Page 14 of Fallout
I sigh but follow him.
For a moment, I think about telling Will about the guy I saw on the path. But, if I do that, there is no doubt Parker would become even more worried about my safety. And since I’m trying to convince them to let me walk outside by myself, I don’t want to mention that.
“I don’t get why Parker won’t let me walk home by myself. I’m on pack land—there is nowhere safer.” I cross my arms over my chest as I follow Will.
He dunks under a low tree limb. “He has his reasons. I don’t blame him for not wanting you out of his sight, especially since what happened yesterday in class.”
“Yes, but I’m in no danger out here.” I motion my arms wide. “There is no human around for miles. I’m not going to suddenly be overwhelmed.”
Will doesn’t respond, he keeps marching forward.
“Do you think I’ll ever get to spend time with Parker?” I ask.
He turns to face me, his eyebrows furrowed. “Weren’t you just hanging out with Parker?”
“Yeah, but only for an hour.” My lips turn down in the corners. “I spent more time with him before we found out that we were mates. Now, it seems like he’s always gone doing alpha duties.”
Will shrugs. “It’s just part of being alpha. This is your life now.”
“So it’ll always be like this?” My chest aches painfully at the thought and my voice breaks.
Will turns around to face me, hearing the emotion in my voice. “You’re not going to cry, are you?”
“No.” I cross my arms over my chest and glare at him.
“Good.” Will puts his hand on my back to urge me along faster.
He wants to be with me about as much as I want to be with him.
“So… you are going to leave once I’m safely in my house, right?” I inquire, trying to keep my voice nonchalant.
He snorts. “Not a chance, Henley. Parker told me I have to keep an eye on you until he gets back. Which means you’re stuck with me for the rest of the day.”
I groan.
Great. Just what I always wanted—somebody who is forced to spend time with me.
“Why is it always you?” I ask. “Why can’t Blaine ever hang out with me?”
Will raises an eyebrow at me. “What? You don’t enjoy my company?”
I grin, saying nothing in return.
He rolls his eyes. “Blaine can’t babysit today. His parents got into a big argument last night. His mom is threatening to move to another pack to get away from his dad or something. He’s having to deal with that.”
Poor Blaine.
I put a hand to the base of my throat. “Wouldn’t it be better for everybody if they separated?”
“They can’t,” Will says.
“Why not?”
“Mates can’t be without one another.” He lifts a low hanging branch, motioning me to go first. “Within a few weeks, they’d both be going crazy.”
“So you’re saying I got really lucky that I actually get along with Parker?” I ask.
Will follows me from the tree line and into my backyard. “Mates do get along—that’s the point of them. They’re the other half of your soul. Blaine’s parents are…unique. Or have you not noticed that every mated couple in our pack is blissfully happy? It’s why they all have so many kids.”