Three: Shattered

Shattered

Three: Elijah

            Racing out of the bedroom and down the stairs. I hear Misty hollering from the kitchen. “Grab a pair of swimming trunks. Everyone is down at the lake.” I spy the trunks and towels on the bench by the front door. “Thank you, Misty.” I scream before racing out the door only to collide with Evert. “Hey, help me with the cooler and snacks please.” I give him a scowl as he just grins at me. “Come on man. She isn’t going anywhere. As a matter of fact, my brother has her cornered right now.” My frown deepens as I think of Thomas being close to Corbin.

            “Okay, come on let’s make this quick.” I say as I turn and wait for him to go past me. Following him through the kitchen to the back door. I dunk into the bathroom quickly to swap my shorts and underwear for swimming gear. As I come out, I see Misty helping Evert to load up the water bottles and pop into the cooler. It has wheels so there is no carrying it. Grabbing the two shopping bags of snakes, turning to look at him. “Ready?” I ask as he gives me a bored look. “If I say no?”

            “Then I leave you here to fend for yourself.” I say as he glares at me. “You would leave me to go to your secret crush. Man, what happened to the bros before hoes?” I look over at him and shake my head. I couldn’t hold in the laughter at the look on his face. “Are you serious? We are wolves not stupid a*s humans.”

            Gosh it is so nice out here I lift my head to the sunlight as we walk down the dirt path. Lost in my own thoughts about how I can get Corbin alone. Maybe I’ll get the chance to kiss her again. I smile as we enter the clearing, and the lake comes into view. Everyone is here. Aleah, Corbin’s sister is in the water with Tabby. Tabby is Corbin’s cousin and the next Alpha of Black Claw Pack. I chuckle as I watch them yelling at Eric who is splashing them with water. Why is it that girls like to get into the water but don’t want to get their hair wet? Never did understand that one.

            As we reach the picnic table. I set the bags down. I look around but don’t see Thomas or Corbin. I turn to Evert as he opens the cooler and takes out a couple of waters. He hands me one as I take it. “So where did your brother take off to?” We both look around as he shrugs his shoulders. “No clue man. Maybe they went to the bathroom.” I hum as I guzzle my water then walk over to the lake. I take off, running down the dock at full speed hearing everyone cheers for me as I do a cannon ball. The guys join me as we start splashing each other and having a good time. I don’t pay attention to the time until I realize we have been here for a couple of hours already and still there is no sign of Thomas or Corbin.

            “Hey guys, didn’t Corbin come with you?” That got everyone’s attention as now they are all looking around the area. “She was here right before you got here.” Tabby says. “Maybe Thomas took her to his room for some private time.” Aleah says as both her and Tabby laugh. I look at Evert as he is looking off into space, chewing on his lip. I grab his arm and pull him out of the water as Eric is diving under the water to attack the girls.

            When we are a safe distance away, I turn on my so-called friend. “What is going on Evert?” I ask with venom in my voice. He doesn’t even look me in my eye. He just stares at the ground. “I don’t know what you are talking about.” I barely hear him as I angerly brush my hands through my wet hair.

            “You know exactly what I’m talking about. Does Thomas have something going on with Corbin? Does he like her or something?” I question as I turn to stare out at the trees trying to get my anger under control. I hear him sigh as I feel his hand on my forearm. “Eli, he has always had a crush on her. I never thought anything of it. Corbin was always stuck to your side when she is here.” I feel the tears filling my eyes. “You thought it wouldn’t be a good idea to clue me in.” I growl out as he quickly takes his hand back when I shake his hold off of me.

            “I’m sure nothing is happening between them. Corbin stares at you the same way you stare at her. Please calm done and let’s go have some fun, huh.” I hear giggling coming from the trail as my head snaps towards the sound of Thomas and Corbin walking out of the trees holding hands. My eyes follow their every move as Thomas leans in and whispers something into Corbin’s ear. I watch as she throws her head back and laughs at whatever he just said.

            “Sh*t.” I hear Evert say, as Thomas makes eye contact with me. The smile he gives me is not a nice one but one saying I got what you want. I watch as he turns back around and his hand cups Corbin’s face. Turning it as he lays a kiss on her. The tears start streaming down my face as I turn to Evert. “F*ck you man.” I say as I take off running hearing Evert yelling my name. I don’t stop or turn to look at what is going on behind me. I keep running like the fires of hell are on my heels. I have lost everything. I have no friends, no family, no Corbin.

            I stop and scream as loud as I can until my voice is hoarse falling on the ground. My heart is broken, shattered.