Loving "Thousand" (Werewolf story, MXM)

Chapter 3. First impressions

Cain's P.O.V

I had expected to hear loud music in the house. I chuckled when I recognized the classical piece. Clifford laughed and asked, "You hadn't expected this, right?" I scanned the living room and stated, "It looks like the whole school is here. Don't the kids at your school like to dance?" Clifford grabbed my hand and replied, "Just wait till the real party starts. Come, let's go meet Arthur and his friends." I took a stand and uttered, "No. I want to observe everyone first." Clifford sighed and declared, "This is why you don't have any friends. Follow me."

Clifford led me to the stairwell. I could feel people's gazes on me. I had learned to ignore others at a young age. Clifford patted my back and said, "You got all the women's attention. That's for sure." I sighed and answered, "I didn't ask for it. Now, tell me about the kids." Clifford gasped and asked, "Why are you so arrogant?" I shrugged and said, "Hurry up. I want to leave before people start dancing." Clifford shook his head, then started telling me about the kids.

He chuckled and stated, "That's Arthur on the sofa over there. He is always with his crew. The girl's name is Trisha Combs. The guy next to him is our team's quarterback. His name is Andrew Bloom. The other guy is Liam Smith. He's a genius. They all grew up together, so it's hard to infiltrate their crew." I knew Liam. He was from our pack. I remembered my brother's words when I saw Arthur. The guy was good-looking but nothing special. I frowned when Clifford stated, "Wait, the main character is missing. Oh, there he is."

A guy approached the group with a tray full of drinks and snacks. Clifford laughed and said, "And that's Alexander Haile, A.K.A Thousand. He's the group's gofer." I huffed while looking at the guy. He was nothing like a henchman. I had noticed the guy the moment I walked into the house. He was the most gorgeous one there. I had seen him hang out with three different groups since we arrived. I gazed at the guy and asked, "Why is he called Thousand?" Clifford grinned and replied, "It's a fascinating story. You see, Alexander Haile is madly in love with Arthur. He vowed to confess to his crush a thousand times. I feel bad for the guy because Arthur mostly ignores him." I sighed and remarked, "So that's how he got his nickname."

Clifford nodded and said, "Everyone is staring at you. Let's go say hi to the host." Arthur noticed me first. He smirked and asked, "Who's this guy, Cliff? I haven't seen him before." Trisha gave me a once over and stated, "Yeah, where have you been hiding him?" Liam stood up and declared, "Welcome to the party, Cain Barrett." Andrew gasped, then yelled, "No way! You are the Barrett's family's second prince?" Clifford chuckled and replied, "Cain will be joining our school guys. You can bombard him with questions when the school starts." I wanted to talk to Alexander but couldn't find him anywhere. Loud music started playing suddenly. I had seen enough, so I decided to go home.

I noticed Alexander while I was driving away. He was enjoying a beer on the porch with some friends. I wondered why his friends couldn't see his worth. My parents were in the living room when I got home. My father summoned me and declared, "The head elder came by tonight. He wants your brother to concentrate solely on the pack. His visions are never wrong. Prepare to take over the business. You have already received the training you need. Join me after school. I'll support you till you reach twenty-two."

I groaned and uttered, "Shouldn't I be focusing on finding my mate first, Dad?" My mother patted my back and said, "It can wait, Cain. These are troubled times. Our pack's safety comes first. You can travel the world to find your mate when everything is over." I had heard enough. I threw my car key on the table and stated, "I'm going jogging. Don't wait for me." My grandmother once told me that couples who build their life together have a stronger bond. I was aiming to do that with my mate.

Things were looking bleak now. My parents were forcing me to grow up. I changed my clothes and took off running. I got lost in my thoughts and didn't realize I had reached our pack's border. I was about to turn around when someone said, "So this is the Night Howlers pack. It lives up to its name and reputation. Let's report back to the boss. He'll know what to do with them." Maverick killed the men before they could leave. He changed into his human form and said, "Dad told me what happened. Forget what he said and enjoy life." I shook my head and replied, "No. I now understand how dire the situation is. You have my full support, Maverick."

It was soon the first day of school. Trisha was the first person I recognized. The student council members were welcoming students at the entrance. Trisha was one of them. The girl smiled broadly and said, "I wish you a happy senior year, Cain." I appreciated the gesture, so I thanked her. Clifford pulled me away and said, "We have classes together, so you better stick with me." I followed Clifford to our first class of the day. Everyone turned to look at me when I walked into the classroom. Clifford huffed and yelled, "Yes, he is still single, guys!" Everyone started laughing. I was startled when someone said, "You are still a master at creating ruckus, Clifford."

I couldn't take my eyes off Alexander. The guy looked gorgeous in his leather jacket. My heart melted when Alexander smiled at me. I rubbed my chest and uttered, "Why did I have to fall in love with a lovesick puppy?" Clifford looked at me in shock. I patted his back and stated, "I'm just joking. Let's sit. The class will be starting soon."