Page 17 of Wolf

I woke up conflicted. I loved everything that happened between Alexis and I last night. On the other hand, my loyalty to Abel continued to cause doubt as to how our relationship would progress. Alexis was everything I ever wanted, and last night solidified that notion. Even this morning we continued with our routine, and it just felt natural. She wanted to continue reading her book, so I gave her space to do that.

I went to the guest house although I couldn’t draw anything. The inability to draw anything or ink anyone fucked with me. My old sketch books allowed me to admire the progress I had experienced with my art over the years. My phone rang as I flipped through the sketchbook. I pulled my phone out of my pocket and quickly answered the call from my Uncle Will.

“What’s up, Unc?” I greeted him.

“Nephew, how’s the shoulder holding up?”

“It’s healing, I guess. I’m just trying to take it one day at a time. What’s going on with you?”

“I wanted to touch base on the First Street Crew. We found out where the new nigga in charge Oz is holed up at. The club agreed to hand over Tiny to save Abel. Again, I don’t think that will work but we can give it a shot. Are you riding with us tomorrow?” he asked.

“Absolutely! Let me reach out to Gavin so he can bring his team over to sit with Alexis. I can ride out with him.”

“Cool. How is everything going with Alexis? Your momma told me she came back out there yesterday.”

“Everything is good. We’re getting along well.”

“How well? We all know how Abel feels about his little sister. Have you decided to make a move on her?” he asked.

“I decided to pursue her. We are officially together as of last night.” If it had been anyone other than Uncle Will I wouldn’t be answering any questions related to us. My uncle, like my mother, had been present our entire lives. I didn’t have to tell them how I felt about Alexis. They saw it for themselves.

“Oh, and have you broken the news to Abel?” he questioned.

“Not yet. I don’t really know how to bring it up. I was going to feel him out when he called.”

“Listen, y’all are grown, so I won’t give my opinion on any of this. I know your feelings for Alexis are pure and genuine. I’m sure whatever happens when Abel finds out will work itself out. I need you to stay focused while we’re out tomorrow. Put all of this to the back of your mind until this business is handled,” he instructed.

“Always, Unc. You know me. It’s always business before personal. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Alright, nephew. You be cool,” he said as he disconnected the call.

I shook my head at the conversation. My uncle sounded as optimistic as my mother, but there was a pang of worry over Abel’s feelings that was still on my mind. Like Uncle Will said, I needed to put all of this in the back of my mind. I was about to walk into a situation with these unpredictable dudes who already tried to have my head. They caught me slipping once. There would not be a second time. Now that there was a plan for tomorrow, I shot Gavin a quick text.

Me:

I’m riding with you tomorrow. You can bring Dobbs and Curry over like we discussed.

Gavin:

Sounds like a plan

I put my phone back in my pocket. With the club business handled for now, I could relax for the rest of the day. Unfortunately for me, my preferred methods of relaxation weren’t an option. I didn’t want to disturb Alexis, but I missed her company. I wanted to spend as much time with her as possible just in case things didn’t go smoothly when I told Abel about us. I headed upstairs to see if Alexis wanted to hang out with me for a bit. When I reached her door, I gently knocked.

“Come in,” she said from the other side of the door.

“I just realized you never got to finish watching your show. Do you want to come down so we can watch it together?”

“You want to watchMarried at First Sightwith me? I’m shocked. You sounded so appalled by the process,” she teased.

“Not appalled, just surprised that people went through this process to potentially find the love of their life. I can’t front like it wasn’t low key interesting. Are you coming?” I asked.

Alexis put the bookmark on the page she was on to save her spot inThe Alchemist.Then she hopped off the bed and started down the stairs. I made it downstairs before her and turned the television on. Once Alexis was comfortable on the couch, I handed her the remote so she could pick up where she left off. Apparently, this episode was of the couples on their honeymoon, which was technically their second day of getting to know each other.

Alexis seemed to enjoy the show, so I didn’t judge. If watching the silly show was a way to spend time with her, I would do it without hesitation.

I tried not to say much, but when one of the couples had sex on their honeymoon, I burst out in a fit of laughter.

“What is so funny?” Alexis asked.

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