Kitten In A Pack

Chapter 20 ✔️

Raylina

Walking behind Chase I continue playing different scenarios in my head. Each scenario is worse than the other. Stopping in my tracks my hand slips out of Chase's, and I listen. We're still not in hearing range, but that doesn't ease my worries.

"What's the matter?" Chase turns around and looks at me. I look down to hide the fear that can undoubtedly be seen dancing in my eyes.

"I still don't know if I can do this. The last thing I remember of him was from five years ago." Thinking of the last time I saw him, the only thing I can remember is fuzzy. I think it was at breakfast? All I can recollect is a single moment of my father, brother, mother, sister, and I all sitting at a table.

"Look at me," Snapping out of my jumbled thoughts, I do as he says, and look up. "You can do this. He won't hurt his own flesh and blood." Nodding my head I allow myself to believe him, and look in the direction we were heading.

"Yeah, you're right." I continue walking. I assume there's no use in running, it's not like I'm walking into some kind of trap.

"It's always better to face your problems rather than run." Looking back I see him following just a few steps behind.

Flipping him off I turn back around and retort "It's always better to act politely rather than like a jerk."

"Really? Says the person, that was trying to avoid me earlier" He quickens his pace until he's at my side walking with me.

"There's always a reason for my actions. Maybe I should run ahead and give you more time to reflect on your actions?" Glancing up at him I see him rolling his eyes as we continue walking.

Nearing the edge of the forest I peak through the trees. While I'm crouched down hesitating I neglect to notice Chase until I hear him stepping past me. Reaching out I yank him back towards me enough to keep him out of sight.

"Hey, what was-"

"Shh!" I hold up my hand and risk a peek back through the trees. I can feel the tension emanating between the two groups. "We need to get closer without being spotted."

Glancing over to Chase I see a calculating look smacked onto his face. Not even a few moments later I'm being pulled through the trees by Chase. Still out of sight I continue on with him.

As the bickering continues I look to the left of my father at the girl who called my name. I still feel relief as I see her. I know I can trust her.

Distracted I don't realize Chase has stopped until I walk straight into him and fall onto my butt. We're here.

"What's the plan?" Chase sits down next to me assuming I sat down rather than fell.

"Do you trust me?" I glance over to the clearing just as I feel the tension snaps. A fight breaks out.

"What?" Chase looks at me. He hasn't noticed the fight start.

"Just... Let me handle the situation, and don't get involved." Looking at him I see the curiosity swirling in his eyes just being the doubt. "Please."

"As long as you don't run away again." Smiling softly he stands up and holds his hand out for the nth time today. I can't help not grinning as I take his outstretched hand. He's not what I'd thought he'd be.

Walking out from the trees and into the clearing full of the clashing and fighting I continue on through the chaos with Chase a few steps behind me.

Standing a few feet from when the fight broke out I stand up on a bench that lies beside the pathway leading up to the house. Taking a deep breath I collect every ounce of power I can manage and bellow out, "ENOUGH!!!" Simultaneously both groups stop their fighting as their heads snap to me.