Chapter 237 - Commitment Issues

Christian had a lot in his mind given he was supposed to ensure everyone's well being in the aftermath. His father, who was still the official head of the pack, was busy integrating the willing members of the ice fountain pack into theirs. Mr Wrisberg arranged the quarters in the nearby pack for them to stay.

He headed off to the hospital, once he ensured everything was okay. He noticed that people were recovering in the hospital as well. It was a good sign. He smiled. He made sure the kids who were hidden in the warehouse were reinstated back to their households. Whose parents were injured were put in the custody of the officials of pack nursery.

Christian had to admit, even if the scene appeared to be brutal, it was nothing compared to the stories he had heard about the interpack wars of the olden times. Christian expected this one to go that bad, but thanks to their clever members, the casualty count was far too less than expected. 

Christian was back in his office arranging folders and uploading the database of their newest pack members when he received a surprise visit from Ashton. His attitude was both suspicious and confusing, until he mentioned a ring. Christian was elated, considering how much his brother would appreciate the gesture. 

Christian had seen his brother being in love, and heartbroken at the loss of his mate. He knew that despite their differences, Ashton and Caleb were meant to be and he couldn't be more happy that their relationship was moving forward.

Which brought him back to his own relationship problems. Before he was taken over by this one on one fight, he remembers Sebastian giving him hints that he might be interested, including the sudden kiss which he couldn't make any other reason for. He wanted to figure things out after everything was over, so given their current situation Christian decided to talk it out.

He knew where Sebastian lived, since he had been there before. He got dressed up and headed off to the said person's house. Once he was at the door, he hesitated. Should he… knock, he wondered. Mustering all the courage he knocked and after a few seconds the door opened to reveal Sebastian. "I thought it was you" mumbled as he welcomed him in. 

Christian entering the room took a quick glance in the room. It was so clean as if this was recently brought. Back in the city Sebastian had a maid, which Christian assumed that's how Sebastian kept his apartment clean. Seeing this room, he wasn't so sure. "Why the medicines"? Asked Christian once he noticed them at the table.

"You know werewolves and their claw marks. They tend to heal slowly." Sebastian shrugged. "I got them from the hospital"

"You okay"? Christian asked.

"Yeah, just minor scratches. I am fine" Sebastian brushed it off. "What brings you here? I heard you nailed that obnoxious Alphas wife". Sebastian snorted.

"Okay first of all, that sounds a bit.. Misleading. And secondly, Yeah, I did" Christian smirked. "I told you, I got this".

"Never doubted you," Sebastian shrugged.

"Well… now that the war is over, I think we need to talk," Christian declared. Sebastian froze for a second once he realised where their conversation was headed. Nevertheless, he turned around to have a face to face chat. 

"Yeah, I guess we do, '' Sebastian agreed meekly.

"First, I heard you say that you wished I didn't move on." As soon as Christian said it Sebastian's eyes widened. He never could have imagined that he was heard by Christian. How..? "And then you kissed me back in the hospital. Correct me if I am wrong, but that seems to be like you are interested in me… romantically." Christian declared. "So? Am I right? Or wrong, and if so please justify your actions"

"You are not wrong. I… I think I have feelings for you too" Sebastian affirmed.

"You think?" Christian narrowed his gaze.

"I mean… Yeah" shrugged Sebastian. "Look, I never thought of you like that before you confessed… I never thought of anyone like that to be honest. I felt that I might not be interested in you, but then I saw you jamming with Riley… and I think I got jealous." Admitted Sebastian.

"Riley"? Christian frowned. "He likes you" Christian reminded him, "I mean, not like like, but he is definitely your fan"

"I know…" Sebastian shivered as he recalled. He did not like Riley. 

"Then what's the problem"? Christian asked.

Sebastian sighed, "You know I have been mated before, right?" Christian gave him a gentle nod. "When I lost her… I felt so broken, even if I have never thought I loved her enough. My feelings for her were so complicated, and mating with her only made things harder, and with her death, it simply worsened. I have screwed this up before… and I.. I don't wanna do it again"

"You know I am a werewolf right? I am not fragile" Christian folded his arms.

"It's not just that. I regretted mating with her because I didn't feel so strongly about her. What if what I feel towards you is something similar. What if it turns out to be a huge mistake? Since we're both wolves we'll both end up suffering. I have really come to treasure our friendship… I don't wanna screw that up" mumbled Sebastian.

"Seems like you are afraid of commitment" Christian shrugged.

"I guess" Sebastian sighed. 

"No, I mean… it seems like your only issue is commitment." Christian repeated. "Which means, you should be okay as long as you don't have to commit, right? How about this"? Taking a pause asked Christian, "We go out. You know, date casually... See where it goes. We don't have to commit immediately. I mean I am all for the mate bond, but I think committing to it soon is stupid. We should always get to know that person."

"Wait for real"? Sebastian's eyes widened. He couldn't believe his own ears. Suddenly their relationship didn't feel so hopeless anymore. 

"Yeah, It's not like I know everything about you. This could work out for both of us".  Christian reassured him. 

"I'd like that very much" Sebastian mumbled with a smile. "So, what do you wanna do?" He asked. 

"I dunno," Christian sighed as he thought harder. "What are you going to do tonight?" Christian asked. 

"Tonight"? Sebastian frowned and tried to recall. "I was gonna order in and... watch some series and... well sleep. I haven't had that in a really long time." he mumbled. 

"Okay…" Christian trailed off, "So you're available or not"? He asked again. 

"I'm available," Sebastian nodded. "Why"? he tilted his head.

"Meet me at the front gate of my house". Christian ordered. "We're going out," he declared. 

"Like a date?" Sebastian chuckled. 

"Not like a date. It's a date" Christian clarified. Sebastian smirked at the confidence of the other Alpha. Christian turned around to leave but halted. Turning back he mumbled, "I almost forgot" walking towards Sebastian, Christian planted a kiss on his mouth, "one down, one more to go. Its revenge time." And he vanished, leaving a deeply puzzled and stunned Sebastian behind.