Rogues

Chapter XXV

- Caleb -

Nathan asked me to stay after practice, I have no idea what he wants. I tried telling him I couldn't because I must go home for pack training with Gregory, but he insisted, claiming that it won't take more than five minutes. I know it will take longer; it always does. I don't want to leave his side whenever I'm with him. My wolf urges for his presence. I always hate leaving him, it's so hard and saddening. So, I try avoiding being alone with him today, but here I am, waiting foolishly for his football practice to end to get five minutes alone with him. I walk through the bookshelves in the library, searching for a book that catches my interest. There are so many books here I don't even know what I want to read. I've read four books already. Petunia, the librarian, got a liking to me and greets me every day. She's very kind and sets aside some books she thinks I might like. She hasn't been wrong up 'till now.

I grab my phone and look at the hour: 5:07. I should really get going, Gregory is going to be pissed f I miss today's practice. I sigh and unlock the screen, looking at the conversation I had earlier with him.

Meet me at the library after practice (13: 56) – Nathan Bryce

Can't, have pack training (13: 57) – Me

It'll just be 5 minutes (13: 57) – Nathan Bryce

Nathan, I really can't (13: 57) – Me

It's really important. Pls... 🥺 (13: 58) – Nathan Bryce

Fine, but make it quick (14: 00) – Me

Always 😉 (14: 01) – Nathan Bryce

See you soon (14: 01) – Nathan Bryce

Where is he? I know football practice can run late sometime, but I can't wait for him that much. I'm not lying, Gregory might actually kill me if I miss today's training. He's been pissed because I haven't been able to train with everyone lately. Yesterday, he specifically told me to assist. He's been extremely strict lately, pressuring us even more than usual. I don't know what got into him, but the combat training got extremely demanding and rough. I get so clubbed from everything that I just go to sleep. I think it has to do with Nymeria rising to power, he wants to make sure we are ready.

I haven't told anyone about Nathan. It's been killing me, but there's no right moment; something always shows up. Last night I almost told my dad, but Convel showed up and they went off running somewhere. I'll have to tell him, but it's more difficult than I thought. I sigh deeply and stare at the screen, wondering if I should text Nathan. I start typing when I hear a voice from behind.

- I figured you'd be here looking for books. – Nathan's voice says, and I turn around to meet his face. His presence is so comforting, and his scent is so alluring.

- Hey, I was about to text you. – I say, putting the phone down and offering a small smile.

- Yeah, what were you going to say? – he asks, walking up to me and taking my phone. He looks at the screen reading my message.

- "Where are you?", wow Cal, so warm. – he jokes a little. I roll my eyes internally.

- I didn't mean to be warm. I told you I'm in a hurry. – I respond nonchalantly.

- You know what's worst? You have me saved as Nathan Bryce. What the fuck, Cal? – he complains, ignoring me. Normally, I would dismiss it as nothing, but I want to spend a little more time with him

- What's wrong with it? You saved your contact in it, remember? – I remind him.

- Well, yeah, but that was before... you know. – he says lower, just above a whisper.