Zayden pinched the bridge of his nose, but it was starting to lose its effect. He had even pulled his hair down from its messy bun to ease the pressure, but it didn’t matter. No matter what he did, these migraines were getting worse. Maybe it was a side effect of his inability to be an alpha. His insecurities and uncertainty had become cancerous, so what did that say about the hope of the rest of the pack staying together if their lead alpha was dying in his role? What did that say about the hope of giving Sonnet a home?
At least Jude and Kai seemed like they were finally figuring things out. Well, with their fists.
Zayden told them to go for a swim to let off their pent-up energy. He was getting exhausted from their back and forth.Now, what started as them purposefully ignoring each other as they swam, quickly turned into them plummeting into each other. If Zayden didn’t know deep down how much they loved each other, he’d think they were trying to kill one another.
That would take care of Zayden’s migraines. Maybe Felix should be the pack’s lead alpha.
You’re the lead alpha for a reason.
I can’t even remember what the reason is anymore.
He couldn’t think about it any longer. The long day of travel was already difficult, and his chest still ached from the anxiety of it all.
He shook his head and looked back down at his terrible handwriting, a messy collection of everything they could do while they were here. Many ideas centered on things he thought Sonnet would enjoy, but some were for the boys as well.
The sliding glass door opened behind him, and he inhaled the soft scent of strawberry shortcake.
“Can I keep you company?” She asked, walking into Zayden’s view, and it was like a piano fell on top of him.
She was beautiful.
Her hair was wet from her bath; the pink strands pressed against her face and neck. She wore a white sweater with blue striped and pink-heart pajama shorts. Her eyes looked tired and content, and when she sat down next to him, tucking her knees into her chest, she hummed happily.
Zayden wasn’t going to tell anyone, but the truth was, Maddox had found another Airbnb for them to stay in. But he had overheard Sonnet talking to Felix and wasn’t about to start their first day by taking away something she loved.
This house had a lot of colors. More than theirs. They should let Sonnet redecorate.
Sonnet laughed as she combed through her hair. “How long have they been like that?”
Zayden looked down at his watch. “Going on seven minutes now.”
“Do you think they’ll be okay?”
Zayden narrowed in on the tight smirks on both boys' faces, daring not to show, but as time went on, it was clear their anger against each other was turning into peace.
“They might have some cuts and bruises, but I think this is good for them.”
Sonnet hummed and crossed her arms around her legs. “Do you think you and Kai are ready to fight each other in the ocean?”
“What?” Zayden dropped his pen against his notebook and shifted around uncomfortably.
When she turned her head to look at him, her cheek pressed onto her knees, and a knowing smile on her lips, Zayden thought for sure another thousand pianos were bound to fall on him. “It’s kind of hard not to notice how you interact with each other. You sure slugging him in the face wouldn’t heal whatever is going on?”
It definitely would make me feel better, but I’m not too sure about him.
She was observant. Not that Kai had been hiding his hatred for Zayden, and Zayden wasn’t acting lovey-dovey either. He just didn’t expect Sonnet to say anything. Maybe it was a good thing that she did. She was getting comfortable with them being hers.
Wait, was that a good thing? What if—
STOP THINKING!
Zayden lurched forward, awkwardly dropping his notebook and pen. He cleared his throat and picked up his things. “I don’t know if that would be a good idea.”
“Oh. Well, maybe I can slug him for you.”
“You?” Zayden laughed. “I’m sorry, Hun, but I don’t think so.”
Sonnet jutted out her lips. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
