Claimed

Chapter 33: Raincheck

Hunter's POV:

I sat in Mia's place with the box for Xavier already sealed. Dean stood several feet away, arms crossed. Mia was out with a friend and this was the best place for privacy. Sighing, I leaned back in my chair. "Look, everyone has fights. Even friends. It's not the end of anything."

"He won't talk to me." Dean looked away, his jaw clenched. "He's mad."

"Dude, he's just frustrated." I shrugged. "Can you blame him?"

Just when I thought the Dean—Xavier situation couldn't get more complicated, Xavier tried to surprise Dean. In more than one way. The box was one surprise, but the bigger surprise was the plane tickets. For Dean to visit.

Xavier wanted to come to Blood Moon but per Thaddeus's advice, Kora was doing no travel. She barely even left the territory because there were too many people who knew about her and wanted her dead. Her pack could better defend her at a home base and it wasn't just her pack. Thaddeus's friends were temporarily living in the pack borders and filling in any gaps in the patrol. Hell, even another witch was there with a protection spell over the house.

Until we took out the Elders, Kora was safest there and Xavier adored his Luna. There was no separating Xavier from Kora, especially considering the danger she was in. He couldn't come visit while he was on constant guard duty, and Dean...

Well, Dean told him he wouldn't be using the tickets because he couldn't get the time off. It was a lie, one he might've gotten away with if Xavier hadn't been so thorough in the surprise.

Xavier had already contacted Kane and asked when Dean might have time off so he could plan the trip. Apparently even Kane was in on it because he gave Xavier the info he needed to book the tickets in Dean's name. And promised Xavier that Dean could have that time off no matter what.

I stared down at Dean's phone and reread the texts again.

Dean: It was very thoughtful of you, thank you so much, but I can't leave my pack right now. We had an influx of hounds and I just got a chance to be ranked again. I'm sorry.

Xavier: I get what you're saying but please check with your Alpha first

Dean: Already did. He said no. I'm sorry. Maybe another time

Xavier's response didn't come in for a while.

Xavier: What do you mean, you talked to him?

Dean: I did. Just now. He said it can't happen.

Xavier: Then why'd he tell me you could have the time off no matter what?

Dean: He must've changed his mind. Again, I'm sorry.

Xavier: I just got off the phone with Kane. He says you never asked him. What the hell is going on?

Then because Dean had the social skills of an angry platypus...

Dean: Why are you talking to my Alpha around me?

"Dean..." I sighed and looked up at him. "When someone catches you in a lie, the worst thing you can do is panic and get mad at the person you lied to."

Dean wouldn't look at me. I glanced down at the texts and winced. Xavier tried to call Dean and he of course wouldn't answer.

Xavier: Dude, what is going on? Did I trigger you? If I did, just tell me so we can work it out and make sure I don't do it again.

Dean: You didn't trigger me, I just don't understand why you need to sneak around to my Alpha instead of just talking to me

Xavier: Are you serious? You can't even answer the fucking phone when I call, or be honest with me, but you're mad at me right now?