False Confidence

My Mate

Azriel Huang

Several rapid knocks on the door to my bedroom sent my eyes shooting open, I sat up immediately in my bed, groaning at the abrupt noise. Nervous sweat clung on to me from my fitful sleep, thankfully no nightmares, I was even more grateful since Wren was not here to help chase them away. The mattress to the left of me was completely empty, shockingly enough.

I had no idea why, but thinking on why he might be absent from my bed only led me to think on the fact that he might be in another's. Which would likely drag me into a spell of nausea, vicious enough to wring the throw up right from my stomach. So I simply turned my attention else where.

"Come in." I grumbled tiredly.

Sasha stepped in silently, a slight downward curve of his lips that left me on edge.

"Yes, my most trusted confidant?" I sighed in a monotone voice. He shared a slight roll of his eyes, calming my nerves the slightest bit.

"Wren said to let you know he won't be in town for a bit and for you to not worry." Sasha reported in a deceivingly professional manner, his voice and eyes unwavering despite the fact that it felt like the roaring in my ears couldn't possibly get any louder. Panic seized my gut, and all those negative, wild thoughts entered my head. He had left again.

He had left me again.

"Did he say why?" My voice was surprisingly stable, and I just hoped that Sasha couldn't see that my world was falling apart.

"No, but I doubt he will be gone for long."

A childish part of me could only speak into the chaotic cavern of my head.

But it's my birthday.

Somehow sensing my distress, Sasha quietly trailed over to my bedside, offering up a small smile (which was his equivalent of a giant, toothy grin) while wrapping his strong arms around my slumped form. I immediately went lax in the support of his sturdy embrace, breathing in the jasmine scent of one of my best friends. It helped in easing some of that tension in my chest.

"Happy Birthday, Az."

What a way to start it off.

|~|~|~|

"Oh, don't pout, it's your birthday."

I scowled back at Nora's teasing, even more so after feeling her acrylic poking the side of my cheek.

The four of us sat curled up in one of the more desolate living rooms, the afternoon sun filtering in through mesh drapes. Griffin was leaned back, one hand on my shoulder farthest from him, my form sidled up next to him while Nora took to sprawling out over our laps. Aniya was the only one being genuinely productive, sat on the rug before us while organizing silly, inappropriate party favors on the coffee table.

"Why does it even matter, it's just Wren." Aniya scoffed distractedly, not breaking her work for the conversation. Griffin hummed in agreement, casting a sidelong glance of curiosity.

"I just think it's weird, he didn't even tell me and he's not answering my texts or calls. I mean we're friends, it's just fucked up." I grumbled hastily.

"Yes, obviously, but maybe it was a family emergency. He's the heir to Eastborne, tough job." Nora suggested, but it sounded more like a question.

"Why not just tell me? This whole thing just reminds me of the last time he left." I confessed shakily, the pair of them huddling closer to me in response. No one dared speculate why I was getting so emotional on the matter, never one to freak out over something so minuscule. I was thankful that they didn't try to dig any deeper than what I had allowed already, just silently soaking in their company.