Second Chances

Chapter 7: Aggravations

Kenna

By Wednesday I had settled into a new routine. Each morning I woke up feeling like I was dying. The pain of rejection still hurt. But each morning I woke up to the same text from Jack.
'Just breathe through it. It's gonna be okay. A few more days and we'll be in paradise.'
After kitchen duty I go out and sit with him while he works. It's too much fun annoying him. He'd started hanging out with the rest of us. He even helped Marie and Zane pack up her stuff. Damon had an annoying habit of popping up randomly, making a snarky comment, then walking away. I just ignored him.
"Ugh aren't you done yet? It's hot." I yelled from the comfort of my shady spot by the tree. He rolled his eyes as he wiped the sweat from his forehead.
"Are you hot out here, princess?" He said in a mocking tone. "In the shade? With your lemonade?"
"Yeah I'm starting to sweat a little." I said with a smile. I watched as he walked to the building and grabbed the garden hose.
"Is that so?" He said with a wicked gleam in his eyes. "Maybe we should cool you off then." He turned on the hose. I could feel Cleo's wicked delight. She was still trying to work through the rejection just like I was, but there was improvement when hanging out with Jack.
"You better not! Don't even think about it!" I yelled as I started to get up. I didn't even stand up before I was sprayed with water. I gasped and just stared at him. He was doubled over laughing so he didn't have time to see me grab my lemonade. As fast as I could, I slung the drink at him.
"Oh you messed up big time." He laughed and started chasing me with the hose. I squealed and ran from him. Before I got far, I ran smack into a wall. Seconds later I realized it was a person. Damon stood there with his arms crossed.
"What's going on here?" He asked.
"We're just playing around." I said, crossing my arms and matching his stance.
"Don't you think he needs to be doing his work right now? Not playing around." He said through gritted teeth.
"I actually just finished up for the day." Jack said, turning off the hose.
"I didn't ask." He replied. He looked angry but I didn't care.
"Whatever. I have to go finish packing anyways. I'll come by later to help you pack." I said, focusing all my attention on Jack. "I'll see you later, Jack." I said as I walked away. Within seconds, Damon caught up with me.
"Packing for what?" He demanded.
"Why do you care?" I said in the same tone.
"I'm the alpha. Watch your tone." I came to a complete stop.
"Apologies, Alpha." I said. "I'm packing because I'm going on vacation. A much needed vacation. Alpha." I added sarcastically.
"Where?" He asked.
"So full of questions. I'm going to Silver Falls." I told him. "I'll be gone a couple weeks."
"And why are you helping him pack?" He sneered.
"He's coming with me." I added a smile just to piss him off. Cleo was urging me forward. She wanted him angry.
He only glared at me. I started walking again, desperate to get away from him. He kept up with me.
"What do you want?" I snapped.
"Why the sudden need for a vacation?" He asked. I just wanted to bite his head off at this point.
"It's not sudden. I've been saving up for years." I snapped. "If you want to know, I've been waiting to find my mate. This was supposed to be our getaway."
He stopped walking and stared at me. Completely speechless.
"Since Jack is going through the same thing I am, I figured it would be good for us to get away." I started walking faster, putting distance between us. "So if you'll excuse me, Alpha."
I sighed a breath of relief when I made it home and realized he hadn't followed. I looked at my phone and saw a text from Marie. She wanted to party tonight. I told her I was down and got to packing. Grateful for some quiet time.

. . .

Music was playing loudly in Marie's back yard and the party was in full swing. I was already drunk and having the time of my life. Jack and Zane were talking and laughing with each other. There were people everywhere and all the girls were dancing together.
"What are you guys laughing at?" Marie shouted as she pulled me over to them.
"Your dancing, obviously." Zane said, throwing an arm over her shoulders.
"Well I think you should dance with me!" She giggled and pulled him away. I smiled and flopped down on the ground. Jack sat down next to me. I watched as Marie danced around Zane, the latter completely mesmerized.
"I want to find love like that." I mumbled. Jack bumped his shoulder against mine.
"Don't worry about it, pip squeak." He said. "You'll find it one day. But right now I think you've had too much to drink." I didn't argue as he pulled the drink from my hand.
"Yeah I guess you're right." I threw myself backwards on the ground and giggled.
"Yep way too much to drink. Come on let's get you in bed." He said while pulling me to my feet.
"Wow already trying to get me in bed." I said, wiggling my eyebrows. He rolled his eyes and bent down in front of me. Before I knew the world was upside down. Or I was upside down.
"Did you really just throw me over your shoulder like a Neanderthal?" I yelled.
"Whoa big word!" He laughed as he started walking. I smacked him on the butt and giggled. "Hey now! Watch your hands!"
"I'm watching them. They aren't doing anything." The world was swaying way too much as he made his way inside and into the spare room.
"Has anyone ever told you that you're a smart ass?" He laughed again while he gently laid me on the bed. I shrugged and watched him grab the blanket to tuck me in.
"I just want you know that you're already a big part of my life. I'm grateful for you." I whispered as I started falling asleep.
"I'm grateful for you too, Kenna." He whispered back as he pulled the cover over me. Just I drifted off, I felt him softly brush my hair from my forehead. "Thank you."