Stuck with my Vampire Mate

26 - Stupid Emotions

I was munching on my fourth slice of pizza when I heard James say something, but I was too preoccupied with past events to comprehend his words properly.

"Sorry?"

I enquired, my gaze now fixed on him.

"I said, 'At this rate, you're going to eat us out of house and home!'" James snickered, his eyes glinting. "Just don't let Ryan or Cole catch you. They might think you're hogging the food."

We were gathered around the kitchen counter, where I discovered several boxes of pizza and praised God in delight. I was extremely hungry.

"Please," I said, rolling my eyes. "They are too busy having a staring contest."

I am not sure what exactly was going on in the foyer between Cole and Ryan currently, but since I haven't picked up any sound of breaking or screaming, they must have settled to glaring at each other or someone had surely walked out.

"True," James said, nodding. "But still, watch yourself around them. Werewolves and vampires have a reputation, and it's not just charm and good looks. No man wants a woman who eats like a pig."

I rolled my eyes again, this time with a hint of defiance. I didn't bother responding, mainly because why should I entertain him? When I am hungry, I do eat like a pig. And who's going to stand in my way? No one. Besides, a teenager has to have enough stamina to deal with all these old hags who have little brain cells. All they know is how to engage in warfare.

"So, who are you going to pick? Cole or Ryan?"

Doesn't this moron have something better to do?

I turned back to James, raising an eyebrow. "Are you seriously asking me to choose between two guys who are practically at each other's throats? That's a terrible idea."

James leaned closer, an amused grin spreading across his face. "Come on, it's just a question! Everyone's been making their alliances clear. I'm curious about your thoughts."

"Maybe I'm not interested in picking sides," I said, crossing my arms defensively. "I just want to focus on finding Ignacia and getting through this without too much drama."

James chuckled, undeterred. "Fair enough, but you can't deny the tension. It's like watching a soap opera unfold in real life. And you're right in the middle of it."

Sighing in exhaustion, I glanced back, hoping for some assistance from Adrian. However, he was nodding off silently, his head rolling back on its own. He is probably worn out as well with all the spectacles.

"Adrian?"

I gently tapped him on the shoulder, but he didn't respond.

"Adrian."

This time, I called a little louder, my voice breaking through the haze of his sleep. He sprang out of his seat, eyes wide and startled.

"What? Is there any problem?" he asked, his voice tinged with a hint of panic.

His gaze darted around the room, anxiously scanning for signs of trouble. Perhaps he was expecting an irate Helena, or Cole and Ryan to be tangled in a brawl, covered in each other's blood. I grimaced at the thought, a tiny frown creasing my forehead.

"No, there is no problem. You were dozing off, and I'm just worried your neck might get sprained. Why don't you go relax in your room for a bit?"

He rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly, a sheepish look crossing his face as he nodded slowly in agreement.

"Just call me if you need anything," he said, his voice more composed now.

I grinned, giving him a thumbs-up to reassure him, before he turned and stepped out of the kitchen. I returned my focus to the last slice of food on my plate, savoring the flavors. Just then, I caught James looking at me with a playful smirk, amusement dancing in his eyes as he silently observed the entire exchange.