That was so great of me saying I'll try to keep weekly update, then not do that... I'm sorry! I had a lot of family-related things that took most of my time. I hope this chapter will make up for it.
A Huge thank you to ElisaCollette, wolfie2451, WankyLovatic, ThereIsOnlyOneFancypants, brittanysnodes, BenGF, mielsita, anonymous1397 and the 3 guests for your reviews. Reading what you think not only motivate me to continue, but brighten my day.
One more thing I want to mention is that the story has more than 100 followers, which if amazing! Thanks for joining the ride, I hope you'll continue to enjoy.
Beta reader: amanaryouserious ontumblr and getpitchslapped on here and AO3.
It didn't make sense how fast it was morning again; Beca felt like she just put her headphones on and closed her eyes. Nevertheless, Beca rose from her bed and walked to the bathroom. She thought back on the previous night as she got cleaned. Her worst scenario didn't come true and she was certainly relieved about that. It changed things, though, because the pack members liked the human women and that hang-out thing wasn't going to be a onetime occurrence; Beca was sure of it. In the shower, Beca made a mental note to gather everyone and discuss it. They never had human friends that they were close with and that were involved in their daily lives. Emily wasn't the only one that had to keep herself in check; the pack was used to using their powers freely at the apartment and around each other. Beca didn't think one of them was going to turn, but getting caught in a conversation using their telepathy was highly possible. Lifting something heavy, running fast, healing quickly, all were actions they were used to doing. They needed to pay much more attention to those things.
When Beca exited the shower, she looked at herself at the mirror; she didn't feel fully like herself since last night. Her power of will was like no one else's; only Chloe made it so hard for her. Chloe had the sweetest scent and although Beca wasn't a big fan of sweet smells, she found herself drawn to Chloe's. Her smile could brighten up a room and she was too nice for her own good; didn't her parents teach her about the world and how people can take advantage of her kindness? Beca exhaled and blow-dried her hair. Chloe was the most beautiful human Beca had ever seen and she was a flirt, which evidently affected the alpha. Beca wasn't blushing at the thought; it was the blow-dryer's heat hitting her face. Instead of following her emotions and letting herself be pulled towards Chloe, Beca fought harder against it and by that, ignored her wolf's cry for her mate. Beca was more convinced she was doing the right thing as she got to know Chloe a bit better. Chloe has a pure soul and was living a happy life; Beca had no intention of ruining it by forcing her to change.
Beca looked at her reflection when she finished brushing her teeth. Going against her nature was slowly making her weak. She was basically at constant war with herself and it took a toll. She couldn't let the pack know or she wouldn't hear the end of it. She needed to adjust to the new feelings that came with finding out who her mate was; she had to settle down the longing for the redhead and exercise more, or so Beca convinced herself. "I'm fine," Beca said to the dark blue eyes looking back at her and started to get dressed.
Waking Emily up took longer than usual. After a few tries, Beca went to make breakfast and answered a good morning text from Chloe, then came back. She called Emily's name a couple of times and the girl still didn't move. Beca knew Emily was awake by her breathing and heart beats, so she threatened to pour water on her. That surely got the girl's attention, only she didn't jump from the bed; she asked from Beca a few more minutes. The alpha wasn't having it and told her to get her ass out of bed or she'd be forced to eat cold eggs. Emily pulled herself from the bed and walked passed Beca to exit her room. Before following her, Beca glanced at Lilly and saw her friend smiling at her, knowing that Beca would've gladly brought that water. Beca shrugged and smiled back at her before allowing her to go back to sleep. Emily and Beca ate and when the younger girl was ready, they went to the forest. They did the same as yesterday; Emily practiced changing back and forth and using her senses to find Beca. The alpha instructed Emily how to be stealthy when sneaking, mostly to get Emily better at telepathy. It was a lot of fun, for Beca at least; Emily wasn't used to that way of communication and spoke whatever she wanted to say rather than projecting it, causing the young wolf to get frustrated. To end the practice, Beca sneaked up to Emily and jumped her. Emily's instincts worked pretty well and pushed Beca and got in a defensive position with her claws in front of her. Beca was pleased with that, but only because Emily was yet to learn how to fight.
A few hours before work, Stacie and Beca went to get dinner. Beca didn't feel at ease with bringing Emily to a crowded place. Even though Emily wanted to go and felt like Beca was being overprotective, she didn't argue; her alpha wanted the best for her, she had someone who truly cared and she was fine with it. Leaving Lilly with Emily and telling them to try and not break anything, Beca and Stacie
left and made their way to the restaurant."Don't think that you're going to get everything your way now," Beca stated, walking with her hands in her jeans pockets and her head looking straight ahead. She didn't want to go and preferred to rest before work, but Stacie didn't leave her alone.
"I know," Stacie said back with a hint of a smirk on her lips.
Beca turned to her best friend, squinting her eyes. "What is that supposed to mean?"
"It's not like you got a text from a certain tired ginger telling you her shift is going horribly. And, of course, said girl isn't the one you're destined to be with," Stacie answered back, not at all affected by the seething woman walking beside her. She should be careful not to push the alpha too much. It's just that she couldn't help it; that pretend game wasn't going well for Beca.
Beca's nostrils flared at the teasing. She wondered what she had done so wrong in past life to deserve it. Did everyone's best friend torture them like Stacie did to her? Stacie didn't lie, though; Beca received a few texts from Chloe telling her about how busy the restaurant was and that Aubrey was on edge (which was probably why Stacie suggested they'd go there instead of cooking). Not being the greatest at comforting and not entirely sure why Chloe was texting her about it, Beca suggested messing with people's food. It was, after all, a known fact that you don't make the people who make your food angry. She also told Chloe that no one would suspect her if Aubrey went missing and got a hard punch on the arm from nosey Stacie, who read the message over her shoulder. Chloe seemed entertained, if the emojis were any indication and Beca had to work extra hard to push the warmth she felt in her stomach. Beca wasn't going to the restaurant because Chloe was her mate; she went there because Chloe was her friend, or trying to be, and that's what friends do. Beca also had work for most of the night and eating before was something you do.
"You better keep any more clever comments to yourself or I'll force you to come to training," Beca warned. "I'll get Emily to chase you and boy, she has energy at 7 am." Beca's eyes glinted, knowing she hit the right spot.
Like expected, Stacie gasped and gave Beca a slight push. "You're a mean one, Mitchell. " Stacie gave her a small pout, then bit her lip. "I wondered what got Aubrey upset…" she wondered quietly.
"She probably got an A and not an A+ on something," Beca speculated.
"Don't be an ass." Stacie was genuinely worried about the blonde and it was taking them too much time to get there. She wanted to talk to her. No, what Stacie really wanted was to pull Aubrey into her arms and hold her until she felt better. Since the chances of that happening did not exist, Stacie settled on getting Aubrey to talk to her and offer support.
Beca glanced at her best friend and saw her features changed. She coughed awkwardly and when she spoke next, Beca was serious. "She's at work, so nothing serious happened," Beca assured her best friend. "She's a senior in college with rent to pay; she has lots of reasons for her to be stressed."
Stacie was quiet for a moment before telling Beca she was probably right. The words helped to keep her from freaking out, but the concern was still there. There was no need for Stacie to express it; Beca felt it and walked faster to the restaurant. Stacie was usually a very easygoing person; she enjoyed living life, as you could tell by her traveling and working as a bartender despite graduating the first in her class. It was all true until someone she loved was in danger, then whomever threatened her loved one should hope they can ran fast. Stacie wasn't yet in love with Aubrey; they were only getting to know each other, but their souls were connected and they were fated to fall in love.
When the restaurant came to view, Stacie saw Beca tucking her glowing necklace under the few layers of clothing she had on. She bit back any remark she had about it; she couldn't push too much and she wanted to get to Aubrey. They silently walked in and made their way to the counter, where Chloe just gave a customer his to-go order.
"Oh my god, you're here!" Chloe exclaimed and let out a long breath. She looked exhausted: her hair was in a messy bun and there was a hint of sweat on her forehead. Somehow, Chloe still managed to glow, her eyes shined as they lingered on Beca's and a smile was plastered on her face, though it was smaller than the usual (not that Beca paid special attention to those things; it was hard to miss).
"You're still alive, Beale. I guess that ain't so bad." Beca's voice was laced with amusement. You know what they say about sarcasm, right? Better not mention it to Beca, because she wasn't covering up anything. Beca definitely didn't want tuck some stray hair behind Chloe's ears and massage her visibly tensed shoulders.
Chloe raised her brow at the shorter girl and smiled after a few seconds. "Just barely," she said and lifted her arms to redo her hair. The action made Beca gulp down a large lump in her throat; Chloe's arm muscles were not something she could ignore, so much so that the alpha had to stop herself from reaching out.
"Seriously? If that turns you on, I'm sorry to tell you my friend, but your decision is going to change," Stacie projected to Beca while keeping a calm expression.
Beca couldn't grit her teeth or lecture Stacie or have any reaction at all to what was said to her. She hoped she didn't blush because it was enough that Stacie sensed it, for the second time in less than 24 hours. Her best friend was wrong about changing her mind; Beca was sticking with keeping everyone safe no matter how much it demanded from her.
"How is Aubrey?" It might've been insensitive, but Stacie couldn't wait any longer; she was surprised she lasted that long.
Chloe sighed and started tapping on the counter. "She has a couple of professors that don't care the school year just started; they gave them tons of reading assignments and summing up to do," Chloe explained and threw a glance at the kitchen, the current location of her best friend. "She asked for a replacement for today's shift or tomorrow's, but…" Chloe shrugged and gestured with her hands hopelessly.
The redhead had more to say, but Stacie rushed behind the counter, determined to help her mate, before Chloe could elaborate. "Tread carefully, Stace!" Chloe advised her. Aubrey wasn't going to be pleased with people being back there, but Chloe had a feeling Stacie would be able to handle that. Chloe chuckled and returned her eyes back to the person Stacie left standing alone; Beca looked around, obviously trying to keep busy. The redhead found it endearing how awkward the woman was. She caught a glance yesterday to the person Beca was behind the barriers, when she was with her friends. Chloe wanted Beca to be like that with her; she was curious as to what lied behind the front.
"You want to place your order and sit with me? My break is way overdue," Chloe asked and bit the inside of her cheek at her startled friend.
"Isn't that your thing with Stacie?" Beca shot a question back. She tried to stop herself from focusing on Chloe's heartbeats; that was too creepy, even if the redhead didn't know.
Chloe leaned on the counter. Her eyes had a playful spark in them. "I don't think she'd mind." Beca wondered how despite how tired Chloe must've been, her bubbly personality stayed intact. Was she on something? If she was, she wasn't a very good friend not sharing it with Aubrey. Chloe looked to her as a good friend, so it had to be something else. Beca couldn't tell. "The usual, yours extra spicy?" Chloe winked and moved to type it in before Beca had a chance to register everything and give an answer. They ordered from there a lot, thanks to Stacie, but Chloe also remembered from yesterday that Beca loved her food spicy. And that wink! Again! Beca didn't want to insult Chloe by telling her to stop. To be fair, she didn't want to have to explain to her the reason as to why. 'It makes my throat dry and wakens the urge to claim you on the spot' wasn't something you tell someone you just met, a human nonetheless.
Beca was simply frustrated with herself, with having a face to something that hung in the background for years and with being around her mate. Everything was amplified, including new feelings, and it slowly consumed her. Fucking fate, Beca thought as she waited for Chloe to come to the other side of the counter.
"There was so much work. It only quieted down shortly before you arrived," Chloe said and took a gulp from her steaming cappuccino.
"That probably didn't help with Aubrey's mood." Beca scratched her arm. She tried to keep the conversation going without sounding like an idiot.
Chloe nodded as she drank the hot beverage. She lowered the mug to the table and clasped her hands around it. "Aubrey is brilliant, but there is so much stress she can deal with before it becomes too much," Chloe let Beca know.
Beca tapped her fingertips over her legs as she listened. "Good thing you're seniors; you'll be out of here before you know it." Supportive, that was the right social behavior in situation like that, Beca thought.
"I can't think that far." Chloe leaned back in her chair and closed her eyes. "All I want is for this shift to end so I can go home, shower and fall asleep watching something." Chloe's voice was soft, almost sleepy.
The alpha's heart totally wasn't racing, her lips weren't dry and she didn't clutch her hands over her tights. No, no way did hearing Chloe's tender voice do that to her. Beca was thankful she healed quickly because otherwise, her necklace would've created a hole in her chest by then. "Y-Yeah, that… That sounds good," Beca was able to let out and turned to see if Stacie was coming out of the kitchen. No such luck.
"Are you in a hurry?" Chloe inquired. Her eyes were open again and she reached for her coffee.
"What?" Beca looked back at her and shook her head. "No, no. We have work in a few hours, but there is no rush."
"Oh, you're playing tonight?" It seemed to brighten Chloe's face.
"Yeah, playing some music so horny, drunk twenty-somethings could get it on in order to pay rent." Beca leaned back and put her hands on the armrest, sliding them back and forth.
Chloe giggled and Beca scratched her cheeks in an attempt to hide her blush. "You make it sound so fancy!" Chloe joked and got an actual smile from the woman seated across from her. "I actually haven't heard you play yet," Chloe told her and twirled a stray lock with her index finger.
"Haven't been partying lately, huh?"
Beca felt like some weight she didn't know was there had been lifted from her chest when Chloe shook her head. "Hadn't had the time between classes and shifts here," the redhead said. "I'd really like to hear you, though," she told Beca excitedly. "Are you working next weekend? Maybe Aubrey and I could come." Hope was written all over Chloe's, beaming face as she asked.
Being around Chloe was hard enough, but being around an intoxicated Chloe? Beca had no idea what to expect. Could a person get anymore ecstatic? The alpha couldn't say no; she had no valid excuse. 'You're my mate and I don't want to force you to change, but it's hard being around you, so maybe some distance would be good?' Yeah, not something she was going to use. Also, Beca knew how happy it'd make Stacie and she was her beta and her best friend, no matter how much the woman teased her. Beca hated all that socializing. She hated even more the nice feeling that washed over her when her mate said she wanted to hear her music. "On Saturday, same as this week," Beca ended up saying. "You should come. I mean, if you want to."
"Will I get a pass to the DJ's stand?" Chloe leaned forward on the table and asked with a wider smile. It scared Beca; she felt like she'd agree to anything if Chloe wear that smile.
Beca gulped and her eyes flickered down for a moment. "That can be arranged," she said and hoped Chloe didn't hear how nervous she was. "Stacie could probably get you a couple of free drinks too, because, you know…"
"She's into my best friend? Yeah, I know." Chloe giggled again and rested her head on her palms. "We'll be there," she states.
"Don't you have to ask Aubrey before making plans that include her?" Beca asked carefully. Aubrey didn't look like the type who just goes with what people tell her. But then again, Chloe was very persuasive.
Chloe grinned. "Leave that to me," was all she said and of course, added her signature wink.
Meanwhile, there was another conversation between a wolf and her unaware mate in the restaurant kitchen. Stacie heard Chloe's warning, but she didn't worry. Aubrey's only way of hurting her would be rejecting her as a mate; in fact, Stacie had ten times more chances of hurting the blonde. So she made her way inside and thankfully Jesse didn't make any comment; out loud or through their telepathy.
"Stacie? You can't be here," Aubrey exclaimed. She put her hands up and walked towards Stacie, trying to get her out of the kitchen.
"I know; it'd only take a minute. I just-"
Aubrey shook her head. Her face was red and most of her hair was out of her ponytail; that enough would've been a sign something was off if Stacie didn't already know. "No, the last thing I need is for my boss to find you in here," Aubrey told her with a tired voice and put her hands on her shoulders, physically trying to get her out.
"He won't, I promise," Stacie assured her and put her hands over the blonde's. She could run fast and disappear if it came to that, though Stacie preferred it not to be the way Aubrey would find out. Also, she may or may not wanted to rip the blonde's boss apart for not giving her some slack. "I just wanted to check up on you."
Aubrey's features softened and she let her hands fall to the sides of her body. "You did?" It's the first time Aubrey sounded uncertain.
Stacie nodded. "Chloe told me… Well, told Beca and I happened to read the texts… Anyway, she said you were stressed and I wanted to see you were doing and offer my help."
Aubrey looked over to Jesse, who was busy preparing his friend's order. Stacie warned him from saying anything, only for him to project back to her that he wasn't going to make any comment on how worried she was about her wife or get said wife angrier. Stacie almost let the thought of being married to Aubrey cloud her mind. Luckily, Aubrey spoke and pulled her out of her daydream.
"I appreciate it, but I'm alright and we have some work."
"You know that's my order and it can wait," Stacie said and didn't wait for a protest to come. "How about you wash your face and tell me how can I help?"
"I got it," Jesse added reassurance and Aubrey caved.
"I'm going just for a moment, I'll be right back," the blonde told him and walked with Stacie to the employee's restrooms.
Stacie remained quiet and leaned on the wall as Aubrey turned the faucet and washed her face. While she waited, Stacie tried to tap her connection with Aubrey. It was still weak, as expected and the werewolf couldn't sense her mate's emotions at all. Stacie didn't let it get her down; they met not long ago, and those things take time. Instead, she listened to the blonde's heartbeat; it wasn't quite as steady as Stacie wished, but the beat wasn't crazy either. Stacie reached for some paper towels and passed them to Aubrey, who dabbed it gently on her face and then threw it to the trash.
"Feeling better?" Stacie asked, her fingers hooked through the belt hoops of her jeans.
"Slightly," Aubrey answered and let her hair fall down, only to retie it up in a perfect ponytail.
The smell from Aubrey's shampoo clouded Stacie's mind a bit. She held back from closing her eyes and savoring it and she tried not to stare, although it she found it was very difficult; Aubrey was a beautiful woman.
"Why do you care whether I'm stressed? You barely know me." Aubrey didn't look at her when she asked, she busy herself doing her hair again.
The question caused Stacie's own heart to speed its pace a bit. Did she push too hard? Stacie didn't see mating like her best friend did, but she didn't want to make Aubrey feel uneasy and move too fast; all she wanted was to get to know the girl. Maybe she forgot a little that even though most of the time they look alike, humans and werewolves are indeed different.
Stacie probably was stuck in her thoughts for too long, because Aubrey spoke again. "I'm not mad or anything, I really am curious." The blonde looked at her for a long moment before turning back to the mirror and taking a deep breath. "Chloe is the only one I can truly call a friend. She entered my life like a storm and refused to leave, even when I wasn't acting like a good friend," Aubrey started to tell her with a soft voice, keeping herself busy to avoid eye contact. "You kind of showed up one day and suddenly Chloe and I hang out with you and your friends."
"You're much like Beca-"
Aubrey snapped her head towards Stacie with what looked to the wolf like an offended expression. "That's absurd," the blonde dismissed and turned her body to face Stacie.
"Not really, but I'll let it down. What I want to say is that we're new here and I think me and my friends can get along well with you and Chloe." For some reason the moment felt intimate for Stacie, so much that her mouth watered and she felt like her fangs were pushing out against her will. Her body wanted to claim Aubrey as hers, turn her so they could be together like they were meant to, but Stacie was strong and kept her appearance neutral. "Now, it might not be my major, but Chloe said you have to sum up things. I can help with that, if you want."
"You want to spend your free time summing up legal-related readings?" Aubrey raised her brow.
"Yeah, you'd only need to feed me," Stacie answered and grinned.
Both of Aubrey's eyebrows were raised up her forehead. "You offered to help and you come with demands?"
"We could make something together, if you want. But we'll have to take breaks and regain energy."
"You're serious," Aubrey stated and relaxed her features. "Fine. But no complaining and we actually work. At my place, because yours is too crowded," Aubrey regained her confidence and it caused Stacie's face to shine.
"Done deal, boss." Stacie giggled at the eye roll. "About 10-ish? I'm working tonight."
"Alright," Aubrey said and they made their way out of the restroom and back to the kitchen area. "And Stacie? Thank you," she said with a hint of a smile playing on her lips.
Stacie held a squeal back and replied with a simple, "No problem."
The hours between leaving the restaurant and going over to Aubrey and Chloe's apartment couldn't go slower. It wasn't only that Stacie wanted time to pass, but the whole pack, especially Beca. Stacie almost drove them insane with all the Aubrey-related talks: how she wanted to help her, that she felt they were connecting and coming up with every possible scenario for the study session. Beca had it the worst because she heard Stacie loud despite the music at club; then, when they came home, she had to share a room with a love-sick puppy.
If it wasn't for Aubrey, Stacie would've slept for much longer. Yet, the sleepy woman got up ahead of time; she ate breakfast, mostly with her eyes closed and without talking to anyone, she took a shower, got dressed and drank a few cups of coffee in between. Stacie wanted to wear something that would catch Aubrey's eye, but wouldn't be too obvious or out there; she was only helping her study after all. Stacie decided on a grey boyfriend tee and skinny jeans—nothing fancy, but she still looked good in it. When she walked to the front door, only Jesse was home. He wished her to have fun, but not too much. Stacie said she wasn't promising anything and left. Truth was, Stacie was pretty sure Aubrey wouldn't even sit next to her; she'd be on the bed or the floor, while Aubrey would sit with her back straightened at a desk.
Stacie could've easily ran to the girls' apartment, but in order to keep appearance she took the rental. On her way, Stacie noticed the forest Beca took Emily to train in and where they spent their first night was close to the address Aubrey gave her. A coincidence? Most likely, still it got her to chuckle. She parked it outside the building and chose the stairs instead of the elevator to go to the 4th floor. She heard two different heartbeats and recognized which one belonged to her mate. Stacie knocked on the door and ran a hand through her hair while waiting for it to open.
"Hey!" Chloe greeted and allowed her to pass. "I hope you're ready because Aubrey is fully in study mood," she told her and Stacie picked up on the light teasing.
"I have caffeine in my veins now, I believe I'll survive," Stacie joked and both girls laughed. "What are your plans for today?"
"I don't have any," Chloe answered and it looked to Stacie as though she was thinking about saying something else, so the werewolf stayed quiet. It took Chloe a moment longer, but Stacie's hunch was right and she did speak. "How was work yesterday?"
Alright, Stacie thought it was going somewhere else, but whatever; she was still thinking the question was so Chloe could find out about Beca. "My personality got me lots of tips." She tugged her shirt down a bit to get her point across. Stacie didn't mind using her appearance; otherwise she wouldn't have gotten a job as a bartender. She had the brain and could get a nine-to-five job, but that wasn't something she wanted, not yet. Working at the bar and interacting with people was fun. She flirted occasionally and got numbers, but it was purely for fun; she had a mate and even before knowing her identity, Stacie couldn't be with anyone else.
"Yeah, Stace, great personality you have there." Chloe ran her eyes over the girl's body and laughed.
"What are you two doing?" Aubrey's voice startled them. "I thought you were supposed to help me study?" She looked at Stacie with a perfectly shaped brow raised up, then turned to her best friend. "And you! Why are you distracting her? I thought you were going to binge-watch something." Stacie liked the thought of Aubrey catching Chloe staring at her and getting jealous. The chances of that were slim, but it was nice to think she did.
"Conrad reporting for duty, ma'am!" Stacie straightened her back and tilted her head back, then laughed at the glare she got from the blonde. Aubrey didn't say anything, just turned and walked to her room. "Ok, I need to go," Stacie said and kept her eyes to see which room was her mate's and quickly followed.
It was an hour later and Chloe was bored. She finished her own homework already and although she had a few options, she didn't want to watch anything alone. She couldn't interrupt Aubrey and Stacie because she cherished her life.
Everyone needs some time alone every now and then, but an hour was enough for Chloe. She didn't like being by herself for too long; she preferred being around people and do stuff with others. That was why she picked her phone up and stared at it with her lip between her teeth. She was never the shy type and always went after what she wanted. Only the new person in her life seemed to change the game. Chloe felt attracted to Beca and she had a strong feeling it was mutual, because the way the girl looked at her couldn't have been interpreted any other way. Yet Chloe felt like Beca always kept a few feet from her; she talked to her, but kept a barrier between them. It made the ginger curious. She felt like she got a little closer a few times, like when Beca said she should come hear her play. Chloe wanted to get behind Beca's wall, see what was hiding there. Was it a challenge? Yes, definitely. But it wasn't the reason Chloe wanted to do that; she wanted to get to know the girl, and she was convinced they had plenty in common.
Aubrey called her a hopeless romantic and told her she was being ridiculous. While Aubrey didn't believe, Chloe was a stronger believer in love at first sight. She wasn't afraid of relationships, though none of hers held for more than a few months. She was young, Chloe told herself, and had fun. She didn't know what she and Beca and had between them, but damn did she want to explore it. Aubrey was sick of her telling her that them having the same interest in music was a sign, as well as their tattoos and how she went on and on how about opposites attract. Aubrey insisted she'd be careful and take it slow. But what did Aubrey know? Her best friend was blind to whatever was between her and Stacie.
Chloe: whatcha doin?
Texting seemed to be their way of communicating. While Chloe preferred an actual phone call, she didn't want to make Beca uncomfortable.
DJ cutie: I was mixing, but Emily wanted me to watch something with her, so...
Completely alone in the living room, Chloe pouted. They were all friends, Stacie even said so. Chloe shook her head and sighed. Beca was different with her friends than she was around her and Aubrey, that much was clear. Chloe wanted so much to know the real girl, though she had to admit that awkward Beca was adorable.
Chloe: what are you watching?
DJ cutie: no idea
Chloe: how can you not know? XD
DJ cutie: because I've been playing some stupid game Stacie downloaded to my phone since Emily dragged me to the living room
The redhead could actually picture it and it made her laugh. She heard some stories from Jesse about their travels and nonsense that happened at the apartment and it made her want to experience it herself.
Chloe: that's not very nice of you, you need to pay attention
DJ cutie: well, now you're keeping me from watching. I guess we should stop texting?
Chloe: no, I'm bored! Aubrey and Stacie are going to study for hours and I'm probably going to die. All alone… :(
A couple of minutes passed and Chloe started to think that Beca actually put her phone aside. She was ready to do the same and try to come up with something to do, then her phone beeped.
DJ cutie: want to come watch something very interesting with us?
Chloe squealed at the message. She didn't expect that; she thought they'd talk for a bit and she'd find something to keep her busy. Beca asked and Chloe wasn't going to say no, she just wanted to tease.
Chloe: you don't even know what it's about XD
DJ cutie: fine, if you rather stay home…
Chloe: I'm on my way!
Even if she wasn't into Beca, Chloe had an opportunity to hang out with people and she wasn't about to pass over it. She got off the couch and went straight to her room to get changed.
As expected, Aubrey sat at the desk with several books open in front of her and Stacie was sitting on the bed with the blonde's laptop. Stacie thought they'd get right to it, but to her surprise Aubrey asked her about her day and how work was. The blonde even told her that the shift the day before ended well and she got a pretty good night's sleep. Stacie listened and kept the conversation going without appearing too cheerful. When they were all set, the small talk came to an end. It was great, in Stacie's mind, how serious Aubrey was about college; it was important. She only hoped Aubrey would let her show her some fun, because you must let go and enjoy life sometimes as well.
They worked well together; Aubrey read to her the important parts and Stacie wrote them down in a Word doc. While Aubrey was quiet, Stacie took the liberty to highlight certain sections she thought the blonde would need to know most. She edited every new paragraph they did to not only look easy on the eyes, but easy to understand without straining your brain too much. Stacie also took advantage of those quiet moments to listen to Aubrey's heart beating; she couldn't help it, it was like music to her ears. The sound was too peaceful and soothing that Stacie caught herself several times almost dozing off.
"We're halfway done," Aubrey announce and turned in the chair to face Stacie. "You want to take a break and eat?"
Stacie was still not over how gorgeous her mate looked in her casual home clothes. She didn't stare, although she did hope she'd get to wake up next to her sometime in the future. "Sounds good. You have something or am I going to pretend I'm doing something while you do all the cooking?" Stacie asked with a playful smile.
"Oh, believe me, if we needed to make the food, you would've been doing a lot," Aubrey said in a tone that sounded way hotter than Stacie assumed it was. "Luckily for you, we only need to make a salad because Chloe and I took some lasagna leftovers from the restaurant."
Stacie's ears perked up hearing there was lasagna. "Please tell me it has meat in it!" She put the laptop aside and jumped from the bed.
Aubrey nodded and got up as well, not as enthusiastic as Stacie was. She did chuckle at the other woman's sudden burst of energy. "Yes, it has meat in it."
"Jackpot!" Stacie lifted her fisted hand up and pulls it down in a winning gesture.
They went to the kitchen and Aubrey told Stacie to get some vegetables from the fridge, while she got anything else ready. Aubrey got a knife and a bowl and gave it to Stacie to start preparing the salad. In the meantime, Aubrey took the lasagna from the fridge and heated it up on separate plates. The blonde put a couple of soft drinks on the small kitchen table together with utensils and joined Stacie in making the salad.
"I have a question Chloe would've deemed rude," Aubrey expressed without making eye contact.
Stacie's heart sped up, but she remained calm. "Then it's a good thing she's not here." She wanted to let Aubrey know she can ask anything, no matter how nervous it got her. "Ask away."
Aubrey nodded. "You have a degree in business, yet you bartend and move from one place to another." She glanced at Stacie, whose face was calm as before. "I guess I don't understand it."
"First of all, it's not rude; I understand that most people won't get it," Stacie reassured with a small smile and actually got one in return. "It was clear to Beca and I that once we finished with our studying, we were going to travel and see at least part of the world." Aubrey didn't know that studying meant more than just high school and college, but that wasn't an important detail in that particular conversation. "We work in those jobs to support ourselves, but we intend on settling down and getting other jobs later on. We simply want to have fun before all that; we want to see the beauty of the world and explore other cultures."
It was plainly obvious that it wasn't the answer Aubrey expected. Stacie assumed her mate thought they were all about parties and being irresponsible. The information was sure to change something in Aubrey concerning Stacie and her friends, Stacie just knew it.
"You and Beca have been friends for a long time?" Aubrey asked after a long moment of silence.
"Oh, yeah, since birth," Stacie happily said. "Our parents were best of friends all their lives and we were practically linked at the hip." Stacie stuck to the positive side of the story, not wanting to bring the tragedy in, ruin the mood and get Aubrey to feel sorry for her. "We're more sisters than anything."
"You seem so different, though," Aubrey mused.
"On a lot of aspects we are, but we have a lot in common and… I don't know how to say it, we just get each other," Stacie tried to explain. "Either way, didn't you hear about opposites getting along?"
Aubrey snapped her head towards Stacie and started at her for a second, then groaned. "Not you too." She shook her head and took the bowl of salad to the kitchen.
"Chloe, I assume?" The sigh she got in return was a good enough answer. "You don't believe that?" "I think people trying to romanticize everything too much," Aubrey answered and put their lasagna plates on the table as well. "Come on, Let's eat."
While Aubrey and Stacie were still in studying, before the break, Chloe drove over to Beca's apartment. Emily was the one who opened the door for her and they both walked to the couch Beca was seated on. To be safe, Beca tucked her necklace under her shirt, moved to one side of the couch and only said hey, because she had a feeling Chloe might hug her like she did on Friday. There was a hint of disappointment on the redhead's face, but it disappeared so fast that Beca thought she might've imagined it.
Fortunately, Emily took the seat next to Beca and started to tell Chloe about the show they were watching. Beca didn't miss the way Chloe looked at her when Emily said they were watching (a show that was apparently about people from space returning to earth). It wasn't a big deal and still it got Beca's heart to flutter. Emily was the best buffer; she kept jumping from one subject to another, keeping Chloe's attention mostly on her, except a few glances. It only lasted about 20 minutes before Lilly came out of her room. Chloe gestured hey and told her to join, but Lilly had other plans; she asked, or more like told, Emily to come with her for a run. The youngest girl was conflicted; she wanted to stay with Beca and Chloe was fun, but being out, especially with Lilly, was a blast because they played. It took her a moment to think, then Emily told them she'd see them later and went with Lilly. It left Beca alone with Chloe and god, the alpha's heart was pounding fast.
"Jesse, come watch something with us," she projected to the guy who she assumed was watching a movie anyways.
"Nah, I think I'll stay in my room."
Beca couldn't have any reaction express on her face, but she wasn't pleased, especially with the tone Jesse used. "Jesse, as your alpha-"
"-Yeah, that's not going to work on me. Enjoy your date!"
"This is not a date! Get your ass over here!"
Beca couldn't keep talking to Jesse and he knew it. Chloe was smiling at her and closed the distance a little. The alpha had to interact now, but all she could think about was how beautiful Chloe's blue eyes were and how she probably could drown in them.
"I assume you wouldn't want to keep watching the show you're obviously very invested in?" Chloe asked jokingly.
"I can give you a name of a horror movie and you could cuddle at the scary parts!" Jesse's enthusiastic voice sobered her from whatever being around to Chloe did to her.
"It's not a date and you better shut up and don't listen or you watch another movie ever again!"
"I'm not a big fan of movies and shows. Emily wanted company so I sat with her," Beca replied before Chloe got suspicious about how much time it got her to answer.
"Well, you're a good friend." Beca just shrugged. "So no movies or TV shows… What do you like to do then?" Chloe put her hand on the couch and rested her head over it. She was on her side with her body facing Beca and a leg tucked under her.
Beca scratched behind her ear and adjusted on her seat. "Mixing music, traveling… That's basically it."
"Since I'm going to hear you play next week, tell me about your journey so far; you and Stacie mentioned you were all traveling around for a while."
The situation was hard for Beca to handle while staying balanced. Chloe was playing with a strand of hair, while keeping a bright smile on her lips and looking straight at her with those beautiful blue eyes. The necklace burnt her skin so much that Beca wasn't sure she healed quickly enough. The sound of Chloe's heart was like listening to the wave of the ocean and the girl's smell was the most intoxicating thing she had ever gotten in her system. Beca felt pain in her hand from her claws pushing to come out and she put so much effort into preventing the changes to take effect.
"Oh yeah, well, we were in a lot of places." Beca said and she saw that Chloe waited for her to elaborate. "Lilly, Stacie and I were in Las Vegas and decided to do bar hopping." Just remembering the story almost makes Beca laugh. "We went to a random bar not far from our hotel. Apparently there was a movie quiz night there and the place was full of movie geeks." Chloe looked intrigued at her and Beca felt herself relaxing a tiny bit as she kept telling the story. "We had a rule that we had to have at least two drinks at each place, so we sat at the bar and ordered shots. They were announcing the winner and everyone there was so thrilled, cheering and yelling like it was a big deal. It was a weird place, I tell you." Chloe giggled and nodded for Beca to continue. "A dude came to the bar and stood next to us. He started bragging to us that he won, that he was a filmography genius and going to make music hits for movies in Los Angeles."
"Yeah, why don't you exaggerate more?"
Beca ignored Jesse protest and continued. "He ordered two shots for himself and told us that round was on him, though he didn't have to pay that night since he won." Chloe laughed and Beca rolled her eyes. "Lilly and I drank our shots quietly, but Stacie kept asking him questions about movies and he answered them all. When we were leaving, he invited himself to join us, with Stacie supporting him. The night ended up being all of us answering questions about ourselves while drinking random drinks. He crashed at our hotel room and we were all so wasted we sang a song from Mulan and almost got kicked out from causing so much noise."
"That was fun night."
"Is sure was. Now stop listening!"
Chloe gasped "Are you serious?"
"So serious. The dude hasn't left us since then."
Chloe's jaw dropped in a comical way. Her shock made Beca burst out laughing. "Jesse? The movie dude was him?" When Beca nodded, Chloe joined her and they had to wipe tears from laughing so hard. Granted it wasn't the full story, because Jesse knew they were wolves and wanted to hang out. He didn't stop nagging Beca about joining a pack and how much they needed a guy who knew stuff Beca, back then, saw as irrelevant. It was Stacie who convinced Beca to accept him and maybe she was upset with him, but the alpha knew agreeing was definitely the right choice; Jesse had knowledge about a lot of human-related things; he was a great listener and his advice was usually pretty good.
"Oh my god, I can't breathe." Chloe tried to stop laughing and took a deep breath. "I'll never forget that! And if all your stories are good as this one, I'd for sure want to hear more." She briefly touched Beca's arm and it felt like a surge of electricity went through the alpha's body.
"Yeah, someday," Beca said and looked away; she had to for a few seconds. Chloe was a bit too much for a moment.
"I'd love to travel at some point in life," Chloe told her with a soft voice. "To some third world country, to do something with music maybe, for the kids. I'm not sure what, but that's just an idea I'm carrying with me."
"That's really awesome, Chloe," Beca said. She was so smitten with the incredible woman sitting next to her and let her guard fall for a moment, allowing some of her repressed feeling for her mate to wash over her. It was overwhelming, so much that it was hard for her to breathe.
"You think?" Chloe's eyes shined.
"For sure," she answered and took a deep breath to compose herself. Beca pulled her walls back up, intending for them to be stronger than ever before. She couldn't slip; slipping had huge consequences, life-changing consequences that she couldn't afford. Beca bit her inside of her cheek until she tasted metallic flavor in her mouth. She planned on a very long run after Chloe left, but until then she had to stay strong in any way she could think of. "We need more people to give to those who are less fortunate. If you can make even one kid there happy, I think it's great."
Chloe beamed at her and Beca almost regretted saying more, because deep down she wanted to see more of that expression the redhead's face.
Even for lunch Jesse didn't leave his room, although then he had different reasons as to why not. Beca asked if Chloe minded more Indian food and heated them two large bowls when Chloe said she had no problem. Controlling herself was hard for Beca, but she quite enjoyed being with Chloe; the woman was exactly what the alpha thought the human race needed more of. When it crossed her mind, Beca thought it perhaps was because the redhead was her mate and she was biased, but it wasn't that. Chloe was truly a good person, kind and fun to be around, even for Beca.
They talked about Chloe's job at the restaurant for a bit and how her classes were going, before returning to eat on the living room couch. "Ok, there is no way you make your food crazy spicy!"
Beca quirked her brow at her as she finished with the hot sauce. "But I do."
"I refuse to believe it's that bad, let me taste," Chloe insisted.
"No. Are you crazy? You'll burn your tongue." Beca refused and shook her head.
"You seemed to be fine," Chloe argued. "Just a tiny taste."
Beca couldn't tell Chloe that her body was stronger and could handle it easily, so it didn't bother her. She didn't want Chloe to get hurt, but saying no meant getting the girl upset. So Beca ended up putting a tiny bit of food on her spoon and giving it to Chloe. She started at the redhead as she took the bite and waited. Chloe was about to say something, Beca assumed it was to say it wasn't bad at all, but then her face turned red and she started to cough.
"Oh god, Chloe!" Beca exclaimed and reach for one of the glasses of water on the table. She handed it to the redhead and put her hand over her back, moving it in a soothing up and down motion.
Chloe drank the water quickly and then ate the piece of bread Beca also gave her. "Ok, wow, that was…" She paused. "I'll take your word for it next time."
"Are you alright? Do you need ice or something?" Beca's urge to protect Chloe took over her. She felt her body changing; her mind screamed to keep Chloe safe and claim her. It was horrible. She was angry at herself and it was all added to the turmoil she already had going on inside.
"No, I'm fine, thank you." Chloe turned to Beca and the alpha's throat became dry; they were so close. Those blue eyes that looked back at her, glanced at her lips and Beca felt like there was no oxygen left. Beca closed her fingers into fists and felt her claws digging into her flesh. 'Mine!' her mind screamed and despite wanting look away and end this moment, Beca couldn't; she felt as though she was frozen.
After what felt like forever, Chloe moved. She put the glass of water on the table and grabbed her bowl. "I can't believe it's Monday tomorrow. Why do the weekends have to go by so quickly?" She started to eat like nothing had happened.
There was a very long run waiting for Beca later, but until then she kept the conversation going. Chloe made her weak, like kryptonite did to Superman. Even though she wasn't going to tell her anything, Chloe was already important to her and Beca wanted her close. Just not too close and as friends. She could enjoy the friendship until it'd be the time for the pack to move on and Beca would be free and strong again.
Some progress was made and I'd like to know what you think, if you feel like it. Can you see sparks or not yet? :)
'till next time!