The Feeder

Harder To Breathe: Smells Like Trouble

Harder To Breathe: Smells Like Trouble

Some people never change. Others go with the flow, mix so effortlessly that they become masters of camouflage and poof! Gone with the wind. Their ability to stay in the game astounds most. Some ask questions.

*****

"We're back from the supermarket!" Samantha yelled, letting the guys know we were home with the groceries.

"What took you so long? I was getting worried about the two of you." John asked from the kitchen area where he was brewing some coffee.

"We had to stop for gas. You wouldn't believe how many people were shopping today. It was such a madhouse at Jimmy's." Samantha said as she walked into the kitchen, placed the reusable bags filled with food onto the granite countertop and began to put them away. In the meantime, I shut the front door behind me before making my way over to help Sam out.

"So where are the others?" I asked John as I put away the onions and cherry tomatoes into the vegetable draw.

"Alec and Javin went to talk to Jake, dad was dropped off at his friend Paul's house and Derek is sleeping... At least, that's what I think he's doing." John grinned. "He tell you about his date with Tiffany?"

"Actually, no, he didn't." Sam spoke first, indirectly addressing John.

"Same here. I can tell that they really hit it off, though." I added to the conversation.

"How?" John asked, honestly curious.

"I just can... The only way I can explain it is that he seems so free. Also, he was smiling when he arrived home last night."

"'Home'," John repeated with a wide smile. "No place like it." He was definitely right about that. There's no other place I'd rather be, not even at my home. Here, I have friends who actually care about me. They don't judge me and they keep me company.

*****

I don't think I could ever live without them, now. They're like my second family.

*****

"What you three talking about so early in the morning?" A voice asked, echoing through the living room into the kitchen. It belonged to Derek.

"We were just talking about you, actually." Samantha said. "So how was your date with Tiffany?" Samantha and I continued to put away the groceries.

"It was great. I learned a lot about her. I listened to her talk for most of the date."

"That boring?" John asked as he ran his hand through his hair.

"Not at all. I didn't mind her doing all the talking. I enjoyed her company."

"Is she your mate?" Samantha asked as she put away the milk and eggs.

"I think so. Whenever I'm around her, I get this tight feeling in my chest and my heart pounds faster. It's weird how hard it is to control myself."

"How does your inner wolf react when you're around her?" John asked, crossing his arms across his chest.

"Crazy." Derek said as he leaned back against the counter. Quickly, I turned around and observed how excited he looked.

"Bro, calm down. Geez, even when she's not around you get excited. Relax." John pointed out as he poured Derek a cup of coffee with a little milk. Taking the cup, Derek looked down at it and stared at for a few seconds before talking.

"Caffeine's only going to make me more hyper." Derek held the cup out towards John but he shook his head in refusal.

"Had my morning cup already." John responded.