Chapter 18

Chapter 0018 “You never responded to my text.”

“Nope, I sure didn’t.” Walking around him, I started cleaning up my station.

“How are you feeling?” Alec pressed.

“Like a million bucks.”

“Dam mit Kristen. Can you just answer me?” His voice raised enough that Jasper and Emmy stopped flirting and looked over at us.

“What do you want, Alec? I’m fine. Broken ribs aren’t new to me. I usually have them every other week. I do train as a warrior. I’m not a fragile girl that is going to fall apart and need a man to wait on them hand and foot. You dropped me off and left all . Maybe it’s you that needs to explain themselves.” My anger was rising. No one said a word as I cleaned my station a little too aggressively. Since I was mad, I twisted a little too fast and a shooting pain ran down my side. I had to hold on to the wall and take a deep breath till it went away.

“Ice?” Emmys voice was quiet and unsure.

“I’m okay.” Not wanting them to see water in my eyes, I went to the bathroom. It was a mixture if pain and anger. I was so stressed about my birthday and finding a mate that my temper was short.

Pulling out a drawer, the Tylenol was there. Taking two 500mg pills should help. Finally, the water dried and I showed my face. A part of me hoped they would be gone but they weren’t.

“Maybe instead of the club, we can have a picnic in the woods?” Emmy offered.

“With all the rogue attacks?” I doubted the guys would be up for it.

“I know a safe spot that I want to take you girls.” Jasper smirked.

“Why don’t you guys have some alone time? That sounds like a couple thing.” “I don’t want to ditch you.” Emmy frowned. “You’re not, I’m kicking you out.” I smiled at her. “Kris...” “Seriously, go. Enjoy each other. I’ll finish this work.”

“I didn’t get much done.” Emmy frowned.

“More than what I had done. Seriously, go. It’s really okay.”

“Take the car.” Alec muttered and handed him the keys. Jasper grabbed Emmy’s hand and they took off laughing like kids in the candy store.

“What work do you have?” Alec asked as I sat down in my office chair.

“Just checking on the school stuff. Making sure things are in order. Balance the checkbook. Stuff like that.”

“How much do you have left?”

“Since Emmy types three words per minute, most of it. However, I just need a good hour and I’ll be done.”

“What tattoos do you have left?” Alec looked at his watch.

“Two more small ones. Just finishing up them really. Shouldn’t take long. You don’t have to hang around.”

“I told Colt I would stay with you since the rogues have got too close to town. I guess Ace was unavailable for the job.”

My hand froze over the keyboard for a second, which didn’t go unnoticed by Alec. “I see.”

“You wouldn’t know why he is unavailable... do you?”

Sighing, I looked up at him. “Just ask what you want to really ask.” I was getting tired of his fishing.

“Are you guys involved?”

“Why do you care?”

“Answer my question first.”

“We aren’t involved. We had an agreement. No strings attached, drunk make outs only. Nothing more than that. Mainly because I’m saving that for my mate but I wouldn’t be able to keep my emotions out if it.

Plus, getting emotionally involved with Ace would be bad if we weren’t mates.”

“Plus the fact you want out.” Aleć filled in.

“Yup.” I really popped the P as I started working again. “He apparently caught feelings and is upset I don’t feel the same.”

“I see.”

“Are you satisfied now? Did I fill your curiosity over something that has nothing to do with you?”