Chapter 7 Kady #2
Why do I feel like I’m acting like a real bitch all of a sudden? He was only trying to be nice. I always manage to ruin things without meaning to. My father trained me to see the worst in people, so that’s led to me expecting it.
I decide to change the subject. “Do you stargaze often?”
“Most days.” His mouth twitches up like a switch has flicked in his head, forgetting about my last remarks. “But tonight is extra special. A once-in-a-lifetime moment.”
“Just like getting scared half to death by an alpha falling out of a tree onto a pumpkin?”
He freezes for a second, watching to see my reaction.
“I’m joking.” I grin.
A laugh escapes him. It’s so gleeful that the sudden outburst surprises me and makes me laugh too. An ugly laugh that’s more like a snort, which only makes him laugh harder.
“I’ll be more careful next time I climb a tree,” he chuckles. “Although falling into a pumpkin patch was worth it for this.”
Does he mean meeting me?
Our eyes meet, and time seems to freeze. Neither of us speak, but it’s not awkward nor uncomfortable; it’s like neither of us need or want to. He’s intriguing and mysterious. Unlike any other alpha I’ve met.
“Yes.” I break his gaze by looking up. “You scaring the crap out of me was worth it to see this.”
“I can tell you more about the stars, if you’d like?” he offers, confirming that he has been referring to the sky. I’m an idiot for thinking any different. “I can point out the different constellations?”
I nod. It’s not something I’ve really given much thought to before. I’m normally far too focused on getting words on a page for my next deadline to even think about having a hobby. And if I did try to find one, looking at specks that are light-years away wouldn’t have even crossed my mind.
As Riven gets more comfortable, his voice takes on a confident, calm quality.
Listening to him point out Orion then Lyra and the dotted lines of Andromeda has me completely forgetting about my father’s meddling in my life.
Relaxed back on my elbows, I realize I’m smiling as I follow his pointed finger, learning all sorts of facts.
“You know a lot about stars,” I comment.
“I spend more time looking at the sky than I do at parties,” he admits, although there’s no sadness in his tone. “Stars are easy to understand. Hydrogen, helium, nuclear fusion… I’ve been fascinated by them since I was a child. Watching them makes me realize how small we, humans, are.”
I steal a glance at him. He could be a model with his strong bone structure and perfectly symmetrical features.
When he catches me staring, his hand flies to his cheek. “Have I got something on my face?”
“A bit of pumpkin,” I lie.
That was close. The pumpkin crusher doesn’t seem to realize how attractive he is. He almost seems uncomfortable in his own skin. He’s huge physically, but it’s like he wants to hide beneath his muscles, wearing them like a shield.
He wipes his cheek frantically. “Better?”
“I think you’ve got it.”
“Can I ask you something?” he asks.
“You can.” I rub my hands together to warm them. “But I can’t promise I’ll answer it.”
“What were you running from tonight?”
“Who says I was running from something?”
“You’re dressed in a costume which makes me think you went to the Monster Masquerade.
Your shoes look expensive and are completely inappropriate for muddy terrain.
Based on our interaction, you seem to know what you want and how to handle yourself, so I can only assume there’s a reason behind your actions.
” His cheeks turn pink. “Sorry if that was too much. My brain reads into things a lot.” He smiles sheepishly. “I don’t get out much.”
“Well, you’re right. I was running from something. A situation that I put myself in, and now I’m having regrets about it.” I inhale deeply. “What do you do when you think you’ve made a big mistake?”
“Do you remember what I said about the difference between meteoroids and meteorites?” He shifts to completely face me. “I guess I’d think of a decision like that. I’d watch it streak across the sky before seeing whether it hits the ground. Most never do. Only then is it worth worrying about.”
“That was…” I don’t know what to say. Oddly poetic?
Riven’s watch beeps. “The shower has passed. I should get back, unless you want—”
“Yep, good idea.” Jumping to my feet, I don’t let him finish his sentence. Do I see a trace of disappointment on his face? “We should go.”
“I should make sure you get home safe.”
“Just because I’m an omega doesn’t mean I need an alpha’s help,” I snap. My walls that momentarily melted away during the tender moment we shared slam up again. “I live in Omega Village. I can make it there just fine without an escort.”
Besides, after my public appearance with the Blandon Pack, I can’t risk being seen with another alpha. Especially one as gorgeous as Riven.
“I didn’t offer because you were an omega.” He blinks in confusion, standing up and towering over me at 6’1”. “I offered because it’s the right thing to do. Did I get that wrong?” His forehead wrinkles. “I didn’t mean to cause offense. I’m not good at this whole “people” thing.”
“No.” I sigh. “Sorry. It was nice of you to offer, really. And you should, obviously. I mean, offer to help an omega get home safe if they’re alone after dark. That is the right thing to do.”
“But I shouldn’t have asked you?” He frowns. “Why’s that?”
“Because…” I can’t think of a good explanation aside from my own pigheadedness. Thankfully, I’m spared from having to explain by my phone ringing. “I should get this.”
I pick up to hear a hysterical Delilah, worried about where I am after discovering that I didn’t leave with the Blandon Pack. Apparently, she just saw them in the VIP room gloating to anyone who’ll listen about their new rich omega.
“Calm down, Del,” I say as soon as I get a word in. “I haven’t been kidnapped or anything. I’ve just been… stargazing.”
“Stargazing?!” Her screech makes me wince. “I’ll meet you outside Club Knotty in a few minutes, okay?”
“I’ll walk with you?” Riven suggests after I hang up. “I can make sure you’re not hurt by any alphas falling out of trees.”
“I’m pretty sure you’re the only alpha at SVU who will be stargazing on Halloween. Besides, it’s just over there.” I point in the direction of the club, their lights visible from here. I shrug off his blanket then thrust it back into his hands. “Here.”
“But you said it was the right thing—”
“Look, if it makes you feel better, you can watch me through your telescope. Thanks for tonight.” I turn my back on him and set off.
“You didn’t tell me your name,” he calls after me.
I look over my shoulder and say, “I know.”
My shoes will be absolutely destroyed after making my way over the muddy lawn, but I feel like I’m floating on air.
Riven’s scent still lingers on my skin, wrapping around me like a calming cloak that keeps me warm.
Too bad his serene influence fades the closer I get to Club Knotty.
Although the stars seem to be winking, like they know a secret I don’t, my chest tightens, bringing me back to reality as I get farther away from the handsome pumpkin-covered alpha I left behind.
I quickly glance back at the pumpkin patch when I see Delilah in her bright orange dress, arms flapping in my direction. But I can’t see Riven at all, making me question whether he was real or a ghostly apparition.