Ari's Reverse Harlem Part 2

Chapter 1 Ari

Quick thank you for reading. If you have time, please comment any ideas or suggestions to help improve my writing/storytelling skills.

"I've always loved you, Ari. That will never change." Adam says in the entryway of the treehouse.

Just the sight of him brings back all the emotions, I've fought to forget. Even though he looks hunted, underneath all the pain in his face, he's still as beautiful as the day I left. Looking at him now, I notice some major changes of my once best friend. His hair has grown long, into golden waves, down his back. I see he's lost some weight, it's most noticeable in his face. My best friend's beautiful blue eyes, look vacant of their once gorgeous sparkle.

I find myself mourning the memory of the boy who captured my heart. My wolf is demanding I go to him. Kiss the pain and hurt away, that I clearly see written on his face. What happened to my friend, to cause him to get this bad? I continue to fight my wolf, she's controlled by the mating bond, not by logic. Does she not remember what he said to us, why we can't be the one to comfort him?

"What's going on Adam?"

"After a good night's rest. I saw things a lot clearer."

"What does that mean."

"It means, I realize being with Amanda is what's best for me and the pack. You no longer have a place in my life." He takes a step closer "Its best that you realize we" He points to me and him. "Will never be. You can stop worrying about me because I'm no longer your concern." He gets even closer, leaning his head to the side. "Was that a long enough answer for you?"

Replaying his words hurt just as much today, as they did then. How did we get here? I'm so torn between consoling my friend and respecting his wishes. How can looking into his eyes erase years of hurt, in a matter of moments? I have to stay strong and not crumble because of this mating bond.

"You came back." Adam finally asks, after we spend several moments, just looking at each other. I can't tell if it was a statement or a question. I chose to view it as the latter.

"Yes, I came back. I wanted to celebrate my birthday here, at home." I reply

"I never thought I would see you again."

"I could say the same thing too" I reply

"It looks like you've done a number on the place." He chuckles, while looking around the treehouse. "Were you imagining me, when you were doing it?"

"I see you still know me very well."

"Ari, I never meant to hurt you. I didn't mean anything I said to you that day."

"Then why did you say it? You wanted to put on a show for your newly intended mate? Those words hurt me, Adam. They stayed with me, they still hurt me."

"You were right about my father. He's worse than I thought and he's not alone. He has a lot of powerful alphas backing him. He has several dark Mages on his payroll. Apparently, he's in deep with the rebellion group, that's been against the golden wolves since the beginning."

Just then I noticed several bruises, once I got closer to him. As I take him in, I see welts and cuts that haven't healed. I go to him immediately lifting up his shirt. He tries to push me away but I use my powers to hold him in place. Once I lift up his shirt, I'm sickened by the sight.

"What happened to you?" I cry out

He looks embarrassed to look at me. "You were never supposed to find out. I never wanted you to know."