His Bunny

Chapter 9

THEODORE

I don't know if I can walk away from my mate like that again.

She wouldn't even look me in the eye as I left her bedroom. It was hard enough to leave without thinking she was resenting me for something!

That was Friday night. Today is Monday. I would have asked her to hang out over the weekend, but I don't want her to get annoyed by how needy I am. I'm needy, but I vaguely understand boundaries.

I assumed I'd see her today at school, but she's been missing. [Much like this update, my bad lol]

If she's hurt, I'll have to just die. I didnt lie when I told Noelle I'm from Montana, but I'm not an exchange student. Does Montana even have an exchange program with Ohio? It honestly was the first excuse that came to mind. I came from Montana two years ago when I was sixteen. I lived with my uncle until I was financially stable. I actually came to school on the day that I saw Noelle with the initial intention of finding my cousin Vince. My uncle was worried about him because he had recently been broken up with by his mate.

I found him and he seemed okay, but his mate's new boyfriend was taunting him. He couldn't kill him due to the risk of losing his mate for good.

Which meant it fell to me. Somehow, in the middle of beating up that little slimeball, I saw her. I had been dreaming about that moment for years and it was not at all what I expected.

My heart felt like I exploded in my chest. My vision tunneled. And looking into her eyes, I saw my future with her.

It's as if I was being controlled, like the bear inside of me had taken control and suddenly she was in my arms. And my world felt right.

Luckily, principal Jones is my aunt's best friend. She sensed what was going on, despite being a human, and allowed me to come to classes for the rest of the year. I'm the same age as the seniors, it's not like Im some pedophile pretending to be a student.

I had to thank her countless times for overlooking my initial bad attitude in her office on that first day. She had played it off and I am forever grateful for that.

Eventually, I'll need to find a way to tell Noelle the truth about all the lies I've been feeding her. But that might lead back to me having to spill the whole truth and she might not take that so well.

I mean if some random guy walked up to me and was like, "Hey I can shapeshift into a bear, I own a cabin in the woods, and btw we are destined to fall in love and live together forever," I would definitely dash out.

No, I have to warm her up to me. I realize I've been too forward and touchy, but she doesn't seem to mind that too much, I just need to be more chill. I can be chill, right?

Where is she? She didn't come to any of her classes, I wonder if she did end of getting Evie's illness.

Classes over, I wander through the halls, looking for someone who might know what's up. I texted her, but she hasn't replied. I'm worried, but I'm sure she's okay.

Walking outside, I find Nathan and some girl talking near the entrance. "Nathan," I call, grabbing his attention.

Noelle's brother turns to face me, smirking darkly. "I've been expecting you."

Naturally, I'm a bit confused, "Have you?"

The girl rolls her eyes beside him, she must be his girlfriend that isn't Jane [Was it Jade or Jane?]

"You're looking for my sister, correct?" Nathan lifts a brow knowingly.

Almost feeling sheepish, I shrug, "Why isn't she in school today?"

"She's sick," he gets a sinister look on his face, "She's had a terrible fever for two days and has not been able to eat. She's getting worse and we might have to take her to the hospital if it doesn't break soon."

By the way he's speaking, I have a feeling he's making it sound worse than it is just to get a rise out of me, but I'm still itching to go see her. Just to make sure.

"Do you think..?"

His teasing stops and he frowns at me thoughtfully, "She's actually been asking for you."

F**k she has? And here I was ignoring my gut and trying to be a normal guy that's not weirdly showing up at her house. All while she probably wanted a good snug. I'm an idiot.

"Okay, I should go then," I wave to them and walk quickly towards the parking lot and get in my truck.

When I get to her house, I knock on her door, wishing I had grabbed her homework as an excuse.

Her mother opens the door and she beems at me. "Theo! I'm so glad you came!"

Feeling my face heat up, I scratch the back of my neck, "Hi Mrs. Silverstone. I heard Noelle was sick?"

She waves me in and closes the door behind me, "Yes, I think she's feeling okay right now, you're welcome to go in and see her. Last I checked, she was awake."

Relieved that she welcomes me, I smile at her, "Thank you, I've just been worried..."

Lightly, she chuckles, as she guides me to Noelle's bedroom, "You're adorable!"

We reach the open doorway and my eyes fall on the small body in the bed. My heart melts.

Oh my god it's been so long since I've seen her. How did I last? Quietly, I walk to her bedside and grin at her. "Hey baby."

Though she's conscious, she doesn't look very alert. Her cheeks are flushed and her blue eyes are hazy. She slowly looks up at me and blinks, trying to process who I am. A flicker of a smile crosses her features. "Hey," she whispers, her voice weak.

"Alright, I'm going to go make some dinner, I'm leaving this door open a little, but feel free to sit with her as long as you like," says her mom from the doorway, followed by her retreating footsteps.

Wordlessly, Noelle stares up at me, the question in her eyes.

Without hesitation, I carefully climb into her bed and take her into my arms. "I was nervous when you didnt show up to school, bunny. Why'd you go and get sick?"

"Lay down," she mutters, panting slightly, "I dont like you sitting up."

"You only use me for my superior cuddles," I smirk, obeying her wishes and pulling her onto my chest. That's how she liked it last time.

"Obviously," she breathes, almost inaudible.

I kiss her hair and caress her back, "It's okay, I'll take what I can get."

In an effort to snuggle closer, she nuzzles her face into my chest, though it appears difficult for her.

Seconds later, she's asleep. Then, being ultimately content, having my girl in my arms, I also doze off.

When I wake up, her brother is standing over me.