Little Wolf (The Youngest Sequel)

Chapter Vingt et Un

After healing the dog, Isaac stayed off to the side, leaning against a counter while Scott cleaned up and Kylie played with a small puppy that Deaton had let out of its cage. The clinic was quiet, the only sounds coming from the soft shuffling of Scott's movements and Kylie's occasional giggles.

Suddenly, Isaac broke the silence, his voice low and uncertain. "They're leaving tonight, during the game."

Scott paused for a second, his hands stilling over the equipment he was cleaning. He took a breath, then continued his task, trying to act nonchalant. "So, why are you telling me?" he asked.

Isaac sighed, deflating as he looked at the ground. "I'm not telling you," he admitted. "I'm asking you. I'm asking for your advice."

Scott turned to him, his eyebrows furrowing in confusion. "From me? Why?"

Isaac shifted his weight, his gaze falling to the floor before he looked back up, his eyes filled with a vulnerability he rarely showed. "Because I trust you."

Scott blinked, clearly caught off guard. "Why?"

Isaac's lips twitched into a small smile, almost sad. "Because you always seem to want to do the right thing."

Scott shook his head, a self-deprecating smile forming. "I usually have no idea what I'm doing. Actually, I always have no idea what I'm doing."

Isaac huffed out a small, amused breath. He glanced at Scott, his expression softening. "Do you... do you want to let me know what you're doing right now?"

Scott didn't miss the weight behind the question, the unspoken plea for direction. He sighed, his gaze shifting to Kylie, who was giggling as the puppy nipped playfully at her fingers. His expression softened, a warmth filling his eyes.

"I'm not going anywhere, if that's what you mean," Scott said, his voice firm with conviction. He turned back to Isaac, his eyes locking onto his. "I have too many people here who need me."

Isaac nodded, trying to suppress the hurt that flickered in his eyes. "Well, I guess that makes me lucky, 'cause, uh... 'cause I don't have anyone, so..." He trailed off, his voice barely above a whisper.

Scott opened his mouth to say something, but Isaac straightened up, his face hardening as he turned to leave. "Are you gonna go with them?" Scott asked, stopping him.

Isaac hesitated, his back to Scott. He clenched his jaw before replying, "Yeah. Yeah, I think I will." He paused, then added, "Good luck with the game though."

Scott shook his head, a hint of frustration in his voice. "Thanks, but I'm not—I'm not going either. Can't even think about playing some meaningless game right now."

Isaac frowned, turning back to look at Scott, his confusion evident. "You weren't at practice last week, were you?"

"No, I skipped it," Scott replied, shrugging. "Why?"

Isaac took a breath, as if preparing himself. "Then you didn't hear?"

Scott's expression turned wary, a knot forming in his stomach. "Hear what?"

"Jackson was there," Isaac stated, his voice tight.

Scott's brows furrowed, his eyes narrowing. "What do you mean 'there'? Like, he was..." He gestured vaguely, trying to find the right words.

Isaac nodded. "As if nothing had happened."

Scott's eyes widened, his breath catching. "Really? That means... the game tonight?"

Isaac looked down, his voice barely audible. "Yeah. He's playing."

The air in the clinic felt heavy, the weight of what this could mean sinking in. Kylie, sensing the worry radiating from the two boys, stood up, her tiny eyebrows knitting together in confusion.