Fated

Chapter Nine

GAIA

Mia and I are out collecting things for the bonfire, but I can't stop thinking about my conversation with Lex the night before. His voice echoes in my mind, a constant hum that I can't shake off. We agreed on a schedule to see each other, to avoid the pain of withdrawals. I can still feel the way his hands traced circles into my skin, the warmth of his touch lingering. I shouldn't feel like this. I shouldn't be so attracted to someone who isn't Hudson. However, the more we talked last night, the more I convinced myself that it was okay. That being next to him was okay.

As we pick up the food, Mia notices my distraction. "Gaia, are you okay?" she asks, her eyes full of concern.

I force a smile. "It's nothing."

She raises an eyebrow, clearly not convinced. "Maybe you need Lex more than you're willing to admit."

I quickly change the subject, not ready to dive into that conversation. "Tell me more about the bonfire."

Mia sighs but obliges. "We're gathering one thing from a loved one of each wolf participating in the challenge. They'll have to go up the mountains to find it, using only their scent to guide them. There will be obstacles and other trials of strength and intelligence. Whoever makes it back first gets the best rank in the pack."

My interest is piqued. "That sounds exciting. I want to be part of it, not for the rank, but to be recognized as part of the pack, not just part of the community."

Mia gives me a thoughtful look. "You'll have to talk to Lex about it. I'm not sure he'll be thrilled with the idea. Realistically, you barely know the grounds and still have a lot to learn about the pack. Maybe we can come up with something different for you."

We head to the grocery store to pick up some missing items. As we walk through the aisles, we run into Eleonor. It looks like she's always here. She greets us enthusiastically, but her expression changes when she looks at me.

"Gaia, are you okay? You look tired," Eleonor says, her concern evident.

I have noticed that I've been feeling tired no matter how much I sleep. There's a numb ache all over my body that's been bothering me as well. "I'm fine," I assure her, though I don't believe it myself.

Eleonor doesn't buy it but doesn't push further. We go our separate ways, and Mia and I finish getting what we need before heading to the checkout. Suddenly, I start feeling lightheaded. My vision blurs, and I stumble.

A hand quickly steadies me, and I look up to find Lex standing there. His eyes study me intently, concern etched on his face. "If you needed me, you should've called," he says softly.

My heart skips a beat, both from the surprise of seeing him and the familiar comfort his presence brings. "I didn't want to bother you," I mumble, feeling a mix of embarrassment and relief.

Lex tilts his head, his grip on my arm gentle but firm. "You're never a bother, Gaia."

Mia stands by, watching us with a knowing look.

Lex nods, his eyes never leaving mine. "You should take it easy, Gaia. You look like you're about to collapse."

I nod, feeling the truth of his words in the aching weariness of my body. "I just need some rest."

"Why didn't you tell me you were feeling like this?" he asks, his voice tinged with worry.

I shrug weakly. "I didn't want to seem weak."

He turns to face me, his eyes serious. "You're not weak, Gaia. You're one of the strongest people I know. But even the strongest need help sometimes."

His words touch something deep inside me, and I feel tears prick at the corners of my eyes. "Thank you, Lex."