The Witch And His Wolf // Kai Parker

Three - Into the Unknown

Into the Unknown

Today was the day. Abbie had been counting down to this moment since Kai casually tossed out that they could work on their project at his house. After Harmony's rumor-filled warning, Abbie had considered her feelings—briefly. But nothing was going to change her mind. Kai might have a tough exterior and a penchant for ignoring everyone around him, but he didn't seem like a dangerous person. Not to her, anyway.

Lunchtime in the cafeteria was bustling, and Harmony was animatedly telling her about why E.T. was Spielberg's true masterpiece, but Abbie's mind kept drifting back to Kai. Harmony's voice sounded faint, almost like background noise. "—and that's why E.T. isn't just a movie; it's a cultural masterpiece." Harmony beamed, clearly waiting for Abbie's reaction.

Abbie blinked. "Huh? Oh, sorry, Harmie, I zoned out." Harmony's face fell, her shoulders slumping.

"Seriously? You're thinking about him again, aren't you?" Harmony teased, rolling her eyes. "Abbie, you're obsessed. You barely know the guy."

"I know, I know," Abbie admitted, ducking her head. Abbie knew Harmony didn't get it. She'd picked up on the eye-rolls, the sighs, and the slightly exasperated looks every time she mentioned Kai's name. Harmony didn't understand why she was so drawn to him, especially since they'd barely spoken. And maybe Abbie couldn't really explain it either. But it was there—the way he had this mysterious, guarded energy, the way he seemed like he was carrying more than he let on. There was something about him that felt... different, and she couldn't shake it.

And lately, Harmony seemed to be getting more than just annoyed. Abbie couldn't help but notice that her friend had this little edge in her voice whenever they talked about Kai. She'd catch Harmony watching her, her expression turning unreadable whenever she brought him up. It was like Harmony was trying to act casual but just couldn't hide her own interest.

"I'm sorry, Harmie," Abbie mumbled, feeling a little guilty.

"It's whatever," Harmony sighed, looking at her watch. "I've got to grab books from my locker before lunch ends. Catch you later, okay?"

"Yeah, see you," Abbie replied, feeling that familiar pang of guilt as Harmony walked away.

As Harmony walked off, Abbie barely had a moment to gather her thoughts before a girl with short, dark brown hair and curtain bangs slid into the seat Harmony had just vacated. She had this almost smug, mischievous smile, like she knew something nobody else did. Her eyes sparkled with a hint of curiosity and a little too much interest.

"You're Abbie, right?" the girl asked, cocking her head to the side, her voice smooth and confident.

"Uh... yeah?" Abbie replied, blinking in surprise. She didn't recognize this girl but couldn't shake the feeling she was about to get pulled into something unexpected.

"I'm Josette," she said, flashing a sly smile. "Kai's sister."

Abbie felt her heart stumble over itself. Kai's sister. Had Kai actually mentioned her at home? She tried to keep her excitement in check, but a small, hopeful flutter took root in her chest. "I heard you're coming over to work with Kai after school," Josette added, watching Abbie closely, like she was waiting to see what Abbie's reaction would be.

Abbie gave a quick nod, hoping her face wasn't giving away too much. "Yeah! Can't wait."

Josette leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand as she studied Abbie with a raised eyebrow. "Sooo... you're new here, right?"

"Yeah," Abbie replied, feeling a little self-conscious under Josette's sharp gaze.

Josette's lips twitched into a smirk. "Yeah, I figured. People don't usually come over to hang out with Kai. Well... unless they're into weird, brooding types, I guess," she said with a teasing lilt in her voice. "When I heard a classmate wanted to come over, I thought, this I have to see."