Page 34 of Fallout
“Sounds like Will’s got a bit more than friendship on his mind,” Blaine says.
I groan. “No. He doesn’t. He just…” I throw my hands out in front of me, not knowing what to say.
Blaine nods. “I get it. And Will gets it. You’re Parker’s soulmate and that isn’t changing. But you’re a pretty awesome girl. He’s probably bummed.”
I roll my eyes. “He’s not bummed. Will and I have always just been friends.”
“Maybe Will is attracted to you and maybe he even has a crush on you. It definitely seems like he does. But someday, he’ll meet his soulmate. He knows that. Whatever is going on with him isn’t something you need to worry about. He’ll figure out his feelings, you’ll have an awkward talk, then things will go back to normal.”
I pull my knees to my chest and hug my legs against me. “That sounds good. Except for the awkward talk. Can we skip that part?”
He chuckles. “Ah, but that’s the best part. I can’t wait to hear all about it.”
I groan, hiding my face.
Blaine only laughs harder at my discomfort.
As much as Blaine likes to flirt, I’d never have to worry about him having feelings for me.
“How are things with your parents?” I ask him, attempting to change the subject.
The smile slips from his face. “Same as always. When I was younger, I used to hope that they would work things out, but I’ve given up the dream.”
“I’m sorry.” I wish I hadn’t even brought it up now. “Is there anything I can do?”
He shakes his head. “No. This is something they need to figure out themselves. As soon as I graduate high school, I’m going to move into my own house. I can’t keep stopping their fights. They’ll either work things out or they won’t, but it won’t be my problem anymore.”
I worry my bottom lip between my teeth.
That must be horrible. He’s just counting down the days until he can move out, not enjoying what should be a good time in his life. We’re seniors in high school. Now is the time when we should be having fun. Instead, we’re dealing with fighting parents, doing jobs for our alpha, and… well, I’m not doing much of anything. I’m just being babysat because a rogue supernatural is stalking around pack land.
I sigh, feeling dejected.
“Cheer up,” Blaine says, scooting closer to me. “I get to spend time with my favorite pack member and that’s not so bad.”
I can’t help but grin at him calling me a pack member. “I’m your favorite?”
He winks. “Absolutely, Vixen.”
“Does Parker not mind that you call me Vixen?” I ask.
“He definitely minds.” Blaine laughs. “But he’s so easy to rile, it’s kind of funny. Besides, you were my friend before you were his soulmate.” He slides back onto the couch and grabs the remote to the gaming system. My dad got it for me for Christmas last year and I just never played it. At least now it’s getting some use.
A couple of hours later, somebody rings the doorbell. Blaine switches off his game. I start to get up, but he motions for me to stay put.
I sigh, sliding back onto the couch.
I’m not ‘supposed’ to answer the door—it’s for my protection, but I think it’s a bit of an overkill. When I hear a familiar voice, I get up from the couch and walk over to the door. Will stands just outside, his hands stuffed into the front pockets of his jeans.
“Parker is running late, so he asked me to come over for a little bit to watch Henley,” Will says. He glances over at me when he hears me walk up but quickly looks away.
Blaine turns to me. “I guess I’ll see you later, Vixen.”
Will rolls his eyes at the nickname that Blaine gave me but he doesn’t comment on it.
“Bye, Blaine.”
He walks back to the couch to grab his backpack while Will steps inside. Blaine waves at us before leaving. I stand there after the door is shut, waiting for Will to say something. He stays quiet, eventually walking over to the couch and sitting down. I sigh and follow him.