Chapter 19 UNDER PRESSURE
Edeline
We hadn’t planned on letting him know about the current issues just yet. We decided to hold off until after his big homecoming celebration. With Percival and Darius still recovering, the Alpha had suggested that Tatiana stay away for now. We figured it was best not to burden Nixx with the details just yet. He’d likely be ready to confront Percival to defend my honor, and we didn’t want him caught in the middle of this mess. After all, this was Percival’s way of retaliating, and Nixx wouldn’t face any real consequences—he was simply caught up in the crossfire.
“Hey there, little sis,” Nixx said, settling down next to me and casually wrapping his arm around me in a side hug. He was much taller than me, just like Dad. They both towered over Mom and me. “Any luck finding your mate? How was your shift?”
I sidestepped Nixx’s question, and my parents exchanged surprised glances. “The shift went well,” I said, trying to keep my tone light. “I spent hours hanging out with my wolf. I’m getting better at controlling my mind during the shift. I’ve only done it twice so far, though, so I still need more practice.” I gave him a warm smile, trying to shift the mood.
“Hey, it looks like you and I are going for a run tonight!” Nixx said with an enthusiastic grin. “Maybe we can catch a game after.”
I flashed him a playful smile, the kind that usually hinted at a bit of caution or challenge but felt good in this context. “Sure, I’m up for it. Just don’t fall behind, alright?”
Nixx let out a mock growl. “Hey there, little pup, your big bro has so much to teach you.”
Being with my family and Nixx helped me forget my current worries. It made it easier to breathe... Maybe moving back into my parents' home was worth considering.
“Hey, Nixx, where do you plan on crashing? Here or at the pack house?” I locked eyes with him, hoping he’d see the optimism in my gaze.
“Why? You want me to hang out at the pack house with you?” He smirked, clearly enjoying the conversation.
I hesitated, unsure of my own plans. “I was thinking of heading back home... If you were planning on staying here as well…”
Nixx had yet to find his mate, so he spent time with single she-wolves. We had an unspoken agreement: spend time with the opposite gender but not to hook up. Sex outside of a bond was unpleasant and traditionally, women were expected to offer their virtue to their partners. While it wasn’t as crucial for men, it was still frowned upon in our pack. The Alpha was strict about such matters—if a male and female mated without forming a bond, there would be consequences. So, the more laid-back members sought partners from outside their groups to avoid complications. Percival, for instance, faced judgment not for his actions, but for getting another wolf pregnant, since she wasn't part of our pack.
We decided it was time to head over to the barbecue. Nixx was getting impatient, eager to see his friends. I walked with him toward the pack house while Mom and Dad stayed behind to fetch the pies she baked. They’d be joining us soon.
“Hey,” Nixx said with a teasing smirk, glancing down at me. “I couldn’t help but notice you kinda dodged my question earlier.”
I felt a jolt of surprise but managed to keep my composure. “Huh?”
“So, did you find your mate? Or are you just shy about sharing?” His smirk widened, and I struggled to keep my wolf from reacting.
“Nah,” I said, looking down to signal that his question about my shift and my mate were both unwelcome topics. I didn’t feel embarrassed; I was just awkward and furious about the situation.
Nixx seemed determined to enjoy himself, and I was happy to see him so upbeat.
As we walked down the hill toward the party, he sighed and kicked a rock along the path. “No worries. You’ll come across him eventually. And I’ll find mine too,” he said with a gentle grin. I couldn’t help but smile back. Seeing him happy was all I wanted.
I felt a pang of guilt for not checking in on the brothers today. With Darius out of reach and Percival having really gotten on my nerves, it was easier to stay away. Percival would figure things out as soon as I walked into the doctor's office, anyway.
Approaching the lively scene, the backyard of the pack house was a burst of color and activity. A bonfire crackled, and a long table was laden with mouthwatering food. A “Welcome Home” sign fluttered in the breeze, and a group of single she-wolves were splashing around in the lake, their bikinis glistening in the sunlight. Loud music blared from the speakers, and wolves swam to the shore to greet Nixx. Energetic kids darted around, their parents trying to keep pace.
“Hey Nixx!!!” Jasmine called out, rushing toward us with her sleek black hair streaming behind her. Her radiant skin and stunning green eyes made her stand out in the crowd. She was genuinely beautiful, and her exotic look always drew attention.
Nixx caught her in his arms as she leapt towards him, pulling her into a tight embrace. Jasmine and Nixx had always been close friends, practically inseparable. There was no romantic tension between them—just a strong, platonic bond.
“Hey there,” Nixx chuckled, spinning her around. I noticed a few female wolves watching with suspicion. Nixx definitely had a fan club. I hoped I wouldn’t attract too much attention.
Jasmine released Nixx and turned to me with a bittersweet smile. “Hey, Edeline. How’s it going?”
I forced a smile, trying to sound upbeat. “Awesome! I’ve got my brother back!” Her raised eyebrow suggested she understood there was more to my mood than I was letting on.
“Yeah, we’re all thrilled he’s finally home. Looks like you’ve got a little fan club too, Nixx. The ladies have been getting all dolled up in anticipation of your arrival,” she said with a chuckle.