Chapter 26 Episode Twenty Six

Chapter 26 Episode Twenty Six
Chapter Twenty Six
Diana’s POV
When I turned only to meet rock hard…body? My eyes shit open immediately 
Took a while to adjust to the leasy of light from thr morning sun, then I realised I woke up in Calum’s arms and for a moment I forgot about everything that was the reason for my breakdown last night
All about the Amaryllis situation, I forgot all about the pack, about Elder Marcus and his threats. All I could think about was how safe I felt wrapped up in his warmth
And how much I wanted to remain there 
But then reality came crashing back and I remembered I had to go to campus today. I had classes I couldn’t afford to miss
I tried to slip out of bed without waking him but his arm tightened around my waist
“Where do you think you’re going?” His voice was raspy with sleep…the vibration sent a sweet electric shiver down my spine
“Um…I have to get ready for class”
“Hmm!” He groaned, his grip becoming tighter “Stay a little longer” I shook my head wirj a small smile
“I can’t do that, I’m already going to be late”
He groaned but let me go. I gathered my clothes from the floor and started getting dressed
I could feel his eyes on me the whole time and when I looked back at him he was watching me with an intensity that made my skin heat up
“Stop looking at me like that,” I said, he chuckled like he found my words amusing 
“Like what?” He feigned cluelessness 
“Like you want to drag me back to bed” came my response as I turned to look the other direction 
“But that’s exactly what I want to do” He sat up and the blanket fell to his waist “Come here”
“Calum I really need to go”
“Just for a second…pretty please?” Ugh! Fine, a few more minutes wouldnt hurt
I walked over to the bed and he pulled me down onto his lap. His hands settled on my waist and he looked up at me
“How do you feel this morning?” He asked, I felt my chest constrict for a moment before I formed a smile and nodded
“Good” came my response
There was silence for a while before be sighed and pulled me even closer
“I meant what I said last night,” he said quietly “About helping you with Amaryllis because I want to do this Diana”
I wanted to say yes so badly but the fear held me back
“We talked about this and I said I will think about it….i haven’t done that” he laughed again and shook his head like he was in disbelief 
“Calum…don’t do that, you have to see this from my eyes too, what if people find out about us?” I asked with a pout and he shrugged casually 
“Then we deal with it, I thiught I already answered that question yesterday?” 
“Jeez! You make it sound so simple”
“Well because , it is simple….I don’t care what people think…. I only care about you and your wellbeing and happiness”
“But your job…”
“I’ll find another job” he cut me off 
Okay….
“And my scholarship?”
“We’ll figure it out together…I can even sponsor you through school if need be” His hands moved up to cup my face “Stop trying to carry everything alone and let me share the burden with you”
I looked into his eyes and saw nothing but sincerity. He really meant it, he really wanted to help me
“Okay,” I whispered.“Okay we can talk about it more, but right now I really do need to go”
He smiled and kissed me softly “Go then, but we’re continuing this conversation later”
“I know” I mouthed with a small smile 
I finally managed to pull myself away and hurried to my room to change into my uniform. I did my morning chores quickly then rushed to catch the bus to campus
By the time I got to my first class I was ten minutes late. The professor gave me a look but didn’t say anything as I slipped into my seat
I tried to focus on the lecture but my mind kept wandering back to Calum. To what he said about helping me. To the possibility that maybe I didn’t have to do this alone anymore
When the class ended I packed my things and headed to my next lecture. I was walking across the quad when someone called my name
“Diana! Wait up!”
I turned and saw Kieran jogging toward me with a big smile on his face
“Hey,” he said when he reached me “I haven’t seen you in a few days. Where have you been hiding?”
“Just busy with work and classes” I said, refusing to maintain eye contact 
“Wow! You must be the world’s most busiest she wolf to not even be able to answer something so small as a text message” Kieran said wirj a laugh, bit I knew he didn’t really find it funny 
That made me feel beyond guilty. He had texted me twice since the last time we talked and I hadn’t responded to either message
“I’m sorry, things have just been really hectic” which was a partial truth 
“It’s okay, I figured you were busy” He walked beside me as I headed toward the next building “So listen I’m throwing a party this weekend at my place, but it’s nothing crazy, just some friends hanging out. You should come”
“I don’t know…”
“Come on, don’t be boring, It’ll be fun. You need to relax and have some fun for once at least”
“I’m not really a party person”
“It’s not that kind of party, it’s just music and good food and good company” He bumped my shoulder with his
“Plus I make a mean pizza”
I couldn’t help but smile “You make pizza?”
“The best pizza you’ve ever had” he boasted and we both laughed
“But hey, I’m serious Diana, you should come to the party, you can even bring a friend if you want”
I thought about it. When was the last time I had gone to a party? Or done anything fun that wasn’t work or school or worrying about Amaryllis?
“Okay,” I said before I could change my mind “I’ll come”
His whole face lit up “Really? That’s great! I’ll text you the address and time”
“Okay”
We reached the building where my next class was and he stopped
“I’ll see you this weekend then,” he said
“See you then”…..