Amia
Levi and Liz turned from us and I watched as they walked back towards their booth in the back of the cafe. I let out a sigh and cracked my neck as I massaged my temple. I could feel Calum’s eyes on me, but I didn’t want to have to deal with him right now. I didn’t want to have to deal with any of this. My heart told me that I needed to run out after Dylan, even though my mind told me that I needed to wise up and pull myself together. I couldn’t help the inner turmoil inside of me, the need to beg him to forgive me, the hope he’ll wait for me outside. I wanted to cry.
It’s pathetic.
I’m pathetic.
“I don’t like Dylan,” Calum said.
“Surprise surprise,” I said sarcastically.
“Is this a joke to you? Do you not see a problem with the way he treated you? Goddess, just the way he talked to you made me want to rip his spine out through his mouth,” Calum said.
“I didn’t do anything wrong. I don’t know why you’re yelling at me,” I said.
“I’m not yelling. I… I’m sorry. I’ll drop the Dylan topic,” Calum said.
“Thanks,” I said sarcastically. Calum sighed.
“This is our first official meet up,” Calum said cautiously when Levi and Liz were seated.
I wanted to laugh. Just seconds ago he threatened to decapitate my boyfriend and now he was acting like he was afraid of me. I made an alpha nervous. It was laughable honestly, but I couldn’t bring myself to.
“Yes…” I said.
“Must you rush it?” Calum asked.
“I’m not rushing it, I’m just… done. It’s a lot for today and I’ve got other things… going on too. If you asked me what we discussed I don’t think I could even repeat everything. We talked about a lot of things and I just… I need time to think about everything,” I said.
“That’s understandable,” Calum murmured.
“It is. If there’s nothing else I think I’m ready to leave,” I said.
“I… I know that this is a lot, but this meeting was arranged with the hopes you’d come back with me. Did Kelly not mention anything?” Calum asked.
It was beyond weird hearing him call my mom by her first name. I tried to recall the conversation I’d had with her earlier and came up blank. I could see why she might have had that intention when she arranged for this meeting. She had to know what was going on with Dylan and with Greg’s anger being at an all time high, she did the one thing she could think of to help me.
She reached out to Calum so that he would help me. She hated him so much. In my eyes, he was to blame for what the way she had become. Calum was the reason why she clung to Greg and let him do those things to her. My eyes watered at the thought that this morning was supposed to be our last time seeing each other. She didn’t even hug me, didn’t say goodbye, but maybe our conversation was cut short because of Greg.
“No, but I don’t doubt that she wanted me to go with you. I need time though. I don’t make rash decisions. I think them through and I definitely need time to think this whole arrangement through,” I said as I waved a hand back and forth between the two of us.
“That’s all I can ask for,” Calum said.
It seemed like someone stepped out of thin air by Calum’s side and I looked this man up and down. He was tall and definitely had to hold a rank. He was tall, but not as tall as Levi and had long brown hair that fell over his eyes. He was young, definitely not as old as Calum. I’d say you looked to be in his late twenties.
“Alpha, I’m sorry to disturb you I know this is an important meeting, but something has come up,” he said.
“Is it urgent, Beta Ricky?” Calum asked. He was full alpha mode now and it was entertaining to see.
“Yes, Alpha,” Beta Ricky answered. Calum sighed.
“I guess it all worked out then, didn’t it?” I asked.
“I wouldn’t say that. I’ll give you the weekend. Make sure you’re packed by Monday. If you aren’t you’ll just have to buy new things,” Calum said.
“Who do you—”
“Your father, Amia. I’m your father and I’m giving you the weekend to say goodbye to everyone. I’ll reach out to you Monday,” Calum said.
I didn’t answer him. I turned away from him and slid my legs to the left so I could pull myself up. A hand steadied me and I lifted my eyes to Beta Ricky. He bowed his head and dropped his hand. I looked toward Levi and Liz, but they were already on their way. I turned to look at Calum one more time and found him staring at me.
“It was nice meeting you, Amia,” Calum said.
“Bye,” I said and turned from him.
Levi and Liz followed me toward the exit. I pushed open the door and didn’t stop. The rain came down hard and I heard a shout of protest from Levi as he rushed for the umbrella. I crossed the street in a rush and came to a stop in front of Levi’s passenger’s door. When the doors unlocked, I threw the door open, hopped inside, and closed the door. I could see Levi and Liz exchange a look before getting into the car.
“Ami, I—”
“Please, Levi, just take me home,” I whispered.
“Okay. Okay, Ami.”