Having Two Mates {2017}

Chapter Nine

           
[THIS IS THE 2017 VERSION OF HTM! THE 2024 REWRITTEN VERSION IS NOW AVAILABLE!!!]

CHAPTER NINE:

I didn't go back home after leaving Alex's house. Being anywhere near there made me think about how smug she acted seeing me leave. So many things were running through my head about what her business was at Alex's house, so I decided to find a way to take my mind off of it by going to see Nathan.

I walked up to the porch of the address Nathan gave me, noticing an envelope peeking out of his mailbox. I thought I should bring it in since no one had gotten yet. I knocked twice before the door opened, a very pale Nathan greeted me from the other side.

"That was fast." He comments.

"It was only around the corner." I said. "Can I come in?"

He stiffened, glancing behind him before pulling the door open a little wider. "Sure," He says. "I'll be right back, I have to finish something up and then I'll be back down. Uh, give me a minute."

As he rushed up the stairs, I awkwardly stood in the middle of the living room, looking around and taking in the place. Unlike my house, the living room was the first thing you step into once inside. There was a doorway which appeared to lead to the dining room, a wall hid whatever was in the next room and to the left of me were a set of stairs. Past it, there was a bathroom and maybe the washroom judging by the sound of clothes tossing in the dryer.

A moment passed and a loud thud came from above me. I figured Nathan might've just dropped something but the thud happened again and a heard a quiet groan. Panic took over and I made my way upstairs and ventured down the hall towards the only room where I could see light coming from. As I inched closer, I could hear quiet voices.

"What are you doing here?" I heard Nathan growl. I couldn't hear the second person's response so I inched closer to the doorway, hoping to hear them better.

"Why the long face?" A feminine voice came from the room. "Didn't you miss me?"

A grunt came from him and another thud. I positioned myself so I could see what was happening and to my surprise, Nathan was on top of a girl, pinning her to the floor. A small gasp came from me, causing Nathan's head to snap up and stare in my direction. I slapped my hand over my mouth and backed away a bit so he couldn't see me.

"What's the matter?" The girl taunted. "Hear a ghost?"

Nathan glared down at her. "What do you want? He asked again.

"Why so eager, Evers, don't you want to catch up on lost time?"

"I want nothing to do with you," He growls.

"What a shame," She said. "Alex treated me with a bit more hospitality than you, what's changed?"

"Nothing's changed," He tells her.

"I think something has." She says. "I think it has something to do with that mate of yours. Maybe we should—"

"Touch her and I won't hesitate to break your fingers." He snapped.

"She really has changed you," The girl frowns. She kicks up her legs and pushes Nathan away from her. The strength she had sent him flying into the dresser beside him. I wanted to go in there and help but I stayed put, not wanting to blow my cover.

The girl was knelt on the edge of window, ready to jump. I couldn't get a clear look at her face—the darkness of her hair blew wildly in the wind preventing me from doing so. Her parting words were, "Be careful Nathan, nothing good will come from a girl like her."

"Funny," Nathan groaned. "I was told the exact same thing about you."

She scoffed and then jumped two stories down. I knew she had to be supernatural if she decided to take a jump like that. No human would dare.

I found myself in the same position I did when I was eavesdropping on my mother's phone call. I ran as quietly as I could downstairs before Nathan found me outside his door. I made it around the corner just in time, breathing heavily with my back pressed against the wall.

"So," I nearly jumped out of my skin. "What do you want for your birthday?"

I looked around the corner to find Nathan leaning casually against it.

"I-I don't know," I say. "You really don't have to get me anything."

"I might as well," He tells me. "What are some things you'd like?"

"Seriously, Nathan, there's no need to go through the trouble to get me something." I tell him. "My mom is probably putting on a party anyway. I'll have enough to last me."

"A party?" His eyebrows raised. "Maybe I'll come by to say hello?"

My face lit up like a furnace, "You really don't have to!"

"Why not? It could be fun." He chuckles.

"My family is anything but fun," I say. "They're full of questions when a new face comes to view and I'm bad at explaining things—really, you don't have to come."

"But what if I wanted to?" He says. "If it's completely voluntary, then you have no reason to deny me."

I let out a sigh of defeat. There was no convincing him not to come. Besides, he seemed pretty interested in this so he was right, there was no reason to deny him.

"Okay," I say. "I'll see you then I guess."

I decided not to make my visit any longer than it needed to be, so I let myself out. Nathan followed behind, being a good host and walking me to the door.

"I'll see you at school then, yeah?" I said, stepping outside. He nodded and I turned around, making my way down to the sidewalk.

"Oh and Hailey," Nathan called after me. I turned to face him. "It'll be okay, I promise."

I blinked, not sure how to take in his words. Was he talking about my party or his conversation with that girl in his room. His words could've been for both situations but he obviously was talking about one. It had to be whatever threat that girl made.

Was he implying that I would be in danger soon and he'd keep me safe? I did like the sound of having someone there to protect me but surely there would be no reason for anyone to come after me, right?