Fire and Ice

Fifteen: Lucinda

I watched Corey walk away with Max. I stared hard at the ground trying to understand and process what had just happened. Max knew. That must have gone against so many wolf laws. I shuddered and turned on my heel returning back to the dance. Hayden stood out the front of the hall with his eyes on me. I glanced down at his hand that he tried to keep hidden behind his back. My eyes met his and my strong posture faltered for the first time tonight.

"Hayden," I said softly as I approached him. "What happened?" Hayden glanced down and shook out his hand. I smelt something on him, past his scent of rain. Something sweet with a particular smell that I had recently grown accustomed to. I reached out and held Hayden's hand - bringing it into the light so I could see a little better.

"You're bleeding," I breathed. My throat went dry and scratchy as I stared at Hayden's bloody hand. I licked my lips and fought the urge to taste it.

"It's not mine," Hayden told me softly. I looked back up at him and realised just how close we were standing together. I swallowed hard and took a little step back.

"Come on," I tugged lightly on his hand. "Let's go get you cleaned up." Hayden followed me to the closest bathroom and I lead him into the men's so he could wash all the blood off his body. I stood by the door as Hayden washed his hands. I watched closely as the blood dripped off his hands along with the water and flow down the drain. Hayden turned back to me with a shy smile.

"What happened with Max?" I asked softly - my voice echoing in the empty room. Hayden leaned against one of the sink faucets and laughed bitterly.

"What didn't happen?" Hayden replied with a grimace. I gave him a pointed look and after a while he told me.

"I was an idiot," he began slowly. "You and Corey had just walked out and Max turned on me. He asked what was up with me and so - me being me - asked him why he was being such a protective ass. I accused him of having feelings for Corey and not being a man for doing anything about it. Max retaliated saying that my attempt to kiss Corey was not being 'a man'. He said that I should have known better like he does." Hayden began to frown his mind going into deep thought. I bit my lip and stayed quiet knowing that there was more to this story.

"Max told me to back off. He said that I should know by now that we both won't get her and to stop being a cowardice dick," Hayden looked down at the dirty floor. "He also said that if I wanted to fix things with Corey that I shouldn't be anywhere near you. Then, I punched him. He walked away before I could get another shot at him though. That's when I walked out to find you."

I frowned and tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. It hurt that Max had told Hayden to stay away from me. But I couldn't help think that it was for the best. After all, I had compelled him into coming tonight which ended worse than what I was expecting. Would it be the best if I told Hayden to stay away from me like Max had said?

"You're not a coward," I told Hayden. I looked up at him and he met my eyes. I shook my head and offered a small smile.

"I think that it was brave that you told Corey how you felt. Sure it sucks that she shut you down but at least now you know, right?" Hayden's mouth quirked at the side into an almost smile and he nodded slowly. He pushed off the sink and walked over to me. My eyes widened as he moved closer in my direction. Hayden stopped once he stood directly in front of me.

"One last dance before I take you home?" Hayden asked his eyes soft. I bit my bottom lip and nodded my head.