Oceanside

Chapter 33

Odette

I've had a lot of anxiety attacks over the past year, but this one was the only one that I tried to hold back. Since I've been back with Silas everything was going good again. 

I felt closer to him than before and I only wanted more. Every interaction with him was full of every positive emotion I could possibly feel. I felt truly happy for the first time in a long time—well I did feel this way before the split. But now that we were back together it was more than that. However as life goes, one high streak must come to an end. And that day was today for me.

My heart raced in my chest and I tried to control my breathing. If I let it get out of control I'll spiral into my anxiety attack. My chest fluttered uncomfortably. I swallowed roughly. The cool water running on my wrist did nothing to distract my whirling mind.

I was meeting Silas's parents today. Why did I have to agree to this? Before I even finished the thought that annoying little voice remined me exactly why. It made Silas happy. I was hesitant to agree to begin with but when I saw how much it meant to him I agreed. In the moment it felt like an okay decision but now I was worried otherwise.

What if they don't like me? What if Silas was overexaggerating their acceptance to make me feel better? It was like him. What if they do accept me but then actually meet me and change their mind? Or I say something stupid? Or they figure out I wasn't accepting of them?—at first anyway. What if—

A knock on the door stopped my mind. "Odette?"

He always knew when I was borderline hysterical. Taking a deep breath I turned off the water, wiping my wrist on the towel near the sink then opening the door. His frame toward over me, taking up the whole doorway. His face was the opposite of his appearance. He looked intimidating, scary. He always did. But his expression was soft, worrying. A gentle giant. Actually a gentle wolf might be a better comparison.

"We don't have to go," he said immediately.

I shook my head. "I want to."

He sent me a knowing look and I moved to walk past him. I still needed to go into my room and get my shoes. I was in his bathroom because I slept in here last night. An old routine I was glad to be back to. Instead of moving out of my way he caught me, pulling me flush against him. With his touch every concern seemed to blur.

"We don't have to go," he repeated but this time it sounded like a decision instead of a suggestion.

I leaned my forehead against his chest. "Silas if I don't do this now it'll be worse later. Didn't you already tell them we were coming?"

I felt him shrug. "I'll tell them I wanted to cancel. Something with work."

I pushed out a puff of air but couldn't help but smile as I wacked his stomach lightly. "Don't lie for me."

He only tightened his arms around me. "I'd do anything for you. Say the word and I'll call them."

"They're your parents Silas—"

"And you're my mate." He pulled back to cup either side of my face. "You are my priority."

His dark green eyes held strong emotions. As if I was the only thing in existence. My stomach fluttered happily now.

"I want to meet them."

"And you will—"

"Today," I interrupted. I knew he was going to reassure me I could meet them another time but if I didn't do this now I would chicken out later. I was positive my anxiety was lying to me. And besides Silas would be there. He had undoubtedly become my rock. The one stable thing I could count on.