Insidious ✖ Theo Raeken

t w e n t y

It seemed like drowning to look into those deep eyes of Braeden.

For minutes, she just looked at me, her facial expressions changing, as if she tried to properly comprehend all the things I told her, which she probably did.

"You're strong, Silvie," was what she said after moments of silence. "You'll get through all of this. Mark my words."

She pressed her lips in a thin line as she embraced me in a sisterly hug. I wound my arms around her, trying to consume as much warmth as she had.

We drew back and I glanced at Malia who stood in the kitchen, preparing coffee.

"How's Malia?" I whispered as quietly as I could so the Werecoyote wouldn't hear me.

Braeden sighed before speaking. "Well, she's determined."

I nodded idly. "Yeah. She's been talking about killing the Desert Wolf before, but I didn't think she would really do that."

"Truth to be told, neither did I."

Malia came back with a tray on which three cups of coffee were placed. "I will kill her because she's a killer, not my mother."

I nearly choked on air but then reassured myself. Did I really think she wouldn't hear us? "Well, I believe that's strong enough reason."

"Indeed it is."

~

The rest of the day I didn't know where to put myself, where to go or what to do. It was already late evening, yet my mind was far from resting. The thing is, I just can't get Theo out of my head, I'm not even sure I want to. Everything I think of, everything I do, all leads back to him. It scares me, really, because it's hard to see myself with him without bad things happening consequently.

I walked and I walked, till I reached a house a few nights back I stormed off so hastily. I stood in the middle of the desolate street and watched it, with a single light lit in his room. Memories flooded back, some pleasant, some not really, but dear nonetheless.

The still image of the house was disrupted when front door opened and a figure stepped out.

I loosed a shaky breath, trying to contain myself from giving a vent to any of the emotions that I couldn't sort.

He stepped on the threshold and leaned on the doorframe, crossing his arms on his chest and eyeing me.

"Fancy yourself an evening stroll, huh?" He questioned, raising an eyebrow.

I gulped, because I knew that now when he made a direct contact with me, I won't be able to defy him. "I was just passing through."

"Yeah, sure. I told you you will—"

"Don't you dare say it."

He snickered, enjoying my frustration. "Why don't you come inside? I know you have questions."

I scoffed ever so slightly. "Are you kidding me?"

"Does it look like I am?"

"I'm not coming inside."

There was a moment of silence before he spoke again. "Then why are you here?"

"I told you I was—" I stopped talking when he started to walk towards me, shutting the door behind him.

I wasn't sure what his intentions were – I could never be sure of that – so I just remained standing, trying to make a quick scenario of possible reactions or actions.

When he was close, close enough for me to see his silvery glinting eyes, the corner of his lips twitched upwards. "No, you weren't."

Feeling his soft breathing on my cheek I watched him inquisitively, mustering the little strength I have left. "You're right." I sighed, catching the shadow of uncertainty upon his immaculate features. "Walk with me?"