Chapter 20: Chapter 20

TWENTY

Willow adjusted her jacket and exhaled. Maybe this was a bad idea and she should have asked Levi to meet her at a later time during the day when it was warmer. She was freezing and the sad part was that Levi was not even running late, she had just arrived too early.

The night had passed by and she had been unable to sleep. The thought of prolonging their fight had bothered her endlessly and other than that she kept thinking about Black and what he had said. It took a while for her to finally register that he likes her back. The only question on her mind was why he liked her at all.

The only times they met, he mainly wanted information about rogues. Now it bothered her to know that he liked her, maybe because she had dreamt about being his mate endlessly. But reality was stronger than dreams. She was not his mate and even if he liked her, it would die down immediately after he met his mate.

She shook her head and looked up at the sky. The only way to end this was by telling him that she did not like him. Then her feelings would also die and she would never have to see him again. After being free from Louis’s clutches—however that happened, she was more than ready to put any werewolf fiascos behind her. The only werewolf drama she needed in her life was her best friend and that was enough. And right now she had to make sure that their friendship survived.

Footsteps echoed behind her and she turned to meet Levi’s shining jade green eyes. He smiled at her, almost relieved that she was actually there. He finally stopped in front of her, standing awkwardly. Willow rolled her eyes and wrapped her arms around him. After a few seconds, Levi did the same and patted the top of Willow’s head.

“Did you think I wouldn’t show up?” She asked as she pulled away from the hug.

“Well, I most certainly didn’t expect you to arrive earlier than me.” He answered with a goofy grin.

Willow scowled and hit his chest. “When will you ever stop teasing me?”

“Why would I do that? It’s my job as your best friend to tease you.” Levi replied. Silence followed afterwards. Levi swallowed hard and looked at the ground. “I’m sorry for not telling you earlier. I didn’t want you to find out like that.”

Willow looked to the side and smiled sadly. “I was upset–no, I’m still very upset. I just thought our friendship meant more for you.”

“It does...you’re so much more to me than a best friend. I love you Willow and I swear, I wanted to tell you...I was just scared.” Levi admitted.

“Why? Did you think I’d treat you any differently just because of your sexuality? I’m disappointed that you thought that of me.” Willow exhaled and peered up at the sky, trying so hard not to yell.

“I knew that you wouldn’t judge or think less of me...it’s just...it’s scary to come out to people. No matter how easy they make it seem, it’s so fucking hard and the emotions are unbearable.” Levi let out.

Willow remained silent and waited for Levi to day more. He breathed out and looked at her, his shoulders sank.

“The only person I ever came out to is Louis and he insulted me. He told me that I should never mention such a thing to anyone else and he called me names...and he h‐hit me.”

Willow’s heart tore apart when she saw the tears threatening to spill in Levi’s eyes. She grabbed his hands and squeezed them, Levi looked at her through teary eyes and gave her a grateful half-smile.

“I don’t like talking about this,” he sniffles and looked up at the sky to prevent the tears from rolling down.

“Too bad because I want to know what that bastard did to you and afterwards I’m gonna kill him,” Willow replied, trying to seem intimidating. Levi chuckled and petted her hair.

“How are you going to do that?” He asked amused.

“Well since I can’t fight him, I’ll tell Black to fight him for me.” Willow shrugged and Levi’s eyebrows raised in confusion.

“Black? Are you guys friends now?” He asked with a hidden glint in his eyes.

“Well...um, I don’t know why I said that,” Willow admitted and let go of Levi’s hands. “I’m sorry about overreacting, just make sure to tell me everything from now on, okay?”

Levi nodded and hugged her. “Does this mean you forgive me?” He asked

“Well, if you treat me to some nice breakfast maybe we can negotiate your punishment,” Willow told him with a sheepish smile.

“Punishment?”

“You didn’t think I would forgive you without one, did you?” Willow laughed and pulled away from the hug before grabbing his hand. “Come on, let’s go to the restaurant, it’s going to open pretty soon.” She told him and started dragging him.

“Wait,” Levi stopped her before they could walk any further. Willow turned to face him with scrunched eyebrows. “I want you to meet my mate.” He said.

She let go of his hand quickly and looked at him with wide eyes. “Was that boy your mate?” She asked and he nodded. “I thought it was just a fling...like some illegal shit happening,” Willow admitted her misconception.

“What?”

“You know, because he is a minor and it looked like you were about to eat him whole.”

“Willow!” Levi’s face flushed crimson. “You just can’t say such things.” He said and sighed. “Besides he’s turning eighteen pretty soon and I think when you meet him you will be blown.”

Willow’s bottom lip stuck out and she pursed her lips. “What do you mean by that?”

“Come on just meet him and then you’ll understand.” Levi continued and started pulling her in the opposite direction.

“Levi, I swear if he is a terrorist...I will fucking haunt you, your children, your children’s children and your children’s children’s children and the cycle shall never end.”

Levi turned to face her. “Scary but Caleb wouldn’t blow you up.” He said and winked.

“Ew...don’t wink at me you weirdo, you have a mate.” She hit his arm.

After walking for a while, Levi stopped in front of a car. Willow immediately remembered the car, she had seen it outside the restaurant. That could only mean it belonged to the teenage boy. But how could a teenager afford such a car while she an adult still depended on her legs to get everywhere?

The door of the driver’s seat opened and just as expected, the boy stepped out. Despite the sun only starting to rise and the sky still being dark, Willow recognised him and just like before she felt like she had seen someone who looked like him.

“Hi,” Caleb waved tentatively as he rounded the car and stood in front of them.

His eyes immediately went down to where Levi was holding Willow’s hand and a scowl took over his face. Levi sensed his change in mood and let go of Willow’s hand and went over to Caleb’s side and wrapped an arm around his waist. Caleb relaxed and leaned into Levi and even inhaled his scent to calm himself.

He was very much aware that Willow was only Levi’s best friend but it had barely been twenty-four hours since he had met his mate. His wolf was still very territorial and he wanted his mate’s undivided attention.

Willow noticed and looked between them weirdly.

“I’m sorry I’m not usually this possessive but I just met my mate and my wolf thinks you’re a threat,” Caleb explained.

Willow raised her hands and shook her head. “No hard feelings, I understand. I think Levi has told me how extra possessive you guys are.” She replied.

Caleb smiled, he was already starting to like her including all the amazing things Levi had to say about her, he could see that Willow was a nice person.

“I’m Caleb, nice to meet you, Willow.”

“Well, I guess you already know my name. It’s great to meet you as well. I’ve always wondered what Levi’s mate would be like.” She replied and looked at Levi who was looking at Caleb like a love-sick puppy.

“I’m actually glad you’re not a girl. I fear we would have had petty fights if you had turned out to be a girl.” Willow added.

“I’m just happy that I met my mate,” Caleb said and looked at Levi, their eyes meeting.

Willow made a retching sound when Levi pecked Caleb’s lips. “EW PDA!” She shrieked and bent over dramatically.

“Oh grow up.” Levi rolled his eyes. “I’m going to do this a lot more often, you should get used to it.” He warned.

Willow feigned a tormented face. “Hey, you said I’d be blown when I meet Caleb but as you can see, I’m still intact...no unattached limbs.”

“Oh that,” Levi laughed and looked down at Caleb.

“Um...Isaac is my brother which makes me Black’s cousin.” Caleb said and watched Willow’s face eagerly, waiting for a reaction.

Willow remained silent before her lips formed into an ‘O’. “That makes sense...you know I was wondering why you looked so familiar.” She said and scratched her scalp.

“Mm....wait! You know about me?!”

Caleb laughed. “Ever since Black met you, you’ve been living in his head rent-free.”

Willow’s face flushed a deep red. She was relieved to know that she was not the only one who had to go through that. Black haunted her mind with no restriction and she could not even think of a way to get him out of her mind.

Levi wanted to tease her but he felt Caleb tug down at the corner of his coat. He looked down with a ‘what is it?’ face when he noticed the worried look on his mate’s face.

“I don’t know if you’ve realised but it’s morning and I didn’t go back home last night which means, everyone must be worried and Aleisa didn’t eat,” Caleb replied, looking nervous.

Levi grew more concerned when Caleb’s words sunk in. They had spent the entire night together in each other’s arms, the thought of anyone else not being their priority. Their happy bubble had dissipated right about now when they realised the intensity of the situation.

Caleb knew how protective Isaac was when it came to him, and if anything concerned him Isaac wasted no time to react. Being away from home for an entire night, Isaac must have been freaking out and he could only be thinking of the worst ideas. Isaac had a favourable number of enemies that wanted to see him dead because of his abilities and getting to him through Caleb would be the best way. What if Isaac started a search party?

Caleb groaned. “I have to tell Isaac that I’m okay before anything terrible happens,”

He searched for his phone in his pocket but it was not there. He looked up at Levi but he shook his head, also unaware. Caleb bit down on his bottom lip before he opened the back door of the car and started rummaging for his phone.

“Hey, what happened? What is he looking for?” Willow asked after she noticed the change in mood and their exchange.

“His phone. He didn’t go home last night, we...um—we kinda forgot about everything else.” Levi’s ears were a different shade and he avoided Willow’s eyes. He quickly rushed to the other side of the car to help Caleb search for the phone.

“I’ve got my phone right here. You can use it.” Willow suggested and brought out her phone from the back pocket of her jeans.

Caleb looked back at her before shaking his head. “Knowing Isaac, he’ll only grow more concerned if I call from another number and he’ll track down your number and he’ll cause a scene if he comes here ready for battle,” Caleb explained hurriedly.

Caleb paused in his search and jumped out of the car. “Actually, he’ll still track the number even if I call using my phone because I didn’t go home last night.” He realised and looked at Willow’s phone. “I’m asking for your phone either way.”

Willow handed him the phone and he wasted no time to call the only person he could depend on to remain cool-headed in such a situation. The phone kept on ringing and Caleb cursed under his breath, muttering ‘pick up’ every few seconds. He breathed a sigh of relief when the call was finally answered.

“Hello,” A very familiar voice answered.

Caleb’s eyes widened in panic. “Aleisa? What are you doing with Black’s phone?”

Aleisa gasped on the other end of the call. “Caleb? Oh god, let me tell Isaac. Where the fuck are you?” Caleb could make out frantic movements on the other end of the call and he knew that Aleisa was going where Isaac was.

“Aleisa stop, don’t tell Isaac anything yet.” He hurriedly told her. “I’m okay and I just need to talk to Black. Don’t tell Isaac anything, please.”

Aleisa’s reply was quick. “What do you mean? Isaac is worried sick, he hasn’t even slept for a second. He’s got trackers and whatnot searching for you. Don’t worry we’ll be able to find you pretty soon.”

Caleb closed his eyes. “I’m not in any danger, I just forgot to tell you that I wouldn’t be able to come back home. Please just give the damn phone to Black and stop your mate from wasting resources.”

“Caleb, is someone—?” Aleisa tried to assume but Caleb cut her off.

“Give the phone to Black or else my head is gonna be blown off!” He lied and felt sorry when he heard the panicked sob that came from Aleisa before frantic rushing.

After a few seconds, Black’s voice was on the other side. “Where are you?”

“Black, tell Isaac to stop his search party. I’m perfectly fine.”

“You have to give me more than that...” A light pause followed before Black continued. “Aleisa looks spooked right now.”

“Ugh!” Caleb groaned and realised that he had gone too far with the ‘my head is gonna be blown off’. “Tell her not to worry as well, I lied.”

“I just forgot to say anything...um, I kinda bumped into my mate...” Caleb paused when his and Levi’s eyes met.

“Yeah, and you expect me to believe that especially since you’re calling from a phone that isn’t yours,” Black replied sarcastically.

“Don’t give me sarcasm, I just can’t find my phone because of...m-minor difficulties.” He quickly made up. “That’s not why I called anyways, just tell Isaac not to worry.” He said. “Oh and make sure to save this number.” He added with a small mischievous smirk on his face.

“Caleb, give the phone to Willow,” Black instructed.

Caleb paused and rolled his eyes. “Are you tracking this call?”

“Not yet, I just told Vincent to give me the details about this number,” Black replied coolly.

“Why the fuck did I not see that coming?”

“Is she there with you? Give her the phone, I want to speak to an adult.”

“Excuse you,” Caleb said, offended that he was not considered an adult. Shortly, Caleb heard what seemed to be muffled voices and a struggle on the other side of the line.

“Caleb, what’s this about a mate?” His brother’s angry voice rang through his ears and he panicked and quickly cut the call.

“Shit!” He looked at Willow and Levi with a nervous smile. “That call might have just made everything worse.”

Levi rolled his eyes. Having heard the entire conversation, he knew that Caleb had been quite vague and caused his family to worry even more. They could have handled everything better. Perhaps the only good thing was that maybe Caleb’s family was not as worried as they had been before.

“Willow, you should go to work. If Isaac or Black show up to ask about Caleb just tell them that he had asked for your phone, used it for a while and drove off to school.” Levi told Willow.

Willow frowned. “What if they ask about how Caleb knows me and why he was with me so fucking early in the morning?” She crossed her arms over her chest and raised her eyebrows. Levi cursed under his breath and sighed.

“Just say something along the lines of me being smart and figuring out that You’re Black’s mate and then tell them that I went to school, I’ll sort everything after that. Either of them will eventually show up at school.” Caleb said hurriedly with many hand gestures.

Willow’s eyes widened. “What?” She asked breathlessly.

It was like the air had been knocked out of her lungs and she was surviving on little oxygen. Perhaps her ears were playing a trick on her. She was certain though, she was sure that she had heard Caleb very clearly. The look on Levi’s face also affirmed the fact that she was not wrong. It was not a trick of the wind or her ears. Caleb’s voice was very clear and he said that she was Black’s mate.

Caleb realized his mistake and slammed his hand over his mouth, and panic was clear in his eyes. “Oh shit!” He cursed and it came out muffled because of the hand on his mouth. He dropped his hands and moved closer to Willow.

“I didn’t say anything, okay?” He tried despite knowing that nothing could be done now, Black was probably going to kill him now.

Willow shook her head and both her hands went over her mouth. She was unable to contemplate what she had heard. Her eyes were focused on Caleb but her mind could only think of Black.

‘I’m his mate?’

‘How?’

She closed her eyes before opening them once again. “What do you mean?...I-is B-bla...ck m-m—” She paused to catch her breath. The rising sun’s rays were starting to hit her face, causing her to squint.

“I-i’m B-bla...ack’s m-mate?” She pointed at herself with shaking fingers.

Caleb shook his head. “No, well, yes but he didn’t want you to find out like this. I’m so sorry, oh goddess, Black is gonna murder me.” He said hysterically.

Levi placed his hand on Caleb’s shoulder. Caleb turned his head to face Levi, an apologetic look on his face. Levi shook his head to let Caleb know that he was not at fault. He looked over at Willow, the distress on her face worried him. He walked over to her and hugged her.

“Why are you panicking? It’s okay, it’s going to be okay.” Levi whispered to her soothingly. He could feel her shaking in his hold. “Willow, everything is going to be okay.”

“B-but h-he...m-me a-a-and...”

“Shh,” Levi stopped her and caressed her hair. Her reaction was worse than he had thought. He was certain before that she would not have a positive reaction to the information but he never thought she would be like this. She was almost having a panic attack.

“I’m here with you and I need you to calm down. Is that okay?” Levi asked but got no reaction from Willow. “Will you calm down for me, huh?” he asked once again but just like before no reply came.

Willow had stooped shaking and Levi grew concerned before Caleb spoke up. “She’s unconscious,” The sharpness and bitter tone of Caleb’s voice took Levi aback.

He pulled away from Willow and adjusted her in his arms. Caleb was facing the ground with a pout and his hands balled into fists. Levi wanted to laugh at how adorable his mate looked when he was burning with Jealousy but he decided that he could always tease him later on. He had sensed the Jealousy from Caleb immediately after he had hugged Willow and even as much as he wanted to tease him, he wanted to assure him as well that he would never look at one other than him.

“Come on, What should we do now?” Levi asked and lightly brushed his arm against Caleb’s arm.

Caleb looked up, the tingles that came with skim contact with a mate still very new for him that it elicited a reaction from him. He rolled his eyes.

“I’ve already messed up my life, we need to take her to my pack,” Caleb replied and avoided looking into Levi’s eyes.

Levi shook his head. “You want us to take your pack? Do you realise that she had a panic attack because of Black being her mate?”

Caleb shrugged. “She’s his mate either way, whether they do it the human way or our way, she will still end up being by his side. This was going to happen anyway.” He said bitterly, his eyes lingering on Willow who was in Levi’s arms.

Levi rolled his eyes. “Teenagers,” He muttered lowly and walked over to the car and put Willow in the back seat of the car.

Levi went over to Caleb and pulled him into his arms. “Do you also want a hug?” He asked in a teasing voice and Caleb tried to push him but he remained unfazed. “Don’t be like that.” He told him.

Caleb stood still and refused to wrap his arms around Levi.

“Should I take you on a date?” Levi asked. When he got no reaction, he pulled away from the hug and kissed Caleb’s forehead. “Let’s think of a solution, if we remain here your brother could arrive.”

Caleb sighed. “We need to go to the pack, the more we try to avoid Isaac the more he’ll get angry and I know that Black will be angry about this. It’ll be better if one of them is cool.”

Levi sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. “Are you sure you want to—”

Caleb cut off Levi. “Yes. I just hope Willow won’t be too shocked.”