Page 41 of Teaching Cayden

“I didn’t have the easiest childhood. My parents died in a car accident when I was fifteen.” I started to say something, but he held up his hand, halting me. “Addy was eighteen at the time, and she took custody of me. My parents didn’t have a lot, but they had enough for us to get by for a while. The money wasn’t enough for school though. Addy only went part time the first couple of years because she had to work to save money for me. She’s smart. She had schools throwing money at her to come to them. I, on the other hand, was lucky to get in. I’ve never been able to do anything to pay her back for all the things she’s given up for me, at least not until now. I don’t have anything against you, Sutter, I really don’t. From what I’ve heard outside the house, you’re actually a decent guy, but Addy deserves perfection and I’m doing my damnedst to find it.”

“You do realize that you can’t pick her boyfriend, right?” I stared at him. “She has to make those choices.”

“I do, but you weren’t there.” He pinched his lips together as if he was holding in his emotions. I’d never seen Will cry, and he almost seemed like a nice guy as he sat here pouring out his soul to me. “You weren’t there when the last douchebag told her he loved her and then knocked her up. You weren’t there when she told him, and he left. You weren’t there when she lost the baby and spent days locked in her apartment telling the rest of the world she was fine. That was me, Bro.” He slammed his thumb into his chest. “I’ve always been there for her, and she’s done the same for me. We’re all the other has left in the world, and I’m not letting that happened to her again.”

My stomach sank as I listened to him. It all made sense now… the lack of attachment, the freaking over the condom, the fear of meeting my parents. She was afraid to get close again, but also craving it. The hot and cold mood swings were her heart and mind fighting each other. Jesus, I needed to talk to her.

“I’m sorry, man.” I held my hand out. “Truce?”

“You really love her, huh?” He chuckled as he gripped my hand.

“I do, and I hear you.”

“You hurt her, and I’ll make Saturday night look like a fun kiddie wrestling match. You hear me?” He tightened his grip.

“Yeah, man.” I nodded as he released my hand.

“Now, my sister doesn’t forgive very easily, so I know you’ve got your work cut out for you there. I will tell you that you can start by talking to Serena, and telling her that you’re not interested.”

“Ok. You actually going to hang around while I do this?” I opened my door and started to climb out.

“Shit yeah. I wouldn’t miss this show for anything.” He rubbed his palms together before climbing out and jogging up the front walk.

“Wait a minute. You’re coming in too?” I rushed after him.

“Uh, yeah.” He stressed the words. “I want a front row seat. Megan and I are friends anyway.” And just like that I felt like I was in grade school again.

When I stepped through the door of the Omega house, I found several girls sitting on the couch. One lifted her head, “Serena’s upstairs studying,” and then went back to talking with her friends.

“Thanks.” I waved as I maneuvered through the house to the stairs. I jogged up two at a time, and then made my way down the hall. Each door I passed, I glanced in looking for her. When I reached the last door, I could hear her talking to someone. “Hey.” I waved, causing her head to pop up in my direction.

“Hey.” She smiled. “Can you give us a minute, Joy?” She turned back to the girl sitting beside her. The girl nodded, grabbed her books, and left. “What’s up?”

“I need to talk to you.” I stepped in the room, but left the door open. I had no idea what I was walking in on, and I didn’t want to leave any room for interpretation on what was happening.

“Sure. Wanna sit?” She moved over and patted the comforter. “Did you come here by yourself?”

“Um, no.” I slowly lowered myself down on the mattress. I was uncomfortable to say the least, and I had this sinking feeling that something was about to go horribly wrong. “Will’s downstairs talking to Megan, I think.”

“Oh.” She grinned as she moved closer.

I slid away and almost stood back up.

“What’s wrong?” Her brow furrowed as she blinked at me.

“I’m sorry if I gave you the wrong impression, but I’m not interested.” I forced the words out. “I told you at the fun park that I have a girlfriend, and I love her very much. This,” I waved my hand between us, “isn’t going to happen.”

“I know.” She laughed lightly. “I don’t like you like that.” I watched as she pulled her legs up and folded them underneath herself. “You’re not the Alpha I was hoping to land.”

“What?” I almost jumped up.

“I guess I should have said something,” she laughed again, “but I didn’t think you’d help me. I like Will.”

“Really?” I jerked my head back. “So what was all that at the party?”

“That was my attempt to make him jealous. I guess it was a little childish, huh?” She nibbled her lip.

“You could say that. He wants to beat my ass because he thinks we’re dating, and that I’m playing some game with his sister.” I grabbed the back of my neck. “This is so fucked up.”

“I’m sorry,” she mumbled.

“Come on.” I stood abruptly, and reached for her hand.

“What are you doing?” she squeaked.

“Clearing this up, and then getting the fuck outta here so I can fix my own problems.” I began pulling Serena behind me as I made my way downstairs. I was not one to let stupid misunderstandings go, and this was an easy fix. If Will wasn’t interested, then he could tell her himself.

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