07/17/2017

Despite Ryder's warning of Alex's status of a stranger, they made it to the house.

"Wow, you live way out in the woods," Alex said, looking relieved that they finally arrived.

Kristin just chuckled at him.

She hopped out, eyeing Ryder's car.

He had come back home.

"Are you sure about this?" Alex said, probably noticing Ryder's car also. "I know your roommate doesn't like me."

Kristin laughed at the mention of 'roommate.'

"It's okay, we'll stay away from him."

She walked into the house, leading Alex to the stairs.

Ryder cleared his throat from the living room. His eyes were fixed on something and Kristin followed his gaze to her hand, which was around Alex's.

She was just leading him upstairs!

Once they were upstairs, she took him to the end of the hallway, which was a lounge space.

She sat down on the couch and flipped on the tv for some background noise.

Alex sat next to her, keeping a friendly distance that she was thankful for.

"So Alex, do you go to school?" she asked, knowing that's what humans his age usually did.

"Yeah, I just finished my first year of college, actually. What about you?"

"I was actually home schooled growing up," she shrugged, "Now I do some accounting work for my father."

Or at least I used to, she thought.

"Really?" Alex asked, sounding interested, "I'm actually a finance major. My brother's an accountant too."

"Wow," Kristin chuckled.

"Yeah, my brother's actually--"

Alex stopped talking as Ryder walked into the room.

"What are you doing?" Kristin narrowed her eyes at Ryder, who was standing in the doorway.

"Oops, I thought this was my room."

Kristin almost laughed at his horrible excuse.

"Go away."

He rolled his eyes and left.

"Sorry about that, he's so annoying."

Half an hour later, Alex had pretty much told her everything of his 'boring life' as he'd called it.

However, to Kristin, his life was very interesting.

It wasn't everyday she got to talk to an actual human who did normal human things.

Everyone she knew was affiliated with the pack, even Allison.

"So, are you guys together?" Alex asked, talking about her and Ryder.

"No, we aren't," Kristin shook her head.

"I'm surprised."

"Why is that?" she asked, confused.

"Because you're beautiful. I'm sure he likes you."

Kristin blushed at his words, not expecting him to say that.

"He doesn't like me like that," she waved the idea off, knowing Ryder would someday end up with his mate.

"Are you sure?" Alex asked, raising a brow, "He seems really protective of you."

Kristin shrugged, "He's just stubborn."

Alex nodded, not looking convinced.

"Trust me, Alex, we don't like each other like that," she shook her head, trying to make him believe her.

"That's a relief," Alex chuckled, causing Kristin to become confused.

Alex scooted closer to Kristin, "Because I like you."

And with those words, he leaned in to kiss her.

Kristin's eyes widened as his closed, and she watched him lean closer.

Closer.

Closer.

A loud noise caused Kristin to jump back, and Alex to pull away before he could kiss her.

Kristin's eyes shot to the door, that had been left open by Ryder.

Sure enough, in the hallway was Ryder, hand outstretched.

She then looked to the floor, where a now- broken plate was.

However, the plate didn't have anything on it, which was suspicious since there was only one explanation as to why Ryder had brought up a plate.

"My bad," Ryder shrugged, unapologetic, as he reached down to pick up the shattered plate.

Alex had scooted away from Kristin, and they were both watching Ryder pick up the plate.

Kristin stayed silent, not knowing what to say.

She was internally grateful that Ryder had interrupted them this time.

She liked Alex, but only as a friend. To think of him as anything more, made her stomach churn.

She didn't know why though, since Alex was a great guy.

"It's getting late," Ryder announced, looking directly at Alex, before walking back downstairs.

Kristin checked her phone to see that it was five o'clock.

So late.

"Let's go find something to eat, I'm getting hungry," Kristin announced, getting up so Alex could follow her downstairs.

After what happened a minute ago, she no longer wanted to be alone with him for too long.

She felt bad although she hadn't rejected Alex. They had just been interrupted.

However if he tried that again, she would have to explain to him that she only wanted to be friends.

A conversation she hoped wouldn't have to happen.

After eating, Kristin turned on a movie for her and Alex to watch in the living room.

After everything that had happened, she didn't want to lose his friendship.

Halfway through the movie, Ryder decided to join them, sitting down on the opposite couch.

"So, Alex, where are you from?" he asked, his voice sounded somewhat threatening.

Kristin didn't really see Ryder's threatening side before, but he was pretty intimidating.

She felt bad for Alex. He didn't do anything to deserve this.

Well, he almost kissed her. But that wasn't for Ryder to deal with.

"I'm from this area, closer to town though," Alex replied.

"How old are you?"

"Eighteen."

"You go to school?"

"College, yes."

"You like Kristin?"

A surprised look appeared on Alex's face as Kristin opened her mouth.

"Ryder, why would you ask that?" she glared at him.

"I'm just curious," Ryder shrugged, his face remaining serious.

"We're friends, Ryder," Kristin warned.

"Does he know that?" Ryder nodded to Alex, who's face turned red.

Kristin got up, to storm into the kitchen.

She had had enough of Ryder. Everything from the past two weeks was building up, and she was about to explode.

Ryder got off the couch and glared at Alex, who gulped, before following Kristin.

"You look irritated," Ryder commented, coming to stand in front of Kristin.

Now that they were in the other room, Kristin snapped.

"You know what? I've had enough of you, Ryder!" she tried to yell, but kept her voice down enough so Alex wouldn't hear in the other room.

"Well, I've had enough of him," Ryder shot back, pointing to the other room.

"Why? What did he ever do to you? You can't not like someone this much just because you feel like it, Ryder!"

"I can do whatever I want."

"And so can I. So stop talking to my friend."

"He's not your friend, Kristin. He's using you."

Kristin scoffed, "Would you stop saying that! He is my friend!"

"Then why'd he try kissing you?" Ryder crossed his arms.

"It's none of your business!" Kristin yelled.

Ryder narrowed his eyes at her, taking a step closer, "This is my house too, so yes, it's my business."

"That makes no sense Ryder! Ugh, why can't you just go find your stupid mate already so I can leave?"

"Why can't you listen to me for once? I know you're doing that to make me mad!" Ryder pointed towards Alex.

"I'm being friends with Alex to make you mad?" Kristin scoffed, "Stop being selfish, just for once in your life!"

"F*ck you," he snapped, taking a step back to try and control his anger. His wolf was begging him to shift, and he was trying everything he could to not shift right there in the kitchen.

Kristin froze to her spot, staring at Ryder.

She couldn't believe he had just said that to her, with so much anger.

It hurt. A lot.

She didn't know why, but it did.

Tears threatened to form in her eyes as she pushed passed him and walked back to Alex.

Once she was in the living room, Alex stood up.

"Are you okay?" he asked, worriedly.

She turned to make sure Ryder was watching her from the kitchen as she grabbed Alex and brought her lips onto his.

•. •. •. •. •.

Chapter Fourteen is read!

It's getting exciting!

Thanks for reading and vote if you'd like.

Chica_2016