Chapter 31
Caleb’s PO.V
As soon as I stepped into the house, the familiar hum of the game room reached my ears. Shane’s loud, competitive voice filled the space.
The sounds of buttons clicking, the occasional frustrated sigh and
I leaned against the doorway of the game room, watching as Shane and Jade battled it out on the console, their fingers moving rapidly over the controllers. Shane was fully immersed, his eyes glued to the screen, his lips curved into a smirk as he leaned slightly forward, ready to annihilate Jade’s avatar. Jade, on the other hand, had that usual laid–back expression, his fingers working effortlessly as if he wasn’t even trying, and yet, somehow, he was still winning
Typical.
“You two seriously don’t get tired of this?” I muttered, stepping further into the room and flopping onto the couch, stretching my legs out in front of me.
Shane shot me a brief glance before turning back to the screen. “It’s called competition, Caleb. Maybe if you weren’t so lazy, you’d get it.”
I scoffed, shaking my head. “Trust me, I get competition just fine. I just don’t see the appeal of sitting here for hours on end just to prove who’s better at
some game.”
“Anyways,” Shane barely glanced at me before speaking. “Where the hell did you go?” he asked, still focused on the screen. His tone was casual, but there was that underlying curiosity he always had when I disappeared for hours.
“None of your business,” I said flatly. I had no interest in explaining my day, at least not to him–not yet.
Shane scoffed, finally flicking his eyes toward me for half a second before turning back to the game. “Relax, man. Just asking. No need to be all secretive.”
I was about to respond, maybe drop a vague hint about what he did earlier that crossed a few lines, but Shane, in true fashion, switched topics before 1 could. He always did that–jumped from one thing to another, never really giving anyone a chance to steer the conversation.
“So,” he said, dragging out the word, “how excited are you for your birthday next month?” There was something almost too casual about the way he asked, as if he had a reason for bringing it up.
I gave him a look. “You seem more excited about it than I am.”
Jade snorted, not taking his eyes off the screen. “If you’re waiting for an excuse to hook up with more women, just say that.”
“Wait…aren’t Mia and you a thing?” I added, frowning.
Shane laughed. “I don’t need an excuse for that,” he shot back easily. Then, almost as if he was testing something, he added, “And for the record, Mia and I aren’t a thing.”
I raised an eyebrow at that. “That so?”
He shrugged, acting as if it didn’t matter. “People just assume things. It’s not that deep. We’re open to everything. Threesomes, foursomes, more…”
“Ew.” Jade finally put his controller down, turning his full attention to Shane. “You’re literally always with her,” he pointed out.
“And? Friends with Benefits exist,” Shane replied, waving a hand dismissively. “But whatever, believe what you want.”
I watched him carefully, noting the way he was avoiding any real confirmation. Jade and I exchanged a look, both of us arriving at the same unspoken thought–something about Shane felt off. It wasn’t just about Mia, and it wasn’t just about my birthday. He was planning something. And whatever it was, neither of us was going to like it.
I ran a hand through my hair, exhaling sharply as I leaned back against the couch.. “Guys, let’s call it a day. It’s getting late and we have school tomorrow.”
“Sure.” Both boys said at once, as they began saving their game and got ready to leave.
Shane was the first one to get his stuff together. “See you tomorrow.” He said before slanting out the door.
1/2
Chapter 31
“See you. Both Jade and I echoed but as soon as the doors were shut and we heard the sound of his footsteps retreating down the hallway, wi bentthont sigh of relief.
“You think Shane’s gonna let that slap slide?” I finally muttered, my voice lower than usual.
Jade raised an eyebrow. “No. And you know he won’t.” His tone was sharp, matter–of–fact, like he had no patience for my hesitation. So why didn’t you put him in his place?”
I scoffed, shaking my head. ‘Jade, come on-
“No, Caleb, you come on. Aurora is your mate,‘ he cut in, stepping closer, his eyes locked onto mine. “You should’ve made it clear from the start that no one lays a damn hand on her without answering you.”
Jade’s straightforwardness had my head snapping in his direction as my eyes went wide in surprise.
“How?” I managed to rasp out past the lump in my throat.
“Do you really think you taking us across town to eat at a cheap restaurant was a mere coincidence?” Jade smirked, his golden eyes almost sparkling with suppressed glee. “But you, my dear friend, are still in denial and because of that, Caroline has to suffer unnecessarily.”
I swallowed hard, looking away, focusing on a crack in the pavement. “She’s just… Look, she’s-*
“A human?” Jade finished for me, his voice dripping with impatience. “And what? That makes her less of your mate?”
I clenched my jaw, shaking my head. “No, that’s not what I’m saying. I just-” I exhaled, pinching the bridge of my nose. “Mates are supposed to be equal, Jade. But how can she be my equal when she doesn’t even know our world exists?”
Jade let out a dry chuckle, shaking his head like I had just said the dumbest thing imaginable. “Equality comes in different forms, Caleb. Strength isn’t just about claws and fangs. The Moon Goddess doesn’t make mistakes. You think she just threw darts at a board and landed on Aurora for you?”
I didn’t answer. I couldn’t.
Jade sighed, rubbing his temple before glancing back at me. “Look, believe whatever the hell you want, but Shane’s up to no good. And if you think for a second that he’ll just brush this off, you’re being an idiot.”
I let out a small huff, shoving my hands in my pockets. “Shane’s not a threat,”
Jade’s expression darkened. “No? Then you haven’t been paying enough attention.”
I rolled my eyes, pushing off the couch. “I think you’re overreacting.”
Jade didn’t say anything right away, just watched me, his lips pressed into a thin line. Then, with a shake of his head, he muttered, “Hope you’re right.”
But the way he said it made my stomach twist. Because deep down, I knew I wasn’t sure about Shane at all.
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