#I don't even have any parchment paper left to make what's left in the bums into a joint

[affront2god-affectionate]

Now I'm tired and depressed, and that was only one hour since the morning started.

[casspurrjoybell-28]

The Alpha's Addiction - Chapter 24a

*Warning Adult Content*

Away - Part 1 - Koa

I wake up to my throat absolutely parched and my mouth feeling as if it's full of cotton.

I sit up, coughing, spotting a glass of amber liquid on the nightstand and guzzling it down, noting the strange taste.

My head pounds, courtesy of the liquor Rafael gave me last night.

Shit, I'll have to apologize to Morgan too for making him have to watch Oliver.

I yawn, about to fall back into the pillows when I spot a piece of parchment on the nightstand.

I pick it up, observing the neat scrawl across the paper.

Good morning, don't trouble yourself with coming to training today if you aren't feeling well. I left some of my mother's tonic for you, it will help with your headache.

Oh, so that's what that glass of stuff I drank was.

Moon Goddess, how is he so considerate?

I can't imagine why someone would worry so much over me.

I continue reading the note, the excitement in my chest building.

I enjoyed our night together, Koa. You were far more beautiful than the moon. Cyrus

I don't think my grin can get any wider.

I clutch the parchment to my chest, falling back on the bed and squealing.

I kick my legs in the air, pure giddiness overcoming me.

He thinks I'm beautiful.

Me.

I'm walking to the training field after having breakfast with Oliver and Morgan before school and I don't know how to act when I get there.

Do I even acknowledge the note?

Do I thank him?

Am I even allowed to be this happy over a note that might've just been out of courtesy?

My wolf whines at my doubts.

He's excited to see Cyrus and doesn't want me to bum us out.

I suck in a breath. Okay.

I can do that.

No more negative thoughts.

It's going to be a fun day.

Is what I thought but when I get to training, Cyrus is locked in a tense conversation with Xavier, their voices hushed and I'm unable to hear anything.

When they spot me approaching, they go silent.

Way to be subtle about it, guys.

Now I'm pretty curious.

"Why the long faces?" I ask, trying to lighten the mood with my arrival.

Cyrus glances anxiously at me, clearing his throat.

"It's nothing," he says, voice curt and final.

The way the words come out stings, like he's annoyed with me for asking.

I put my hands on my hips.

"What?"

"It's none of your concern, Koa" he refuses to elaborate and Xavier takes it as his signal to depart, bowing his head briefly.

Alright, then.

So he's going to be like that.

"Hmm, got it. Guess it's some top-secret Alpha stuff dumb Omegas like me can't know about," I stride past Cyrus coldly to the changing building, gripping my fighting leathers tightly.

"Wait, my Moon, please don't misunderstand," I hear Cyrus coming after me.

I whip around to face him.

"What am I misunderstanding? I'm thinking that you're acting like a real dick right now, which is exactly what's happening,"

I'm about to storm off again but he suddenly reaches out, grabbing my hand in his.

The sincere, apologetic look in his eyes is the only thing that stops me from pulling out his grip.

My wolf also doesn't mind the touch of our mate, however little it may be.

"I'm sorry for being short with you."

I find myself looking up at him, getting lost in those icy blue eyes of his.

I'm usually not weak to apologies.

So why is my resolve already crumbling, my initial flare of annoyance gone as quickly as it came?

"W-well, I guess I forgive you. If you can explain," I stubbornly add that part at the end to try and save any semblance of dignity I have left.

I'm acting like a total pushover, ugh.

What has happened to me?

"Complicated matters... involving my father," he shakes his head, running a hand through his hair in a stressed manner.

Whatever it may be, it's definitely taking a toll on him.

I feel bad, so I make the quick decision not to pry further.

"Well I'm just glad the guy who said I'm more beautiful than the moon hasn't switched up on me all of a sudden," I smirk, poking him in the bicep.

At that, his pale face colors.

"So you read the note."

Teasing Cyrus has got to be one of my favorite things to do.

Look at him getting all flustered.

"Of course, I read it. Did you not want me to?"

"No, no..." he trails off, staring off into the distance.

He's like a big puppy and that only makes me want to press on.

"You're avoiding looking at me.

"At that, his eyes dart to mine, throat bobbing.

"Looking at you is dangerous."

I cross my arms, barely able to restrain a smile.

"So it's not only touching me, now? You can't even handle looking?"

His face contorts into a frown.

"You're making fun of me."

"No I'm not...hey..."

I chase after him when he starts walking to the training field.

"You know how beautiful you are, Koa. Rafael lost his wits last night, just to hold you for a few seconds," he bites back, irritation prominent.

At that, I beam.

"I knew it. You're jealous," I pant, barely able to keep up with his long strides.

"Go get changed."