A quiet escape
1143 Words
(Christian)
When we finally got the new bed set up, I helped straighten the blankets and pillows. Greyson had been watching me the whole time, which made me feel even more awkward than usual.
I knew he wasn’t trying to make me uncomfortable, but I could feel his gaze like he was waiting for me to say something.
I didn’t.
Instead, I mumbled something about needing fresh air and slipped out of the room before anyone could stop me.
My chest felt tight as I made my way to the kitchen. I didn’t know what to do with myself anymore.
Everything felt heavy—being here, being around them, and pretending like I was okay when I wasn’t.
I found Pops sitting at the table while talking to Cody and drinking a cup of coffee. He glanced up when I came in, a smile spreading across his face.
“Hey, kid,” He said, leaning back in his chair.
“What’s up?” I shrugged and waved to Cory, who got up and left, saying that he had some things to get done.
“Just needed a break. The guys are... a lot sometimes.” Pops chuckled.
“They’re excited to be around you, Christian. That’s not a bad thing.” I sighed, looking down at my hands.
“I know. It’s just... I don’t know if I fit here, Pops. I don’t even have my wolf yet. What if I never get it? What if I never... belong?” Pops set his cup down, his expression softening.
“You belong, Christian. You’re my son, and this pack is your family. Wolf or no wolf, that doesn’t change.” I wanted to believe him, but the doubts wouldn’t leave.
“Yeah, but what about them?” I asked quietly.
“Greyson, Mason, Jaxon... they’re my mates, and I don’t even know if I’m—” Pops held up a hand, cutting me off gently.
“Christian, take a breath. You don’t have to figure everything out right now. Just give yourself time. No one’s rushing you.” I nodded, swallowing the lump in my throat.
Pops always knew what to say, even when I felt like my world was crumbling.
“Why don’t we get out of here for a bit?” He suggested.
“Just you and me. We’ll go to town, grab some stuff, and clear our heads. Sound good?” I hesitated, then nodded.
“Yeah, okay. That sounds good.” We didn’t tell anyone where we were going. Pops just grabbed his keys, and we left.
The drive to town was quiet but not uncomfortable. Pops kept the radio low, humming along to some old song I didn’t recognize.
When we got to the store, we wandered the aisles, grabbing snacks, toiletries, and a few things we probably didn’t need.
Pops kept cracking jokes, trying to make me laugh. It worked, mostly because he was so bad at it.
At one point, he grabbed a giant stuffed bear off a shelf and held it up like it was some kind of trophy.
“Think your dad would like this?” He asked with a grin. I snorted, shaking my head.
“He’d probably throw it at you.” Pops laughed, putting the bear back.
“Yeah, you’re probably right.” By the time we checked out and loaded the bags into the car, I was feeling lighter than I had in weeks.
“Thanks, Pops,” I said as we drove back to the house.
He glanced at me, his smile soft.
“Anytime, pup.”
When we got back, Dad was waiting outside, his arms crossed and his jaw tight.
“Where the hell were you?” he snapped as soon as we got out of the car.
I froze, the tension in the air hitting me like a punch to the gut. Pops raised a hand, trying to calm him down.
“Relax, Landon. We just went to town for a bit. It wasn’t a big deal.” Pops tried to argue his way out.
“Not a big deal?” Dad’s voice rose, and I flinched.
“You didn’t tell anyone where you were going! Do you have any idea how worried I was?” Pops sighed, rubbing the back of his neck.
“I’m sorry. I should’ve told you. But Christian needed some time, and I thought—”
“You thought?” Dad interrupted, his eyes blazing.
“You didn’t think, Micah! What if something happened? What if—” I stopped him before he could continue.
“That’s enough!” I snapped, stepping between them.
“Don’t yell at Pops! It wasn’t his fault. I needed to get out of here, and he was just trying to help me.” Dad’s glare melted away slightly as he looked at me, but his anger didn’t completely fade.
“Christian, I’m not mad at you. I’m mad because I didn’t know where you were. What if something happened to you or Micah? You’re my family. I know that we are immortals, but we can still feel pain, I don't want anyone to hurt either of you.”
I crossed my arms, glaring at him.
“Then maybe you should trust Pops more. He’d never let anything happen to us. You know that.” Dad’s shoulders sagged, the fight draining out of him.
“I know,” he said quietly.
“I just... I worry.” Pops stepped forward, resting a hand on Dad’s shoulder.
“I get it, Landon. But you’ve gotta trust me, okay? I’d never let anything happen to me or our pup.” Dad sighed, running a hand through his hair.
“I do trust you. I’m sorry for overreacting. I just... I love you both so much, and the thought of losing either of you scares the hell out of me.” Pops pulled him into a hug, and I looked away, feeling like I was intruding.
“Alright, enough of that,” I muttered, trying to lighten the mood.
“Let’s get these bags inside before Matt eats all the snacks.” Dad chuckled, ruffling my hair as he stepped back.
“Good idea, pup.” Pops grinned, grabbing a few bags.
“See? This is why I brought him along. He keeps us on track.” I rolled my eyes but couldn’t help the smile tugging at my lips.
As chaotic as my life felt sometimes, moments like this reminded me that I wasn’t alone.
Even if I didn’t have my wolf, even if I wasn’t sure about my mates, I had Pops and Dad.
And for now, that was enough because this was all I ever wanted. To spend time with my parents and to forget about my worries, even if it was just for a little while.
- Writer
