Wolfsbane

34. Differing forms of affection

Claude gave me a nod. A simple subtle nod. 

I looked back at Mitch, my face erupted into the biggest grin imaginable. I must've looked like a clown. 

I was happy for him, so incredibly happy. I remembered back when he was fifteen, when he complained about no one being interested in him. That was his biggest fear, that we would never find his mate and he would die alone. I couldn't count all the times I had kicked him out of my room midway through a mopey rant. I was almost relieved....

Until I realized how upset I was that the bastard brother o'mine hadn't bothered to say anything. I was also pissed at myself for not noticing sooner and I was upset at Luca for not saying anything sooner. I thought we were partners in this. 

I stood up, which almost caused an uproar from Luca, Claude and my brother. All three of them raised their hands simultaneously, all about to say something. I wasn't going to let that happen. I wasn't in the mood to be chastised by them. 

"Melody" Luca said 

"I'm fine" I said. I was trying to convince myself that not Luca. 

I placed my hand on Mitch's shoulder, making sure that I wasn't making contact with his skin. I gave his shoulder a tight squeeze, I could feel his muscles become tense. I knew he hated when I did that. 

I didn't care. I may have not been able to hug him, but I would find some way to give him a squeeze. 

Luca slipped out of the doorway quickly to do who knows what. He was quiet about it. I think that I was the only one who noticed. I focused back on Mitch. I needed him to stop sobbing. 

I wasn't used to seeing him like this, nor was I comfortable with it. I might've had to make use of self depreciating humor. 

I didn't want to resort to that. 

Luca reentered the room, in his hand rested a glass of water. 

Suavely, he walked over, shoving the glass into my hand. I whispered a quick "thank you". 

I placed the glass against my lips, I was just about the drink the clear liquid when Imogen interjected. 

"Wait!" Her voice cut through the awkwardness in the room. 

"I didn't fuck with her water" Luca said "if thats what you're implying"

Imogen rolled her eyes. She reached into her bag, pulling out a bottle of pills. She tossed them at Luca, who no surprise, was able to catch them. He unscrewed the top.  Handing me the bottle, in a rather condescending matter. I bet he didn't think I could figure out how to work the child lock. 

"Take two every 6 hours for the next few days" Imogen said "I've got to go"

She stood, slinging her bag off of the table. I gave her a quick wave, a small send off. She waved back, trudging out into the night. 

Luca nudged me sharply. "Take your medicine"

"Sure sweetheart" I said sarcastically. 

I poured two out of the container. They were horse pills which was unfortunate for me. I could barely swallow normal pills. I downed them with a large swig of water, I could feel them scratching against the inside of my throat.