Kano's War

Chapter 20

When I got back to Kano's room after my shower, I saw him in the same position I had found him in earlier. Reading a book and still shirtless in all his glory. The shower helped tremendously in finally getting my wolf to calm all the way down, so I was no longer feeling agitation from Kelsey.

He put the book down on his bed side, patting the side of the bed that he probably expected me to get on. Did he forget that I was not going to be sharing a bed with him? He had to be dumb in the head for him to expect that from me after last night.

I gave out a small laugh, "I'm not getting close to you. Just throw the pillow and blanket over here and I'll be the one to sleep on the floor tonight." I winced my eyes at him.

"Here," he got up from the bed while grabbing a pillow and one of his blankets. He walked a few steps over to me, then dropped the items on the floor. His hazel eyes were staring right into mine.

"What?" I asked in confusion. He tilted his head, then a small smile formed on his face. "Why do you have that goofy smile on your face?" He leaned forward a bit, just like he did earlier.

He suddenly brought both of his arms around me, pulling me into his nice, broad chest into a full embrace. I felt my face heat up, my heart race, and tingles erupt all the way up my body. I was at a loss for words, taking in the hot heat his body was providing.

My arms were awkwardly in the air, and I didn't know what to do. This was a large, confusing surprise.

"W-what are you doing?" I asked as my hands began to settle on his shoulders. The edges of my elbows went into the crease of his. This was all so unfamiliar. I had never been hugged like this in all my life.

My wolf was screaming in my head for joy, wanting me to do something to reciprocate, but I didn't know with what. And I was just so confused with all the emotions that were filling inside of me.

"Your jealousy is cute." He gave a low chuckle and I could feel it through the vibration of his chest. I took the opportunity to inch closer, even if in my mind I knew I shouldn't. "But you don't need to worry about Kelsey. I meant it when I said that I want you. And only you." His hand went to the middle of my back and brought me even closer.

"I..." I didn't even know what to say. I was still in shock. "Umm... o-okay." I said softly. It felt really quiet, making me hyper aware of everything. His warm breath that was hitting my ear, the palm of his hand pushing me towards him, the sparks between our skin. Everything was nothing and nothing was everything.

Then he pulled back, and I suddenly really missed the warmth of his skin. "And I'll be sleeping on the floor." He said, "You can have the bed."

"O...okay...." I said. Now I felt horrible. I was making him sleep on the floor after he had been so nice and reassuring. He was making me feel like the bad guy without even trying to.

I walked towards the bed a flustered mess, keeping my face away from his so he couldn't see how red it probably was. Opening up his comforter, I slipped inside and tried to go to sleep.

***

The next few days were full of the same thing. I read my book, ate all my meals with the normal group, and went on runs with Kano. They weren't anything interesting, just runs to let my wolf free for a little bit. Kano's wolf was playful, something my wolf liked.

The only thing that was new was the knowledge of Cyrene and Griffin's death finally getting around. Kano's father had pulled me and Kano to the side informing of us the news. I still got the feeling that he didn't like me though. The rest of the academy year was cancelled, and I began to wonder if that meant I was expected back to my pack or not.