Chapter 4: Heading Home

My phone suddenly rang, cutting through the charged atmosphere and snapping us both back to reality.

Tyler cleared his throat while I patted myself down, finally finding my phone in my back pocket. I checked the screen before answering. There was no chance I was taking a call from that moron, Liam, now. Fortunately, it was my Aunt Mara.

"Hi Aunt Mara," I answered brightly, giving Tyler an apologetic look. He gave me an understanding smile and gestured for me to carry on, but he never took his eyes off me for a moment, as if my presence was somehow captivating.

Aunt Mara was calling to find out whether I'd stayed for the Mating Celebration after all. When I'd left for the library this morning, I'd assured her, in no uncertain terms, that there was no way I'd be attending the celebrations. So, I guess she had every right to be worried that I wasn't home yet. The library had closed hours ago and for all she knew, I could have been kidnapped by a wily pack of rogues. I ended the conversation with an apology and the assurance that I would be home soon.

"You in trouble?" Tyler asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Nah, my aunt is cool. I think she's just worried about me. You know... new pack, unfamiliar surroundings, flocks of horny wolf boys lurking around for the Mating Celebration," I teased, giving him a pointed look.

"Well, good thing I'm here to fight them off then," Tyler replied without missing a beat.

I couldn't help but giggle before I shuffled back into the stall to grab my backpack. "I guess I'd better go," I said, my disappointment and reluctance coming through clearly in my somber tone.

"Can I walk you home?" Tyler offered hopefully.

I perked up at that. "Yeah, that would be nice," I replied with a shy smile, my cheeks flushing a little.

The walk home was filled with conversation, laughter and more curious questions as we got to know one another better. I was totally captivated by him and his cool and calm demeanour. He exuded confidence, but wasn't even a little arrogant. He was funny and had even piggybacked off of my jokes. And just to seal the deal, he was fucking gorgeous.

I was so distracted that I almost didn't realize when we'd reached Aunt Mara's house. Another wave of disappointment hit me as I came to terms with the fact that this was it. Our time together was really up now. Unless I wanted to invite him in… but I quickly dismissed that idea.

I might come across as uninhibited and free-spirited, but in reality, I was pretty guarded and cautious.

"So am I going to see you tomorrow?" he asked in that same cool and confident tone.

"I hope so," I replied with a shy smile as I looked down at my feet, feeling a little awkward.

How was he so chilled? All I could feel was this weird tugging in my chest as if my heart was pulling me toward him. It took everything in me not to rush at him, leaping into his arms and never letting go. I had to get a grip on myself. The guy still had a girlfriend!

"So can I get your number? We'll obviously need to make plans, so..." his voice trailed off, waiting for my response.

"Yes!" I replied, a little too eagerly which caused me to blush.

He handed me his phone and I typed my number in, smiling like a fucking idiot the entire time.

"I guess I'll see you tomorrow then," he smiled before leaning in for an awkward hug. I tried to put my arms over his, then he tried to put his over mine, and it was just a disaster. But when we finally got it right... Well, I guess it kind of felt like that was exactly where I belonged and a calmness washed over me that I can't explain.

With a deep sigh, I eventually managed to let him go as we parted ways for the evening.

I hurried to the front door, stopping to give him one final wave goodbye as he waited at my garden gate. He waved back, grinning that adorable grin, then he turned to go and I headed in, closing the door behind me.

Leaning against the closed door, I took a deep, steadying breath before I raced to Aunt Mara's room to tell her my news. My hurried steps shook the little wooden house as I excitedly made my way to her.

I peeked my head around the door, eager to start rattling off, but then I saw her sleeping form in her bed.

Guilt wracked me as I checked my phone. It was after midnight. No wonder she'd been worried about me.

I didn't want to wake her, but I also didn't want her to have a miserable night because she was worrying about me. "Aunt Mara," I whispered softly. She moaned sleepily in response. "I just wanted to let you know that I'm home," I whispered again, trying not to be too disruptive.

"Thanks, honey," she murmured, her voice still thick with sleep before she flipped her pillow over and went back to bed.

I retreated to my room, dumping my backpack on the floor unceremoniously before I took off my bra and flopped down on my bed, phone in hand as I eagerly anticipated a message from Tyler.

As I waited my thoughts shifted to the mate bond. I'd been so adamant it was a violation of one's free will, but now, it didn't feel that way at all. I struggled as I fought an internal battle against myself, trying to justify it or explain to myself how this was somehow different. Then, thankfully, my phone buzzed with a message from Tyler. The perfect distraction.

Tyler:

I'm home now. You still awake?

I was giddy. The realisation made me cringe at myself. Play it fucking cool, Kate, try not to look too eager.

Me:

I'm awake. Just getting ready for bed.

I pulled myself to my feet, stripping my clothes off before I pulled on an oversized band t-shirt to sleep in.

Sure enough, within moments, I had a new message.

Tyler:

Lucky you... There are like a million people hanging around at my place still.

What did that mean, I wondered? Why would there be people at his house? Did he still live with his parents? Or maybe it was a roommate or something? Maybe they were having a party?

My mind was doing some wild mental gymnastics as I tried to puzzle it out when my message tone went again.

Tyler:

So, you mentioned you also like to read. What are you busy reading at the moment?