Pressure points
1284 Words
(Greyson)
I stood a few paces away from the bonfire, watching the embers float up into the sky. The laughter and chatter of our pack had faded, but it felt like the silence was growing heavier.
I could see Jaxon and Christian off to the side, deep in conversation. Jaxon’s body language was open, but there was something about the way Christian stood, shoulders tight, that made my gut churn.
He looked like he was wrestling with something, and I knew Jaxon well enough to sense he was hiding something too.
After a few moments, Jaxon stepped away from Christian, and I could see the relief on his face.
But as he approached me, I couldn't get rid of the feeling that something was off. I tilted my head, waiting for him to say something.
“Hey, Greyson,” He said, trying to keep it casual, but I could see the tension behind his smile.
“What was that about?” I asked, cutting straight to the point. Jaxon looked taken aback for a moment, then chuckled, trying to brush it off.
“Oh, it was nothing, just checking in on him,” He said, waving his hand dismissively.
“Really? Because it looked like more than that,” I said, crossing my arms. Jaxon’s laughter faded, and a flash of annoyance crossed his face.
“Come on, it’s just Christian trying to figure things out. You know how he is. We’re all trying to make him feel comfortable,” Jaxon replied, but I wasn’t convinced. I stepped closer, lowering my voice.
“You’re hiding something, Jaxon. I can feel it.” He scoffed, rolling his eyes.
“You’re overthinking this, Greyson. It is nothing.” But Mylo, my wolf, was already stirring, sensing my growing frustration.
'He’s not being honest, Greyson. Push him harder.' Mylo said, making me agree with him.
“You’re not good at hiding things, Jaxon. Whatever it is, it’s bothering you too. Just tell me.” Jaxon’s expression shifted. He glanced away, biting his lip, and for a moment, I thought he might open up. But then he shook his head.
“Seriously, it’s nothing. Just… something Christian said that was bothering me, but I'm okay now.” He replied.
“Don’t give me that,” I snapped, feeling frustrated.
“If it’s nothing, then why are you avoiding it? What did Christian say?” I asked, feeling irritated.
Jaxon laughed again, but this time it sounded forced.
“I’m not avoiding anything. I promise. Just a lot on my mind, that’s all.”
'He’s lying.' Mylo growled. Get it out of him.
'Greyson. You know he’s hiding something.' I stepped even closer, our eyes locking.
“What.Did.Christian.Say?” I demanded, my voice low but firm.
The last thing I wanted was for Jaxon to brush me off when I could tell something was seriously bothering him.
Mylo was practically pacing in my head, urging me to get to the bottom of this.
Jaxon’s gaze darted away again, and I could see the conflict in his eyes. He was wrestling with whether to spill whatever was bothering him. But I refused to back down.
“I know how you and Mason will react. I don't think I should tell you because it's not important...” I didn't let him finish what he was saying as I stormed over to Christian who was talking to Malachi.
I grabbed his hand and pulled him along with me, hoping that he would tell me what was going on instead of being brushed off by Jaxon.
“Hey, let me go, you big oaf!” Christian demanded, but I wasn't going to stop until I found out what was going on.
We made it to my room and I pushed him inside. He stumbled a bit but straightened up and glared at me.
“Why was Jaxon acting like that Christian? What did you say to him?” Christian crossed his arms defensively, his expression shifting from surprise to irritation.
“It’s nothing to worry about!” I took a step closer, keeping my voice steady.
“Nothing doesn’t make Jaxon look that tense. You’ve got to know that something is bothering him. So what did you say?” He ran a hand through his hair, clearly flustered.
“Okay, since you want to know so bad. I told him that I wanted to date other people.” It felt like the world was about to explode when he said that.
Mylo froze in my mind and I tried. I did try to control him but he was fighting hard to take over.
“What did you just say?” I asked Christian who was glaring at me.
“What? I should just stop living my life just because the goddess ran some sick joke about making you three my mates? I don't even know if I like men so of course I would want to explore. You can't stop me and neither can Jaxon or Mason. You think I'm afraid of you?” Christian's words hit me like a slap.
Mylo surged to the forefront, demanding to be let loose. The idea of Christian wanting to date other people ignited something primal within me, a mix of anger and protectiveness.
“Exploring?” I spat, struggling to keep my voice low.
“You think this is just a game? That you can treat our bond like it doesn’t mean anything?” Christian’s eyes narrowed.
“Jaxon already told me that it was out of the question. I only suggested it to him, Greyson, so don't get your panties in a twist. I wasn't asking for your permission, but I know where I stand, Greyson.” If he was trying to talk his way out of this, it wasn't working.
“Where do you stand?” I echoed incredulously, my voice rising despite my effort to keep calm.
“You think you can just toy with our bond like it’s nothing? Like this is just some casual fling?” Christian’s expression hardened.
“You don’t get it, do you? I’m not a piece on your chessboard. I need to figure out what I want, and if that means dating other people, then that’s what I’m going to do.” Mylo howled within me, his frustration bubbling over.
‘He’s disrespecting us, Greyson! He needs to understand that we’re not just some option for him to explore!’ I took a deep breath, forcing Mylo back just enough to regain control.
“It’s not just about you, Christian. You can’t just act like you can walk away from us whenever it suits you.” I replied.
“I’m not walking away! I’m trying to figure things out!” He shot back.
“I didn’t ask for this, Greyson. I didn’t choose to be bound to you and Mason and Jaxon.” The words stung, igniting a fresh wave of anger within me.
“So, what? You think you can just play around, see who else is out there, and if it doesn’t work out, come crawling back to us?” At that moment, I wasn't even thinking straight.
“Crawling back to you? You know what, I'm done with this conversation.” Christian made a move to leave, but I grabbed him instead and pulled him towards me.
I felt the spark when we touched. The electricity flowing through my body made it hard for me to breathe.
He looked up at me with his beautiful eyes, and just like that, my mind went blank.
I did the next thing that I knew would probably land me in a heap of mess.
I kissed him.
- Writer
