Chapter 129 129

Chapter 129 129
Jayden POV

Jared. Brother. Despite the cold image of my wolf in my chest churning at the mention of his name, an even larger and far more terrifying creature showed its claws at the very thought of him. Though I managed to restrain both of them, it was hard, bordering on impossible for the latter. Because there were no words that could describe what I felt for my brother. My fists slamming into his arrogant face so many times might describe it, but it still was not enough.

Not even close enough.

"It's a long story," she said in response to her mother's babble. "Do you have time to listen-"

"You just told me you're not going to go through with yet another marriage!" Her mother must have been half-shouting over the phone, because I heard her words more sharply now. "You better explain it to me right now, Ashley Van Smith. Or I will fly back to Beverly and find you and Jared and marry you off myself."

Instead of getting angry in return, I noticed Ashley becoming mellow. "I will tell you," she said quietly. "Can Dad hear me, too?"

There was a buzzing in my pocket, which persisted even after I ignored the first vibration, my attention was drawn to her concerned face. Realizing someone was calling me, I fished my cell phone out of my pocket - and stared at it.

Before Ashley could catch on to my shock, I pulled myself together and stood up. Signaling to her that I also had a call, I shook the phone in the air, cautiously, so that she would not see the caller's name. Despite being confused at first, her brows furrowed as she got the hint, and I darted out of the kitchen as fast as my legs could carry me.

"What's the matter?" I answered curtly, as I covered my mouth with my hand to keep my voice down. I doubted Ashley could hear me in the kitchen, especially since she was distracted by herself, while I was standing in the very front corner of her living room, but I did not like taking risks. Not if it could harm her.

"We need to talk."

Her calm tone startled me, as well as the lack of the word 'Jay'. However, I did not let my surprise show. "Then talk," I demanded sternly.

"Not over the phone. Can I meet you at our usual place?"

"There is no 'usual place'," I reminded her coldly.

She sighed. "You know what I mean."

"I thought I made it clear the last time we talked," I started, a bit of anger trickling through my tone, "that I don't want anything to do with you. What was so important that you could not tell me over the phone? Is this some kind of trick? Should I expect a flock of paparazzi to be waiting to ambush me when I arrive?"

"Don't be like this, Jayden," she said, her voice dull. "Why would I do something like that?"

"You caused all of this." I could barely hold myself back from snarling. "You almost ruined my life. Why would not I think you were desperate enough to seek attention by using some kind of media trap?"

"Oh, did I? I'm the one who ruined your life?" She laughed, but the sound was bland. "I'm not one to strung a girl along just because I could not get over my feelings for another girl I have known since we were kids." She snorted. "'Family friends'. Right. As if I did not catch the look in your eyes whenever you talk about her. You hate how she pisses you off, don't you? But you just hide your feelings and lie to me and think that what you do is okay and fine. Proud and stupid like a little kid. Isn't that right, Jay?"

For the first time since running into her, I was stunned. I could barely blink, let alone come up with a sensible reply.

Because she was totally right. And I could not believe the fact that she had seen right through me.

"Now, if you care about Ashley, then you will do your best to show your handsome face in the usual place in thirty minutes."

I gritted my teeth as I heard the triumphant tone in her voice. "Thirty-five," I stated.

"Don't be late," she chirped.

My heart pounding wildly between my throat and the pit of my stomach, I rushed over to the entrance where I had sloppily tossed off my shoes. The "usual place" Blair was referring to was a small coffee shop located on the other side of town. It would have taken at least thirty minutes to travel by taxi, but considering how heavy the traffic was in the city that day, I figured it might have taken up to forty-five minutes, minus the time it would take for me to find a taxi and explain to the driver where to go.

"...and then I... hey!"

I heard Ashley run out of the kitchen and whip around. "I have to go," I blurted out before she had a chance to ask the question that was already etched on her forehead. "Miles just called me - I forgot that I have a meeting with the editor in less than thirty minutes."

"Oh." She seemed to beam at the mention of my friend's name, but I was in too much of a hurry to ask her why. "Come back when you're done, will you?"

My eyes widened as I stopped trying to shove my feet into my sneakers. "Really?" I asked, doubt lacing my voice.

She averted her gaze. "It's been a while since we have talked. I mean, I know that you're busy as hell, but if you have some free time..." Her voice trailed off, and her cheeks blushed. 
Frankly, I was kind of amazed that she didn't try to rub her arm as she stood there, waiting for a reply.

"I will be right back," I said with my best attempt at a genuine smile. Even though I felt an almost irresistible urge to rush over to her and hug her tightly, I could not do it. Guilt washed over my heart as I, instead of hugging her, simply waved goodbye.

Maybe I should have told her who I was supposed to meet and why. Maybe I should have learned from my first great mistake, which almost cost me Ashley and my career. Maybe I should have told her straight out what Blair said to me. What turned my whole world upside down.

But I was still an arrogant, stupid little boy.