Beyond the Pack’s Law: My stepsister or nobody else

Hayley’s POV

I laughed awkwardly and tried to seem cool. Why was the universe treating me like this? I probably jinxed it myself earlier when I wished the whole day would go smoothly.

“It’s a small town.” I looked back at the cashier and prayed for the order to come faster.

“Yeah, I was just passing by when I spotted you through the window. For a second, I didn’t notice you in that shirt.”

What was that supposed to mean?

“I don’t go around wearing revealing clothes if that’s what you meant.” I was starting to feel hurt. What exactly did he take me for?

“No, definitely not what I meant.” He widened his eyes in surprise, like he couldn’t believe I just implied that.

“It’s cool; my mom made me wear it anyway.”

“Also, I’m so happy I ran into you. I’ve been meaning to talk to you, I somehow lost your number.”

“What is it?”

“About that night…” His voice trailed off, like he was giving me time to remember, but I didn’t need time. I remember it vividly.

“Oh, it’s fine. We were probably just really drunk.” We had hardly drank anything; we were very far from drunk that night.

“I wasn’t.”

What was wrong with this guy? Couldn’t he just lie and say he was so we could sweep the whole thing under the rug? It wasn’t one of my finest moments, and I wanted to forget it.

“What did you want to talk about then?” My order finally came, and I picked up the tray for my table.

“I wanted to apologize if it felt like I was taking things too fast; I shouldn’t have actually…” He stopped talking when we got to the table and was met with Holland’s criticizing stare.

I set the tray down.

“Kayden and I are going to talk for a bit; I’ll be right back.”

“Nice to see you guys again.” He greeted Mina and Mona, and I was so happy he ignored Holland.

We walked out of the coffee shop and onto the open street. I didn’t want someone to get the wrong impression from our discussion. I wasn’t ready to gossip again.

“So, as you were saying?”

“I should have taken things at your own pace; I thought I had it under control, but the more time I spent around you, the more it felt like I was losing my restraints. Does that even make sense?” He rubbed the back of his neck; he looked nervous, which was kind of cute.

“It’s cool; I should have pulled the brakes on things when it got too heated.”

“So, are we cool now?” His eyes glowed with hope; I didn’t want to crush it, and I felt a connection with him as well.

“Yeah, we’re good.”

“Who was that dude back there staring me down like I killed his cat?”

“Oh, Holland.”

Werewolf’s hierarchy of authority was known among humans, which was exactly what Kayden was. If not, he would have known exactly who Holland was, and he would be at our school.

“He’s just some jerk I used to date.” That was the most logical way to explain a rejected mate without seeming weird.

“So, he’s your ex?”

“Yeah, something like that?”

“Do you go out for coffee with all your exes?”

I chuckled. “Is that jealousy I smell?” I teased

“I’m just trying to watch out for competition; should I be worried?” He smirked

“About Holland, nope. There’s nothing to compete with.” Other than being a complete asshole and a tool, Holland didn’t have any other outstanding qualities.

“Well, that’s good news.”

“If it were Aiden, you wouldn’t stand a chance,” I said in my head. He didn’t know about Aiden, and he didn’t need to. Thankfully, the rumors of me fooling around with my brother only spread around our packs, another reason I felt like Kayden was a puff of fresh air.

We stood there, smiling at each other, for a while.

“Do you want to come join us?” I offered, but he shook his head.

“I have an errand to run; I just got distracted when I saw your face, plus I wouldn’t want to aggravate your ex over there.”

“Cool.”

“Wait, can I get your number again? I was losing my mind over the week not being able to call you.” He handed me his phone, and I put in my digits.

“Do you have any plans for today?”

“Yeah, with my friends, why?”

“I’m just hoping we run into each other again. Since destiny is so hell-bent on drawing us together.”

“I’ll see you later.”

“I hope so.” He stuffed his hands in his pockets and walked off.

I went back into the cafe to find Mina and Mona engulfed in a conversation with Holland. Their eyes turned to me as I took a seat, but I just went ahead to gently sip on my coffee.

“Where’s Kayden?” Mina asked

“He had stuff to do.”

“Who is he? He’s not a werewolf, is he?” Holland asked.

I looked at him with a deviant feeling. Who did he think was interrogating me? He already rejected me, then he betrayed me, and now he thought he had any right to know who my friends were.

“That’s not your business.”

“I’m just curious.” I expected him to flare up, but he seemed weirdly calm.

“Well, don’t be. He’s a very private person.” I lied; I didn’t know if Kayden was curious or not. I just wanted Holland off his case.

“There’s no need for tension right now.” Mona tried to diffuse the situation by asking Holland questions about himself.

“So, Holland, how’s the pack holding up?”

“Fine, great, actually.”

My phone buzzed, and I checked to see a message.

“I just saw a coke spill and thought about you.”

I laughed; it was Kayden.