Page 20 of Chasing The Alpha's Son
“It just means people care about you,” Katie says offhandedly.
“But there has to be more to it than that.”
“Well…”
“Spit it out.”
“First just let me say that I am 100 percent the biggest supporter of your pursuit of Jasper. I am after all a member of the OGJA Alliance.”
“You’re the treasurer,” I giggle.
“And you know all I want is for you to be happy, but ever since you met him you’ve been sort of unpredictable.”
I curl my legs a little bit farther beneath me. “More than usual?”
“Kinda.”
We sit quietly for a moment, just knowing the other is still there on the other end of the line.
“And some of the decisions you’ve made lately,” Katie continues hesitantly, “I’m not sure they’ve been the most thought-out.”
“Like what?”
“Like signing up for a sporting event with a 36 percent death rate,” she retorts. “I’m not saying you can’t be impulsive or spontaneous, and I know I’ve been right there by your side trying to get Jasper’s attention, but sometimes I worry you’re not using your best judgment. And I don’t want you to get hurt.”
“I thought people were supposed to do stupid things when they’re in love.”
“Maybe, but it’s a big difference from the person you used to be.”
“You used to organize your My Little Ponies alphabetically, and now you have two boyfriends.”
“I’m not saying people can’t change—I know I have. Just make sure you’re changing for the better.”
Katie’s breaths are gentle and constant; I know she’s waiting for me to say something, but I can’t think of anything. And that never happens with her.
“I’ve gotta go,” I say.
“Max, I—”
I hang up and toss my phone onto the laundry pile across the room.
The night of the race I do something I’ve never done before in my life: I sneak out.
Mom and Dad are downstairs watching TV and I tell them I’ve got homework before heading to my room. I quickly get changed into my winter running gear and open my window. This isn’t like what you see on TV. There’s no conveniently placed drainpipe or tree. Just a ten-foot drop onto icy grass.
I land with a heavy thud, hitting my shoulder hard against the soil, but luckily my wolf strength keeps me from breaking anything. Risking a quick glance behind me to make sure I haven’t been spotted, I take off into the trees.
Aisha was reluctant but I managed to convince her to pick me up. She’s parked a little ways down our street so my parents don’t see her headlights. When I emerge from the bank of trees lining the road, I spot her car idling nearby.
“Hey,” I say, sliding into the passenger seat.
“Hi.” She eyes me curiously, and when I don’t respond she huffs and puts the car into gear.
“You sure about this, kid?” she asks once we’ve been driving for a while.
“Ahuh,” I say, trying to convince myself as much as her.
“You don’t have to do this, you know? He’s just a guy—he’s not worth hurting yourself over.”
