nicolas forcefully shut it with a resounding thud.
"M-Mr. C-Cad-," I began, my voice barely a whisper, but he cut me off, his face drawing closer, proximity intensifying the charged atmosphere. "It's Nicholas, Red. I've told you this," he murmured, his voice laced with a mixture of yearning and determination. The air crackled with anticipation, and I found myself unable to look away, my every instinct urging me to stay, to explore the uncharted territory that lay between us.
"You didn't cross any boundaries, Red," he murmured, his voice a delicate blend of hurt and anger. The emotions swirled in his eyes, revealing the vulnerability he rarely showed. "I apologize if my words made you feel that way. I was merely joking around. I suppose I need to refine my sense of humor," he chuckled softly, a calming resonance in his laughter. The lines on his face softened, and a genuine smile tugged at the corners of my lips.
"It's alright," I reassured him, my voice gentle yet filled with warmth. "But you really should consider toning down the jokes, old man." I widened my eyes playfully, watching as shock flickered across his features before he burst into laughter. The sound echoed in the room, a melodic symphony that erased the tension that had lingered.
A small step backward followed, creating a comfortable distance between us, allowing me to regain my breath and composure. The air felt lighter, and the atmosphere shifted to one of ease and familiarity.
"I guess you have a point," he admitted, his voice tinged with amusement. "But fear not, Red, I'm perfectly fine. No need to worry about me." His words wrapped around me like a warm embrace, soothing my concerns. I nodded, a soft smile gracing my face, fully accepting his reassurance.
As I reached for the door, ready to bid him farewell, he unexpectedly held onto it, his eyes fixed on mine. Confusion knitted my brow, silently inquiring about his intentions. A subtle raise of my eyebrow urged him to explain.
"I didn't lie," he began, his voice carrying a hint of vulnerability. The sudden revelation caught me off guard, my heart skipping a beat. "When I told Xavier that I went on a date, I wasn't lying, Red. I wanted you to know that." His words hung in the air, creating an electrifying tension between us.
"Okay," I whispered, the word barely escaping my lips, as I nodded in response to his unexpected revelation. Emotions surged within me, fighting for expression, yet I found myself at a loss for words. The weight of the moment settled upon my shoulders, and I struggled to find the perfect combination of syllables to articulate the whirlwind of feelings swirling inside.
As my mind raced, attempting to make sense of this newfound revelation, he bit his lip ever so slightly, a subtle gesture that spoke volumes. The soft pressure of his teeth against his flesh left a delicate flush of red, a captivating contrast against his pale skin.
His hand found solace at the back of his head, fingers intertwining with his tresses as he scratched in an awkward rhythm. The gesture was endearing, a manifestation of his internal turmoil manifesting in a physical manner. His gaze shifted restlessly around the room, unable to settle on a fixed point. It was as if he sought distraction from the intensity of the moment, a respite from the weight of the unspoken emotions hanging between us.
Was he nervous?
"I... I should be going," I interjected, my voice gentle yet filled with a sense of urgency. With a subtle gesture, I indicated the open doorway, reminding him of the need for privacy.
"Right," he acknowledged, his hands finding solace in his pockets. The air crackled with a bittersweet mixture of anticipation and uncertainty.
I nodded back, a mix of excitement and bewilderment coursing through my veins. The door closed behind me, separating us physically, but the impact of his words lingered, leaving me in a state of exhilaration and confusion. My steps down the hallway were quiet, as I allowed myself a moment to process the whirlwind of emotions.
Alone in the corridor, I found myself unable to contain the surge of joy that swelled within me. Like a jubilant child, I hopped on my toes, the fluttering butterflies in my stomach taking flight, their wings brushing against the walls of my mind.
It was a date for him too.
But, Red, calm down. It could have been just a friendly date.
The elation within me waned slightly as I considered the other possibilities, guarding my heart against potential disappointment.
"Ugh, why can't he be more clear?" I mumbled to myself, a mixture of frustration and longing tugging at my core. The enigma of men seemed to be an eternal puzzle, their intentions often shrouded in ambiguity.
Lost in my thoughts, my mind was abruptly pulled back to reality as a strong grip seized my waist, swiftly pulling me into a nearby room. Startled, I found myself ensnared, my eyes widening in surprise and delight as they met the gaze of the person I hadn't seen spoken with in awhile.
"Xavier!"
"Miss me, Green eyes?" he teased, a mischievous glint in his eyes.