Knight's Tempus [16+]

Chapter 8

Ava's Pov*

Holding Mia's hand I placed her on our table where Claudia, Emily, Nico, and my brother are. Claudia and Emily moved from their table to us through Maggie's invitation.

My brother is quiet but I saw his eyes wandering around the hall. He seems to be looking for someone or maybe something.

"Brother..." I called him, his eyes gaze at me from wandering around the room. "You're not hungry yet?" I ask.

He shakes his head and his eyes wander again before returning at me. "Where is she?" He asks.

My forehead crease. "Who?" Is he talking about Gemini? Nico already told me about what happened and I had to calm him down while he's telling me because he was close to hunting Gemini down. I wonder how he remained calm during that meeting. My wolf was mad as well, she wants out and challenge Gemini.

That woman has always been spoiled and entitled, to say I expected that would be an understatement, I already know beforehand that she dislikes me ever since. I'm not even bothered, not an ounce but the way how my brother reacted bothers me.

Up until now, that family still has my brother wrap in their fingers. Damn it.

"Red." My eyes widen, "where's your friend? Red?" He added with a curious expression.

"R-Red?" Did I hear it right? He... He's looking for Red? He nods his head. Shoot, he is indeed looking for Red! My ever so clueless talkative and awkward Red! He's looking for her oh my f*****g gosh! "Ah, she, uh, she left to take care of something." His forehead crease.

"She left?" He repeated and I nod my head not knowing what to say. "She left me," my eyes widen again. Why... Why does my brother sound like an abandoned kid? Oh to the em and to the geeeeeeee!!!! His eyebrows raised subtly at me. "Why are you grinning like that?"

I replaced my smile with a serious expression but damn damn damn damn, I am screaming inside!!!!! I ship it, it's weird but whatever, I ship my brother with Red, my best friend!!!!!

I shake my head. "Nothing." I should tell Nico about this! Hmm, does my brother like Red? Does he have a crush on her? If he does then... OH MY f*****g GOSH!!!! My stomach curl just thinking of Red with my brother. Come to think of it, they look perfect together and they certainly fit each other's personality. The exact opposite of each other.

"You're grin is back, Av. It's creepy."

I smile slyly at him. Whatever brother, whatever. I have a perfect idea for playing on my mind.

"I'll go talk to Nico, please watch after Mia for me!" I hurriedly left before he could say anything else.

Nico's forehead crease while he's looking at me running towards his direction, in an instant he is in front of me holding both my shoulders to stop me. "You are pregnant Ava, you can't be running around." He calmly stated with a stern expression.

"My brother..." I leaned to whisper at him, "my brother is looking for Red, babe!" I couldn't hold the restrained squeak as I was saying that.

He raised his brows at me when he looks at me after I whispered. "And?"

I glare at him. "Why don't you sound interested?"

He clears his throat and looks away and then looks back at me this time looking so serious. "And what does it mean if Knight is looking for her?" He asks with a creased forehead, clearly forcing himself to show an interested expression.

I grinned. "They look good as a couple!" I exclaimed.

His eyes widen and pulled me towards him, my face buried on his chest. Ahh, muscled chest. I couldn't stop myself from touching his abs and pinching it.

"Ava, that's their life and their story, you can't cross the line in that matter especially in your brother's case."

"Why not?" I frown even though he can't see my facial expression. "It's not like I will lock them up in a room or dungeon just to get to know each other." That's actually a good idea. "Besides, Red is the only person that I witnessed Knight can talk to properly." If you call those interactions of them together actually talking.

"Ava..." He warned.

I kissed his chest. "Babe, I'll just give them a little push. To get to know each other. Just like that."

"Fine. I trust you." I'm not planning to break his trust but... I'm not just gonna push, I may exert a little force. My lips curled in a small smile.

~

"I'm going back, Av." I turn to my brother with a curious glance.

"Already?" Aww, Red isn't back yet!

He nods his head. Well, I guess it can't be helped. "I'll see you out," I said putting the glass of juice back on the table.

"You don't have to."

I smile at him. "Why not? This is rare so I want to spend as much as time we have while you're out." I stated as we walk along the empty corridors of the pack house. In Red's opinion— the pack mansion.

We stopped at the pack house's entrance, my brother turns to me then his eyes diverted on my stomach. His smile formed a small smile. "I can hear his heartbeat."

I smile and caress my stomach. My brother's senses are heightened than the average wolf, I believe his senses are better than other Alphas and I'm not being biased. He is a special wolf according to a human seer, Red's old man, the person who saved her.

I don't know how special my brother is in that sense but I know, without a doubt that he is one of a kind not just an Alpha but also a brother.

He may have made mistakes and wrong choices, even if it has something to do with me, I never blamed him. Never. Because before he made those mistakes against me or my reputation, even before he chose to protect Gemini than me I will never blame him because I know my brother. He loves me. Even before he made those choices and mistakes, he protected me than no one else has ever done. I will not blame him. I will understand him. I will protect him.

"He will be a strong wolf, Av." He said staring at the dark sky. "Someday, he will protect you like I failed to do."

My smile falters. I shake my head.

"That is not true brother. If there is one person I would always be grateful for, always be thankful for, it's you." He turns to me with a sad smile. I smile at him reassuringly. "I know how strong you are. How fearless you are, brother. Someday, one day, that man will be back."

"I'm still strong and fearless you know," he said with a small smile, "unfortunately though, unable to control my own wolf."

"Unable to control your wolf?" I roll my eyes, "that's not something you should be bothered. You and your wolf are one. Sooner or later you will both understand each other again."

He chuckles. "Are you motivating me now, Av?" He asks his voice teasing. "That's unlikely of you."

"Nah don't be too moved by me. I'm just being nice."

He smiled. He chuckles.

He isn't the feared, mateless, and former Alpha that he became after her death, right now, he is just my brother. He's back to being my brother even just for a while.

"You should take care of yourself now more than ever." He suddenly spoke smiling at me. "You can't be reckless like you usually are." He added, "I'm sure Nico will be having a rough time with you then he already is."

"Hey!" I interjected with a frown. "I'm not that reckless."

"You are, stop fooling yourself." He sighs, "don't be too stubborn and think about your pup before you make a decision. You might forget you're pregnant when you're too happy, you're always like that." Okay, he's right. I tend to forget even important things when I'm overwhelmed with emotion especially when I'm happy. "You should eat healthy foods okay? Remember that Nico may be an Alpha but he is also your mate, tell him whatever you need. If you are not feeling well or you just want to be with him because of your pregnancy then mind link him, call him, demand his presence. Regardless of where he is and who he is with. Even if it's a damned important meeting, barge in his office, mind link me if someone scolds you for acting like that. If it's Nico I will beat him even if he's the Alpha."

I didn't notice that my tears are already falling, my brother still didn't notice me because he's looking at the sky.

"Don't let anyone or anything ruin your mood. If you have weird cravings demand Nico whatever it is, you can tell me too. I will do my best to get whatever you need and crave. I'll tell Nico to double the pack's protection, don't worry, I will patrol the pack every night too so you just have to sleep tight and don't overthink." He finally turns to me, his eyes widen when he saw the state I'm in. "Why... why are you crying?!" He asked unbelievably unable to think what to do.

"You're blabbing," I said and sniffed. "You're so talkative. Obviously worried about me and your nephew. Love you too, bro!" I laugh.

"Tch." He shakes his head. "I want you to remain safe, Av. Even if it means I will be away from you and this pack it's fine by me." He smiles at me. "You sure are a grown lady now Av, the first time I saw you after..." he clears his throat, "I realized my sister have grown into a strong woman. Fit being a Luna. It may not be obvious but I was proud. Still proud."

"You talk just like Uncle," I commented with a smile wiping my tears.

"I do sound like an old man." He admitted.

"We are all old though."

He didn't respond.

He sighs and walks towards the woods. "I'm going now. I don't know when I'll be out again but..." he looks back at me, "you know I'm just around the pack. I will visit you, okay?" I nod my head with a small smile. He smiled back. "Take care, Av."

"Take care, brother."

He nods his head and without looking back, he walks towards the deeper part of the woods, his silhouette slowly engulfed by the darkness within. See you soon.

I hope this is the beginning that he will feel better. I hope he already accepts her death and if he does, I hope this is the beginning of his new beginning. Of his return. Whatever his choice is, I will back him up like he always does with me.

~

Red's*

My eyes would glance at him from time to time, it just happens like my eyes have a mind on its own. I can't take my eyes off him for several reasons, one, he seems happy right now even though he's not smiling, his aura is lighter than usual and two, I'm just awed seeing him with a serene expression and not his always forehead creased and serious expression like he owes the entire universe a debt.

"I..." What was I supposed to say again? Damn, the power that his presence has on me is unexplainable, it messes with my head too.

Why do you have so much impact on me?

It's a question that keeps running on my head that up until now, there's still no answer.

"I did not mean to leave you, I was planning on going back after... thirty minutes," I confessed then gulped my beer. I brought 5 bottles with me. I still won't be drunk even I drink all of it alone, surprisingly, Knight appeared so I have to share the beers with him. Sad.

"It's fine." Phew. I thought I added another offense, goodness, my list of offense to him would keep filling up if that happens. "Why are you here if I may ask?" He didn't glance at me and keeps on staring at the dark horizon beyond the cliff.

"Uh, just, talking to the old man." I answered, unsure. He turns to me with wondering. "He's not here. He's already dead." I added to clarify.

He blinks before clearing his throat. "I'm sorry..."

"No no, it's alright." I chuckles and open another bottle of beer using the spoon I took from the pack mansion. It made and poof sound when it opened.

"Why are you using spoon to open that?" He asks.

I turn to him with a silly smile, his expression reminded me of my own expression back when I saw the old man did the same thing, opening his beer using the spoon.

"I learned this from old man." I tell him and gulps down the beer. "Aside from Ava, he was the first person to teach me things I am unfamiliar with when I woke up, actually, when he saved me."

I glance at him and he's looking at me with a creased forehead. I already consider that creased forehead is his natural expression. Honestly. "What do you mean?" He asks. I diverted my eyes away from his distractingly handsome face and sighs.

"Right, you don't know the story of my life yet." I said smiling to myself. "I woke up without memories back in Tirada, it was him and Ava that helped me. Unfortunately, he died already, but in my opinion it's better that he's dead now."

"What?" His asks unbelievably

I smile at him and gulps. "Don't misunderstand me, I owe that old man my life and in this lifetime I want nothing but his happiness. You see, though he is stubborn, a drunkard and appear detached from the world, he's a lonely man. I have always known, always, that everytime he would stare at an empty space he's thinking of his wife." I avoided his gaze and sighs. "I don't understand why he had to suffer with me. If he hadn't saved me he would have been with his wife now. I would hear him whisper while he's drank that he misses her. That they'll be together someday, somehow, I felt like it was me that held him back."

"He... wants to end his life." He concluded.

I slowly nod my head unable to say anything. People would say that it's a crime, that it would be a mistake taking your own life and I agree. It was... selfish. Taking your own life because you couldn't handle the pain but... what do I know? What do other people know of their suffering? Have they experienced that kind of pain that you would rather die than keep on breathing but not living at all?

I couldn't understand old man, I thought he was too weak to just gave in but... He fought well. He tried to live. He saved me.

When I woke up and found out that he is already in a deep sleep, a smile formed on my lips at that time. I don't know what happened, I don't know what he did but his peaceful face assured me that somewhere, the old man is finally at peace.

There's no need for him to cry silently. He's free.

"He must have loved her so much." He suddenly said. His expression is unreadable. "I guess I understand him. It's painful to look at everything that seems to remind you of that person."

"I'm sorry," I mumbled. "I'm sorry for—"

"You're forgiven, in the first place I was never mad at you. That time it drove my wolf to edge but after I calmed down, I... I didn't expect to accept that as it is. There are times that I would wake up thinking she's still there but after you slapped me off those harsh words, it made me accept her death better. It wasn't easy, up until now but thank you, Red." My eyes widen when our eyes met. My mouth agape and unable to speak. His eyes are too expressive that I can't talk. I don't know what to say but just stare at him like he would understand me. "Thank you for being brutally honest." He added.

Slowly, I smile. "You're welcome?" I said unsure with a little laugh. "Well, you're not that bad huh." I commented with a silly smile while gulping my own beer.

"Not bad?" He asks with a confused tone. "I was bad?"

"Have you forgotten how you interrogated me on my first day here while hanging upside down?" Moon goddess, don't tell me he forgot about that? I wouldn't. I don't think I will forget about that.

"Oh," he mumbled then, unbelievably, his lips stretched into a small smile. "I'm sorry, that was just me. Being—"

"Me." I interjected, "that was probably you being you. You were such an iceberg with a resting intimidating expression! I couldn't believe you were Ava's brother to be honest, despite being so handsome you were such a mitch! Don't hate me or anything but I really believed you were a mitch that time that it both pissed me off but because you're so handsome it got me confused too!" I exclaimed.

"What?" He chuckles, "I don't know if you're insulting me or complimenting me."

"Both." I answered raising my beer.

"You're being brutally honest, Red. It's increasing my self-esteem drastically."

"Wow!" I laugh, "as if you don't know you're good-looking."

He shrugs with a small smile and gulps his beer. I smile and quietly drank mine. None of us speak, it wasn't an awkward silence, instead, we both comfortably drink our own beer and enjoying the dark surrounding staring at the sky, stars scattered and soft wind blowing.

~

"Ava, take care all right? Call me or Maggie if something's wrong. Maggie told me how most meeting of Alphas went so if the testosterone battle starts, quickly flee!" I reminded her with a stern eyes. She bursts out laughing. She's not even taking me seriously now. I frown.

She smile at me patting my shoulder. "I will, don't worry about me. I can take care of my self just fine. You should worry about yourself."

"Hey!" I hissed crossing my arms.

She leaned at me. "Take care of my brother." She whispered and before I can react she's already inside the car.

Take care of Knight for her? Why would she ask me that? Ah, she must have known Knight and I are friends now. Knowing Ava being so worried of him she is surely relieved. Okay then, I'll take care of him.

"Sure, I will!!!" I yelled at Ava before the car departed. Alpha Nico was talking to Maggie and Charles and I couldn't hear what they were talking about, not that I'm interested though. Probably another pack thingy I'm sure I am not interested in. If it's about Gemini then, of course, I will be interested, I'm even willing to be the number one gossip girl. I wonder how that woman is? Hmm, I should ask Maggie about her punishment later.

We were about to enter the pack mansion when I spotted Knight heading towards the woods.

"Knight!" I called him and about to walk to him when Maggie grabbed my wrist. I turn to hear. "Why?" She looks worried over something. She keeps glancing at where Knight is.

"I don't think now is the right time to approach Knight." She said.

My forehead crease in confusion. "Why?"

"Well... He..." she stutters her eyes pointed at Knight's direction worriedly.

I smile at Maggie and released my wrist from her grip. "It's fine, Knight won't get mad at me for talking to me." I tell her in case that's what she's worried about. I walk towards Knight. "Knight!!" I called him again, louder this time.

"Red!" Maggie's voice held warning but I paid no attention to her as I make my way towards Knight.

He stopped walking, his shoulder show sign as if he heaved a subtle sigh before he turns to me with a calm expression though his eyes seems to be telling a different story.

"Red..." he mumbled. His voice is calm as usual but there's a hint of restraint on it.

"Are you okay?" I ask as I got closer to him. "Is something wrong? You can tell me. I won't tell anyone else and trust me I know how to keep secrets flawlessly." Gee, do I really have to say that? I don't think it has something to do with that anyway. Ugh.

He stare at me and slowly shakes his head. "I'm okay." He scratches the side of his head and avoided my eyes.

"You had breakfast yet?" I asks him. I have to take care of him for Ava's sake and we're friends now so I think it's no big deal to watch after him.

I sound like I'm babysitting Knight. Jeez.

He shakes his head. I grinned. "Great. Have breakfast with us then!" His forehead crease and look behind me where Maggie is, I turn to them and Charles and Mia is with her this time.

"I'd like to but I'm afraid I had to decline." He said.

"Huh?" He would like to but he needs to decline? "Why? If you want to, then join us." I urged him partly wondering what would stop him from joining us for breakfast.

He shakes his head and did not answer anymore avoiding my eyes again. Seriously?

"Well, how about this, are you going to eat breakfast?" I ask again.

He turns to me with another confused expression, "Does it matter?" He asks and I nod my head. "Yes, I will." I raised my eyebrows at him because while he was saying that he can't look at me. I don't know if he's uncomfortable talking to me this time while Ava and the others are watching or he just really has a hard time looking at me. Goodness, I know I can be horrifying looking sometimes at the morning but if that's the reason why he can't look at me then I guess I need to fix myself every morning now some pack members might think I'm a ghost. Meh.

"Why do you sound like you're lying?" I ask with a raised brows.

He cleared his throat and poke the inside of his cheek using his tongue and did not bother answering, not looking at me again.

I stare at him for a moment and nods my head. "I won't force you to join us then," I said understandably. I walk away while thinking of how should I approach him this time. We're friends now, right? Despite that, I can't go buddy-buddy with so quick just like what I did now, it would make him feel uncomfortable like he did just now, I need to backpedal a little.

How should I approach him then? I think I need to be passive-aggressive. When it comes to Knight and this blossoming friendship, I'm the one who needs to adjust because... right, why am I the only one adjusting? Ah, of course, because I'm Red and I am not broken-hearted like he is.

I almost fan myself. Sighs. It's so difficult being me.

"Red," I turn to him as soon as he called me.

"Hmm?"

He nods his head slowly. "I'll join you."

Eh???

My face must have shown how confused I am because Knight chuckles like it's something funny. Great, if only he can tell me what's amusing about my confusion. Wait, does he find my confused expression funny? Wooooow, way to go Mr. Always-Good-Looking-Despite-Everything.

"I—are you sure?" I asks warily. What got his mind to change?

"I am." He walked pass me casually, gone is the sharpness in his eyes from a moment ago when I called him. Mew, so this is another side of Knight huh. I wonder he's actually easy to persuade—uh nope— I do not think so. Not quite. "Move Red, I'm sure you won't be able to satisfy your hunger by staring at my back." He suddenly said out of nowhere. I just noticed he stopped walking and he is now looking at me sideways his eyebrows raised a little.

Unconsciously, my lips tugged a smirk. "You never know." I teased unable to stop myself. AHHHHHH!!! Oh my goodness, what... did... I... just... said to him?!

His eyes widen and before I can say anything, he stride towards the pack mansion without looking back.

I... I think I just messed up?

But did I saw it right? Knight's ears, was it red? It looked like it has a faint hue of red or pink.

I shrug, I'm probably seeing things. Gaaah! I'm starving! I should eat.