“Emphasis on the dumb,” Ethan agreed with a laugh. Benny snorted, as did Flik, and I chuckled while I relaxed again. It surprised me to notice Claire stood in the doorway with her arms crossed, shaking her head while she quietly argued with Riff. They refused to let him in?
“You need a moment to recover from what happened, and he needs time to think before he does something stupid. Like challenge alpha Evan when he returns tomorrow. That would be dumb, but he would do it. Or challenge Kyler today, which would be equally foolish. While he could win, it would displease alpha Evan. Not that Riff did it to be with you, but that he rushed to do so before Kyler’s father returned home,” Mara explained gently. “Riff can be dense. But he loves you and love makes us do things we wouldn’t.”
“However,” Flik sighed, his eyes full of grief, “he doesn’t love you that way, Angel. Not romantically. I don’t think you love him like that either, albeit you wish you did. Which I understand. How could you not hope for the boy who took you under his wing and abandoned us to help you feel safe?” I swallowed audibly, my heart becoming pained at the reminder I took Riff from his biggest love. Singing.
“I’m sorry to be so much trouble,” I whispered, my eyes on the ground with tears filling them. A laughing Arctic pulled me from Drake to hug me, and I turned to hide my face in his chest.
“What you need to remember, pups, is that Angel’s emotionally unstable at the moment. She can be buoyantly happy and crash a second later to be so depressed she can barely move. So, I do not recommend serious topics. Between Kyler, her monster, what happened at Ryker’s house, and the news she received early this morning, Angel needs introvert time to process. Tonight she must be startled as well. Otherwise, your previous alpha will descend upon her and go to war with Marcus. Stop trying to explain things her heart cannot handle in its overworked state. Don’t hold yourselves accountable either. If you want to help Angel, then let her breathe,” Arctic explained in a voice so severe it raised the hair on the back of my neck.
Nodding, the choir grew thoughtful and took their chairs, including Claire and Riff, while Arctic refused to let me join them. “They mean well, but you’re a bit of a mess, love,” Arctic chuckled. “It’s to be expected, so they need to give you time to process. Later, I’ll whisk you away for some time alone. I know a place you can feel alone where I will be close enough to call upon if needed.” That sounded wonderful because I needed to charge my introvert batteries. I loved having these people in my life, but I needed my time alone too.
Mr. Thatch watched us interact until the rest of the choir was seated and ready to begin, then he smiled and indicated my chair. Arctic released me, then sat against the wall so he could watch us with a curious expression. They seemed pleased to have a captive audience, even if he was only one person.
We warmed up, with Mr. Thatch at the piano while he ran us through scales and a few jaunty songs. Smiling, he announced we should prepare for the winter concert since I missed the fall one by a few weeks. Riff grinned, suggesting a few songs that caused some eyes to roll, and I chuckled under my breath. I loved their dynamic and was happy to be part of the group. Claire mentioned a song that was met with several boos, and I laughed. I couldn’t help it, although I tried.
While they debated, I pulled out my sketchbook and sang under my breath. It was only after I finished the first verse of ‘Hallelujah’ that I remembered they were werewolves and could hear me. My cheeks heated, and I stopped singing only to scrunch in my seat when deafening silence weighed heavily in the choir room.
“So that’s one song. Acappella?” Mr. Thatch asked sardonically, and they nodded as one. Aw crap. Chuckling, he mentioned a few traditional songs, and I bit my lip while hoping I would be here to enjoy the concert. It’s been a long time since I’ve looked forward to a choir concert because I never know if I will get to take part. But since I love to sing so much, it’s worth the uncertainty.
Before I knew it, the bell signaling lunch rang, and I stared at it with trepidation. I’ve avoided Kyler, but would I duck his attention in the lunchroom? Thinking of the cafeteria caused my mind to recall what happened the last time I was within its walls. My stomach churned, and Arctic was beside me with a touch of desperation in his eyes. “Easy, Angel. Remember, you need to take it easy. It hasn’t been long enough,” he murmured with a touch of panic in his voice. “I know it’s frustrating, but believe me, it’s necessary.”
“Right, because the consequences suck,” I replied with a sigh. After several deep breaths, I calmed myself, although my anxiety still lurked deep within my heart. Hopefully, it wouldn’t cause any problems. Then again, this is me we’re talking about so yay. Consequences with a side of awkward coming right up. I swallowed nervously when the choir stood to head to the lunchroom with encouraging smiles. Sure, it’s easy for them to be hopeful since they don’t have to face someone who rejected them at first sight.
Arctic insisted on carrying my backpack, his arm going around my shoulders again while he propelled me along behind my classmates. Riff kept glancing at us with
