Pulling it out, I see a message from Alex that arrived this morning. It makes me smile, and I respond to his message to study together tonight and see if Addy can join. I know I haven't asked her yet, but she seemed eager to meet him after replaying my date. This seems like it would be a great opportunity.
I text Addy next to see if she is up for it.
Me: Hey, I am going to study with Alex tonight in the lobby. Do you want to join?
Addy: Yes, I would love to meet him, but only if we get food first. Are you done for the day yet? Could we head down the road and grab something?
Me: Yeah, walking back now.
I finish texting Alex after I make plans to get food with Addy. He had mentioned something about food, and I don't want him to be upset about declining his offer. Addy is weird about eating in front of men. I think her brothers gave her a complex growing up by picking at her for eating so much. She told me she was a bit larger as a child but that it was mostly just baby fat. She slimmed up fast when puberty hit.
I slide my phone into the side pocket of my bag and begin the long trek across campus to my dorm. I am excited and nervous about the evening, and I hope that Addy and Alex get along. I feel like they will, but you never know, right?
Several minutes later, I arrived at my dorms, braved the stairs, and pushed the door open to my room. Addy is perched on the edge of her bed, looking at her phone.
"Hey, roomie, how was your day?"
"Oh, it was okay," she says with a sheepish smile. "I heard you get up this morning late for class, but for some reason, my brain thought it would be cool if we went back to sleep. I missed my first class. I am not pleased with myself about it. I already emailed my professor with a huge apology."
I frown and move to place my things on my desk. "That sucks, I was late getting to mine, and the prof thankfully hadn't taken roll yet. Has the prof emailed you back yet?"
She sighs, placing her phone down on the bed next to her. "No, which has me worried. I don't think I missed much by not attending today, but I don't want her to have a negative outlook on me with this being the second week of school. I am normally one to never miss a single class."
I move over to the bed to sit across from her so we can talk easier. "I bet it will be okay. Maybe she just hasn't had time to look at her email yet?"
"I hope you are right. Anyway, so we are going to hang out with Alex tonight. You think anything exciting will happen?" She says, raising her eyebrow.
"After last night, I hope not. All we are planning to do is study though so it should be pretty low key. It will be a great time just to talk and get to know each other better."
"Hmph," she says, standing from the bed. "Well, we will see how it goes. Let's grab some grub and then get our study on. Should we take our books now or get them when we get back?"
"I don't want to lug my heavy Business Ethics book around and my Accounting book, please, so let's get them after eating," I groan.
"Okay, sounds good to me!"
I grab my clutch, and she grabs her purse. We double-check that we both have our key and head out. We laugh the entire walk down the block
After eating, we return to the room and grab our books. I pick a spot in the back corner, furthest away from the TV, and lay everything out. Alex should be arriving at any minute, and I feel flutters in my stomach. It's almost as if someone trapped a group of giant butterflies in there, and they are attempting to be free.
Addy looks at me and giggles, "stop being nervous. You know you are comfortable around this guy, so chill."
"I know, I know," I respond. "I just can't get these butterflies to settle."
She laughs even more. As she settles down, I hear the door to the lobby open up. I move my attention over to the door and gasp. This causes Addy to whip her head around to stare at the door as well.
Alex sends me a small reassuring smile as he moves across the lobby floor. He has a bag of food in one hand while the other holds a bag of ice against his eye.
"What happened?" I say, rushing toward him, not even thinking to check my speed. He stops in his tracks and blinks at me. I feel Addy step beside me.
"Hi, I am Addy, by the way." She says.
Alex smiles before responding, "Hi Addy; I am Alex, as I am sure you have figured out. Nat, I am okay it will be fine in the morning."
I watch as he drops his arms, and I can't help but stare at his blackened eye.
"That does not look okay. What happened, seriously?"
He sighs, "let's go sit, and I will tell you."
We follow him as he moves in the direction of the table containing our things. We all take a seat before he places his bag of food on the table.
As he starts opening his food and placing it on the table, he tells us of the attack in the cafe. I am shocked and thankful I am sitting down. I have never known Theo to have a physically violent bone in his body. This all seems so out there, and I don't understand why he would be jealous now.
As he finishes, I say, "that stupid prick probably got himself expelled. His family is going to be furious."
"Well, probably, I don't see why they would let him stay." Alex takes a bite of his burger as I mull over the information he has shared. This may also not be good for us. It could stir up trouble within our shifter community. I hope it doesn't though.
Addy chimes in, "I am sure whatever happens will be for the best. On a different note, Alex I am glad you took the higher path. Now tell me about yourself."
We spend the next two hours conversing and doing homework. Addy and Alex do seem to like each other, which makes me happy. She is quickly becoming a new best friend for me, and I am incredibly picky when it comes to friends.
We all share fun facts about ourselves and talk about high school and family. We have a fun and light conversation going. Before long, it begins to get late, and we all say goodbye. I give Alex a chaste kiss before he leaves, and I follow Addy up to our room. We plan to have more study sessions like this during the weeks to come.
With a worried thought about possible backlash happening from my ex being kicked out because he attacked my mage boyfriend on my mind, I prepare for bed. I try to clear my head several times but fail. Finally, after tossing and turning for an hour or so, I crash from exhaustion and sleep dreamlessly.
The next two weeks go by in a flash. Alex and I stay super busy with school and work. Well, I stay busy with school mostly and help out at the bakery whenever I can. I found out through the grapevine that Theo did get kicked out. I know his family will not be happy because he was to carry on the family legacy. So far, my parents have not asked me about who I am dating, but I have also not brought it up. They have asked me if I knew anything about the fight Theo was in, but I just play dumb. I am so not going there with them and opening that can of worms.
I am on my way to the cafeteria to meet Addy when my phone goes off. I pull out my phone and see a message from my mom.
Mom: Is there something you need to tell us?
Me: No, why?
Mom: I just got off the phone with Carolyn, and she wanted to know if she knew what my daughter was up to.
Me: Why does she think I am up to something? That is weird.
Mom: Well, I wondered the same thing. She proceeded to tell me about Theo's fight, though.
Well, shit, this isn't good. Carolyn is Theo's mom, and I forget how she and my mom tend to gossip. What do I say to that?
Me: Well, what was it.
Mom: She said he got in a fight with your boyfriend, someone who is a mage. Are you dating a mage, dear?
I stare at her message for a second and then close my phone. I put it in my pocket and continue on my way to the cafeteria. I am not sure what to say at the moment or how to approach this. I want to be honest and tell them I am dating Alex, but at the same time, I know it will start a huge fight.
As I ascend the steps taking me to the Commons building doors where the cafeteria is housed, I am hit with the aroma of various foods. I open the do
ors and make my way toward the stairs. I smile and wave at the friendly djinn, who works in the post office portion before heading up to the cafeteria. I hate that I can't remember his name. He was so nice to me on my first day when I had issues with my mailbox.
As I enter the cafeteria, I quickly move through the line and grab a tray of food. Once I have it, I step to the pop machine and grab a cup full of Dr. Pepper. I then turn and scan the room, looking for Addy. I spot her at the back of the room, next to a large window, and head towards her.
I set my tray down slowly and sink into the chair across from her with a sigh. She raises her eyebrow at me in question but doesn't speak. I know she is giving me time to open up.
"My mom knows about Alex," I blurt, and both of her eyebrows shoot up.
"How?" She says before grabbing her glass to take a drink.
I sigh, "I don't know why I didn't think Theo's mom and my mom wouldn't talk, but they did. I haven't confirmed that I am with him yet, but I am sure my silence speaks volumes. I don't want to lie to them, but I also don't want to stir up trouble."
I sit back in my chair and pick up my glass. I take a long drink and sit it down on the table. Addy seems to be contemplating what to do in her head.
"I know it is going to suck, but I think you need to tell them, especially if you think he may be a mate."
"Well yeah, I mean, I knew I would have to tell them eventually, but is now a good time? Should I try to like to stall or something?"
"I don't know. Have you told Alex that you haven't told them yet?"
"No, he didn't seem like tradition was a big thing when we originally talked about it."
"I am sure he would rather have your parents like him, though."
"Well, yeah, that makes sense, but I don't know, you know. I am overwhelmed."
She rolls her eyes and then seems to have an epiphany. "I think we need to get away. Maybe that will help spark some clarity?"
I stare at her, trying to figure out how that would help, but I concede. "Maybe. It is almost the weekend. We could go camping or something."
"Oh, I like that idea," she squeals. "We could invite the guys to go too!"
"Wait, guys?" I raise my eyebrow at her now.
"Yes! Guys. I met this amazing guy in my class, Calen, and we have been texting and talking. I want to try dating him, but it is weird. I think he is hesitant because I am a shifter, and he is not."
"Oh, so this is going to be a we both will figure out something kind of thing then?" I laugh and pick up my fork to begin eating some of the salad I picked up.
"Yes, and it will give us a chance to test out bonds. I think he may be mate material too. It's weird, and I don't know how to explain it."
"I get what you mean. There isn't much of an explanation for it other than an overwhelming feeling of wow."
"Exactly!" We both laugh and pause the discussion to eat a few bites.
"Well, I guess I should text Alex and see what he thinks. Do you want to camp down at Lake Moon? It's the closest, so if things go wrong, it could be an easy trip back." I say with a small but hesitant smile but pull out my phone anyway.
"That might be a good plan. I don't think things will go south, but it is best to be prepared."
"Good idea, let me text him," I say and open up my messages app. I quickly pull up his name and type a quick message.
Me: Hey, I know this is last minute, but would you want to try to swing a camping trip this weekend?
Alex: Yeah, I like that idea. I could use a break. I even have this weekend off. Where are we going?
Me: Great! I was thinking Lake Moon? Addy is going to come along and bring a friend.
Alex: Ooooh! Addy finally has a man!
Me: I know, right! Do you want to share a tent?
Alex: If you are comfortable with it, I am.
Me: I think I can handle it ;-)
Alex: Okay :-) See you this evening for a study session?
Me: Yeah, see you then.
I slide my phone back into my pocket and smile across the table at Addy. She proceeds to raise an eyebrow at me.
"He is in, and we are sharing a tent," I say.
"Oh! Taking things to another level huh? Maybe I should just let you two have this weekend?" She smiles mischievously.
I chunk a crouton from my salad at her as I bust out laughing. "You are not going to bail. Now let's eat."
I grab my fork and dig into what's left of my food with renewed energy. I will just hold off on texting my mom. I will be in the woods in a couple of days with Alex, and my wolf will get to roam free for a bit.
9. Alex
It has been a couple of days since Nat texted me about planning our trip out to Lake Moon. We have had a few study sessions since then, and I can tell that she is as nervous as I am about this trip and sleeping together. I feel like we are ready for it, but maybe she isn't. With that thought in mind, I pull up in front of her dorm with my truck loaded down with camping gear.
I shoot her a text that I am here, and within minutes both Addy and Nat show up at the front doors loaded down with bags. I slide out of the driver's seat to help them place everything in the back after kissing Nat on the cheek.
"Do you ladies have everything you need?" I secure the bags in the back and turn to them.
"I think we do, Addy?" Nat says, looking from me to Addy. Yeah, I have everything. Calen will be here in a few minutes. I got a text from him as we were coming down the stairs informing me, he would be late." Addy says, dragging a foot across the ground.
"So, is he your new guy?" I ask, smiling and winking at Nat, who rolls her eyes.
"Yeah, we are sleeping in separate tents, though, because we are so not anywhere close to where you guys are." She smiles sheepishly.
"I won't judge you," I say and look over at Nat.
"You already know my opinion on things, so you know I won't either. Oh, is that him over there?" She points behind me, and we all turn.
A tall, slender looking young man is making his way toward our group carrying a thick green backpack that appears to be packed full. He has long arms and white-blonde hair. As he gets closer, I observe that his eyes are a very light blue, almost as if someone dropped a small drop of blue in his eyes. It is also hard to miss his pointy ears. He must be fae.
"Hi guys," he says, stopping in front of our group. "My name is Calen, thanks for the invite."
I smile and reach to shake his hand. "It is nice to have you here. I am thankful to not be the only guy on this trip. I am Alex, and over here is Nat; she is Addy's roommate. I assume you already know that, though.
He laughs, and it sounds like beautiful music, as he responds, "yes, Addy talks a great deal about her. Well, ladies, shall we?" He addresses them and I open the doors for them. We all climb in the vehicle to head out to the lake. I can't help but be curious about Calen, though, as I slide into the driver's seat after closing Nat's door.
"So, Calen," Nat begins, "tell us about yourself. Let's all get to know each other as we make this short drive."
"Well," he leans forward a bit so that he is in the middle of us, "I am fae as you can tell by my ears. I am a full blood fae though. I am a fire elemental and have been studying pre-veterinary medicine with a focus on dragon species. I grew up in the fae realm but chose to have the human experience, so here I am."
"Oh, wow!" Nat oozes.
"That is cool, man, dragons?" I say.
"Yeah, it is awesome." Addy gushes.
"Yeah, we had several forest dragons around my home that I was able to have some experience with. They are fantastic creatures. So, what about you all?" He leans back, allowing one of us to speak.
We continue with this conversation until we finally reach the campsite. Parking the car, I glance at Natalie and notice she is in deep thought. I hope everything is okay. I grab her hand and squeeze it. She turns to me and smiles reassuringly.
As we all exit the truck, I take a moment to stretch and bask in the scenery. The spot we have chose
n is a small secluded tent site that sits right next to the lake. It is a grassy area with a premade fire pit for cooking. There is also a standing iron grill to the side of it. The trees on the far side of the site cast a cooling shadow across the area and provide a sense of privacy. The air smells sweet as it whips through these trees, and I feel it call to the animal spirit within me.
This causes my owl to become a bit restless since he hasn't been out in a while. "So, guys, let's get tents and everything set up. We can hang out for a bit after that and then cook. Does that sound like a good plan?" I ask.
"I like that," Calen responds. "I also want to explore some after we get set up if everyone is up for it?"
"I am game," Nat speaks up, "but only if I can let my wolf out. She is dying to roam free.
"I am with you on that friend," Addy says next, "my viper needs to be free for a bit."
"I know this may sound strange considering I am a mage and all, but my owl's feathers are already ruffled. He wants to soar." I say.
"Nah, makes sense to me," Nat says before turning to walk to the truck bed. "Let's get a move on so we can have some fun.
We all work to get the tents up and in no time, they are ready for use. Calen and I then walk over to the fire pit to get a fire going. We plan to combine our magic to create an intense but contained fire; that way, it will be ready for us to cook over when we get back. I cast a simple spell after he lights the logs, and we step back to admire our handy work. We both then turn to check out the girls as they work together to tie our food up in a tree.
"You know I could have just spelled that right? You wouldn't have had to hang it then." I say, walking toward them.
"I didn't even consider that. I am so used to doing it like this. Old habits." Nat laughs, turning to me as I near. She leans into my open arms and just gazes up at me.
"Well, it looks like now would be a good time to go explore. Calen, you ready?"
"Yeah, let's go! We will see you guys later." He says as he flashes a mischievous look that Addy mirrors.
"Wait, you don't want us to join?" Nat asks.
"Nah, have fun, guys!" Addy laughs, and her and Calen sprint off into the trees.
Breaking Traditions- the Shifter and the Mage Page 6
