136- Cheeks and cheating
Ten minutester, I find myself walking outside with my arm looped loosely around Aaron’s. It has been
a little overcast all day, but it’s like the universe is sensing my mood and doing it’s best tobat it
because the clouds cleared up practically the moment we stepped outside and now it’s pleasantly
sunny. Although I am starting to wish I had a pair of sunsses with me. Aaron is wearing some and
I’m kind of jealous. I’m still mad at Bemy, but going for a walk was definitely the right choice. I’ve
been cooped up for nearly two weeks and the fresh air is everything I didn’t know I’ve been missing.
We stay within the boundaries of the Shifterpound, I’m exercising my independence, not trying to
get myself killed. We wander aimlessly, often passing Shifters, some of whom wave at me or greet us. I
vaguely remember meeting some of them during my tour of thepound with Megan and while we’ve
been hanging out. From my understanding, not all the feline Shifters live here, but most of the smaller
family groups tend to gather here. Safe in their pack. Not to mention I’m fairly sure that the Shifters own
all these buildings so rent is probably way cheaper here. We are just nearing the gates at the edge of
the property, or at least the edge of the property that has been built on, thend they keep for running
in their feline forms is in the opposite direction, when I realise that I have been unconsciously following
my red thread. But Bemy is out and I don’t want to leave thepound so I pause to rest in the
shade a little for a minute. I’m probably bright red, hopefully I’m not getting burnt. The front gate
swinging open catches my eye. Not the big gate for cars, but the smaller one to the side for people who
are on foot. In walks Bemy and I freeze up. I don’t think I really want to talk to him yet, or at least not
in public. But at the same time, I want him to see me, or there would be no point in me practising my
independence. I’m just trying to when I realise that he isn’t alone. Latched onto his arm is a pretty
blonde girl, probably about my age, maybe a year or so younger. I saytched because I don’t think
she could be walking any closer to him if she tried. She already looks like she’s got to be focusing to
avoid tripping over his feet. The gate closes behind them and they stop walking. I can see that the girl
is talking animatedly. Bemy is listening and nodding along with a polite, but disinterested smile. He
definitely looks distracted. His gaze wanders from hers and as if drawn by a ma, finds its way to
mine. He blinks in apparent confusion and concern. Sighing with resignation, I force myself to
straighten up my shoulders and make my way towards him. I’m only a few metres away when I find
myself tripping over my own feet. I would havepletely face nted if it weren’t for Aaron tightening
his hold on my arm. For once, my tripping was not
N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.
the result of a sudden blunt of clumsiness, nor was it due to distraction from the many
threads floating around obscuring my vision. No, this time my stumbling was because the
pretty little blonde had chosen that moment to lean up on her tiptoes and press a k*ss to Bemy’s
cheek.
A decide if I want to call out to him or not
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Emergency calls only
136 Checks and cheating
Aaron steadies me and steps between myself and Bemy. For a second, I think that he is trying to
cover something up, blocking my view of Bemy with his huge frame. I panic thinking that I have
seriously misread Bemy’s character. But as I look up at Aaron his face is calm and he has a raised
eyebrow, I realise he isn’t hiding Bemy, but rather he is hiding me, giving me a chance to get control
of my facial expression and pull myself together before anyone sees me. I pat his arm in appreciation
and ster a pleasant smile on my face. He gives me an encouraging nod then steps aside. I might
have my reaction under control but Bemy definitely does not. He looks absolutely horrified. He pulls
his arm away from the girl and crosses them over his chest in a defensive posture. He takes a step
towards me, clearly eager to exin but I can’t help but be aware of our audience. It’s not super busy
here, but there are a few Shifters milling about, not to mention the guards for the gate. Even I know that
if any of them heard Bemy apologising to me or trying to exin himself that our rtionship would
be public knowledge by the end of the hour. Instead of letting Bemy approach I just lift a hand in a
wave and call out to him.
“You look busy, I’ll talk to you Inter. I need to be heading back now anyway.” I give him another carefully
arranged smile then let Anron lead me away.
We don’t head straight back like I originally suggested, instead we walk leisurely through thepound
for another half hour. My phone started vibrating about three minutes after I turned my back on Bemy
earlier but once most Shifters seem to be able to overhear phone calls easily enough, I decide not to
answer. I’ll be back soon enough and we can speak properly face–to–face, I’d rather talk that way
anyway, it’s much easier to gauge his reactions. Plus I still want an apology for this morning and it
should definitely be given in person. When we head back it’s because Aaron’s phone has started going
off too. We pause to give him time to send a message saying I’m safe and on my way back then make
our way back to the house. We don’t even make it all the way to the steps when the front door swings
open and Bemy bursts out in a wave of energy. Without stopping to speak or greet Aaron, he hooks
his arms behind my waist and under my knees, swings me up off my feet and carries me into the
house. I squeal in shock and end up waving to Aaron as. the front door swings shut with a loud m. I
expect Bemy to put me down, but he doesn’t. He just continues making his way upstairs with me in
his arms. I naturally link my arms around his neck to feel more secure as we go up the stairs at a speed
that seems unreasonably fast for a guy who is carrying an entire other person.
“Bemy-” 1 start, but I’m interrupted by him somehow transferring my weight into one arm so that he
can open the bedroom door. He swings it shut behind him.
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136- Cheeks and cheating
“This really isn’t necessary 1-” again I don’t manage to finish what I’m saying as Bemy gently drops
me onto the bed. I scramble to sit up and find Bemy kneeling on the ground in front of me, his hand
on my knee and an almost wild look in his eyes. He takes a deep
breath.