The Lycaetos

Chapter 21: Purple Roses are For Fun

Backpack in one hand and my sneaker in the other. Hunter stares me down as he grabs the shoe before crouching down to my foot. 

I stammer, "What the-" cutting myself off before I cuss. 

He just grabs my foot and pushes the shoe on. Retying my already perfectly done laces. Extra tight. Too tight. 


How I felt right now. Caught in the act of heading out for Mik's on my only free day. 

Saturday. 

Hunter stands up once more, next grabbing my back pack and slinging it over his shoulder. Not even questioning the fact that I had books in there. Considering normally I only fill it with food and we both knew that. I gulped quietly but accepted the free pass before following behind his long loud steps. 

Before I could finally ask, he answered. 

"We're spending the day together Ara."

I chuckled. Then did another glance back in his direction. He just looked forward at his car while continuing his fast and aggressive pace. At first the urge to protest filled me like it always did. Though something in me didn't want to, not because that's how it always was with him, but something else.

Maybe it was the way his arms where tense to his side, but relaxed with the grip holding my stuff. Or maybe the way his hair fought with the wind regardless of how fast he was moving, egging the wind on. His thoughtless eyes surely wasn't it. More serious than anything. 


No I don't know. Maybe a combination? 

Anyways, I followed him, moving just as fast but with a softer cadence. As soon as I was ahead of him at the door of the passenger side I made a slow nod in agreement. In response I was greeted to the sound of the doors clicking unlocked. I pulled the door open and slid inside. Hunter did the same but first threw my pack gently in the back seat.

As soon as we were together in the small enclosed space I could smell the strong essential oils he used even more of this day. It was so strong I couldn't hide the noticeable deep breath I took in to try and adjust. I tried to keep my focus on the dashboard to not give away my issue. 

He turned on the car and hit the pedal to start our ride. Pulling forward and out through our main road toward the city with incredible speed. Trees dashing past us without time to even catch if there was something more within them. I'd never seen him drive this fast. I took in another deep breath. 

What the fuck dude. 

Hunter grumbled, "You know your face gives away those asshole thoughts."

I glance at him. His eyes are on the dirt road. Hands gripping the steering wheel tight, but not too tight. Though as soon as my eyes are focused on his lips he moves his closest hand to my own. I push it away. He moves it back. 

At least I don't act like an asshole. Like him. Seriously he takes over my day and that's all he has to say?


"It really does you know." He states.

Eyes still on the road though. I relax and let his hand warm mine. Now looking at the road too. Kind of nervous, but less so at the sound of his tone. 

I sigh, "You're obviously not upset. To be so honest." 

He interlaces his fingers around my pinky finger, still covering the rest. Then rubs my pointer finger with his own. I stay relaxed, but look at the swish of trees passing us instead. Not wanting to get an accidental glance of what his eyes could be saying now. 

His lips say nothing. 

Eventually, as we get into the city, I shift my hand so that I can grab his hand instead and hold it tight. Letting rest overtake me as we continue our quiet drive. 

I'm awoken maybe an hour later at the sensation of his hand slipping away and him placing the car into park. Turning it off slowly as he turns to look toward me. My eyes are just slits, barely open as I breath in deep again and try to adjust to the world of the awake. 

"Here." He mentions. I stare at his eyes.

My face heats up warmer than the leather of the chair. Quick I turn away and open the door. Slipping out and walking around the car to where he is. Hunter saunters out, letting the driver's side door close shut ever so slow. After he steps toward me, I step back. Him standing face to face with me, looking far more intimidating and angry then he was. A chill runs down my spine and I remember once more who he was. Yet just as fast, as he shoots me a small gentle smile, I forget again. His hand reaching out for mine.

I almost take it. 

Though I turn away to hide the affect that smile shouldn't have had on me. I walk in toward the overpriced mall. 

Looking at it, I question, "Why are we going here?"

"It's a date." Hunter jokes. 

I chuckle. 

Retorting, "Beasts don't go on dates."  

"You're right, " he mumbles while wrapping his arm around my shoulder. Preventing me from moving further away. His lips close to my ear. He whispers, "they take things."


I chuckle again, more nervously.

"Now what do you want to take?" He asks, another smile creeping across his lips.

I wish I could punch his smug face, but mine was too heated up to even look at him. Instead focusing on his hand near my cheek and the doors to the store closest too us. Just so I can move my head further away from him, I nod toward that store. Scared if I speak it'll come out as more of a girly sound than I intended. 


Got me at my own game. 

Hunter is now looking above my head, having moved his face back up and not so damn close. I curse under my breath in relief. He pretends to ignore it, still looking in the direction I nodded to. 

"That store?" He questions. A sound of hesitation in his voice.


"Yeah." I force out confidently. Not wanting to show any further weakness. 

"You sure?"


I answer, finally looking at it, "Of cour-"

Men's Underwear

Yep. Of fucking course. A low sigh escapes me.

Hunter moves close to my ear again. 


"You can help me pick. "


I swear I can hear a smile in his tone.