The Lycademy - Fire and Death

9. Drawn to

I can't believe that the past week was like a smooth sailing through classes and meetings with my friends. No dramas, no spitting, no threats and no girl problems. Either it's just a quiet before the storm or things in Lycademy can be normal for a change. To be honest, I'm afraid to find out which one it is.

After today's classes, I hopped into the shower to get ready for the party. My first party at the Academy. Hopefully, this will be a night to remember. Maybe I'll finally find some nice girl who's looking for a good time. Who knows?

To increase my chances I chose a navy button up, leaving the collar open and rolling my sleeves to my elbows. This should put me on a different level than beer-drunk guys in shorts. And that's what I like the most. Cut the competition before the game even begin.

When I was dressed for the night, I made a quick detour to the dining hall to get dinner for me and Gini. Maybe she's not up for partying, but dinner with a cousin is a completely different case. Besides, I can dodge my moron friends for one meal, especially since I'm about to spend the entire evening with them.

I knocked on Gini's door hoping I'd be received like a knight in shining armor, because what else could think a girl with anxiety like Virginia when someone is bringing her food. But when I was greeted by a short-cut man with flaming red hair, my smile dropped. What the f**k is HE doing here?

"Vaughn, what brings you here?" - Seth asked.

"I could ask you the same question." - I answered piercing him with a pointed glare. - "Is MY Cousin here?" - I asked, emphasizing the fact that I have a reason to be here. It's called family ties.

"Sure, come on in." - he said, stepping aside, allowing me to enter.

How gracious of him. I can't believe he's actually going behind my back to woo my flesh and blood who, as he said, is NOT his Mate. I think we need to go over the ground rules of the bro code once again, because seriously what the f**k?!

I looked around Virginia's living room and I noticed my cousin sitting by her kitchen table with to go container in front of her, happily munching on steamed veggies.

That only made my blood boil even more, but I can't be mad at her. Virginia is a gentle creature who isn't even capable of doing anything vile. So she probably was thinking that I had sent Seth over. I can't take my anger out on her.

"Hey Gini, I brought you dinner but it seems I wasn't that original." - I said turning to glare at Seth, and at least he had enough decency to turn away in shame. Oh, he knew he overstepped here.

"Am thanks. I can have it for breakfast, so it's actually perfect. Thank you, Vaughn." - she answered quickly, glancing between me and Seth. I wonder if she could read the room correctly and what exactly she thinks about Seth's lone visits.

"You two mind if I join you?" - I asked but the truth is I wouldn't take no for an answer. For some reason, I feel like Seth is preying on this innocent girl. My Cousin, for that matter, and before she tells me she's comfortable with him here, I'm not leaving them alone.

"Of course. Sit." - Gini said, making some room on the table for me.

This was one of the most awkward meals I ever had with Seth. He's a good friend and I never had a single thing to worry about from him. But a good friend would have told me about his intentions, like he did after his fight with Kite. However, judging by his face, he didn't want me to know about this time. I wonder if that's the only one I shouldn't know about.

"So the party, huh? What's it for? Any particular occasion?" - Gini asked after almost five minutes of dead silence. Maybe she could read the room just fine.

"No idea. I think it's just the new year's inauguration. Are you still certain you don't want to go?" - I asked her and Gini shook her head no.

"I have a date. Remember?" - she said surprisingly playfully and I almost laughed when Seth's head whipped her way so fast I was surprised his neck didn't snap.

"Oh I remember." - I answered teasingly to make him sweat even more - "That reminds me" - I snatched keys from my pocket and put them on the table - "Go nuts, Cuz."

Virginia took the keys and giggled a bit. Either she was totally oblivious to Seth watching her like a red hair hawk or she was enjoying this as much as I did. If it's the latter, the Cargaroughs are evil people.

Seth coughed nervously and shifted in his chair. He looked really miserable.

"A date?" - he asked, trying to make it sound casual, but I don't think he could be any further from it.

I tried to hold it, I really did, but once Gini giggled I burst into uncontrolled laughter. Seth, as expected, looked between us two like we were indeed mad.

"Yes Seth, a date with my sketchbook." - Virginia answered.

Seth nervously scratched his neck and nodded. Way to show you're cool, buddy.

The rest of the meal went on uneventfully. We mostly talked about Virginia's sketches. We asked easy questions like what she likes to draw the most, did she try painting and stuff like that. Surprisingly, Virginia wasn't as shut as she always is. Art is actually her thing and her face visibly brightened when she talked about it.

I reminded her that our Gramps once tried his luck with coal drawing as stress relief and we both laughed about it, because let's be honest, pictures that big bad Alpha did were worse than mine at that time and I believe I was eight back then. I even think Dad left one or two just to tease my Grandfather over family meetings pointing out how poor his talent was.

I must admit I had a pretty great time with Virginia. It was a welcome change in our relationship and I think it was a big step too. But when the clock was nearing seven thirty it was time for us boys to head to the party and for Gini to catch the last rays of her precious sunset.

"Would you give me a second with my Cousin, Bro?" - I asked Seth when we were all standing ready to go. He reluctantly nodded and stepped out of her condo into the busy and loud corridor.

I turned to Virginia watching her face closely, because for the peace of my mind and future of my friendship with Seth I needed to know.

"Gini, is Seth bothering you? Is he pestering you or overstepping or is his presence here in any way unwanted? I'm sorry to ask, I know it's not my business but I'm worried. I know how guys can be, so don't get this the wrong way, but I'm simply concerned." - I asked in all seriousness and no bullshit tone I didn't even suspect I had in me.

She looked me in the eyes. Again. And it surprised me just like the first time she did it. But when she shook her head I breathed in relief. At least I wouldn't have to fight him. Not that I would win, but I would still try. It's about family after all.

"He's actually really nice. His personality isn't as overwhelming as some can be, so I don't mind. And if you're worried, he didn't even once imply anything inappropriate. Although I'm not blind." - she answered and then looked a bit off track - "I'm not his Mate, am I?" - she asked, lowering her voice, as if she was afraid of the answer.

"I asked him, he said you're not. But he's still a guy, so don't let your guard down and if something, anything happens that you're not comfortable with, call me immediately. Day or night, I'll be here. Okay?"

She gave me a lopsided smile and nodded.

"You sound just like Vigo." - she admitted with a hint of admiration and it wasn't the worst to be compared to him, although I'm much cooler - "When did you become such a family man?"

"I don't know, maybe I'm growing up." - I admitted with a shrug.

"Well, in that case keep it up, I like this new Vaughn."

We exited her apartment and Gini went on her way to the clock tower, while Seth and I started going towards the basement. When we were alone, and there were no other students close by, I finally mustered myself for the talk.

" What are your intentions with my Cousin, Seth?" - I asked, beating myself internally for sounding like my father when Violet was going on her first date.

Seth looked at me and chuckled. I, however, couldn't stop wondering if the fair skin of a ginger bruises the same way.

"Isn't it her Father or at least her older brother who should ask that question?"

"Don't f**k with me, Man. I'm not going after your family tree." - I said, a bit irritated. He chose a bad day for charades.

"I'm an only child with just one Cousin. But he's gay though, so by all means, although his Mate could have something against it." - he said smugly.

I lost it. I grabbed him by his shirt and shoved him against the nearest wall. I know he could free himself from my hold, but he didn't, and at least his stupid smirk vanished from his face.

" I'm serious, Seth! Gini is kind, gentle and fragile. I won't allow anyone to mess with her head. You said she's not your Mate, so what's your deal with her?" - I hissed through gritted teeth.

"She's not, but I feel drawn to her and…" - he shook his head and released a deep breath - "I'm just trying to understand this. I'm not going to hurt her if that's what you're worried about, but I think she's someone very special and my wolf, he likes her presence. I'm just trying to understand it."

I watched him in disbelief and shock. Drawn to her, what does he mean by that? If she's not his Mate then what?

" Drawn how?" - was all I asked.

He shook his head once more.

" I don't know, that's what I'm trying to figure out." - he said with resignation, then he looked me straight in the eyes - "But we are friends, and you know I don't use that title lightly. I would never do anything to jeopardize it."

The one thing I knew at that very moment was that the fucker was sincere. He owes me at least that much.

I let him go and paced in front of him trying to understand. It's not what I was expecting, that's for sure. Drawn to Gini? What the f**k?! An entire school of werewolves and he had to be drawn to my Cousin. The one who is probably the most antisocial person I know. Damn, that's bad luck. No wonder I'm his only friend if he's working with those criteria.

"Are we cool, Vaughn?" - he asked me cautiously and I met his eyes.

"Yeah, but no more sneaking around. I want to know if you're seeing her." - I demanded.

"Fine, I'll let you know."

"And if she'll ever be uncomfortable with you, I expect you to just back off." - I added.

"Of course, I told you I meant no harm." - Seth accepted my rules, raising his hands.

"Alright. I can live with that." - I said with a sigh - "Let's go to that party."

Seth smirked and nodded, clapping me on the back.

I just hope they have enough booze to let me loosen up. Because, man, I need it badly.