The Shadow of Stars

Fifteen

a/n

ahhh and Sunday is here so soon! hope you guys enjoy this whopping 6,866 word chapter! don't forget to click that little star and let me know allll your thoughts <3

khalesi

ps:

how are you guys liking the insta story hints? is there any other content you'd like to see more of? (aside from TLH guys im trying to finish my babyyy) 

"Do you ever consider taking that boat out far past the horizon?" Gabe asks softly, the thought merely escaping his lips as we lay on the soft sand. The sun has just begun to rest on the horizon, spraying colours over the cool evening sky.

"All the time," I mummer, glancing at Henry a short distance away attaching the smaller boat to its larger companion. He looks so at peace as he ties the ropes, moving about the vessel with such a familiar grace. It's slightly mesmerising to witness.

I notice Gabe's weight shift and feel his penetrating eyes stare straight at me, without an inch of shame. I wonder if he'd look at me the same if he knew of Micah, or if he'd tear his burned gaze away like I was made of poison. "Why don't you?" He asks and it elicits a small laugh from me.

"No," I say, shaking my head. "It wouldn't be possible, even if it was the one thing I wanted in the whole world."

He laughs with me. "What makes you so sure?" The twinkle of amusement in his words are bright and sunny, but they leave me feeling empty.

I formulate the answer in my head for a moment before uttering it. "Well, I guess I've just got college and my family and all these commitments in this city, let alone on land in general. In a way, I'm tied down to this place whether I want to be or not."

He shifts again. "You have your whole life in front of you. We all do, you shouldn't be so short sighted about such a long future."

I focus on the way the sun colours the water in soft hues of rose and orange, aiming to make the sight ease the sting in my chest. "I guess," I reply, resting my head again. "Maybe when I get my license I can drive out of the pack, see another sunset. It'd be a start."

He props himself up onto his elbow, sending me a quizzical stare. "You've never been outside of the pack?" I shake my head no. I haven't and I probably never will. "That's—"

My phone ringing cuts him off and I sit up, fumbling to grab the noisy object from my bag. I flip it from his view, my caution confirmed when Micah's name appears on the phone. It's not six yet, but it is getting close.

"I've gotta take this," I tell him and he nods, laying back down on his towel to enjoy the quiet. I stand up, my phone continuing to ring out and I don't answer it until I'm far enough away from Gabe. "Hello?" I ask, an edge to my tone.

"Athena, it's Micah," he replies, pausing.

"I know." There is a brief silence on the other end of the phone, like after today he doesn't know how to speak to me anymore, like not even the bond can make conversation seamless.

"I was wondering if you needed to be picked up for tonights dinner. I know you don't have transport and it starts soon so I can pick you up or send someone from the pack house to get you," he says formally, composed.

"That's still happening?" I ask, reminding myself to reign in the sass.

"Yes, considering the progress we made today I would say we still need to talk things through." His words hold no room for debate.

"Fine, have someone pick me up from the car park on Sunset Lane in ten minutes," I respond. I don't want to speak to him longer than I have too and if it means getting in a car with a complete stranger then so be it. I don't give him a moment to respond and hang up the call, walking a little closer to Gabe.