The Sun of Apollo

Chapter 12

Alex came to the house the next morning. His hair was messy, which was unusual for when he was with me. His eyes were red too, all indicating that he hadn't slept very well.

As soon as I opened the door, relief came over his face. "Oh thank the goddess!"

I blinked at him, not quite understanding his concern. "Yes, I suppose I should thank her. But why are you thanking her?"

He gave me a deadpanned look before pushing passed me to come inside. "Lyle was freaking out last night about how you weren't responding, and Joseph hadn't seen you either. Lyle said he inducted you into the pack yesterday. He was worried you didn't take it well. Blaze didn't seem worried, but Lyle kept insisting something was wrong," Alex rambled, sitting on the couch, but still looking anxious. "Lyle claims he can always feel you and that it felt like you suddenly disappeared off the face of the planet. But I could still feel our bond, so I wasn't sure what he meant, but I couldn't help second guess myself. I just came to make sure you were okay."

I let him finish his little rant as I finished making the tea he interrupted. I poured us cups and sat next to him. I held out one of the cups for him, and he hesitated but ultimately took it.

As he sipped, I took the silence to speak. "I was a little overwhelmed by the sensation of joining the pack. It was an odd feeling connected to so many people," I started, choosing to stick with the same lie as I told Joseph. Alex's face softened. I had a feeling that he was going to accept the story easily. "I went for a run, and I ran all the way into no man's land to get a break from all the emotion." Alex nodded in understanding, sipping his tea as he listened diligently.

I shuffled in my seat, trying to buy a few moments for me to think of how to explain Lyle's antics. "Lyle must've been sensitive to the new bond as Alpha and pack member and felt me leave the territory," I hypothesized, but I knew it was a lie as it came out of my mouth. I was certain I had a connection to Lyle's child. A string of fate linked us so closely that the child's carrier felt me leave the realm.

"I'm glad you are okay. I've always been connected to the pack, so I don't know what the experience is like for newcomers. I've heard it can be overwhelming. You are not alone in feeling this way," Alex eased, relaxing in his spot on the couch.

I nodded, not sure how to respond.

We sat in silence for a few minutes, and I just knew Alex wanted to ask me something. I waited until he had the nerve to.

"Have you been, um," he scratched the back of his head as he avoided eye contact, "feeding?" When my eyebrows shot up in surprise, I could see the panic set on his face. "I'm not trying to pry into your sex life or sound possessive! I just want to make sure you are feeding! That's all!"

I'd always been quite open about sex, but it was weird with Alex. Eventually he will be the only person I'd be having sex with.

I take a moment to decide how to answer as I watch the panic set in his eyes from the lack of answer. "I'm not low on energy per say..." I draw out the words.

He breathed out heavily, leaning back in his seat. We sat in silence for a few more moments, just sipping tea.

Hayden decided to trot down the stairs smelling of last night's sex and wearing nothing more than short gym shorts. He immediately stopped at the base of the stairs when he noticed Alex looking at him.

Alex blushed a bit, but Hayden just glanced between my mate and me then made his way to the kitchen.

"Helloooooo Alex... are you joining us for breakfast?"

Alex's eyes widened, looking at me for help, but I was no help. "Uhh, I wasn't planning on staying..."

I rolled my eyes, standing from my position. "He will eat. Let's not make eggs, they make me want to vomit," I gagged for effect.