Chapter Sixteen: Nate's apology

AUTHOR'S POV

"What do we do?" Aria asked as her eyes were filled with so much worry. She looked up at Jonas and Nate who stood before her, hoping they would do or say something. However, they were just as worried and confused as her.

Right now, they were in the tent and Aria was sitting weakly on the bed. It was still a wonder that she hadn't healed completely from her injury.

"Are you okay? You look so weak. You should be completely healed by now." Jonas said as the weak look on her face was starting to get to him.

"I..." Aria tried to speak up but she was cut off by Nate.

"We are not here for you both to show off your love, remember," Nate spoke up as he was irritated at the sight of Jonas and Aria together. Though he was jealous that Jonas got Aria in his clutches, he wouldn't admit it.

"What love?" Jonas asked, with a frown.

On the other hand, Aria looked at Nate like he had grown two heads. His words confused her so much and she looked from Nate to Jonas, in bewilderment.

"Aren't you both lovers? You guys stay together almost all the time. You planned all these together, as well." Nate spilled and then snorted.

"What?! We are not lovers!" Aria shouted, in a shocked tone. Her eyes were wide and she held onto her chest as her breath spiked up.

"Where did you get that from, Nate? We just happen to think alike, that's all." Jonas said while he rolled his eyes in disgust. Looking at Aria, he knew he cared about her but then he had never thought of her in that way.

"Ohh, is that so?" Nate let out, with a surprised look on his face. A small smile threatened to break out on his face but then he was quick to control himself.

"So, what do you both think we should do? Kai is not going to relent and we are going to need the Hybrid's help." Nate changed the topic but then he couldn't help the mushy feeling in his heart. All this while, he thought that Jonas and Aria were lovers.

He has had a secret crush on Aria for a long time and it didn't sit well with him to see her and Jonas together all the time. So, he took out his anger on Jonas most times. He was so lost in thoughts that he didn't notice Jonas staring at him, intently.

On the other hand, Jonas could guess what was going on in Nate's mind. He looked from Nate to Aria who was oblivious to how Nate felt about her.

"We move without Kai." Jonas replied finally to Nate's words.

"We cannot do that!" Aria let out in an irritated tone. How could they let go of their own that way? What was the use of staying together, then?

"No, we can't let go of Kai. He has a lot of emotional baggage to deal with after Ski's death. Leaving him will be detrimental." Nate spoke up as he thought deeply about the whole thing. For the first time, Aria looked at him in a new light.

Everyone knew Nate to be unruly and uncaring, but it seemed it was just a facade.

"Then what do you suggest? We do not know where the Hybrid is currently. While we continue to debate on what to do, she is going far away from us." Jonas let out his concerns with a frown on his face. He didn't want to look like the selfish and insensitive one amongst them, but they needed to carry out their plans on time.

"Kai is the only one holding us down. When the Alpha King comes knocking, he wouldn't even be able to stand up to a single warrior." Jonas continued to say while Nate and Aria nodded.

"Get the Hybrid!" Nate declared and looked at Jonas with so much resolution.

"Really?" Jonas asked back, in surprise and with raised brows.

"Yes. Take a few of the men outside. They understand what you are trying to do. Aria and I will help to convince Kai." Nate explained further and Jonas looked at him, amused.

He didn't have any qualms with going to look for Anna with a few other rogues. However, he knew that Nate had exempted himself just so he could be with Aria. Jonas however hoped that he would apologize to Aria for stabbing her even though it wasn't intentional.

"Take care of Aria." Jonas ordered before he turned around. He didn't waste a minute longer in the tent. Soon, he was out to look for Anna.

On the other hand, the tent had gone silent as Nate looked at Aria with a serious look. He didn't what to say to her but at the same time, he had a lot to say to her.

"Are you okay now?" He asked after some time.

"Uhh..." Aria let out, in a shocked tone. She had been feeling uneasy at the fact that she was left all alone with Nate. But as she looked up at him, all her fears faded as he didn't look scary at all.

"Yes, I'm fine. Just a little ache here and there." She replied and then bowed her as she was a little conscious of herself.

"I apologize for what happened. It was a mistake on my part. I also apologize for being so insensitive after you woke up. I was too riled up and shaded to think straight." Nate gave his most sincere apologies while he looked straight at Aria.

On the other hand, Aria was a bit shocked that he could be this calm and sensible. She knew he was in the wrong but then she didn't think he needed to apologize to her.

"You should apologize to the Hybrid. You tried to attack her not me. I just happened to dash in at the right moment." Aria said, with a small smile on her face.

Her words caught Nate off guard and he wondered how he was supposed to apologize to Anna.