Rejection Before Karma

Chapter 13

The fights continued even after we ate. Thankfully, there were people who opted to eat later and fight first, respecting the rules I had set. The elder high ranking couples like mine, Colton's, Kairo's, and Alex's parents all sat at one table while we younger folk sat together at a massive table. Much to Colton's dismay I was seated on my own chair and wolfing down piles of food along with my siblings. Only stopping now and then to breathe and gulp down some of the juice. I nearly choked at one point at how Kairo was staring at me with a dumbfounded expression at my eating habits. 

"What?" I swallowed a mouthful of food and reached out for my cup of juice. Kairo shook his head, his grey eyes still staring at me and the plate with a high pile of bones.

"How do you eat like that?" I drank then put my cup down. Wiping my mouth with the back of my hand first I answered, "Easy. I'm always starved after a good fight." I didn't give him a chance to reply I just went back to eating.

Colton was more polite however, "Excuse her and gang. Their manners fly out the window once food is set in front of them." The gang and myself choked on whatever was in our mouths at that comment. Colton reached over and beat my back. I waved him away when I was good. 

"Excuse me? 'Her and her gang' ? Need I remind you that you are a part of this gang and that the term 'wolfing down' was practically invented by your family." I poked my fork in his direction. The little piece of sausage on the end catching his eye, "You have some nerve trying to make us seem like a bunch of starved animals." I waved the fork around some more before plopping the piece of meat in my mouth. Colton made a little strangled sound at the loss of meaty goodness and I chuckled going back to my food.

"With all due respect, Ketzia, I think you're doing that fine by yourself." Kairo chuckled and I sent him a mock glare. He gave me a cheeky smile before it disappeared as soon as it came. His eyes taking on a sadder and darker look. I think I knew what made him sad. I sighed. I think it was time to bridge the gaps in our relationship. 

"Kairo, take a walk with me." I said and stood up, pushing my plate away. Kairo's head shot up in my direction once again, eyes wide.

"W-what?" He asked. The group had stopped eating and were now fully paying attention to us. I repeated myself. "Take a walk with me." he nodded shakily and stood up. Wiping his hands on his jeans he followed me into the crowd of people milling about.

With his longs legs it was easy for Kairo to catch up to me and match my pace. He shoved his hands into his pockets while I folded my arms loosely across my chest. I snuck a look at him. He really has grown up quite a bit. The traits that naturally fall to werewolves served him well. Kairo had always been tall but now his frame had filled out with muscle that suited him well and didn't look like he took drugs to make them appear. His hair, shoulder-length, had darkened considerably. So much that it was now the almost black brown of mine. His eyes stood out even more now against the dark features and if those dark circles under his eyes disappeared he'd be more handsome that what he already was. 

We followed a path that took us deep into the forest. Deep enough that anyone would be able to hear anyone scream if they were in trouble but far enough that no one could eavesdrop without giving warning. Walking in a comfortable silence we passed beautiful trees and flowers lit up by the setting sun. I sighed. This was one of the reasons why I loved this forest. At any given time of the day if you looked at the scenery you would just be mesmerized. 

"How about we stop there?" I said and pointed to a fallen tree that looked sturdy enough to sit on. 

"Sure." Kairo said and followed my lead. I pulled myself onto the tree and swung my legs back and forth waiting for him to pull himself up. Bracing his hands wide enough, Kairo jumped and twisted so that he landed sitting on the tree right next to me. We sat for another minute in silence before Kairo spoke, "I'm nervous." he said.