Chapter 31 Agreement
Phoebe
For almost a week, I spent my time recovering, both physically and emotionally. I distanced myself from Adonis and Zion. In the training rooms, we barely exchanged words, our hands busy with our phones as usual. Only Hayden made an effort to talk to me.
"You’ve been quieter lately," Finley commented while helping me organize the electrical equipment in the training room. He was rolling up cables, but his gaze was fixed on me. Reluctantly, I had to respond; he wasn’t caught up in the tension between us.
"I'm just sorting things out," I admitted. "You’ve also been avoiding talking to me in class. I thought that after finding out I’m a girl, you’d act weird like others."
"Why would I? I don’t want you to push me away. And clearly, you’ve already distanced yourself from Zion and Adonis, haven’t you?"
"Is it that obvious?"
"Yeah, Phoebe. You’re not good at hiding things."
I smiled. We were on the same page; no matter how hard I tried to conceal my feelings, they would figure it out eventually. Living in the same dorm left me with no room for denial.
We continued chatting in the training room. I have turned on the heater since the late October weather was getting colder. Even though I wore warm clothes, enjoying a heated room felt more comfortable.
Finley agreed, sitting next to me with gray socks that matched my own. It seemed like Livingstone had a longstanding history with the color gray; all our uniforms shared the same hue, even if their designs differed between summer and winter.
"Are you hungry?" he asked suddenly, tilting his head in my direction.
"Yeah," I replied, stretching my arms. "Is there anything in the kitchen?"
"I’ll check." He stood and glanced back at me. "Do you want to stay here or come with me?"
"I’ll come with you," I said, pushing myself up and following him.
When we arrived in the kitchen, Hayden was standing by the oven. The aroma of roast beef filled the air as he pulled it out with practiced ease.
"Got any for us, Hayden?" Finley asked, leaning casually against the counter.
"Make your own. Your hands are still functional, aren’t they?"
"That’s sarcasm," Finley muttered, shaking his head as he stepped toward the fridge. "But fine,we’ll make our own."
As Finley reached for some meat, Hayden’s hand shot out, stopping him mid-motion.
"Not that one," Hayden said firmly.
"What are you doing?" I asked, stepping closer, my curiosity piqued.
Hayden didn’t look at me as he unwrapped the meat. "This is for you," he said, his voice calm but resolute. "I’ll cook it. Finley can take care of himself."
"Ah, great. He’s jealous," Finley quipped with a teasing grin, his eyes darting between us.
Hayden froze for a moment before slamming his hand onto the edge of the counter. His sharp gaze turned to Finley, his voice low and tense. "Can you shut your mouth and use your hands instead? If you’re not going to cook dinner, then get out."
"Chill, bro," Finley replied, holding up his hands in mock surrender. "I was just kidding. Besides, we had an agreement."
I froze, the bottle of olive oil in my hand hovering midair. My eyes darted between the two of them.
"Agreement? Does this have to do with the team? Why wasn’t I told?"
"Should I explain, or do you want to?" Finley raised an eyebrow. "This should be interesting."
"Wait at the dining table," Hayden instructed. "I need to make sure you eat properly, and then I’ll explain."
Every passing second sent my thoughts spiraling. What agreement had they made without me?
Resting my chin on one hand, I tapped my fingers rhythmically on the dining table, waiting for dinner to be served.
The aroma of roasted beef distracted me, and I devoured the meal in minutes, leaving only traces of ketchup on the edges of the plate.
"I always enjoy watching you eat," Finley remarked.
I immediately choked. Before I could grab my glass of water, Finley offered his. Quickly, I took it, gulping down the water to dislodge the food stuck in my throat.
I turned to Hayden, expecting a different reaction. Instead, he silently handed me a napkin, his face expressionless, though I could sense no hostility in his demeanor.
"Hayden, could you explain what’s going on here?" I asked directly.
He exhaled deeply, glancing at Finley before meeting my eyes. Wetting his lips, he finally spoke.
"There’s something you need to know." Hayden paused, his gaze flicking to Finley again. "You’re not just my mate, you’re Finley’s too."
It took a few seconds for his words to sink in. I barely felt Hayden’s hand on mine. When I tried to pull away, he held on tightly.
"What is this supposed to mean?"
"You’re the mate of both of us," Hayden explained. "And possibly Adonis, too. That’s why he’s so obsessed with you."
I didn’t know what to think or say. My heart sank, my pulse slowing as I struggled to accept the truth. If Finley hadn’t steadied me, I might have collapsed beside the chair.
"Phoebe, are you okay?" Finley asked, his concern evident.
"I knew this would happen," Hayden muttered, lifting me into his arms.
I didn’t want to show any more weakness. Once was enough, because of what Adonis had done. Finley was my friend, my confidant, but why did fate have to complicate things like this?
I wanted to resist, but tears streamed down my face. I didn’t want this. I just wanted to be normal, like other she-wolves who had one mate their entire lives.
"Phoebe, can you hear me?" Hayden asked.
I nodded weakly, resting my head against his neck. Everything had already happened; there was no undoing it. Who could fight the will of the Moon Goddess?
"I want you to trust me," Hayden said as he laid me on his bed. "Can you do that?"
I didn’t need to think twice about my answer. Every puzzle piece Persephone had given me now fits perfectly. Hayden’s words were true. That explained why I felt so at ease around Finley, why I tolerated Zion’s flamboyant nature, and why I was drawn to Adonis.
"Is this a curse? I’ve been a burden to my family my whole life," I murmured.
Hayden brushed the hair from my forehead. His touch not only gave me energy but also a sense of comfort that no one else could provide. I closed my eyes but still wanted to hear more about myself from him.
"You’ve never been a burden to anyone. Don’t ever think that, and I won’t let you face this alone," he reassured me.
"If you want to keep considering me your friend, then do so. I wouldn’t be able to bear it if you left because of me, Phoebe," Finley finally spoke, his brown eyes briefly flashing yellow before returning to their original color.
I could tell he was speaking sincerely. As I calmed down, Finley hugged me for the first time.
Something stirred within me. Whether it was the flow of my own blood or another sensation, I couldn’t tell. My thoughts scattered, overwhelmed by the warmth of his embrace.
Until I felt him growl low, his voice deepening. My eyes widened as something sharp pierced my skin.
"I’m sorry, Grey. I can’t hold back anymore," Finley whispered.