Alpha Brothers - the King (book 1)

Chapter 25

Chapter 25
Olivia
Callum hadn't left our room all day. He said that he was still tired but I knew he was avoiding his pack. I could feel his shame like it was my own emotion. But I couldn't quite understand why, I could only guess. He was ashamed because he lost control in front of his people, almost killed his brother and revealed to his mate what a monster he could be.
But I didn't believe any of that.  I couldn't. And neither would his pack.
I sighed and focused on the obstacle at hand.
Staring down at my painting, I tried to think of places to put it. Or hide it.
It was one of the best paintings I've ever done. Callum's wolf face took up the whole canvas and a little bit of his neck. Different shades of black and grey covered it making his gold and yellow eyes shine brighter against the dark.
The idea of even selling prints of it played on my mind though I don't think I ever could. Callum was my wolf which made the painting my painting.
When I heard the door open, I looked up and eyed Archie coming through
"Oh, hi," Archie said, freezing when he spotted me in the library. I looked at him for a second before turning away and ignoring.
When he realized what I was doing, he sighed, "I'm sorry Little Liv. I shouldn't have yelled at you like that. But it was dangerous for you to be out there -."
"Malcolm didn't think so," I stated watching him freeze at the mention of what Malcolm did.
"Malcolm doesn't always think properly. I wasn't turnin' from my brother, I was tryin' to protect his mate from a wolf that wouldn't be able to tell the different between his mate and a threat. I like havin' you around Little Liv."
I nodded and accepted his apology.
"I sorry for acting the way I did. I was just angry."
He nodded, "I know, you wouldn't be a Patterson if you didn't get angry once in a while."
Without control, a smile spread across my face at the thought of being a Patterson. I suppose I was.
Remembering about Archie's and Malcolm's fight and the way Allie reacted, I asked, "Have you spoken to Allie?"
He nodded, "I talked to her this mornin'. Apologised, offered to buy her a new shirt –."
Before I could stop myself, I scoffed.
"What?"
"You're just as bad as Callum. Allie can't just be brought."
"Aye she can and it works real well."
I giggled, shaking my head, "Its probably an act."
"Ahh, I know my sister, she's an open book."
I frowned, not getting that from her at all, "Men are so stupid. She's probably just acting strong so that she doesn't seem weak to her brothers."
Now he scoffed, "Allie, weak? You saw her drag me of Malcolm..."
He didn't finish. He avoided my gaze and his eyes looked as if they were returning to last night.
"Callum told me that you two were close. Why can't it be that way –?"
"No Liv, I know what you're thinkin' and just no."
"But –,"
"Where's Callum?"
For a second I couldn't speak. To shocked by his quick change of subject.
"Ah, he's in his room. He didn't want to see anybody."
He nodded, "He'll be like that for a couple of days."
I frowned, "What?"
"He's just our way, Little Liv. When we're ashamed or hurt, we like to shut ourselves away."
"Is it a Patterson thing or a werewolf thing?" I asked.
"A Patterson thing."
"Right, so is that why you're so pissed at Malcolm for turning away?"
Now he was speechless.
"I would be so angry at you for bringin' that up again if I wasn't so surprised that you can stand your ground."
I shrugged, "It's a working progress."
He nodded, "Hows your hand?"
I looked down at the ugly hand brace only just remembering that I had it on.
"Ah, okay. Better. I don't think I have learnt my lesson though," I admitted.
He chuckled, "No, I'm sure you've still got a lot of werewolf hittin' experiences to come."
I nodded agreeing, "When Callum forgets to put the toilet seat down."
"When he comes home late."
"For hurting my hand the first time I hit him."
He chuckled louder, hitting his chest.
At that moment, Graham came through.
"I heard laughin', I thought someone was bein' forced to."
I tilted my head, trying to determined weather his statement was useful but Archie didn't seem to mind.
"Aye Brother, there is laughin' and it is not bein' forced," he reassured him.
"It's just an unfamiliar sound, that's all."
Archie nodded but pattered his back.
"What's going on Graham?" I asked wondering if he had a better reason then hearing laughing to come in here.
"Oh nothin', lookin' for Cuddy," he answered.
"Well, he's not here," Archie stated.
"Clearly."