Nerves

BARON

"Good day, Beta." I went to my father's second in command.

"Good day, Aaron or is it Baron?"

I did not reply, I waited for him to figure it out by himself. He peered around me and stared intently, then he smiled a little. "Baron it is. Good day, Baron."

I turned to know how he'd found out and saw Aaron with Katelyn. Obviously. Everyone knew I hated that girl, the only person that would accept her was my twin brother, Aaron.

Aaron and I were so identical that it sometimes gave father a tough time trying to figure out who did what crime, especially when we were little. I would cause a mischief and Aaron would be blamed for it, and vice versa. When my mother was alive, it had been fun watching my parents get frustrated over I and Aaron's shenanigans.

"Beta, I want to talk to you about something or rather, someone. "My gaze went to Kathy, she was looking so alone and lost.

I had no idea why she was this scared to show her wolf. It was as though she had something to hide, it was either that or she did not want to expose her wolf or she had a shy wolf. I have heard of shy wolves that never want to be out. They were there but they prefer remaining in their human body.

Maybe Katherine had that kind of wolf and it might be a while before it came out. Yes, they eventually came out but it always took time.

"Can she seat this one out?" I pointed in her direction.

The Beta followed the direction of my index. "No, Baron."

"Why? She does not seem to want this, maybe for this year? There's always next year's event, she can go through it then."

The Beta held my gaze. "Not to disrespect your orders or wishes, Baron but this is beyond us both."

I frowned in bewilderment. "Beyond us both?"

"This event does not see anyone too special to be left out. You know it. When you were here, you and your brothers partook. Even now, your brothers are partaking." He explained.

"We only partook because we were trying to set an example for the rest of the students. You know that I or any of them…" I pointed at Aaron and my brothers.

"It would not hurt to call them your brothers, Baron." He interjected.

"Brothers don't do what they have done." I argued.

"I understand the situation amongst the five of you but you should at least, still see them as your brothers. Your blood."

I gave him the foreboding look, and continued. "They could have easily opted out and no one would question it. So stretch that same hand towards Kathy. She can join in next year."

He sighed, then he studied her for a while. I did too. She was aimlessly roaming her gaze everywhere until it met mine, she smiled and I detected the befuddlement in her smile. She was wondering what I was doing.

"I wish I could do that but I can not, Baron. I hope you'll understand. I am only carrying out orders."

I sighed, and nodded. "Alright."

I left his presence. I understood him quite well, he was only carrying out orders and the orders of the Alpha must not be disobeyed. There was nothing else I could do except making sure she was fine.

Kathy was a really nice girl and she did not deserve to be going through whatever she was. If Aaron was not stupid, he'd have done the right thing by now.

I walked back to her. She still had on her smile but it was a curious one. "Hey, anything the matter? You just left."

"I had to go have a word with the Beta."

She spared him a glance, then her gaze reverted to me. "What is he doing here? I was not expecting to see him."

"He's the one in charge of today's activity." I told her.

"Really?" She had this uncertainty clouding her expression.

"Yes, anything wrong?"

"Nothing. I just thought maybe uhmm…" She paused, then swallowed.

"You can tell me." I rubbed her shoulders encouragingly.

"I just thought maybe a lecturer would be the one handling today's activity."

"No, it's usually the Beta. Though there will be lecturers around but they are expected to be mere helping hands. The Beta is in charge so whatever information he gives to the Alpha, it would be firsthand and trustworthy."

At the mention of the Alpha, she went pale. "T-the Alpha? He would be t-told?" She stuttered.

What was making her this scared? Was she okay? The weather was breezy but I could see beads of sweat forming. She was extremely nervous.

I drew her to myself and wrapped her in an embrace. People were beginning to watch us but I did not mind. Kathy was like a younger sister and she deserved to be protected and cared for.

The phone in my pocket buzzed. Who was calling? I ignored it, still hugging her, she hugged me back too. It was as if she needed that level of comfort and encouragement. My phone stopped ringing.

"Are you feeling better?" I asked in a low, whispery voice.

"A little." She replied, her voice was muffled. Her head was buried in my arm.

My phone buzzed again, she reluctantly pulled away. "You should pick that."

I brought out the phone and stared at the caller ID. Melissa. "I'll be right back, okay?"

"Okay." She nodded, though she was unwilling to let me go.

I went back to give her one more tight, reassuring hug and a comforting kiss on her forehead. From my peripheral vision, Aaron and the rest were looking at us. "I'll soon be back. Try to stay out of harm's way until then." I passed her a cocky grin. "And don't miss me too much."

She jabbed my stomach playfully. "Get over yourself, you arrogant werewolf."

"Alpha werewolf. That's a catch, isn't it?" I winked.

She narrowed her eyes. "I hope you choke on your ostentatious pride."

I laughed and she joined in. She sobered and patted my arm. "Please come back."

"Do I hear a 'please'?"

"Yes. Please come back so I can bury you on this field."