The Shadow of Stars

Six

Short chapter but pt 2 is gonna be up straight after!

"Okay but you can't actually think that this is a good idea," I say, shoving a handful of chips in my mouth before passing the bag back to Henry.

He leans against the tree trunk swallowing the food in his mouth. "Oh on the contrary, Miss Elignton has been hounding me since last year to convince you to join and I don't think I can attend another debate meeting without fulfilling her request," he replies and I ponder over his words.

"You say they are taking in new members this afternoon?" I ask and he nods.

"Yup," he replies. "They are gonna be in the school newspaper room and you're practically guaranteed a spot."

I raise a brow at this. "Because of Micah?" I ask and I notice the way his casual expression falters slightly at mention of my mate.

"I meant because you are amazing at what you do," he says. "But I suppose that'll probably help too."

"Look I've been meaning to talk to you actually," I say and he sits up straighter, his attention snapping into focus.

"What about? Has he hurt you?" He asks and something about the way he jumps to the worst conclusion doesn't sit well with me but I shrug it off.

"No," I say, shock on my face. "That's not it at all. It's about tonight," I say and realisation quickly comes over his face before a slight shock, like he expected my parents to have convinced me out of it.

"Oh, you're still doing that?" He asks and I nod.

"Yeah, I think it's a good idea. I just want to treat this like a regular date, see how things go," I say with a shrug, taking a bite out of my sandwich.

"But you've never been on a regular date," he points out.

"It can't be that difficult, I mean am I nervous? Sure, but if this goes horribly wrong then at least I know what I'm getting into," I reply, mumbling my words.

"I think you shouldn't do it," he blurts, the proclamation coming out with complete certainty.

"I figured," I say, an edge to my tone and he scrunches his face in confusion to which I give him a blank look. "I know you told my parents," I say and he looks slightly taken aback. "Did you really think I wouldn't find out?"

"I'm just trying to look out for you Thea," he says, his use of my childhood nickname doing nothing to soften the blow.

"By going behind my back? I've got this under control Henry, I thought out of all people you'd be on my side with this," I say and guilt quickly consumes me.

"I am on your side," he says quickly, like anything else would be complete blasphemy. "I just truly think this is a bad idea, getting involved with him any further is a bad idea I mean he might not be compulsive now but it's only a matter of time until his instincts kick in," he says and I give him a look.

"He doesn't seem like that kind of guy, I feel like you're being dramatic," I say and his grim expression doesn't pass.

"None of them seem like that but they're half animal, Thea. One minute he might be all lovey dove but the next think you know, he's all possessive Alpha male, ready to sink his teeth into your neck."

I flinch at the thought but don't let his theatrics play out. He's a debater. He exaggerates things. It's what he does.

"Theres a lot of bad about this situation, trust me I get it but if he really is my enemy then maybe its better to keep him close. If he is under the perception that all is lovey dovey whilst I decide it isn't for me then it'll be easier to get away and if I decide not to, then..." I see a look of fear begin to sink into Henry's expression as I think about what to say but luckily, I'm saved by the bell.