Adea
“I’ll come with you,” I said. Leo was surprised as she looked at me.
“You don’t have to do that. Gabe is still on duty, so you should stay here. I’ll be back before his sparring session is up,” Leo said. As if on cue, Gabe was by my side. I hadn’t seen him get up or make his way over.
“I don’t know how long I’m going to be or if I’ll end it early,” Gabe said. His eyes were on Briana and the way Leo held her in his arms. I could see the curiosity in his eyes but he didn’t say anything.
“You can’t end it early. Your sparring partner is in Tier 3 and could use some of your expertise. Help him out,” I said. Gabe huffed but didn’t say anything.
“Do what you want,” he said before curtsying and strolling towards his partner. Turning to Leo and Briana, I gave him a firm look. I was going and that was that. Leo grunted and turned from me. I followed him as we headed off the field. I mind-linked the pack doctor.
Doc? Are you free right now?
Luna? What’s wrong?
I need your assistance. One of our warriors was injured during training today.
I was worried you’d gotten yourself hurt again.
Oh no, I’m fine but she needs help. Where would you like to meet?
Meet me in my office. It’s down the hall by the meeting rooms.
Perfect. See you there!
“I’ve mind-linked the doctor. He’s free and said to meet us in his office,” I said.
Neither of them spoke and we walked in silence. The two of them hadn’t said anything and didn’t have anything to say so I continued behind them. Leo must have shown up to the training to take over for Gabe. He would be covering tonight and I flushed as I remembered he stood outside the door last night.
“I’ve noticed you act differently around the other guard,” Briana said, breaking the silence. Leo didn’t say anything as he carried Briana. Before we left I had seen Gabe’s partner lunge at him. I didn’t have to worry about Gabe, the times I’ve seen him fight proved that. I was hoping he would give his new partner some pointers.
“I still haven’t gotten used to this place. You and Gamma Darci fit right in,” Briana said. Her tone was quiet but almost accusatory. I couldn’t see Leo’s face but from the back, I noticed how his shoulders tensed.
“We haven’t been here long enough,” Leo said, ignoring the last half of what she had said.
“Do you miss it?” Briana asked.
“Do you miss it?” Leo shot back.
“I asked first,” Briana said. They were close and I wondered what they were to each other. Old friends? Had they grown up together before they came to Desert Moon?
“Why are you doing this?” Leo asked.
“Doing what?”
“Why are you asking me this?”
“I just wanted to know,” Briana said.
“I’m not sure why you would ask that.”
“We’re close and I thought I’d ask. I’m curious,” Briana said.
“I’ve got a position here-” Leo started.
“You had a position there too,” Briana cut him off.
“Did I? Or was that just a title? Something that told me what I was and where I was stationed in life?” Leo asked.
“You had a position. I thought you of all people-”
“Had, Bri, HAD, and what about me? His voice was angry and I heard a hint of a growl in his tone. “That I what? We’re here now and I don’t want to think of ‘before’. My life is quiet here and I would like to keep it that way. I want my past to stay behind me. Don’t bring it up again.”
“When did you change?” Briana asked. “What made you change your mind?”
“Did I say I changed my mind?” Leo growled. “I like it here. There’s nothing wrong with me liking it. This is our home now and you should remember that.
“It looks like you have.” Briana stared intently at Leo. His shoulders were tense and his head was down. She didn’t say another word as Leo stared back at her.
“I haven’t forgotten,” Leo growled. “Keep bringing it up and I’ll make you walk the rest of the way.”
“It’s not like I haven’t been this hurt before,” Briana said.
Well, that was awkward.
You’re telling me, Kor.
To that, Leo went silent. He didn’t look down at her, his eyes remained on the road in front of him. I couldn’t see her face but I wondered what kind of expression she had. We walked in silence the rest of the way.
I ran forward and opened the front door open for them. Leo walked through and I closed the door shut behind us. Doctor James was waiting in the sitting room. He stood a few inches above me, he had beautiful dark skin and he was handsome for his age.
The last time he had seen me, I had been unconscious. I stepped forward and explained what happened to Briana as we walked down the hall. Leo followed behind with Briana until we came to a door. Opening the door, we walked into a roomy seating area.
“You can have a seat while I look over her,” Doctor James said. Leo shook his head. Finally seeing Briana, she rested her head on Leo’s chest, her eyes were closed. Leo turned to face me.
“We’ll be fine now,” Leo said. “I’ve got it from here. You can go find Gabe while I stay with Bri.” I looked between the two of them, unsure if I should leave. “Alpha will not be happy if he finds you unguarded. I’m still reporting for evening duty. I’ll find you after I see to her.”
“Okay,” I sighed in defeat. “Please take care of her, Doc.”
“Of course, Luna. Enjoy the rest of your evening,” James said. I waited for him to usher them into the backroom before leaving.