Chapter 25: Chapter 25

TWENTY-FIVE

Levi sighed for the umpteenth time since he had woken up. The day had just begun and Caleb was already driving him crazy. He turned once again to check for any signs of his mate but Caleb was taking his sweet time. Levi wanted to get the day going, he had to go to the club and he also had to meet up with Willow. Levi was starting to regret suggesting dropping Caleb off at school.

Just as Levi was about to lose hope, Caleb came out of the house in a frenzy with his backpack over one shoulder. Levi started the car and Caleb rushed and got in with a nervous smile.

“I couldn’t find one of my notebooks,” He said as he buckled his seatbelt.

Levi started the drive. “Won’t you be late for school?”

Caleb shook his head. “The roads are usually empty from here until you are in the city, and if you step on it we’ll be able to avoid the early morning traffic.”

Levi nodded and concentrated on the road ahead, stepping on the gas. Caleb looked at Levi’s face for a few more seconds before he took out his phone and started reading another manga. Comfortable silence filled the car and Levi peeked at his mate to see why Caleb was so quiet. He chuckled when he realised that Caleb was on his phone like usual.

“I’m seated right here next to you and you still choose your phone,” Levi muttered in disbelief.

Caleb looked up from his phone with a small smile before placing one hand on Levi’s leg. “I’ll put it away if you so wish.” He replied and shoved his phone into his pocket.

“Good,” Levi said.

Caleb’s smile grew wider the longer he stared at the side of Levi’s face. He found it amusing that the older was jealous of his phone and computer. He leaned back in his seat and closed his eyes but they snapped open when Levi tangled their hands. Caleb met Levi’s eyes before the latter looked back at the road with one hand on the steering wheel.

“You’re gonna pick me up as well right?” Caleb asked.

“Of course,”

Caleb smiled and then frowned after having second thoughts. “Don’t come late, I hate being in school after school hours.”

“Sure sure, I won’t let you spend any second longer at school than you need to,” Levi replied with an amused smile.

“I want to see Willow once again,” Caleb spoke up excitedly.

“Oh, I’m meeting up with her after dropping you off but I guess I can take you to her house after school,” Levi suggested and Caleb nodded. “Why do you seem so eager to see her?”

Caleb remained quiet for a few more seconds before speaking. “Black is very much a brother to me just as Isaac and even if he doesn’t say it, finding Willow is one of the best things that’s happened to him for the longest time...I just want to get to know her.”

Levi nodded and smiled at Caleb’s words. Caleb’s love for his love was very evident just from how he spoke about them and Levi admired that. Maybe he was even envious of how Caleb had protective people around, to take care of him.

“Other than that, I have to become Willow’s friend before Zaira or Aleisa.” Caleb grinned when he thought about Zaira’s face when she would discover that she was kept out of the loop.

“Zaira?”

Caleb nodded. “I guess you can say that she’s like a sister to us, her mother, my parents and Black’s parents all died because of one person.” Caleb’s voice was lower than usual as he thought about everything they had gone through, him, Isaac, Black and Zaira.

Levi noticed Caleb’s change of mood. He squeezed Caleb’s hand and glanced at him. Caleb closed his eyes for a second before opening them, grateful for Levi’s presence.

“I don’t really remember much 'cause I was eight. Wyatt, Black’s older brother had gone rogue, he always believed that he was supposed to be the next Alpha but he obviously couldn’t be the Alpha because my father was the Alpha and Isaac was his son...Wyatt decided to attack the pack with rogues and he killed his own parents, Zaira’s mother and my parents.” Caleb said while looking ahead with a bitter expression on his face.

“Even if I don’t remember much, I still remember my mother trying to protect me. She put my life before hers.” Caleb’s eyes began to water but he was quick to wipe them.

Levi felt horrible. It sounded horrible that someone would do that to their own family just for power–but then again Levi was not really surprised, his own brother was like that. He saw Caleb’s moist eyes and didn’t want his mate to be in pain, he could already feel Caleb’s emotions because they were fully mated already. He pulled over and stopped the car at the side of the road before pulling Caleb into a hug.

Caleb hugged back almost immediately. They stayed like that until Caleb felt uncomfortable and moved away and settled back in his seat. He looked up at Levi and gave a small smile.

“You’re the one who kept on telling me that I’m gonna be late for school, if we remain here on the side of the road I’ll probably miss my first class,” Caleb said and tried to shrug off the pain that he was still feeling.

Levi was not fooled, Caleb’s voice portrayed how vulnerable the other was. He wanted to pull Caleb into his arms and drive back home and keep him there forever, protect him from the world. He smiled at him and started the car despite not wanting to. He understood Caleb’s pain and he would make sure to raise the topic on another occasion.

When they finally arrived at the school, Caleb’s emotions had settled down and he was back to his playful self. Levi smiled back at Levi after stopping in the car park. Caleb grabbed his backpack from the back and looked out the closed windows before looking back at Levi and kissing him. Levi placed his hand on the back of Caleb’s head and deepened the kiss just as Caleb was about to pull away.

He understood that Caleb was not ready to come out yet, thus why he looked around before kissing him. Levi pulled back after a while of savouring the taste of Caleb’s lips and mouth. Caleb was a blushing mess when they pulled away. He opened the door and go out of the car.

“Don’t forget Levi, don’t be a second late. I expect to see you here the moment I walk out of that building at three.” Caleb said with a warning face, telling Levi not to be late.

Levi nodded and hummed in reply and watched Caleb walk into the building before he drove away. He wasted no time in shopping for a gift for Kace before driving to Willow’s place. When he stopped in front of the house it was quiet just like always with no sign of life. If Levi did not know that Willow and Charlotte were yet to move, he would have believed that no one lived in the house—but then again the house always looked like that. It looked desolate.

Levi got out of the car and knocked on the door, Willow opened the door and she was still in her pyjamas. She pulled Levi into the house before closing the door.

“Cereal?” She asked and Levi looked at the bowl in her hands that was made up of more milk than the actual cereal. Levi shook his head and took a seat.

“Charlotte’s gone to work?” He asked despite knowing the answer. Willow nodded and took a seat next to him.

“Why did you want to see me so urgently?”

Willow swallowed her food and gave Levi an offended look. “Well forgive me for wanting to see my best friend. I haven’t seen your ugly face for so many days.”

Levi chuckled. “You know what I mean Will.”

“I missed you and...I want you to tell me the truth.” She said and Levi’s eyebrows furrowed in confusion. “You just told me about how I was free but you didn’t tell me about how it happened. I decided not to question it because I was happy to no longer be Louis’ puppet but now, I really need to know.”

“You don’t need to know Willow. Just like you said, all that matters is that you’re free.” Levi replied. He could only think about Willow’s previous panic attack.

Willow rolled her eyes. “What did Black do? Louis said that he managed to save me, I want to know how?” She demanded.

Levi heard what Willow said but the only thing that had him worrying was his brother’s name. “Louis? What did he say to you? Did he do anything to harm you?” He asked and searched Willow for any bruises.

Willow shook her head. “He didn’t do anything, just tell me about what I need to know.”

“Wills, you can tell me if he hurt you.” Levi pleaded. He knew Louis very well and he would not visit Willow without an evil agenda.

“I’ll tell you about Louis if you tell me how Black managed to save me exactly.” Willow countered and crossed her legs. She shoved another spoonful of cereal in her mouth.

Levi looked at her. “He didn’t have to do anything. You’re Black’s mate which automatically makes you a member of his pack unless you reject him. If Louis dares to touch you, it would be like his challenging the entire pack and he definitely cannot afford to have an entire pack after him.”

“What?” Willow still looked genuinely confused.

“Even though you’re confused that we’re just savages, we also have laws. The well-being of every member of a pack is one of the top priorities in a pack. If the safety of one pack member is compromised, the entire pack makes it their business...Black being your mate is just a bonus because he’s a member of the Alpha family. If Louis kept using you despite knowing that you are Black’s mate then Black would have had every right to kill Louis.”

“What?!” Willow’s eyes went wide.

Levi groaned. “Isaac, Black and Alex, Isaac’s Beta spoke to Louis and warned him to stay away from you.”

Willow remained silent for a few more seconds before nodding. “So you’re telling me that if I weren’t Black’s mate, I would still be like those other people being used by Louis?” She asked.

Levi remained silent and nodded.

“If I reject Black or he rejects me, Louis will be able to take advantage of me once again?” Levi didn’t want to accept but it was the truth and so he nodded.

Willow was silent once again before she spoke. “How exactly do you reject someone?”

Levi turned to face her quickly. His eyes were wide and his face showed just how displeased he was with her for asking that.

“Willow, you can’t do that.” He said with anger lacing his tone.

The only thing going through his mind was how much pain Black would have to go through after a rejection. After what Caleb said today, Levi slightly understood the man and why he looked so emotionless on most occasions. There was no doubt that if Willow rejected him, Black would be Immensely broken.

Levi had heard so much about how werewolves without their mate slowly lost themselves, he had seen it happen to his mother and it was said that rejection was worse. He would not wish such a thing on anybody.

“Why not? Last I checked this is my life and I make the decisions for my life.” Willow retorted sharply.

“And what? You choose to be my brother’s sex slave once again?” Levi asked bitterly and glared at Willow. “You don’t even realise that not everyone gets a shot at having a chance of such happiness. Why don’t you just give Black a chance?!” Levi could feel himself losing to his anger.

Willow kept quiet and stood up before speaking. “You unlike every other person should be able to understand me. I don’t want to be someone’s possession once again, I’m a human for goodness sake!”

Levi stood up as well. “I won’t tell you how to reject a mate, I want you to spend more time with Black and also think about the consequences of rejecting him.”

“So what? I should accept him just for my own safety?” Willow asked in a sour tone.

“You won’t be the only one to face the consequences, Willow. You should be glad that you’re a human and the effects of the bond don’t affect you as much as they affect Black...” Levi paused and sniffed the air. “Your scent is coming back and I give it two or three days before it’s back to normal, Black must already have a hard time controlling his wolf’s instincts to mark and mate you.”

Willow’s eyes widened. “Are you even hearing yourself? Mate? Mark? Do I look like an animal to you?”

Levi stiffened and chuckled bitterly. “Black is trying to earn your trust but here you are thinking about rejecting him?” Levi scoffed. “Talk to me when you’re not being insensitive.”

Willow watched Levi walk out of the house. It did not take long before tears started running down her face. She sat back on the couch and pulled her knees to her body. When she called Levi and asked him to see her, she did not expect things to go so awry. It almost seemed like crying had become an everyday thing for her.

The last thing she wanted was to have a fight with Levi. She screamed into one of the pillows out of frustration.

After a while of crying, feeling sorry for herself and wondering why her life was such a mess, Willow took a bath and changed into what she thought was decent and warm enough. After running a brush through her hair she sighed and looked into the mirror. So much had happened over the past one and a half month and she just wanted to dig a hole and Bury herself in it.

Levi’s words echoed in her mind and she thought about what he said. Was Black really having a hard time? If he did then he was really great at hiding it. Other than that it made no sense how Black would suffer if she rejected him. She was attracted to Black but that fact scared her. She was not certain if she wanted someone to use her just as Louis had.

'What’s the point if I reject Black, I’ll still end up as Louis’s bitch again.'

A knock on the front door brought her out of her thoughts. She opened the door and Black was standing outside in jeans, a dark shirt and a leather jacket. She looked at him and took in the sight for a moment too long before Black cleared his throat. When Willow looked up he had a smirk on his lips.

“Shall we head on or would you rather continue staring at me?” Black asked with a cocky tone and Willow rolled her eyes.

She had come to realise quickly that Black did not speak much but when he did, the man spoke his mind and he was cocky as well.

“Let’s go.” She said and closed the door behind her.

Unlike the other times when Black came to see her, Black had his car. Willow got into the passenger seat and buckled the seatbelt as Black did the same. Before Black could start the car, he looked at Willow.

“Are you okay? Your eyes look puffy.” He asked and Willow cursed her horrible make-up skills.

“I just had a fight with Levi, it’s okay.” She replied.

Black frowned and Willow noticed how he clenched his hand. “It’s not okay if he made you cry,” He said.

Willow was taken aback by the sound of Black’s voice, he sounded angry. She suddenly remembered the last time when Black hit Levi and panicked.

“No. It was mostly my fault and I’m very emotional especially when I fight with people I love.” She said and tried to diffuse Black’s anger.

Black looked into her eyes for a few seconds as if checking if she was lying before he sighed. “I’ll try my best to never make you cry then.” He said and started the car.

Willow didn’t know why but that one statement sent her heart into a convulsion mess. She placed her hand above her chest and closed her eyes. How could he say such things so easily?

“Mm perhaps you might actually be sick, your heart is beating crazily.” Black teased and Willow flushed a deep crimson before lightly hitting Black’s arm. Black chuckled and paid attention to the road.

......

Willow knew that Black was rich but she realised that perhaps she had underestimated just how much. It was evident from the type of car the male drove, his house, albeit empty—heck even Caleb’s car looked expensive. But after almost buying multiple toys that cost more than Willow’s pay and eating at an expensive restaurant, Willow understood that Black probably had enough money to feed many generations after him.

“How are you so rich?” She asked for the third time. When Black did not reply just like the other times, she went on. “I mean no offence but you don’t look like you work.”

Black raised an eyebrow at that. Willow smiled when she realised that he was actually paying attention. “Don’t look at me like that, apart from your car you look average...like bro, you wear the same shoes on every outfit.” She said with a small laugh.

“What?” Black asked in amusement. “Why are you noticing my shoes?”

“How am I not supposed to notice your combat boots on every outfit?” Willow laughed before drinking water. “But seriously how are you so freaking rich?”

Black shrugged. “I guess you can say it’s like family money.” He replied.

“So your family is rich, but what exactly do you do?”

“A lot,” Black replied and Willow rolled her eyes. “Seriously, so much goes into running a pack and the benefits are equally a lot.”

Willow nodded before her phone rang and she gave Black an apologetic look before walking away from the table to pick it up. “What’s up, Char?” She asked.

“How’s your date going?” The reply came from the other side.

“I’m on the verge of cutting this call,” Willow warned.

“Relax. I just called to remind you to check the apartment.” Charlotte said quickly.

Willow had actually forgotten about that. “Send the address.” She said before cutting the call.

Charlotte sent the address almost immediately and Willow walked back to the table. Black looked at her with a raised eyebrow when she sat down.

“Um, would you mind helping me out?” She asked nervously and Black nodded. “Charlotte sent me the address of the apartment we’re supposed to move into and she told me to check it out while we are still here.”

Black looked shocked. “You’re moving?” He asked and Willow realised that she had not told him about Charlotte’s new job and the plan to move.

“Yeah. Char got a good job and she needs to be closer to the company she’s now working at.”

Black nodded before speaking once again. “Is that why you fought with Levi?” He asked.

“What?” Willow was genuinely confused before she remembered what had happened a few hours prior. “Oh, that...yeah.” She lied.

“Well, I’m actually glad that you’re no longer going to be close to any rogues even if I would have been more glad if you moved in with me.”

Willow would have convinced herself that she was hearing things were it not for the fact that she knew that she heard the man just right.

“Bla—”

Black stopped her before she could say anything. “I know what you want to say and just like I said before, I am going to court you like a normal human but I will not control myself from saying things that I actually would like. That’d be like lying.” He said before standing. “Let’s go check this apartment.” He said and gave her his hand.

Willow nodded after a few seconds and stood as well and placed her hand in Black’s. She liked the warmth that came with holding Black’s hand. Even as he let go of her hand when the had to get into the car, Willow felt displaced but Black took her hand in his once again after settling in his seat.

“I’m sorry if this is too much for you but I like holding your hand,” Black said and Willow only nodded before looking away from his intense gaze.