Chapter 34

Chapter 34
Chapter 34 – Luca

I’ve always thought of myself as funny, charming, a little reckless that people don’t take me seriously, and that’s was my advantage.

But Seth… Seth isn’t like anyone else. And somehow, despite my best efforts, I’ve been hit square in the chest by a realization I didn’t expect I care.

Really care.

The cafeteria was filled with noises but all I could focus on were the dynamics at our table. Kael was there, brooding, sharp-eyed, like he could cut the entire world in half just by glaring. And he was staring at Seth.

Always staring at Seth.

I leaned back in my chair, a fork halfway to my mouth, pretending to examine the ceiling because the truth was, every time Kael looked at him ,I felt something twist uncomfortably in my gut.

Jealousy!

And I hate feeling jealous.

Seth had been so oblivious, so careful, and yet… somehow magnetic. I watch him laugh quietly with River, tease me back when I poked fun, and I’d feel this almost unbearable pull.

But now, Kael was in the mix and that possessive, sharp tongue Kael… I knew he wasn’t going anywhere without a fight.

I tossed my fork down and let a smirk creep across my face. “You know,” I said casually, letting my tone slide toward joking, “if Kael Ashbourne keeps staring at Seth like that, I might have to step in to make sure no one’s feelings get hurt.”

River snorted. “You? Step in? Against Kael? Good luck with that.”

Theo snorted with muffled crumbs in his mouth. “You’ll get eaten alive before lunch is over.”

I ignored them, because none of them truly understood. Kael wasn’t just anyone,he is smart, relentless, and dangerous in ways that Seth has no clue about. But I… I’m the wildcard. Maybe the only one who can even try to compete.

Seth shifted nervously in his seat, fiddling with his napkin, his cheeks were slightly pink.

Alexander who is always silent, didn’t move a muscle beside him. He was calm and protective. The way he didn’t let anyone crowd Seth was like a warning 'don’t cross this line.'

And Kael saw it, of course. I could feel his gaze burning across the table. I wondered if he even realized I was watching him watch Seth.

I leaned forward, elbows on the table. “So, Seth… you’re looking a little pale. Should I fetch a doctor? Or at least some more chocolate?”

Seth flushed, and I almost laughed at the little flinch but then Kael’s hand moved slightly, just a subtle tightening around his fork, and the hair on my neck prickled.

I hate that feeling...that tension... That dangerous, territorial thing Kael radiates.

I don’t know why he bothers me so much. I should just be amused, leave it at a smirk, but there’s something in the way he watches Seth, like he can see right through him, that makes me clench my jaw.

And the worst part? I can’t let Seth know I care too much. Because if I give away even a hint of my seriousness… I will be exposed and in this whatever little triangle of ours Kael, Alexander, me getting exposed could be dangerous.

I sipped my drink, leaning back, letting the easy charm slip back into my smile. “You know, Seth,” I said, letting my tone drop into teasing again, “if you ever need a personal bodyguard against Kael, I’m available strictly unofficial, of course.”

Seth’s wide eyes met mine, and for a second, I caught that flash of confusion mixed with gratitude. Alexander didn’t move but I could feel the shift in the air.

Kael tried to keep his glare subtle but it failed, followed the movement of my hand as it slid across the table. He didn’t speak, didn’t make a move, but every inch of his posture screamed warning.

He doesn’t like it! He doesn’t like me. He doesn’t like anyone touching his “territory.”

And the twist is ... I like it.

I like the challenge, I like that Kael’s intensity makes Seth flinch, that Alexander’s calm makes Seth cling a little closer. It’s complicated and dangerous and I love danger.

Lunch ended. We put our trays away and left the crowded cafeteria with Kael subtly staying closer to Seth. I stayed a few steps behind, keeping a casual distance, letting him think he had control.

Let him feel that tension, because someone needs to remind Seth that I exist too.

Later, in the dorm halls, I trailed behind them. O saw Kael’s hand brushing Seth’s hair when he passed, a small, possessive claim that made my stomach tighten. I suppressed a groan.

This isn’t just teasing anymore. This is serious.

We reached our dorms. Seth excuse himself and went to their roomto freshen up. Alexander lingered outside the room, scanning the hall while I stayed with Kael.

He didn’t look at me, but I knew he felt my presence.

“You’re… watching too much,” I said lightly, but my voice carried a weight I didn’t bother hiding.

Kael didn’t flinch. “I see everything,” he said quietly.

I leaned back casually against the wall, a grin still plastered on my face, but inside I was burning.

He’s obsessed, possessive and dangerous. And I’m serious about Seth. So maybe… maybe I can play this game just a little longer.

Because Seth isn’t mine yet. Not in the way I want. But if I keep moving carefully, keeping my my intentions sharper… maybe I can stake my claim before Kael realizes how serious I am.

And the truth is I don’t care how complicated it gets.

Seth deserves someone who notices him. Who cares who sees past the calm, polite exterior. I’ve seen him and I want him.

Just then, Kael’s head turned slightly, and our eyes met. He knows something is different tonight. He can feel the shift in my tone, the way I linger just a little too long near Seth.

I smirked faintly.

Kael’s jaw tightened.

The hall was quiet, Theo and River were already gone leaving me and Kael alone. I stepped closer to Kael, intentionally brushing past him as if by accident though my heart hammered in my chest.

“You better not forget,” I murmured just loud enough for him to hear, “Seth isn’t just a toy for your possessiveness.”

Kael’s lips curled slightly but not a smile that made my skin prickle. His hand twitched, like he wanted to reach out and… I don’t know what he wanted to do, but it wasn’t friendly.

I walked past him my heart pounding loudly against my ribs. I did it! I finally had a chance to stand to Kael! But then I realized this isn’t going to be simple.

Because I know Kael. I know his type of obsession and I also know… I’m willing to push him.

To stake my claim.

Even if it gets dangerous.

And that… might be exactly what I want.