Empathy

17- "I Love You"

After Aiden and I ate lunch, he confined me to resting so I could heal properly. We settled on watching a movie in his bedroom. I was currently lying with my head on Aiden’s shoulder; our hands were intertwined on his chest.

I was watching Aiden more than the movie. He had the funniest expressions on his face whenever something happened. He sensed me watching him and glanced down at me. “Are you even watching the movie?” He asked in a low voice that sent shivers up my spine.

“No,” I admitted, stretching so I could press a kiss to his neck. He moaned softly and I smiled that I could get a reaction out of him.

“You think that’s funny?” He asked me, his expression curious, amused and slightly dangerous. It made him look even hotter than normal… if that was possible.

I shook my head. “I think it’s sexy.” He looked shocked and then an expression I wasn’t familiar with crossed his face.

“I love you,” he murmured.

I grinned. His words sent strange feelings through me that I couldn’t help but adore. “I love you too.”

He smiled back at me and suddenly, but carefully, pulled me upwards so he could kiss me. I kissed him back. It was more of a reaction than a choice, but I didn’t mind. I loved the feel of his lips on mine. It made me feel wanted, beautiful, loved.

We were too caught up in kissing to hear someone enter the house and come up to the room. We were only jerked out of the kiss when Aiden’s door was yanked open by Alexis. She looked shocked to see us kissing on his bed and I felt my face get red for the millionth time that day.

“I thought you guys broke up…” She trailed. Aiden held me tightly against him, despite his sister’s curious gaze.

He shook his head. “It was all a misunderstanding.”

“Okay,” she said slowly. She turned her gaze on me and her eyes got hard. “Samara, I love you like a sister, but if you ever hurt him again I will not hesitate to knock some sense into you.”

“Alexis,” Aiden growled warningly. “Don’t talk to my girlfriend like that. She’s going to be your Luna someday; you will treat her with respect.”

I pressed my hand to his cheek to get his attention. “Aiden, it’s alright. I understand why she’s upset, and she’s right. If I do ever hurt you again, I want her to knock some sense into me.”

“I doubt she could,” his mood suddenly shifted to almost gloating. “Especially, after you learn how to harness your powers.”

Alexis looked as confused as when she first came in. “What powers?”

“It’s a long story. Can we finish our movie please?” He asked his sister, trying to get rid of her not so subtly.

“You weren’t even watching it, you were too busy making out,” she accused, making me smile sheepishly.

Aiden scowled at her. “Get out of my room.”

“Fine, but if you’re going to ‘do-it’ can you try not to make too much noise? I’m going to be studying and I really don’t want to be sick,” she teased. I hid my face in Aiden’s shirt, embarrassed to an outstanding extent.

Aiden growled. “Alexis!” I could hear her laughing as she left, shutting the door behind her. Aiden sighed and ran his fingers through my hair. I’d taken it out of its bun a while ago. “I’m sorry about her.”

“I have no idea what’s going through her head,” I grumbled, not looking up. My face felt hotter than the surface of the sun.

“Neither do I,” he grumbled before we turned our attention to the movie.

The rest of the week passed slowly and uneventfully. The kids at school left me alone when they saw that Aiden and I were back together. I got some glares from Shelby, but she didn’t try speaking with me again. I was still staying at Aiden’s house because he refused to let me be home alone. I slept in Alexis’ room, but Aiden had a habit of coming in and cuddling with me until I fell asleep. I couldn’t say I hated it.

Today was Friday and it was the day we were going to meet with these legendary elders. I was nervous, but trying my best not to show it. I didn’t know what they would say. Was I some kind of witch or other supernatural being? Or was I just a regular human with a ‘superpower’?

I was currently in my room, trying to decide what to wear. Aiden was waiting in the hallway; he refused to leave me alone while Milo was out there- which, he told me, wouldn’t be for much longer. His pack was planning to attack them soon.

“Are you ready yet?” Aiden called from outside my room. I looked over myself in the mirror. I had done my hair in a fancy half-up, half-down do as well as curled it. I’d also put on makeup and was modeling one of the few dresses I owned. I wanted to impress the ‘elders’. It felt like I needed to.

I opened the door. “I don’t know… Do I look okay?”

“Samara, you look beautiful,” he breathed, looking me over. I was wearing a fancy black dress that had long sleeves and reached my knees. It wasn’t casual, but it wasn’t too fancy either. It was professional.

“Is it too fancy?” I asked, looking down at the dress.

Aiden rolled his eyes at my worrying. “No, it’s perfect. Come on, we have to go or we’ll be late.” He took my hand and started to tug me to the front door.

I stopped him. “Aiden, wait-” He turned to face me and I kissed his cheek, whispering, “You look really nice.” He was in a fancy suit jacket that made him appear tough, yet sophisticated.

“Thanks,” he replied, looking surprised by my actions.

I blushed and walked ahead of him. “Well let’s go so we’re not late.” He nodded and we walked to his car hand-in-hand. I knew no matter what they said I was; nothing would change. I would still have Aiden and it wouldn't change who I was. I just wouldn’t have to wonder where my powers came from anymore.

We drove for fifteen minutes before Aiden pulled up outside of the city hall. He smiled at my incredulous look. “I know, but they’re in the same place.”

“Does the city council know about them?”

He nodded. “Of course they do. They were shocked when they found out but they were sworn to secrecy.”

“Okay…” I breathed. My whole life had been a lie.

Aiden took my hand and led me inside. He exchanged a few words with a person behind a desk, explaining who we were and why we were here, and then we went into the elevator. He pushed the button for the third floor.

I inhaled deeply through my nose, trying to calm my nerves. Aiden gave me a reassuring smile. “Don’t be nervous, you’ll be fine. I’ll be there the whole time.”

“Thanks,” I returned, feeling slightly better. He nodded as the elevator opened on the third floor. He showed me down the hallway and to a room marked ‘Private’.

“Are you ready?” He asked. I nodded; I was as ready as I would ever be. He reached for the doorknob and I felt a little excitement. I would finally get to learn who I really was.

But of course, everything comes with a price.