Chasing The Rogue

-02- 🌻 Pulse Is Rushing

^ Picture of Kai Ambrose 🥺

"What is this feeling, so sudden and new? I felt the moment, I laid eyes on you. My pulse is rushing. My head is reeling. My face is flushing. What is this feeling?"
~Wicked, 'What Is This Feeling?'

~~~

*Kai's POV*

"Kai," Xander whines as I drag him around town.

"Come on, just one more store!" I beg, tightening my grip on his arm. As an Omega, I'm typically not as strong as other wolves. If this was anyone else, they'd probably be able to break out of my hold without issue. However, this is Xander we're talking about. He's not an Omega — surprisingly — but he's still smaller than the average wolf.

"Don't I have any say in this? It's my birthday."

"Shut up and humor me," I ignore his remark. I'm very aware that it's his birthday. In fact, that's the only reason why I've been dragging him around town all day. Our families and friends are setting up a surprise party for Xander, and it's my job to keep him distracted until then.

I tried to pick out stores that I thought Xander would at least be interested in. Video games, clothing, and now our last location — a toy store.

Being Xander's best friend, I've learned some things about him that no one else knows. Included in that is his love for toys and stuffed animals. Well, he claims the fascination comes from his wolf, Xavier. Xander has been fairly secretive about his wolf, but he's told me a few things here and there. And today is Xavier's birthday as much as it is Xander's; he should have fun too.

As soon as we're in the store, Xander halts his steps as his jaw drops. Blood rushes to his cheeks as he stares at the wall of stuffed animals; his blue eyes flashing brightly to signify Xavier's excitement.

"K-Kai..." Xander stammers, unable to look away from the wall.

"Is this okay?" I ask nervously. Without taking his gaze off the wall, Xander nods slowly. Grinning, I tug on his wrist and lead him to the stuff animals. "Pick a few out, I'll buy them."

"I can't!" He squeaks. "Do you know how much I'll get picked on if I show up to the pack with stuffed animals? The others already think I'm weaker than them. I don't need to add more fuel to the fire."

"Xan," I sigh, placing my hands on his shoulders. "Think about Xavier. You're bound to get presents from your family, but is anyone going to buy anything for your wolf?"

He tilts his head to the side in thought. "Vincent and Isla might," Xander ponders, referring to his parents' wolves. "They're his parents, after all."

"Okay..." I drag out. "But they don't really know him, do they?"

Xander squirms and nods his head guilty. The curiously sits on my tongue, begging to be unleashed. What could have happened with Xavier to make Xander cut him off from everyone else? I can't imagine being so secretive about Kieran. The only time I've seen someone act this way about their wolf was Ryland...

"Xavier's not feral, right?" I blurt out.

His face pales. "No! I-It's nothing like that. He's just... different. I don't want to talk about it."

Reluctantly, I decide to drop the subject. I don't want to upset my best friend, especially on his birthday.

"My point is, I'm the only one who might get Xavier something he actually wants," I point out. "Come on, I'll help you sneak them in when no one's around. No one will see. Just let Xavier pick out a few for his birthday."