At this point, I knew I couldn't forget about the boy I once cared about. It wasn't just because of the impact he left on me, but now I knew that somehow, our lives were intertwined. I wasn't sure how, but I was going to get some answers from him.
I went into the forest and I began to walk around with no destination in mind. I knew Haiden didn't like to be found, so I knew he would have to find me. Just like last time, I hoped Haiden would feel the need to talk to me. After the kitchen incident, I had a feeling he would.
Although I didn't like to think of the fear and how I felt when I saw Lydia and Haiden together, I couldn't help but feel warm at the thought of what Haiden did. He said he didn't care about me, but he still protected me. Lydia, his teammate - or something more, was the one who attacked me, but he chose to save me despite of that. I had a feeling that even though Haiden made it seem like he wanted nothing to do with me, he did still care about me.
I walked around for an hour, exploring my forest. It was peaceful and I liked how it felt like home. The forest had been a home to me years ago, when my dad had been around, and I would never forget how it had helped me through tough times. It was like Haiden, in that sense.
"Seriously, do you ever listen?" Haiden said, catching me off guard.
I turned to face him and saw that he was standing meters away, shirtless. His muscles were on full display and I couldn't help but look away, feeling nervous. I wasn't used to being around shirtless guys. Especially ones that looked like Haiden.
"Why are you shirtless?" I asked. "Do you just stumble around the forest half naked?"
"Well, I was putting my clothes back on and you just walked in on me before I could finish," Haiden said.
"So... You like to explore the forest completely naked?" I frowned. "I know you've changed a lot but this... Well, this is something I didn't expect. Are you becoming a nudist?"
"Very funny Luna." He rolled his eyes, but I noticed that the corner of his lips were slowly turning up. "I was just in werewolf form and because I don't like having my clothes ripped off during the transformation, I tend to leave my clothes in a spot I can go back to when I transform back."
I had to admit, that was smart. Werewolves couldn't choose when they wanted to change and most ended up naked, which was why mortal girls often shunned them, thinking they were perverts. I felt guilty then, knowing I had almost done the same thing.
"You can look back, you know," Haiden said. "I'm wearing a shirt now."
I looked back at Haiden and saw that he was wearing a fitted black v-neck. With his hair and shirt being black, his green eyes stood out and I knew they were the one thing that didn't change. That was comforting, but before I could feel better I noticed he looked amused, which led to me frowning.
"What?" I asked.
"You don't seem comfortable around shirtless guys," Haiden said, giving me a knowing look. "Still as innocent as ever."
I blushed, feeling embarrassed. Even though that was true, that wasn't what made me uneasy. It was Haiden and I wanted to say that, but I knew that would only make him more amused.
"Shush," I said, not knowing what else to say.
"Still too innocent to say shut up either," Haiden said, grinning. "Some things never change."
"And some things do," I said quietly.
Haiden paused and his grin fell as he stared at me. He looked away before I could read the expression he wore, which left me wishing I had quicker reflexes. I had a feeling my words hit a sore spot in him and I wondered how he felt about his change.
"I'm going to be honest and straight to the point," Haiden said, looking back at me with a serious expression. "I was looking for you today. Before I turned into a wolf, I was hoping to find you in the forest."
"Why?" I asked, my heart beginning to race.
"As you probably know, your house has something I - my gang needs." He seemed so serious - all business, which left me knowing this was important. "So I need your help."
I blinked, dumbfounded. "My help?"
I hadn't expected this day to come. After Haiden kept trying to get me out of his life, this turn of events was a complete surprise. I knew it wasn't going to be a good one, however.
"What do you want me to do?" I asked, growing anxious.
"One day, make your adoptive family go on some sort of trip somewhere. Make sure they're gone for the entire day," he said. "You have to go with them, so we can search for what we want in your house."
"And what do you want in my house?"
"I can't say."
Staring at him, I wondered if he thought I was an idiot. My actions were often dumb, but I had common sense. There was no way I'd let a criminal gang invade my home.
"No then," I said. "I won't do what you want."
"Luna, I'm trying to make things easier," Haiden said, stepping closer to me. "We won't bother your family if you make them leave for one day. Isn't that better?"
"Tell me what you're doing!" I exclaimed, surprising him. "Tell me why in the world you're in a criminal gang!"
"I told you it's none of your business."
"But I don't understand," I said, exasperated. "You're a good guy. You're still a good guy and I know your heart is still full of love. It doesn't make sense that you're a criminal."
Haiden seemed surprised by my words as he stared at me, seeming speechless. I wondered why and then realized it must've been a long time since someone told him he was a good guy. Realizing that, I wondered if I was delusional, but then remembered what happened the other day.
"What makes you say that?" Haiden asked.
"Because you saved me the other day," I answered, voice soft. "You could've just let me die or whatever when Lydia, your... teammate tried to hurt me. Tell me that's because you're a bad guy."
Haiden didn't say anything to that and I exhaled quietly, knowing I was right. Deep down, Haiden was a good guy. At least, there was still a part of him that was good. Knowing that, I felt relieved.
"That's because I didn't want you dead. I know you have a soft spot for me, so I intend to use you," Haiden said, causing my heart to drop. "That's the only reason why I stopped Lydia from hurting you."
I couldn't believe him. I knew he was lying, but his words still hurt. My hands curled into fists and I forced myself not to do anything I'd regret.
"You're a jerk," I said, as if stating a fact. "I'll admit that, but I know you're not a villain. I've read countless articles and watched countless videos about you and what you've done. Everyone thinks you're better of dead, but I will never think that. And... I will make sure you won't end up dead. But please Haiden, just tell me your side of the story."
Something in Haiden seemed to break because for a mere second, he seemed truly upset. But then he concealed that look and glared at me. Knowing what happened last time he glared at me, I prepared for his harsh words.
"Luna, you're pathetic. I'm the definition of trouble and you still chase after me like one of those dumb, naive girls we used to roll our eyes at. I can't believe this is what became of you," Haiden said. "Since you don't seem to be getting it, let me tell you. We're enemies now. We'll never be what we used to be. My gang is not on the same team as your family, so you better watch out. Stick close to your family because you never know what's going to happen."
I stared at him and told myself that he was purposely trying to be cruel. Haiden was trying to make me hate him. But even then, knowing that the world was against him, it was hard to believe Haiden didn't have a dark side.
Haiden turned around and walked off, seeming furious. I wondered why since I hadn't done anything but tell him he was good and that I cared, but I guess maybe I was a dumb girl. I was chasing after a dangerous criminal who was a jerk, so maybe I should stop being stupid and finally listen to Haiden's words.