Chapter 6 Solace

Tyler and I walked in silence. The only sounds around us were our soft footsteps on the forest path. My whole body was aware of him as we walked side by side. I wasn't sure what to say or how to act. It felt like all the usual words I'd use were stuck in my throat. Being this close to him made my mind spiral with nerves, though I couldn't tell if it was because of the silence between us or simply because he was... him.

He looked over at me every now and then, making me hyper-aware of every tiny movement I made. I knew he could probably see right through me, catching every shy glance, every twitch of my fingers. His hands were tucked casually into his pockets, but all I could think about was how much I wished he'd reach out and take my hand. Maybe I should be the one to make a move, finally give back what he's been giving all day-but what if he pulls away?

I was lost in these thoughts when he broke the silence with a warm chuckle. "Penny for your thoughts?"

His voice sent a shiver through me, making my heart skip. "Nobody says that anymore, Tyler. You're so corny."

"Am I corny, or are you just too serious?"

I laughed softly, glancing at him. "Touché."

He smiled back, and for a moment, everything felt right.

"You really should lighten up," he said "Life isn't always so serious, you know."

For a second, the words hurt me. He had no idea why I suddenly became serious. I wasn't always like this. He didn't know my life, how heavy it was.

"Maybe it is that serious," I said quietly.

He tilted his head "What do you mean?"

I sighed "I mean, it's easy for you to say. You've got family, respect, everyone looking up to you as Alpha. To you, life might not seem so serious. But for an underdog like me... it is."

He stopped, turning to face me fully. "Don't call yourself that."

"It's the truth." I tried to shrug it off, but his intense eyes pinned me in place, filling me with an ache I couldn't understand. He cared-that much was clear. And I wasn't used to someone looking at me like that.

Tyler took a deep breath, as if he was gathering his thoughts. He then nodded toward the trees, leading me further into the woods. The branches arched above us.

"If this is where you plan to kill me," I joked "just know I can fight back."

He laughed "Noted"

He looked at me for a long moment, then whispered, "You really have the most beautiful smile. You should do it more often."

I felt warmth spread across my cheeks, and before I could respond, he reached out, gently taking my hand in his. His touch was electric and my fingers tingled. It felt... natural, like this was how it was supposed to be. The silence between us was now filled with something new, something thrilling.

Soon we arrived at a small clearing, where a lake was. The water shimmered under the sunlight, making the place look even more beautiful.

"It's beautiful," I whispered.

I was in awe of the quiet and peaceful sight. I could stay here forever. It was that beautiful. For a moment I forgot my worries.

"I come here when I need to think. Sometimes I run here in wolf form. It's one of the only places in this pack that calms me."

We sat down on the bench together. Still, he didn't let go of my hand. I found myself leaning into his shoulder, and he didn't pull away. The silence settled over us comfortably and for a while, we just watched the last rays of the sun set.

"This place reminds me of my mom," I murmured, lost in thought.

"She'd love it here?"

I swallowed, nodding. "She... loved water. Nature. She's been dead for about a week now."

His face softened with sympathy. His grip on my hand tightened "I'm so sorry. That must be hard."

I managed a small smile, even though my throat felt tight. "It is. I try to stay strong for my little brother. I know that's what she'd want."

"I'm sure she's so proud of you, wherever she is," he whispered as his thumb traced gentle circles on my hand.

A few tears slipped down my cheeks, but I didn't feel the need to hide them from him. "Thank you."

After a pause, he spoke softly, almost as if confessing a secret. "My mom's gone, too. I miss her every day."

Hearing that broke something in me. I squeezed his hand, feeling a connection in our shared pain.

"I'm sorry," I whispered.

He nodded. "Some things are just meant to be."

The words slipped out before I could stop them. "Like us."

He looked at me, surprised, but instead of awkwardness, his face lit up with a genuine happy smile.

"Yeah," he murmured, "like us."

leaned my head on his shoulder again and he wrapped his arm around me. For the first time in a long while, I felt safe.

---

It was close to 11 p.m. when I finally sneaked back into the house. I felt happy and it was all thanks to Tyler. We'd been by the lake for hours. We lost all sense of time in each other's company. I carefully slipped in through the living room window, just as I used to do as a kid, before closing it softly behind me.

But as I made my way toward the stairs, a low voice sounded, making me freeze.

"I never took you for the sneaky type."

I turned and saw Jack leaning against the wall, shirtless. He smirked at me. Something about the way he looked at me made my skin crawl.

"Your mom sent me out," I said quickly. "I had to sneak back in."

He took a step closer. His eyes moved over me in a way that made me feel exposed. "Wouldn't it be a shame if my mom and your dad found out you snuck in?"

"What do you mean?"

He leaned in. His hand reached out to brush my arm as he spoke in a low tone "I mean... I could keep quiet. If you do something for me."

His fingers trailed to my shoulder, and I pushed him back, disgusted. Without another word, I turned and ran up the stairs with my heart pounding. I locked my door and pressed my back against it, trying to steady my breathing.

What the hell had just happened?