False Confidence

Losing Battles

Azriel Huang

"I can feed myself, Brooke." I huffed, swatting his outstretched hand away until he surrendered the chopsticks to me. He was crappy enough at feeding himself with the particular utensil, it'd be a disaster if he attempted to do so for anyone else. It was a sweet gesture, yet I was frustrated that I thought it was anything but annoying.

I didn't want to like Wren.

There was a definite reluctance in growing attached to him once more—I feared betrayal, loneliness and that guilt. I knew he didn't have any reason to treat me as he once had, to lie to me, since the treaty between our packs was thriving due to the continuous wins against the Church. The game of deceit, moonstones and schoolboy rivalry was over. Yet I just couldn't, because I knew that if I caved, there was no going back. I knew I'd get lost in Wren. Someone who was mated to another.

So I'd keep him at a distance, until I was sure he could be just a friend. Until I no longer thought about kissing him, or running my hands through his hair.  Hence why I refused to let him take shoddy attempts at feeding me.

"I don't know, you're looking a little shaky to me..y'sure I don't need to burp you too?" Wren snickered, taking to digging into his own takeout, sitting at the foot of the bed, with one leg folded and the other braced on the floor. I scowled in return, winding my hand back as if I were going to slap him. (I wouldn't.) He feigned fear, dramatically flinching.

"Save me!" He mocked in a shrill voice , attempting to pull his fierce gaze into that of a doe, playing as a damsel in distress. I dropped my hand with a quiet snort of amusement, taking to finally eating my food. I gazed past Wren, staring at the TV. He followed my gaze, turning his body to face the screen as well, flopping onto his side to allow himself to watch the movie.

Unfortunately, I had been ordered to bedrest ever since I had awoken from my long sleep. My mother was absolutely adamant on the matter, ordering me to act as if the war did not exist for the time being. I had been furious initially but it had instantly melted into resigned understanding, noting the glint of soul-crushing concern flickering in her soft gaze. Besides whispered reports from Sasha, I hadn't had time to focus on the continuous battles when Wren barely gave me time to think. My words had become shorter since my time with the Church yet the usually reserved male had taken to talking enough for the both of us.

When Wren wasn't near me, it was only for minutes at a time or the occasional checkup with the healers. He had never faltered in remaining by my side, steadfastly dedicated to his compliance in my demands of him staying. It had been a week since I had awoken, and despite myself, I found his presence comforting. To know that there was someone who would protect me to all ends when I awoke from chilling nightmares or screams of phantom anguish that had no origin. To know it wasn't a red-headed woman crooning in my ear but a male who had endeavored through all sorts of hardships just to get me back.

I swallowed the mouthful of lo mein, the sentimental thoughts along with it.

"Any news on the latest siege.." I prodded carefully, knowing full and well that I was not supposed to be asking.

Wren looked back at me with a raised eyebrow, his lips twitching upward in amusement.

"It went absolutely shit—we have to flee to Europe now." He sighed sarcastically, turning back towards the TV. I frowned deeply before kicking him somewhat hard in the small of his back, dragging a muttered Spanish swear from his full lips.

"If you want to keep on having our fun little sleepovers, I need to stay out of trouble with your mom—actively going against her orders to keep you in the dark would be doing exactly the opposite." Wren elaborated without looking back at me, sounding more occupied with the screen in front of him from how his deep voice rumbled in mild disinterest.