“You’re projecting,” Arctic warned quietly. “If you want to put that mutt in his place, I would focus on the happiness you feel being part of a group. You love this choir, and the friends you’ve made, right? Think about that, hmm?” I nodded, trying to focus on how happy being part of the choir made me when Arc lowered his head and voice. “He’s pleased you love him that much but worried you need saving. It’s cute and frustrating that the pup can love you but not see you don’t need a hero. You’re far stronger than that boy will ever be, I hope. By that, I mean, I hope he never has to learn to be unwavering while standing in the sights of a monster. Still, your friend should recognize you’re not helpless. What you need is for him to love you without trying to save you from everything. Personally, I think its shock making him so dumb. I mean, he was fine before, wasn’t he? So, we shall give Riff the benefit of the doubt and chalk it up to shock.”
Swallowing, I nodded, stumbling a step when I realized we were about to step into the cafeteria. Breathe. I need to breathe and not think of what happened last time I was here. I can do this. After a deep, calming breath, I raised my head and walked into the lunchroom as if I hadn’t fled from it a little over a week ago. Instead of thinking about the surly alpha, I focused on how happy I was that Riff was a dork. Instead of hating me for hoping he was an alpha, he wanted to be one. Not because we were in love, but due to his desire to keep me safe. Stifling. That’s what the relationship would become. Thinking of it that way allowed my heart to let go of what it clung to. Sure, it would ache for a little while yet, but the knowledge that we were not suited made it easier to bear. Plus, I was sure there was someone perfect for Riff out there somewhere, and I would hate myself if I robbed him of his chance at happily ever after.
When I sat beside the frowning boy, I was calm and able to smile brightly. The thought of Riff being with someone perfect for him genuinely made me happy, which told me I loved him without even a hint of romantic interest. That settled my heart, and peace filled my soul. “I love you, Riff,” I told him quietly. “In this tempest, you’re my shelter from the storm.” He smiled and looked like he wanted to say something while anxiety radiated from him, and I shook my head. “However, I would loathe myself for making you be something you’d resent me for since I would be the reason you were stuck. So, while I may run to you when things get rough, or because I love spending time with you, you shouldn’t challenge anyone. One day you’ll find your mate, and I’ll be happy for you when you do.”
Riff’s shoulders relaxed, and he threw his arm around mine with a soft chuckle, his anxiety gone. “I would do it if you asked,” he admitted with a smile. “But you’re right. Still, anytime they get to be too much, I’ll save you.” Laughing, I gave him a side hug, humming when peace replaced his anxiety.
“I’ll hold you to that,” I promised with a grin, chuckling when the rest of the choir sighed with relief. Char and Zach joined us a few minutes later, having to steal chairs from other tables since Arctic sat in the one Zach used to. Within moments, an assortment of food lay on the table before me, and I rolled my eyes with a fond smile. What would they do if I brought my lunch? Probably celebrate, then give me some of their food, anyway. They enjoyed doting, and if it made them this happy, then I’d grin and accept it. It’s not like it hurt me, and I enjoyed it when they didn’t force it on me. After all, as Riff said during my first lunch, I can choose not to eat the food they give me, they’ll just toss it out.
Humming while the choir teased Char and Riff for running off in the middle of the night to face the vampires, I shared some of my windfall with Arctic. The mood was cheerful, which filled my soul with peace until it became as warm as a patch of sunlight. I noticed, however, that Riff and Char didn’t mention what they suffered, nor did they bring up my ability. I wondered if they were waiting to tell Marcus first. I trust the choir and Zach, but I understood their need to report to the alpha first. Plus, there was what Ryker said about it to mull over too. Wars were fought for less. Would the knowledge of my ability to heal through empathy cause alpha Evan to go to war with Marcus? Why does meeting Jax’s parents mean the opposing alpha won’t fight with Marcus over whose pack I belong to? I suppose only time will tell, but I’m getting sick of that statement.
As soon as I walked into my chemistry classroom, someone jumped me. Zach laughed while I tried to understand what happened. Once I realized Marissa was the reason I felt suffocated, I returned her hug with as much strength as I could, and a soft purr filled my ears. Closing my eyes, I focused on the fear, anxiety, and relief that filled the more dominant teenager. Enforcer, that’s what they called her before, isn’t it? I suppose that means
