Listening was her habit. It was considered a bad one but, well, if people felt the need to talk so loudly, why shouldn't she listen in? After all, it wasn't her fault that her enhanced hearing made every word that little bit clearer. Actually, a lot clearer.
"Mads," the name got lost in the ruffles of sheets and pillows as Rhydian turned to face her where they lay, side by side on her bed. The heat of his body enveloped her but she refused to be distracted from the conversation downstairs so she shushed him. He had proved on more than one occasion that he was often right about these things, when to stop before she was caught. But each time she had counteracted him with her own stubbornness. This was probably one of those times again.

Words were bubbling up from downstairs, fast and sharp. Her parents were discussing her future. Then-
"Maddy," a sigh. A firm sigh. She rolled off the bed, Rhydian remaining where he was, unmoving. She stuck her tongue out at him for it, wondering if he'd still be there when she got back. Probably. He just didn't want to face whatever music she had to. Coward. He laughed at her as he rolled back onto his back and closed his eyes. A cough from downstairs floated through the walls and she let out a small sigh as she left the room, closing the door behind her.
"What? You can't blame me for listening when it's about me." Her mother stood in the kitchen, back leant against the side, a cup of tea resting in between both hands. Whether Maddy was Alpha or not didn't seem to phase her mother, sometimes she felt it was only a title. Her father on the other hand, had always liked to stay out of arguments.
"We were just saying that we think it's best you go to the university near here."
"I think it's called a college," her dad added helpfully. Of course, she had been considering this that day in the woods. It had never really been an option in Stoneybridge, there she would have probably just lived forever in the safety of her parents property. In some ways, she was glad to have left.
"Are you sure?" The prospect of more school didn't really appeal to her but the idea that she had more than one option for her future thrilled her. "What about the pack though? What about Rhydian?" He could come with her, right? After all, they were the same age.
"The pack will be fine and that's up to Rhydian," her mum took a sip of the drink in her hands but choked a little when her father asked,
"So how is Rhydian? Sleeping?" Her face must have been flush because she was sure he had snuck in so well.
"Speaking of, Maddy. Don't you think things are moving a little too fast between you two?" Her mum spoke, wiping her chin where tea had spilt with her finger, face serious and stony. A long time ago, her parents had moved Rhydian from their home because of this very same reason. He wasn't their family and he was very close to her. Now though, it had seemed her parents had come to an understanding about who Rhydian was to her. Now they had to accept it. But what they didn't have to accept was Rhydian under their roof.
"Mum, I'm eighteen. He's eighteen."
"I was eighteen once," her dad started.
"And this the exact reason I'm telling you," her mum finished.
"Because dad was eighteen once?"
"Exactly," they said in unison.
And that was that.

When she got to her room, Rhydian was already sat on the edge of the bed, waiting for her.
"I'll ask for my papers to be sent over," he smiled at her. She matched that smile with a grin of her own, as she realised that meant he would come to university with her, before it faltered.
"Eavesdropping, were you?"
"It's okay if I do it, I don't get caught." She leant down, picked up a fallen pillow and launched it at him. He caught it and whirled it back at her but she was already jumping to the side, laughing. Then he caught her.
"I've got to go, I don't think your parents are happy with me being here," he said, loud enough that they would definitely hear. Then he planted a soft kiss on her lips and walked for the window, a grin on his face as he spoke goodbye to her parents then jumped. She watched as he ran towards the forest, still smiling, happy to be starting this new life. Happy to have him with her.