Little Red

Chapter 37

I don't get to reply, because Demitri finally decides to speak up.  

"Perhaps we should move into my office."  He says stiffly.

"Oh Mitri, you never let me have any fun."  Freya says teasingly.  If she notices the way he flinches at the nickname, she doesn't acknowledge it.  

"My mate just stabbed you.  I think that's enough fun for one day."  He says dryly. 

She sighs dejectedly and turns in the direction of the pack house, skipping away.  She doesn't appear bothered by the multiple pairs of eyes following her as she goes.  

What an odd creature.

I look to my mate for direction, still in shock from everything that just happened. 

He doesn't look at me when he speaks.  

"Let's go."  He says before walking away as well.

I follow after his slow-moving figure at my own pace.  I don't understand why he's suddenly so closed off.  Freya, while batshit insane, doesn't seem like someone you can be mad at.

I'm so lost in my thoughts as I walk through the forest, that I don't notice the presence beside me.

"He's really mad."  A solemn voice says.  "I'm sorry I ruined his good mood."

I whip my head to the right to see Freya walking next to me.  She faces forward as she speaks.

I don't even think of asking why, remembering when I tried to kill her. 

"I'm so sorry, by the way.  I-" 

She holds up her hand to stop me. 

"There's no need to apologize, I'm not a vengeful creature."  She laughs lightly.  "Besides, I was rather impressed.  You have sharp reflexes.  Those will be very helpful..."  She trails off, a far off look in her eyes.

At her last few words, I get confused. 

"Helpful how?"  I ask curiously.  

But she doesn't answer.  Instead, she turns to me with a smile.

"I'm so glad to finally meet you!  You don't know how long I've waited for this day!"  She says brightly, eyes aglow as she links her arm through mine.  

I choose to ignore the 180 her mood has taken, and focus on not being too awkward, considering I already made the worst first impression possible.  

Even though Demitri seems to be upset with her, Freya clearly means a lot to him in some way.  As far as I know, he doesn't have any immediate family so I conclude that they're old friends.  At least I hope there's nothing more involved.  My stomach flips uncomfortably at the thought alone.  

"Oh Goddess no."  Freya laughs, breaking my train of thought.

"I'm sorry?"  I ask at her abrupt statement, assuming I've wandered off in my thoughts and missed something she said.

"There's nothing even slightly romantic going on between Mitri and I.  That's just gross."  She says, screwing up her face. 

I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding, only to look back at her in shock. 

"Did you just..."

...read my mind?

"Of course not silly!"  She laughs again. 

I don't get a chance to question her further, because we arrive to the door of the pack house and she skips inside.

By the time I make it upstairs to Demitri's office, Freya is sitting sideways in one of the small office chairs with her legs thrown over one of the arms.  She hums a tune jovially, while Demitri is the picture of stress.  He's pacing behind the large desk with a worried look on his face.