VOLKO

Chapter Thirty-Four

After laying on the floor for ten minutes trying to catch our breath, Dean finally allowed me up. He quickly glanced at his watch whilst I gathered up the clothes, he released a soft sigh, causing me to look at him.

"We need to get going." Dean said, tying the condom I didn't realise he'd put on. A worrying thought really, I'd been so caught up in the moment that protection hadn't occurred to me.

Nodding to Dean's words, we quickly dressed and Dean waited until I went to the toilet. With a content smile gracing my lips we exited the house through the back door. Everyone sat in the exact same place we left them, Josiah was the first to turn around. His eyes zoning in on my hand in Dean's.

"Did you get lost?" Josiah shot Dean a knowing smirk.

My face instantly heated up from the knowledge they all probably knew what we'd been doing. In response, Dean wrapped his arm around my shoulder. Pulling me closer into his body, the show of affection warmed me.

"I need to get going now guys." The news came as a surprise to everyone else, and a disappointment to me. Despite Benji and his girlfriend Tammie, I really enjoyed meeting Dean's friends and hearing their stories about him.

Before tonight I'd also thought of Dean as a loner with no friends, someone who had nobody in this world. Instead he had this whole group of people I knew nothing about. Until today.

Cory's ears quickly perked up before making his way over to us.

"No! Come on, we haven't even got out your birthday cake." He announced dramatically, his face a picture of pure misery.

"We didn't get him one." Kimi said joining us along with everyone else.

Cory shot Kimi a 'duh' look, he then proceeded to push her out of the way and hug Dean and I fiercely. Not being a big hug, Dean's struggle to get out of Cory's hold only caused him to tighten his arms more.

Eventually Dean grew tired of Cory's theatrical ways, and pushed him roughly away from us. Showing his true strength. The others wasted no time, they all separately hugged me goodbye, saying how great it was to meet me. With Dean, the only person who even came close to a hug was Josiah's bear hug, although I noted Josiah's mouth moving against Dean's ear. The rest simply nudged Dean with their shoulder or elbow. Showing Dean their affection in a way he could deal with.

Whether everyone chose to ignore the slight or they simply didn't care, it didn't go unnoticed by me when Benjamin and Tammie stayed standing by the fire pit. At least Tammie waved goodbye, Benjamin just stood glaring at us. Definitely time to go.

With one finally friendly punch from Josiah, everyone returned to the pit, whilst Diego walked us out. The air was less tense with Diego when Benjamin wasn't around. My dislike for the guy was growing.

"It was nice meeting you Megan. It's good to see Dean at peace." Diego whispered to me as Dean got into the driving seat.

I smiled politely, not knowing what to say. Did Dean not bring many girls around them? The idea was laughable, someone as good looking and confident as Dean, there was no way he didn't get girls. Hell, Victoria was practically going to kill me to get to Dean. He was well liked and respected amongst the men. I suspected part of that was people not wanting to get on his bad side. The only people who seemed to have a problem with Dean were Jake and Benji. Although I believed Jakes came from jealousy of Robert agreeing with Dean more than him, perhaps that was the same with Benji.

Diego waved us off, a kind smile graced his face as Dean pulled out of the grassy driveway, back down the country lanes and onto somewhat normal looking streets.

Happily I stared out the window, that hadn't gone nearly as bad as I thought it might. Truth be told the start had been a bit rocky but in the end, everything was alright. I actually had a good time, maybe Dean would invite me out more with his friends.