The Shadow of Stars

Four

"So Friday night?" Micah says as we stop underneath the tree I sit at waiting for Henry. The bell had rung just as we stepped outside into the vacant area and I was thankful that people didn't see us together in the halls. This area is commonly quiet, its the reason Henry and I have sat here without fail for almost every lunchtime.

"Friday night," I answer, nodding my head still a safe distance away from him.

"I'll come by and pick you up around six, did you want me to just come collect you in case I'm late?" He asks and I think about the last time my family opened the door to be met with him.

"No!" I rush out, and he'd be a fool to not notice the evident fear in my words but he disregards it nonetheless. "I'll just wait outside the apartment."

He furrows his brows at the idea. "It'll be dark by then, I don't like the idea of you having to wait out on your own," he says and the comment hurts me slightly but I know why he's made it. I don't exactly live in luxury. "Do you have a phone? I could just text you when I am on my way," he suggests and I nod, pulling out my phone from my pocket and passing it to him.

"Unlocked?" He asks, amused and I shrug.

"I'm not really trying to hide anything," I comment and he laughs.

"I guess not," he says before typing into the phone, sending himself a text I presume. He hands it back to me with a smile and stands awkwardly in front of me, one hand in his pocket and the other moving to scratch the back of his neck. I half expect him to try and give me a hug goodbye though I know he wouldn't.

"I'll see you Friday, Athena," he says and my name coming from his lips makes shivers travel up my spine.

"Good luck with practice, break a leg," I joke and he smiles giving me a strange look.

"I think that's just a theatre thing," he laughs and I wince, heat rising to my cheeks from the embarrassment.

"Right, that makes sense because you need your leg. To... play." My wince doesn't disappear and he laughs.

"If I break a leg now Mennison I'm gonna be expecting someone to keep me company," he jokes.

"Good thing you're a wolf," I answer and he smiles, knowing the likelihood of him breaking a leg is near impossible.

"Thea?" Both of us turn around to see Henry stood with his leather bag slung over one shoulder and an apprehensive look in his eyes. I take a subconscious step away from Micah and Henry moves to stand next to me concern evident on his face.

"Henry," I say to him but his stare soon turns too Micah, holding a look that could get him into trouble, "hey."

"What is he doing here? Are you alright?" He asks, his body stance becoming defensive.

"Of course she's alright," Micah says with a scoff, the idea of me not being so in his presence seemingly unfathomable. But from the way Micah returns Henry's hostile stare, I can tell he doesn't appreciate the implication one bit. "Who are you?"

I tense next to Henry, Micah's tone holding more than just a question. It holds an underlying threat. Despite what the school shrink may believe, I did listen in the classes about mates and I know how a newly mated wolf is when another male poses a threat.

"He's my friend," I answer before Henry has the chance. Micah looks back to me and though his stare softens I can see the darkness they contain, the possessive edge that hasn't disappeared.

"This is Micah, we were just talking," I say to Henry before turning to Micah and pointing to my best friend. "And this is Henry,"

I didn't expect them to bro hug, overjoyed at their introduction but I at least thought they'd maybe shake hands. I despise the silence that ensues between us, it hangs in the air and makes it thick with tension.