The Two Alphas of Rosewood Creek [MxM]

Chapter 3

Theo stared down at me and I realized, I was still leaning against him.

I quickly stumbled back, losing my balance, and fell right into Nate's arms.

"Well if it isn't Theo, one of the toughest kids in school," Nate said with a small chuckle.

"What brings you to our side of the school," he asked as he tightened his grasp around me. I felt extremely uncomfortable in his embrace. I just wanted to escape.

Theo's forest-green eyes left mine and peered into Nate's. The two males stood still, staring each other down, while the cafeteria went silent. The tension was built up so thick you could cut it with a knife.

"I know it was you," he accused Nate, tucking his hands inside his jacket pockets. Bloodstains were still visible on his clothes, he clearly hadn't cared enough to change them.

"Who? Me? What on earth could you be talking about?" Nate said playfully, a puzzled look crossing his face.

"Don't play dumb. I know you sent one of your little enforcers to start a fight with me this morning. You're lucky I didn't kill him," Theo responded coldly.

"Oh, you mean Neil. I guess I do know what you're talking about." Nate smirked.

"I guess he couldn't beat you up, but I'm glad you didn't kill him. Wouldn't want to start an all-out war now, would you? Glad you were able to stop yourself," Nate sneered in a patronizing tone.

"Stop provoking me," Theo said sternly. "I'll kill the next person you send to fight me, peace agreement, or not."

"Is that a threat, Theo?" Nate scoffed. "Wow, that was a good one. But you, of all people, know that I'm not afraid of you".

"Please let go of me," I requested meekly. I could feel a migraine starting to form in my head, and the last thing I wanted to do was participate in a gang conflict.

"I'm sorry, Curly. I didn't mean to frighten you." Nate released his grasp on me.

I started to walk away, but Nate grabbed my hand, pulling me back into his gravitational field.

"Where do you think you're going?" he teased as he tightened his grip on my hand. "We were just starting to get to know each other." His eyes glinted at me flirtatiously.

"I want to leave. Let go of me," I snapped back, struggling to free myself from his grip. Clearly, I was no match for his strength, but I was tired of being pulled around.

"Oh, come on, Curly. We were just starting to have fun." He grinned, not budging against my frantic movements.

"Let him go." A thunderous voice caused me to stop my weak attempt at escaping.

It was Theo.

Theo walked closer to us, looking at me and then back at Nate.

"And what if I don't?" Nate goaded. "What are you going to do about it? Huh? Are you going to fight me?"

"Let him go," Theo boomed. A low growl shook the room.

Another growl? Was I hearing things again?

Nate dropped my hand and paced toward Theo. The two males stood face-to-face, sizing each other up. The tense showdown drew the attention of the crowded cafeteria. Nate returned Theo's growl. Ryder and his crew hollered, instigating the situation.