4• CAUGHT

  

KATNISS 

Dinner has never felt this awkward and uncomfortable but right now, I was almost choking on my plate of salad and I was not even halfway through with it.  

  

I've had three cups of water but it didn't help to ease the tension I was feeling. If he keeps up with the heated stare, I fear I might melt away.  

  

Max Luciano.  

  

I don't know what his deal was, but the guy was freaking me out. And he wouldn't quit staring!! I would have been halfway okay if his blue eyes weren't ravaging my frame like I was just some object! 

  

He was sitting next to Mum, who was sitting next to Alpha Vicenzo, who was sitting next to Rex and then there was me. So literally, I was sitting opposite Max and that made me an easy prey for his devouring eyes. 

  

"Max decided to stay in the Pack with us from here on. It was a sudden decision, but of course, I agreed. He's been away from home for so long. I wanna spend some time with him too. I haven't gotten the chance to do that since his birth." Alpha Vicenzo began, with his bold voice.  

  

Mum nodded with a cheerful smile. "It's a good thing he decided to return home. Now, we're a big, complete family. I just hope he'll never leave again." 

  

"Nah, he won't." Alpha Vicenzo concurred. "Max would be staying here permanently. So I was thinking, son, " he turned to Max. "Uh – How about you start helping out in the high school from Monday? You could take them up in gym classes or science subjects. Whatever you want." 

  

"Sure, Father," Max replied briskly, grabbing a glass of juice and sipping from it. His abrupt reply almost put off the mood. But then, Mum rescued it. 

  

"That'll be great." She squealed. "Kat is still a high schooler, so you two would be seeing each other a lot there. Wouldn't it be great to have your big brother in school with you?" She beamed at me. 

  

"Sure. Super great." I nodded frantically, stuffing my mouth with a forkful of salad. Where the hell did I wrong the universe? Why was it putting me in difficult spots??! 

  

"So while Max helps out in school, Rex would be helping out here at home. With the issues of the Pack and all that. It's only a matter of months before he becomes the Alpha and lets his old man take a break…" Alpha Vicenzo grinned. 

  

Rex laughed, finally saying a word since we sat to eat. "C'mon father, you're not that old. But you're right. I think you should retire and start spending more time with Anabella. Maybe make babies or shit like that." 

  

Mum was torn with laughter and was almost spilling crumbs of salad on the table. She grabbed a napkin and dabbed her mouth with it. And yeah, her name was Anabella. Anabella Rivera, but soon, she will be 'Anabella Luciano'. 

  

"You're quite a naughty one, Rex. But I think you're right. We're not too old to make babies, are we?" Mum teased, sending a sultry wink to Alpha Vicenzo. 

  

"Not a chance, no. You're still a beauty, Father still has the strength for that. So I think you both should consider it." Rex continued with his teasing, bringing everyone to laughter. 

  

Everyone, except one guy. Max. He didn't even smile a bit. For a minute, we forgot he was seated there. Not until he broke the moment. 

  

"So you're a high schooler, huh, Katniss?" He asked, and again, I'm shuddering at his voice. Where the hell did he grow up to have such a dangerous, and yet exciting voice? You know, that deep, masculine, croaky shit peculiar to gangsters and their likes? 

  

"Yes, she is." Mum replied, I guess she saw how stunned I was and she decided to do the talking for me. 

  

His jaw twitched dangerously but he did well to cover it up. "You seem fucking daring, Katniss. Too daring for your own good." 

  

"What? No, of course not." Mum chuckled. "Kat is everything but daring. She's timid. Shy. A bit rebellious but she can't hurt a fly. She's a good girl." 

  

Again, his jaw twitched and his eyes darkened. With a repressed growl, he pushed back his seat and stood.  

  

"Where are you going, son? You barely touched your food." Alpha Vicenzo questioned. 

  

"I'm done with it." He replied in a glacial tone and walked out.  

  

I was beyond shocked and confused by his reckless attitude and Mum was also just as confused. Alpha Vicenzo quietly apologized to her for his son's rude behavior. 

  

Rex didn't flinch nor did he act like anyone left the dining room. I could be wrong, but he seems not to have the best bond with his brother. 

  

No, let me rephrase that — they seem not to have any bond at all. And I could only wonder why. 

  

After dinner, I cleared the table and washed the dishes. Mum had already gone up to the room she was staying with Alpha Vicenzo. 

  

Rex was in his room and there was no sign of Max.  

  

Recalling his words at the dining, I was forced to think he might be referring to the kiss. But there was no way I would discuss that with him. I've chosen to forget that it ever happened and I'll just keep avoiding him, here at home and in school. 

  

In a matter of weeks, the incident would be forgotten and I would have my life back on track. I just pray there will be no further complications. 

  

Soft music wafted through Rex's room and I thought to stop for a quick chat before I head to my room. 

  

I knocked on the door but there was no response. Slowly, I turned the doorknob and walked inside. 

  

The room was empty. But it had a different scent and there was a stereo where the music came from.  

  

There was a book on the bed and it had vicious drawings of creatures that I assumed were vampires on its cover. It piqued my interest and I went for it. 

  

"What are you doing here?"  

  

I let out a sharp yelp at the voice, dropping the book and spinning around.  

  

Max Luciano had just stepped out of the bathroom, in just a towel and all I could do was gulp and try to control the crazy beat of my heart. 

  

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't be here. Excuse me." I said quickly, sprinting to the door but he beat me to it. He kicked it shut and grabbed my arm, turning me to face him and slamming my back into the door. 

  

"You staying the fuck here, Katniss." He said through clenched teeth. And just then, his towel fell to the ground.  

  

His huge, erect dick was glaring at me and I let out another squeal, but he clamped his hand over my mouth, forcing me into silence.