TWENTY-TWO

“Alpha Slade,” My mum’s voice sounded ecstatic and over the moon as she answered the phone on the first ring. It’s been like a lifetime since I heard her sound so overjoyed and a warmth quickly spread through my stomach. I’d prayed many days for her to be happy again, she has done a lot and she deserves it.

I glanced quickly at Slade who was pressed against the wall staring at me with a bored expression and both hands tucked into his pant pockets.

“Hello mom, It’s me,” I say coolly. I hated that I had to put the phone on loud speaker, I hated that he had to be present even, and with him watching me with that look on his face, there was only so much I could say.

“Aria!” Mom gasps “Your cell is suddenly no longer reachable. Are you alright?” she asked.

“That’s because Slade doesn’t trust me enough to keep a phone. In fact, he’s listening to this conversation right now,” I eyed him.

“Oh!” mum paused “That means you know now?” she asked.

“About his kind? Yes I definitely do,” I sighed “Wh