I see Dev is alarmed as I enter the camp carrying Riya. She is in a great deal of pain. I'm hoping she didn't break her ankle. Dev is going to be furious.
"What happened?" Dev asks, taking Riya from my arms.
I feel my face breaking into a frown. "She slipped on a branch and bent her ankle or something, maybe even broke it. I couldn't even make eye contact with Dev
"How did that happen?" Ajay asks.
"Ace rushed us."
"They were in the cemetery?"Dev asks.
Riya looks at me, shaking her head, trying to silently give me a message to shut my mouth, but I can't lie to Dev.
"I heard Zare's laugh and sought them out past the cemetery."
"With Riya with you? What the hell were you thinking?" Dev yells.
Dev hands Riya to Ajay.
"Dev, just chill," Riya says.
"You don't know how bad, I want to put my hands on you Chetan." He screams, as he paces back and forth.
"Dev, it was stupid. I'm sorry."
"If there's anyone I trusted with Riya, it would be you."
"I love her so much, I wouldn't hurt her intentionally." I hear the emotion coming out of my voice. I feel like such an ass.
"You don't seek out vampires with a girl with you, most importantly with only two pack members," he yells at me.
"Ace physically assaulted Zare, and I know how badly Chetan wanted to beat him, but he didn't, he got me back to camp," Riya explains.
."Oh well, let's give him an award," Dev glares at me.
"Punch me in the face, I deserve it." I point to my face.
Dev eyes me for a moment.
Riya breaks his concentration. "Please Dev, no fighting, I just want you to hold me."
He walks over to Ajay, grabbing Riya in his arms. He kisses all over her face.
"Oh, baby, let's look at your ankle," he tells her.
******
Hours pass. I feel like such a lousy friend. What was I thinking? My only parody should have been taken care of Riya. Keeping her safe.
Ajay, doesn't think she broke her ankle, but it is badly bruised.
I walk over to where Riya and Dev sleep, in a homemade tent behind the trailer.
"I don't want you to get up," she tells him.
She lays on his chest.
"Riya, I have to piss, quit being a baby." He laughs.
She sees me, looking in my direction. "I was checking to see how you're doing."
Dev blankly glares at me.
"Lay with me until Dev gets back."
"I don't think so, Riya."
"Please Chetan?'' She sits up.
She looks at me so sweetly. "Fine." How could I even say no?
Dev gets up from his spot. "I'll be right back."
I lay next to Riya. With one hand, I gently rub her cheek.
She lays on my chest. I rub her back. She traces my chest with her hand. I know this would appear awkward to many friends, but I think Dev and I agree that we just care about the girls. He comforts Zare many times. Likewise, I have Riya many times, if she's upset with Dev. I would rather have Zare have that comfort, and we both know it's all friendly.
"I am so sorry sweetie, I am an ass."
She looks up at me, and I kiss her forehead.
"I saw your demeanor change when he shoved Zare down."
"Yeah well, if you weren't with me, I probably would have ripped him to shreds."
"You love her so much." She eyes me.
"I do."
I rub her cheek again. "But that's no excuse for hurting you."
She smiles at me. Her smile I swear, I don't know how Dev does it. If she was mine, I would be wrapped around her finger. Her smile radiates sweetness.
.
******
Movements later, I sit under the tree looking up at the stars. I wonder if Zare is looking at the same sky at this very moment. I wonder if she's scared or happy. Mostly I wonder who she's thinking about Ajay or me.
I pull out my rum, and it starts to relax me. I see Ajay approaching.
I take another drink this time to help me deal with the conversation ahead.
He sat down next to me, and held out his hand, "Why don't you share that rum?"
I laugh, passing him the bottle.
I never really got along with Ajay. I respect him as an alpha. I think he's a great one. I think the only thing that keeps us from having a relationship is Zare.
"I know you feel bad about what happened with Riya," he tells me.
"I should have made smarter choices, but I needed to see her."
"I understand, I miss her too.Dev will get over it."
"I guess out of everyone I fight with him less."
Ajay laughs. "And me most."
I eye him. "Unfortunately."
"Look, I don't want you to think I was intentionally trying to get in the way of your mark mate, I am in love with her Chetan."
I nod. I already knew that.
"Well, who knows what she wants now."
"Or who," Ajay says.