AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Welp. Kat’s going to be pissed. There goes my temper. It flew in the form of my fist right into his face.
“Goddammit! What in the hell was that for?” Wilder groans from the sand pile he’s found himself in from the force of my hit.
“First of all, call me kid again and I’ll do worse. Second of all, Kat is family, and I have every right to ask you exactly what the fuck you’re doing with her. Thirdly, I will not just fuck off because you order me to. You’re here at my wedding. Or have you forgotten exactly who the fuck I am? Now, why don’t we start over before I go get Roger and let him in on this little situation so he can be the one to grill you about this shit instead?”
“Well fuck a penny silver then. Fine!” He groans and pushes to his feet before facing me again, looking far less cocky.
The thing is, I could see right past his bullshit from day one. Hell, he’s me from years ago. He’s a wild one, yes. Full of fun and confidence. Charm and swagger. Stubborn as a bull too. And while it’s not all a façade, it’s definitely a defense. He’s vulnerable beneath it all. He has hopes and dreams, and has probably been underestimated and knocked down too many times to count.
But he still needs a knock upside the head. It comes with being young.
“So…” I cross my arms, staring him down.
“I like her, okay?!” He spits a mouthful of blood on the sand. I didn’t think I hit him that hard. Oops. “I promised myself to never let a woman dictate who I am or what I do. To never let one get in enough that they feel like they can tie me down and call the shots. Yet, here we are, huh? I got Kat who somehow seared herself inside of me like a brand on cattle. I didn't even have a chance. I felt that shit before I could even see it myself.”
He’s practically yelling at me, but I let it slide.
“She’s feisty, ain’t she? Full of spirit and fun. She matches me move for move and never backs down. She never tries to calm me or control me, but rather takes the leaps with me. Yet, she still somehow manages to ground me, settle me in a way I’m okay with. Like she makes me feel…I don’t know…safe enough to slow down for a bit. To open up. Like she’s not trying to catch me off guard and lasso me into place. But more like she’s just willin’ to be there as a resting place. Somewhere calm for me to lay my head when the adventure ends. Is that what you wanted to hear, dammit?!”
He kicks at the sand before falling to his ass with his elbows on his knees and his face in his hands.
“It sure is.” I nod, a smile overtaking me. “Now, what about the other guys?”
His head snaps up, his blue eyes glinting like metal catching the sun.
“Other guys…you mean the mute and the old man. Psht. They’ve got nothing on me.” But I see the flash of doubt on his features.
“Uh huh. But what if they feel exactly the same way you do?” He snorts, but I can tell he’s already lost in thought.
“I can take them,” is his half-hearted mumble.
“Yeah? And what if Kat likes them too?” I grab my shirt off of the hot sand, tossing it over my shoulder as I start striding away. “Anyways. See ya later! Thanks for the chat!”
It isn’t until I’m almost completely out of earshot that I catch his response.
“Wait! What in the hell do you mean too?!” I grin, pulling my shirt back on and clapping my hands once.
And my work here is done.
My reward? It’s dinner time!
Chapter 34
Doing my best to ignore the fact that I’m panting just from a short hike, I trail behind Emrys as we break through the last of the underbrush. Before us unfolds a scene straight out of a nature documentary–except it's real, and it’s ours for now. A waterfall cascades into a steaming hot spring, mist dancing in the air like flirtatious sprites. The sound of water thrumming against rock wraps around us in a soothing rhythm.
"Wow," I breathe out, unable to contain my awe.
"Right?" Emrys grins, his Nebula eyes reflecting the shimmering water. His dark hair is tousled from our trek, a few strands sticking to his forehead. He drops his backpack onto the grass and unfurls a blanket with a flick of his wrists. It settles on the ground like a magic carpet, inviting me to leave reality behind.
"Come on, have a seat." He pats the blanket next to him, and I oblige, feeling the soft fabric against my palms as I lower myself down.
"Emrys, this is...incredible," I say, letting my gaze drift over the serene landscape.
"Only the best for you, Kat." Apparently feeling more talkative for the night, his voice carries a playful lilt, teasing yet sincere. "I knew you'd appreciate the view."
"Appreciate? I'm half-tempted to become a full-blown nature photographer now." I laugh, shaking my head at the thought.
Wilder, with his untamed spirit, would probably encourage me to do just that. To throw everything away to chase whatever newest passion sparking to life. Wyatt, ever the observant one, would probably remind me about my ultimate passion. That I would never be happy with throwing away my life with the animal kingdom. Emrys, hearing both of their views, would probably meet them in the middle and tell me I can do it all. That I’m strong enough to carry the weight of any decision I make.
