Fuel to Fire

chapter seven

THE CASTLE WAS FILLED WITH  excitement and everyone was jumpy. Xavier and Beatrice helped everyone get situated in their new rooms this evening. Now we were all celebrating in the patio area behind the castle. The moon was high and bright with stars splattered everywhere unevenly. We had been out here for about an hour when my aunt opened another bottle of champagne. Alec was nowhere to be seen and I couldn't help but be worried. I know I had made the right decisions earlier today but it felt like everything was wrong. There was nothing to stop me from revealing the mate bond but it felt wrong to do it now. I mind linked Dominic to let me know if he sees Alec. I sigh and take another sip of champagne. I see Arden standing with Dean and Andrea. The twins laugh at something Dean says. I walked over hoping I could start a friendship with them. Arden is the first to see me approach and pushes Dean in hopes he would compose himself.

"Alpha Faye, Can I just say I want to apologize for the way I had acted the night of the ball. I was put in a bad mood and was sarcastic to you for no reason''. I accept her apology and Dean starts talking about how Arden is gonna be the fighter but Andrea was gonna be saving lives. I remember how Andrea mentioned she was interested in our medical program. I made a mental note to speak to the program director about getting her placed for the next opening. I say goodbye and leave them. I decided to take it upon myself to find Alec. Walking back into the castle, it's quiet and all I hear is my heels clicking against the floor. I was so nervous to the point that I cracked all my fingers and knuckles but it did nothing to ease my nerves. What would I even say? The only thing that came to mind was the mate bond. Before I knew it, I was on my floor. There were three bedrooms here. One for me, one for the beta and one for the chief pack warrior. Eventually, you'd get your own private room once you found your mates. Suddenly I was in front of his door. Deciding to rip off the band-aid quickly, I knock on the door. No one answered. I press my ear against it to hear a steady heartbeat. Great, he was sleeping. I began to walk down the hall when I heard the door open hastily. Alec stepped out, his green eyes showing confusion. "I'm sorry, I was just taking a nap. Did you need something?" 

Not really, I just wanted to see you. Trying to think of a quick excuse, I thought of the village Dominic always takes girls too. I cough and straighten my back, "Actually, yes. I'd like it if you would accompany me and Dominic on a trip to the Sherwood Village tomorrow". He nodded and asked for the details. He seemed excited and I hoped he'd be even more for the information I would spring on him tomorrow.

~

I couldn't sleep knowing my future mate was only a few feet away. I had to ask Dominic what there was even to do in Sherwood Village. I never really left the pack grounds, I hadn't been to the town in years. The last time I had gone was about a week before the deaths of my parents. I felt Dominic open the mind link and let him in, There's lots of stuff to do now. It's completely different, there are little shops and a really big bakery. There's even a park. Oh and he asked if he could bring Arden. Please say yes.

I could see why Dominic wanted me to allow Arden to come with us. The night of the ball I had seen him with her and the last night he was with her again. 

I could feel myself grin like a Cheshire cat, Dom, do you have a crush on Arden?

I could already see his face, one eyebrow raised and his cheeks tinting pink.

What? No, no no, of course not! I uh just want your mate to be comfortable. You know when you break the big news. Nothing better than a sibling to be there.

Hmm.. okay she can come. Keep her distracted when I tell you, I'd like to be alone when I tell him.

We all met in the garage at two, the sun was out and shining bright as ever. It seemed like the perfect day to let everything out. The drive out of the pack grounds took us about an hour and the car ride was awkward. Dominic was keeping a conversation with Alec until it died out when they ran out of stuff to talk about. Every time Dom tried to start a conversation with Arden he began to stumble over his words and barely get a sentence out. Seeing Dom like this made me laugh more than it should have. As we neared into town, Dominic suggested we checked out the bakery. Dominic and Arden walked ahead of us and Alec walked beside me.

I felt him crouch down low enough to reach my ear, "You're not wearing gloves today".

It was a simple statement but the fact that he noticed gave me hope that he wouldn't get mad when I told him the truth. I smile and we enter the bakery. We all grab pastries and coffees and sit at the tables outside. I see Dominic point the left and I sigh. Around the corner of the building a man in all black was peering around the corner and he had a camera in his hands; paparazzi. It was common for them to take pictures of me in public, even more with the fact that I never really went out in the public. Alec notices and also takes a peek. He turns to me, "So they just take pictures of you whenever they want? Isn't there like a law against that?"

I shrug, "Not really, it's the same as the human world. They don't care. I guess it's just one of the many perks of being a Labonair". Both Arden and Alec look at me sympathetically. I immediately reassure them it doesn't bother me. As we pick up our trash and leave the bakery I see Alec from the corner of my eye and see that his hand is raised. I peer over and burst out laughing because he's flipping them off.