And Then There Were Four

Chapter 21

Chapter 21: Meeting Caleb Days quickly passed, and with Hale and James gone, I fell into a familiar rhythm with school. I knew very well that with winter approaching, it was going to mean that semester exams would quickly follow and that was something ! wasn’t ready for. In fact, I wasn’t ready for a lot of things but I had to keep focused. “Ivy, did you pick up the notes from Zebak?” Bree asked as we the University. I sighed shaking my head, “no-“. There was a lot I still had to do, and because I had imissed Caleb’s class a few days ago, I still needed to get the printed notes from the lesson. Caleb had been more than happy to gather the notes together for me and that was something else that made me feel uneasy “Girl- * Kate added looking at me shocked, “are you sure you’re feeling okay? You have been like a space cadette the last few days, and that isn’t like you.” “I know, I know.” The mumble stumbled out of my mouth as I closed the textbook in front of me, and piled all of my belongings into my backpack. “I will stop by there now before Thead home” Kate and Bree looked at each other with concern asl forced a smile upon my face. “Do you want me to come with you?” “Absolutely not. You have Calculus homework to do,” ! grinned, causing Kate to groan. “That she does.” Maddy mumbled, causing everyone to laugh but Kate. It was moment’s like these that made me remember why I-loved the life l had, even if it was more than complicated at times “It’s not my fault the shit’s impossible!” The protest that filled the table caused me to giggle before I waved goodbye and left their heated debate on how math was unnecessary. !1: I enjoyed the last few days spending every afternoon with the girls studying. I had informed my father the day we decided to do it just in case Damian tried his crap with me again. I didn’t want him- constantly snooping, and with my father knowing I was going to be late everyday, it seemed to keep Damian away “Ivy!” Caleb called out with a smile as he set his glasses on his desk and stood to his

feet: “I was wondering when you were going to stop by. Are you feeling better?” Guilt filled me for lying to him, but I pushed it aside, giving him a smile as t nodded, “Yes, I am much better now thank you.” Thad missed his class because I had claimed to be sick, but the truth was l had been reeling with everything that was going on at home and didn’t want to face going to school with my mind a mess. “That’s wonderful. Oh, let’s grab those papers.” Caleb turned from me, and made his way towards his desk, picking up a yellow packet that had been laying at the corner. I watched him hesitate for a moment before his eyes cast up towards me, and he took the steps to close distance slowly holding the package out. “I added a few extra things in there for you as well to help with the upcoming exam.” “Oh-” I was shocked at how kind he was, and as my eyes lifted to him again, I smiled. “Thank you so much. I really do appreciate this, Caleb.” stantly thank me, Ivy. I don’t just consider you a student, but also a friend. If you ever need anything from me all you have to do is ask.” I felt like there was another meaning behind what he said, and as he stepped even closer towards me, I felt a wave of emotions that built up between the gap that still separated us. “Caleb=” I whispered out softly. “I appreciate your help.” I had to change the subject and diffuse the situation. There was a chance Caleb was misreading the situation with dI couldn’t afford to have that happen. Yes, he was incredibly hot, and under any other circumstances would have done a lot of naughty things with him, but he wasn’t James, Hale, Talon or Damian. Those were the only men I wanted. ‘I really should be going.” I replied softly as the tension between us became almost unbearable. “I need to get home to work on all of this.” Shifting from foot to foot, I turned from Caleb, but not before he grabbed my upper arm stopping me in my tracks. “Be careful out there, Ivy. A girl like you shouldn’t be alone.” Something about the way he said what he had made me feel very vulnerable at that moment. It was like his words were a warning, but also something far more dangerous. “Thank you.”

The words left my lips before I had a chance to think about saying anything else. I moved with a speed that surprised even me as I left his class, and headed out into the courtyard of the school. My heart raced within my chest and I wasn’t sure why. As my hand lifted to touch the necklace Hale had given me, I considered taking it off just so I could try to reach out to him or James. I missed our conversations, and since they both had been gone, I hadn’t had the chance to speak to either of them. It was as if they had gone radio silent and were off the grid. All of which didn’t sit well with me, but I wasn’t accustomed to the life that they led being werewolves. I didn’t know pack traditions or policies, and at times, those facts made me feel like a foreigner in my own home. Pulling my phone from my back pocket, I quickly checked to see if the messages I had sent to Hale had been read. Disappointment filled me though when I saw that they still sat unread as they had two days before. You would think that because I was their mate, they would be more interested in checking up on me. Sighing, I pushed my phone back into my pocket and pushed forward towards my car to head home. All I wanted was their comfort, but it seemed like it would be another night of simply studying and going to sleep alone.Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.