Chapter 39 Crunch
“I’m going to go visit my girlfriend, what is wrong with that?”
He gives me a deadpan look. “Listen, Alec, I agree that we need to teach him a lesson. I want to, too, but she has explicitly asked you not to get involved.”
“And not to mention he’s a human and not a super strong one at that, you could seriously hurt him,” Cassie adds in her two cents.
“What happens if you shift in front of everyone? Then we’re all screwed.” Noah keeps going.
I sigh, rubbing my eyes with my hand. “I’m not going to start a fight. I am purely going to visit her.”
“And if he shows up to start something?” She asks.
“Then I will walk away calmly and not get involved unless she tells me to.”
They look at each other, far from convinced, and I can already guess what’s going to happen. One or both of them are going to be watching, or stalking would be better said. This isn’t the first time they’ve done something like this. Right after Garrett died, they often pulled this scheme together. I had issues after his death my family and they were worried about me harming other people. But this isn’t like that. I’m of a completely stable mind right now.
“Don’t follow me either.” I give them a hard look.
They both avert their eyes from mine. It’s not something I abuse. The alpha power that my wolf already has, knowing that I’ll be the alpha after my dad retires. But sometimes it comes out without meaning to it comes out partially.
“But what if something happens? You won’t even see us, and then we can guarantee everyone’s safety.”
I stand from the couch, shaking my head, done with this conversation. “No one is following me. I am not going to do anything Anneliese doesn’t want me to do.”
They should understand that I would never do something like that against her will. I don’t want to make it harder for her than it already is.
“Fine, but call us if something happens.” He gives in. Cassie rolls her eyes, reluctantly nodding along with his words. That’s good enough for me. I left the house shortly after the conversation ended, going directly to the camp.
I can hear the people talking as soon as I get onto the path. But I don’t hear her voice, not yet at least. I wait for the talking closest to me to cease before walking out of the trees into the cleared camp. I quickly walk around trying to ensure I don’t stand out. I head straight to her cabin, hoping she’s there right now. But my ears pick up the sound of her heartbeat. I can recognize it anywhere except that it’s not near her cabin. Instead, it’s to the left.
I look around, hoping to see her. The area has a gravel path through it, but I can’t see farther down because it is blocked by a row of trees. I’m pretty sure it’s an activity area. I start taking steps towards the area, trying not to rush and stand out. The last thing I need is to make her get in trouble for sneaking me in and out of here.
I can hear her breathing pick up. Her heartbeat jumps faster suddenly. My own heart stops when I hear her angrily say, “Leave me alone.”
My legs move before I can even think through it. I don’t care if someone realizes I shouldn’t be here.
“Stop, Anna, just admit that you and I are meant to be.”
That asshole’s voice makes my blood pump faster. Anger courses through my veins at an undeniable speed. My wolf begs to take care of him once and forall but I try to remember her. I have to do right by her. I enter the clearing, taking in the scene in front of me as fast as I can.
There are several picnic-style tables scattered about, each with painting supplies. Anneliese sits at the far side, with Beth beside her. And the one who makes my anger surge is the counselor Kai, sitting across from Anna. Several campers at the tables watch the scene unfold, while others continue painting. Beth looks pissed while Anneliese looks down away from his stare.
I keep my steps quick toward the table, wanting to comfort her more than anything. They all look at me, hearing my footsteps in the mowed-down grass.
“Alec?” Her voice is high, conveying the shock of seeing me.
I don’t even look at him coming next to her. “Hey, how’s it going?” I try to keep my voice calm; it’s not human to already know what’s occurred here.
“Um, good.” She looks up at me from her seat.
I join her on the bench, sitting next to her, our bodies meshing together. Then I finally look at him. My face is a hard glare. Just seeing this idiot's smug face feeds the murderous feeling inside me. I put my hand on her thigh under the table, hoping it brings her some comfort as it does me.
“Are you a camper here?” The fucker has the audacity to ask me.
“Yeah, kinda bad a counselor doesn’t know that.” I keep my tone cool.
Her hand brushes against mine as she clasps our hands together. I hold onto hers tightly. He doesn’t look happy at my sarcasm.
“This is your new boyfriend?” He talks to her.
“Yes, now please leave us alone.”
“Does he know we dated?” This guy just wants me to beat his face in.
“He knows everything.”
“Yeah, so leave before he takes care of you,” Beth adds.
He looks me up and down, and I can’t deny the enjoyment I feel at his nervous gulp.
“Whatever, just know that you have my dirty seconds.” He stands from the table.
I open my mouth to respond back but she shakes her head no.
“Oh, and just an FYI, she’s a horrible fuck, probably the worst I’ve ever had. You’re doing me a favor by taking her.”
I lose it. Forget waiting for her permission, I can’t listen to this any longer.
I jump up, making him take a step back. My fist makes contact with his face before he can block me.
The crunch his nose makes is the most satisfying sound I’ve ever heard.