Loving "Thousand" (Werewolf story, MXM) Complete

Chapter 5. The gardener's son Part 1

Alexander's P.O.V

I realized I liked boys when I was eight. Arthur Bufford was the first human to draw my attention. I had grown up with the boy. I had always marveled at his rosy cheeks and lips. I didn't even notice when my attraction turned into love. My parents called it puppy love when I told them about it. I ignored their taunts. I was just a child and didn't know any better. Arthur was ruthless, but kids still wanted to be his friends.

Arthur was the Bufford Law firm's sole heir. It was good to have friends in high places, I guess. Arthur flirted with me to reach his goals. So, like an idiot, I professed my love to him. My heart shattered when Arthur stated before everyone in the cafeteria, "Are you kidding me? Why would I date our gardener's son?" That should have woken me up, but no. I still pursued Arthur. I did everything I could to please him. Something changed after middle school. Arthur started dating girls in high school. I suddenly couldn't stand the guy anymore. Arthur's behavior was getting on my nerves, so I ignored him. It was better to be safe than sorry.

Who knew my actions would hurt the guy's pride? Arthur started spreading nasty rumors about me. I confronted the guy about it. My love turned into hate when Arthur told me he was doing it for fun. My other friends supported Arthur through thick and thin. I was tired of it all and couldn't wait to graduate. I was getting dressed when my mother walked into my room. She fixed my collar and said, "You look good, Alex. Which party are you going to this time?" I gazed into the mirror and replied, "Arthur is throwing a back-to-school party. I must go, or they'll think I'm seeking attention again."

My mother huffed and declared, "You should dump those guys, son. Who needs enemies when you have friends like them?" I chuckled and replied, "It's alright, Mom. Trisha, Andrew, and Liam are not that bad. I'll be back at midnight. I'll see you tomorrow." My mother gazed at her watch and uttered, "Your father strained his back again. Can you help the guys finish Newton's garden tomorrow?" I nodded, then grabbed my jacket. We weren't wealthy, but we were happy. Arthur's house was empty when I arrived. Arthur and my other friends were enjoying a beer in the living room.

I had been to the Bufford's mansion countless times. I knew the layout like the back of my hand. I grabbed a soda and joined the crew. Liam greeted me and asked, "Are you excited about school, Alex?" I smiled and replied, "Yeah. It's our last year. Who knows where we will end up after graduation." Arthur smirked and said, "Well, it's Standford University for me. Are you going to follow me there as well, Alex?" Andrew laughed and stated, "You are full of yourself, Arthur. Why would Alex want to become a lawyer? Hasn't he suffered enough at your hands?" Trisha shook her head and declared, "I wish we could stay home longer. I need time to rest. Our family vacation was a disaster. What have you been up to lately, Alex?"

I finished my drink and replied, "I have been helping my father with work." Liam had been fidgeting nonstop. I grabbed his hand and asked, "Is everything alright, Liam?" Liam grinned and answered, "I participated in a data science competition during the break. They will post the results tonight. I hope I win. The prize money is high this time." I patted Liam's back and said, "Good luck then." Kids had started arriving. I left to greet them. I received a text while I was enjoying a beer by the pool. Old habits die hard. Arthur wanted me to serve him. I didn't want to disappoint the host of the party. I grabbed a few drinks and snacks and delivered them to Arthur and the others.

I left the scene immediately. I hadn't seen most of the kids in months. I wanted to know how they were doing. Arthur and the others looked excited when I returned. Trisha poured herself a drink and uttered, "You missed something good just now, Alex. I can't believe how gorgeous the guy is." I frowned and asked, "Who gave you Vodka, Trisha? Remember what happened last time. I had to hold your hair while you puked." Trisha glared at me and replied, "Arthur said he will take care of me." Arthur was tapping away on his phone. I knew that he would abandon Trisha when she got drunk. It wasn't my problem, so I said, "Okay, that's good to hear. Now tell me what happened."

Arthur put his phone away and said, "Cain Barret is joining our school. He just left the party. Everyone is already swooning over him." Andrew smirked and stated, "The guy is filthy rich and good-looking, so what did you expect?" Liam chuckled and declared, "You can't mess with the alpha's brother, Arthur. Many people have lost their livelihood because of it." Arthur stroked his chin and uttered, "There is no harm in befriending him, right? I'll talk to him on Monday." I sighed and said, "I have been visiting the pack since I was a kid. The guy has never spared me a glance. Do you think he will talk to you?"

Arthur crossed his arms and said, "You were there to trim their hedges, Alex. I'm worthy to be his friend. You will see. He will come to me himself." "What a jerk," I thought. Liam came to my rescue. He glared at Arthur and uttered, "Alex is right. Cain is hard to approach. It's best to leave him alone." Arthur ran his fingers through his hair and replied, "We will see what happens. Get me something to eat, Thousand." I gazed at my watch and declared, "My father needs my help tomorrow. I'm going home. Enjoy the rest of the night, guys."

My confession had left a mark on my life. I wish I could change my past and discard that awful nickname. Arthur had made a mockery out of my feelings. God knows I only professed my love for him twice. People believed Arthur's absurd lies. I wanted to see how far he would go to uphold his reputation. I went straight to my room when I arrived home. I managed my father's business the next day. My father's health deteriorated when school started. I had to juggle work and school. I heard that I had confessed to Arthur again when things calmed down. Arthur acted like a jerk when I asked him about it. I wanted to punch the guy but held back. I didn't want to get my parents in trouble.

As an only child, I accompanied my parents to the hospital for check-ups. I couldn't join any clubs even if I wanted to. I was delighted when my father sought help. Mr. Barret's son-in-law was happy to examine my father. Mr. Barret and my father had been friends for years. I often played with his grandchild. I couldn't help but assist Cain when I saw him with a bloody nose at Andrew's party. I knew that he was born without a wolf. I didn't want things to get worse, so I drove him to the hospital. Cain kept mumbling, "My mate," during the ride. I recalled that he would turn eighteen soon. In the supernatural world, it was the age to find one's mate.

Arthur kept calling me. I turned off my phone and concentrated on Cain. I sighed in relief when Dr. Amal noticed us. I had done what I could. I was about to leave when I realized I needed a ride. I didn't want to bother anyone. I handed Cain's car key to the doctor's assistant. I was about to call a taxi when Alpha Maverick grabbed my collar. I groaned when the guy shook me and asked, "Why do you have my brother's blood on you?"

Thanks for reading, everyone. See you on Tuesday.