"Hey Aaron"
I was surprised to see Katelyn standing outside the Salvatore cafeteria's door.
"Hello, Kay."
She gave him a very tight hug, and a peck on his cheek. I looked away.
"Hey Zach, Trenton, Lucas."
"Hey Katelyn."
Only Lucas and Katelyn replied.
"Trenton, I heard what happened this morning, I'm sorry about that. Admirers can be a bit obsessive sometimes. Having first hand experience, I can confidently tell you that."
No one replied, most especially the Trenton she was talking to.
"Hi Katelyn."
I greeted. Trying not to make her feel awkward.
She saw me and smiled, then came to hug me. I smiled back. Lucas gave her a suspicious look, I shook my head at him. He shrugged.
"How are you this morning?"
She drew back to observe my face.
"I'm fine"
"I'm so sorry. You did not tell me you were sick."
"It just happened."
"I was so worried when the boys came to me and asked of you. I told them I had not seen you since Lucas took you out of the cafeteria two days ago."
"Yes. He told me."
"How are you feeling now? I guess you're better, huh? You look like you're better though."
She gave me a harmless once-over. My heart was jiving, I had found a friend. At least, a female companion. I would not have to be the only girl in the midst of four boys anymore.
"Yes, I definitely am. And you don't look bad yourself."
"I don't look bad? Girl please, I look awesome." Then she tugged Aaron's arm. "Don't I, Aaron?"
He smiled. "You look good as always, Kay."
That brought out her biggest beam ever. She was practically grinning from ear to ear. She was really smitten with Aaron. It made me kind of understand her reasons for being mean. I've heard that love could make people do stupid things they'd end up regretting. Maybe she was his mate. A lump formed in my throat at that prospect and I struggled to swallow it. Why would I not be happy if they were each other's mate? They looked good together.
"Are you no longer hungry, Katherina?"
Aaron asked me, his eyes locked on mine. Those beautiful grey eyes and their charm again. I quickly looked away and replied as casually as I could.
"Yes, I am."
"Oh, I'm hungry too Aaron."
She chipped in.
"Nice try, Katelyn but this cafeteria is strictly for Salvatores."
Zach deadpanned. I had a feeling he did not like Katelyn, and he was not bothering to hide it.
"Exactly what I told her two days ago."
"You told her two days ago?"
Zach asked.
"Yes, I did."
Lucas answered.
"Maybe she's just trying to get in and belong."
"It's enough guys." Aaron calmly told them. Then he turned to Katelyn. "I'm sorry but the Salvatore cafeteria is off limits for those who are not families."
"But you could make an exception. We've known each other a long time now, it almost seem like we're family."
"Almost never kills a bird, Katelyn. You are just a friend. The closest thing you can be to the Salvatores is a family friend. Did you get the meaning? Family friend not family member."
Lucas enunciated, slowly calling out the words as though he was talking to someone who had difficulty with their hearing or a dumb child. It was quite embarrassing to see him treat her that way.
"Lucas."
I called him as a sign to stop. He got my meaning and shrugged again. Then he left us and went inside. I knew he was irritated by Katelyn's insistence on joining us but then again, I felt bad for her. If I had my way, I might have allowed her just this once, no big deal. But I would not be responsible for breaking a rule I met. If they said only family, then it was what it was.
"Aaron, please just this once?"
She went to him and began trailing her acrylic nails over his chest. I cringed at her desperation, it was looking pathetic. I was truly embarrassed for her.
Aaron looked at her, I think he was beginning to think maybe he should allow her.
"Don't tell me you're thinking about this, Aaron?" Zach was obviously not liking what he was seeing on his brother's face. "Trent, I know you don't talk but you better say something here. Because if Aaron allows her inside, I won't step my feet inside there and I will never have lunch anymore."
Trenton did not say anything. He just stared at Aaron and the way Katelyn was all over him.
"Get out."
Two words that caused chills to creed down my spine, even though I was not the person he was talking to. Trenton knew how to deliver, sharp, deadly dismissal.
Katelyn too was affected by the cold look and the chilling intensity of his voice. But she tried to retain her confidence and looked at Aaron, maybe he could help.
"You're the eldest Aaron, will you allow them decide for you? You know you want me there and I do too. I have some very exciting things to tell you."
Did this girl ever know when to call it quits? I know she had made peace with me and apologized and now we were cool with each other and all that, but she was exhibiting a behavior that was quite shameless, and I was not comfortable with it.
"I might be the eldest Kay, but they are my brothers. They have a say in everything. This cafeteria is mine as much as it's theirs."
He told her in the most patient, gentle way possible. I was actually impressed, some guys would have yelled at her and left her there. I guess that's why he's the eldest. The maturity and wisdom. He was going to make a great Alpha one day.
"So what are you saying?"
She looked disappointed and angry.
"I'm sorry Kay, but we can not let you in."
"You're denying me this, Aaron?"
"It's the rules and they are my brothers. I can't choose you over them. Family first, I hope you'll understand."
Aaron gently took her in his arms and hugged. Pangs of jealousy hit against my chest. Why would I be jealous.
"Alright, I'm good. I guess I understand. It's okay."
She said and she was all smiles again.
"Zach and Trenton I don't know what your problems are but…"
A growl made her yelp in fright. Trenton was responsible for that terrifyingly low sound. Truly, it had scared me too. Katelyn should just stop annoying the boys and go. I don't want anyone losing control to their wolves because someone was being annoyingly problematic this morning.
"See what your stupid mouth has caused."
Zach admonished.
"Control your wolf Trent." Aaron soothed Trenton. "Try to be careful with your words Kay. He's an Alpha wolf and you know how Alpha wolves can be."
He sounded it as a word of advice to her. I hope she learned.
Trenton left us and went inside, Zach too.
She regained composure, squared her shoulders and pecked Aaron on both cheeks.
"See you later, Aaron."
She all but purred.
She walked up to me, hugged me with a smile plastered on her face.
"See your later, bff."
Then she sauntered away.
Bff? I did not know we had gotten to that level yet.
"Let's go in Katherina."
For the first time, Aaron placed his hands on me and though I knew it was a casual touch, I felt every cell, tissue, system react to that simple contact.