Fate of Existence | Book 1 ✔️

Chapter 25

I take a brief look at the sky and gradually begin to lower my eyes as I start to focus on palm of my hands. I make small, slow movements of balling them up and releasing them for little to no reason at all. Since I came back I've become so level headed. I don't get angry over little things anymore. I'm more reserved than anything and I barely even talk to Matt, Ally, or Jake for the matter.

It's just as I thought it would be. . .but worse. I see respect in their eyes. I see faith. I see hope. . .I see love. But. . . I also see distrust and an unwavering sense of betrayal. I know clearly what they're thinking and they probably know what I'm thinking as well.

I made no attempt at hiding the fact that I am in love with someone that may or may not have taken away Jake's brother and father, Richard's mother, Ally's friend, and Matt's sense of what's right or wrong. I don't. . .I can't feel bad whatsoever. He's my mate. . .regardless of everything. They should know this.

Jake comes into my office looking a little worn but energized nonetheless. " Hey Lance, are you feeling better?"

"What?"

"I heard you've been feeling a little sick. . .so I was kind of worried."

"My stomach was a little upset that's all. "

"For the past week you've been like that. Are you sure you don't want to go see a doctor?"

I sigh at this. "I'm fine."

I can feel the tension in the air and it honestly isn't settling right with me. I really just want him to leave if he is only going to make this situation even more awkward and tense. " I'm just not use to the food here yet I guess. Besides that, is there anything else you came here for?"

He stares blankly while letting out an audible sigh. " We need to talk."

" I really don't like where this is going. " I say as I get up and start to head for the door which only makes him follow right behind me.

" Lance." He grabs my arm as I make it outside. " What?" I say well beyond irritated at this point.

". . . I know you're under a lot of stress right now and I don't mean to add more on to it but. . . Can you watch Richard for me? "

My eyes widen. " I won't be around for a little while and I'm kind of worried about him and what he'll do if I'm not around. You understand me right?"

My mouth opens to say something but it instantly snaps shut. ". . .I do understand that but-"

" I know you don't like each other and I would ask anyone else if I could but he wouldn't listen to anyone else but you. He may end up doing something reckless. "He says softly as his voice begins to break. His eyes find me and I have to look down.

Everything has been a mess since that attack and even though on the outside it looks like we have recovered inside a lot of us are still reeling from the deaths of our loved ones, some more than others. Both Richard and Jake had lost someone close to them so they really are isolating themselves from each other unable to find that comfort that was once there.

But they're mates. . . They're together. If anything, they have each other. They should be thankful that the other is still alive, still breathing. Not look at one another like burdens.

It really is frustrating to see this. . .

"Jake. "

He looks at me, his eyes looking tired and sullen.

" He loves you. "

He bites down on his lip and looks away from me while grasping the side of his arm tightly. " I thought you were going to ask me about something personal but it kind of slipped my mind that you have a lot of other things to be worrying about. "