Chapter 49 - Why... Are You Here?

Ashton ran out the cafeteria as fast he could. He felt bad that he took out his frustration on a glass. He was a little too surprised the moment he heard that Caleb was supposed to get together with that lady, Karolyn. So much so that he crushed the glass and bled himself. 

Of course being a wolf it won't take him much longer to heal, but that doesn't mean it didn't hurt. When the owner saw the situation instead of scolding him for the glass she scolded him for injuring himself. She made sure that he left the cafeteria at that very moment and he obeyed her knowing that it was best if his healing took place while he was out of here.

He decided to not give it much thought and got himself busy with helping his mom after finishing his homework. His mother could tell something was bothering him. She knew that everytime he faced a conflict, instead of sharing his problems he liked to ignore it and get immersed in numerous distractions. 

She knew him well enough to understand not to poke him about it. So she handed him even more chores to keep him busy. She would love to give him suggestions, but Ashton wouldn't be bothered to hear anything. 

After their dinner Ashton felt a but uncomfortable. Not only by the recent events which made him frustrated, but also with the fact that he didn't transform even once for a long time that is a few months for which he was here. As a wolf, changing his form from time to time was somewhat mandatory. He knew sooner or later he would need to transform, even if it is just for a while.

Now that the circumstances were cooler, with resolving the witch situation and all, the timing couldn't be more perfect. Since his wolf form was bigger than his human form he decided to jump out of his window while transforming before landed.

He roamed around the house a bit but when he heard footsteps approaching, that too with a running pace, and thus he hid himself in the shadows. Being a pitch black wolf, the midnight ambience provided him with a perfect Camouflage. 

Once the person was close enough he could recognize the scent as well and therefore decided that may be it was safe to reveal himself after all. Slowly and gradually he progressed with steps so soft even he couldn't hear them. He stood next to Caleb who appeared a little tinier than his wolf form. He observed the other's movements as he tried to deduce the reason for his sudden visit. 

The way he kept looking at the window made it obvious that Caleb wanted to talk to him. He couldn't deduce why, but given their current status of cold and distant attitudes, he thought it must be something urgent. 

When it had been almost over a minute and Caleb still didn't notice him he nudged him with his snout. Startled and taken aback, Caleb retracted himself with a terrified expression. This wasn't the first time he had seen this expression on someone who witnessed his wolf form. Feeling dejected, he turned away his head.

He was sure that now that Caleb knew his true monstrous form he would maintain his distance further. He thought that it was for the best, since it would prevent him from getting involved further with the wolves here more that he already was. Which is why Ashton was surprised when he felt soft touch on his fur.

He turned his head to see Caleb grazing his hand through his fur as he stared at him, mesmerized. What changed? He wondered. Nevertheless he knew that being in the wolf form won't really help them with any conversation so he pushed away the hand from him went to hide behind the house. 

Caleb stood there confused for a moment before Ashton emerged in his human form wearing nothing but shorts. It made sense he didn't have much clothes outside given he was near his house itself. Yet somehow, Caleb felt a bit flustered seeing him like this. 

Caleb looked away for a moment until he heard Ashton ask, "Why...are you here"? Caleb looked back and tried to focus on Ashton's face while trying to maintain a straight face. "I… wanted to talk".

"Why? I thought you don't want to. You were pretty clear about that"! Ashton spat at him in anger. 

"I thought so too" Caleb mumbled. Ashton, who heard him of course asked, "What"?

"I am sorry, for pushing you away". He said after clearing his throat. 

"Why? You were right to do that. Besides you will have a mate soon, you better stop hanging out around me. People already get the wrong idea about us" Ashton rolled his eyes as he approached Caleb. He walked until they were standing face to face. 

"What are you talking about"? Caleb looked at him suspiciously. "I told you before, I am not interested in dating".

"You also told me today that you had a date". Ashton shrugged. 

Caleb sighed in frustration as he could sense that their conversation was headed towards an heated useless argument. "Just… let it go already. I apologized".

"I am not mad at you or anything". Ashton sighed. "I just…" he trailed off and paused for a moment while Caleb waited for him continued, "... I don't really understand why all of a sudden you changed your attitude".

"It's a long story" Caleb brushed it off.

"I got time" Ashton shrugged.

Caleb blinked before he asked, "Aren't you cold? Shouldn't you get dressed"? It was bothering Caleb a lot and he could not just keep quiet about it anymore. I mean sure he was used to seeing the wolves from his pack half naked all the time, but not Ashton.

"I'm a wolf. You know we don't get cold easily" Ashton rolled his eyes. "Come on in". Ashton gestured for him to go to his room before he himself climbed through the pipes to his window. Once he was inside he looked out to see Caleb glued to his position as he hesitated.

Caleb needed to return soon but he also wanted to stay here. He needed to come up with a good excuse to give when he eventually shows up. "You don't want to"? Ashton asked him which prompted his conflicting thoughts. 

"Screw it" Caleb mumbled as he followed the same suit and got inside.