Chapter 7

"What? Dad, come on, you know I don't get along with him!"

My father raised an eyebrow, "You hate someone more than Obsidian? That's surprising."

"Yes and it so happens to be the guy who asked me out as a prank."

"I taught him his lesson on that, I'm sure he won't be an issue. But I would feel more comfortable if there were four of you. That way, you can split evenly if need be."

I frowned, I knew he had a point, but he could have picked someone else other than him. Apsel was my worst bully from middle school to high school, despite me being the alpha's daughter. He tormented me every single day, along with his small group of girls and his two friends. I should have known that it wasn't serious when he asked me out freshman year, but I had always believed that maybe he made fun of me because he liked me. I was terribly wrong and because of it, I was humiliated in front of the entire freshman class. Luckily, many respected me, knowing that I could kick all their asses. However, the humans didn't know any better, they had no idea what an alpha even was. What made it worse was, I couldn't do anything to the humans or else I would give werewolves a bad name. It wasn't until senior year that I had put Apsel in his place, but it didn't stop him from trying to get under my skin every chance had got. Again, I absolutely loathe the idiot. 

"Fine, but if it doesn't come back in one piece, don't blame me," I grumbled.

My dad rolled his eyes and patted me on the back before leaving the kitchen, leaving me to pout about needing to deal with Apsel for an entire weekend. Obsidian is lucky, I won't be annoying him, I'll be too busy trying to kill the other asshole. 

Lin let out a dramatic whine, "No. You have got to be kidding me, out of all people? Him!"

"I know, but my dad wasn't budging. I feel like he's trying to get Apsel and me to get along, you know he always liked the idea of him being king someday." 

"Hell no, he would be the worst." 

I nodded, "Trust me, I know." 

"Well, at least Obsidian will be there so you can have some eye candy."

"What is that supposed to mean?"

She smirked, "Don't think I'm giving up on the fact you are so crushing over the guy."

"I'm not!" I exclaimed. "He just irritates me and it's fun pissing him off."

"Well, you may want to lay off him this weekend. I heard some gossip from the pack and that wound is apparently from a silver weapon. He's not going to be in top notch shape."

"Who told you?"

She shrugged, "Someone." 

"Who is this someone?"

"No one."

"Lin."

"Sylvia."

"I want to murder you sometimes," I breathed out.

Her lips spread into a goofy smile, causing me to roll my eyes and laugh. If it weren't for her, I would have gone insane by all the stress in my life. However, we both have an equal amount of hatred for Apsel, so the boy better pray we don't kill him. 

As the day went on Lin and I studied a map of the town, marking the best spots to investigate that were between the town and forest. After going through the entire map, we had roughly ten areas to check out, hoping to find something. My dad luckily found a hotel right on the edge, making our trips to the ten spots easier. With Obsidian injured, I didn't want him needing to hike too much or else he could possibly collapse. I knew that if he did, I wasn't carrying his huge ass back to the hotel. 

The night came quicker than I thought as I packed my bag, dreading needing to spend tomorrow evening to Monday morning with my nightmare. I forcefully zippered my bag and threw it on the ground, wishing I could avoid my past all together. I know Apsel is going to try something, the thought had me on edge all day and it won't let me sleep tonight. I shouldn't fear one of my warriors, I should be able to look him the eye and not remember the embarrassment he had put me through. He was my first crush though, despite what he had done to me, I still liked him. When he had asked me out I was ecstatic and of course said yes. We did go on a few dates before the huge reveal, where he made out with my other bully in front of me and laughed at me. They had even made a video and posted it on Facebook before my father found out and had it deleted. 

I was glad when my dad put him in his place, but it ended up just making things worse. Apsel knew my darkest secrets, like how I used to think about cutting myself during the bullying. After that, I did end up cutting myself to the point my thighs were horribly scarred. Even now, I couldn't wear shorts that would show just a few of them. I was always self-conscious about them, believing they only made me vulnerable. And now, Apsel knows about them and I know he'll bring them up again. Emotionally, I don't think I'm ready to handle it. But as the future queen and alpha, I needed to be strong and not allow him to bother me. Besides, I'll have Lin there with me in case I need someone to slap some sense into me.

I let out a small sigh before getting under my covers, hoping I'll be able to sleep somewhat well tonight. After all, being grouchy tomorrow wouldn't be the best, considering I can't exactly kill Apsel. 

"Ready?" Lin asked as we headed to the porch. 

I nodded, "Yeah."

When we got outside, Apsel was already sitting on the porch steps, texting away on his phone. I caught a glimpse of his texts but decided against reading them. I looked above him and saw Obsidian leaving against his car, his head back and his eyes closed. I could tell he was in pain, but knew if I said anything, he would just be aggravated with me. 

"Let's go," I snapped at Apsel, causing him to jump.

He scoffed, "Whatever."

Obsidian didn't even open his eyes before greeting us, "Took you guys long enough."

"What's up with you?" Apsel asked.

Obsidian slowly looked at him, his eyes already mirroring his darkened mood. "None of your business."

"Man, someone needs to get laid."

I sighed, "Apsel, if you don't just shut the hell up and get in the car, I will break your jaw."

"Like you can do that."

Raising an eyebrow, I dropped my bag and started walking towards him before Lin grabbed me. "Enough, Apsel you know she can, and she will."

Apsel laughed, "Y'all are pathetic. Let's go then."

I was about to get in the back before Obsidian suddenly grabbed me, "You're sitting in the passenger seat. While the kid is annoying as hell, I don't need blood all over my back seats."

"He won't be able to even cut me," I responded, my voice flat.

"You're not the one I'm worried about being killed." 

I opened my mouth to argue but nodded. "You have a point. Fine."

As I was getting into the seat, Lin wiggled her eyebrows as she pointed at Obsidian. I quickly shook my head, she needs to let go of the idea of me liking Obsidian. I just like annoying the guy, I don't want to screw him. I silently observed his movements as he got into the driver's seat, he was slow and careful but still let out a hiss of pain. Without saying a word, I grabbed the ibuprofen from my bag and held it out to him.

"I thought you would need this," I said softly, not looking at him. 

He mumbled a thank you or what I think was a thank you and took it from my hand. After taking two pills, he buckled himself in and started the car. I gave him the directions, which of course he didn't need, because he just knows everything. I mentally prepared myself for a very long and awkward car ride, hoping Apsel wouldn't piss me off or Obsidian. I don't want to explain to my father why Obsidian murdered the prick. 

~*~

Forty-five minutes into the car ride, I eventually began to grow tired and curled up in the seat. My eyes were beginning to close when Apsel just had to speak up. Gods forbid I can have just a few minutes of peace with the guy.

"So, how did it feel to be drugged by a human? Pretty weak, huh?" He taunted. 

Releasing a breath, I motioned for Lin to shut him up which she gladly did. I smiled to myself when she punched him in the throat, causing him to choke. 

"Next time, I'll do it but with my claws," I said sweetly.

He gave me a dirty look while rubbing his bruised throat, but luckily, it kept him silent. Once again, I curled up and this time, fell asleep. When I eventually woke up again, we were almost there. Stretching my aching muscles out, I righted myself in the seat and glanced at Obsidian. His skin had lost some of its color and the edges of his dark hair were soaked in sweat. Furrowing my eyebrows, I leaned over and lifted his shirt, much to his dismay. 

"Before you even decide to throw a tantrum, your wound is infected," I voiced, grabbing his hand with my other one and stopping him from forcing me away. 

He sighed, "I'll clean it when we get there, stop touching me."

I shrugged and obeyed his order, it's not like I could do anything anyway. Well, not without him wanting to rip my head off for touching him. I was soon distracted by Apsel snickering in the back, the sound made my anger boil within my chest, but I refused to give him any attention. I knew what he was trying to do, he wanted to somehow embarrass me in front of another king. 

"Awe, little Sylvia cares about him," he teased.

I sighed, "No, it's my plan and he's doing us a favor by helping out. I'm just being a leader and making sure everyone in my group is alright."

"Awe, does that mean you'll baby me?" 

"In your dreams, bitch."

I wanted to laugh when I saw the glare on his face, but knew that if I did, it would start another argument. However, apparently my words didn't make him stay silent, go figure. 

"Don't worry, you're not in my dreams, sweetheart. My dreams are filled with that wonderful day where you believed someone could love you. No one is going to love a stubborn woman like you, I actually think you and Lin should be lesbians together."

"Have Obsidian pull over the car. You need to put this pup in his place now, before he decides to challenge you for your title someday," my wolf suddenly spoke and I couldn't be happier to agree with her.

"Pull the car over," I demanded.

Shockingly, Obsidian didn't argue as he quickly stopped on the side of the road. Without a word, I got out of the car and yanked the other door open. Before Apsel couldn't even register what was happening, I ripped him out of his seat and threw him onto the grass. 

"It'll just be a minute," I told Obsidian before slamming the door shut. 

I rolled up my sleeves and smiled, "I'm not going to put up with your bullshit all weekend."

"Hi, we have rooms reserved under Sylvia Drakos," I greeted the receptionist with a small smile, acting as if the bleeding guy behind me wasn't there. 

She pursed her lips, "It says here that there is only one room reserved with two separate beds. "

Not wanting to argue, I apologized for my mistake and said the one room was fine. Once we had our keys, we headed towards the elevator. I looked at Obsidian to make sure he was fine, deciding that if he didn't clean his wound, I would. No doubt he'll throw a fit, but he's going to have to suck it up this once. 

As we stepped into the elevator, I stopped Apsel, "You are taking the stairs."