Chapter 48: The Race

CALEB 'Kyle knows what he saw. I believe him too." My mind drifted to Aaron. My hunches were almost never wrong, and I was ready to test out my theory. 'I didn't say he's lying. He might just be unsure. I wouldn't blame him though. There have been a lot of sightings lately." She began walking forward, away from the ward. I followed. 'Sightings?" 'Yes. More and more people are saying they've been seeing ‘strange things.' Werewolves are one of them. I think it has something to do with the upcoming Luna festival happening in Henley." This was a lot to take in. 'And no one is doing anything about it?" 'It's just rumors. Until it's probably caught on camera, no one would believe them." This was the fucked up mentality of an equally fucked up generation. My brother was on the verge of death, because no one could ‘catch' him on camera. 'Thank you, Dr. Flora." I said. She nodded, turned to walk back, then paused. 'How's Helena?" I froze. 'I saw her here a few weeks ago with Veronica. I must say she's looking pretty radiant. You're doing a good job." She said, smiling. I sighed, folding my fingers into fists. Flora didn't know that we'd broken up. She was my family doctor, but she didn't have access to too many details. I shrugged. 'I'm not with her anymore." She gasped, then frowned. 'You have to tell me everything. I have someone to attend to right about now," she glanced at her watch, 'so we'll catch up later. Don't fret too much over Kyle. He'll be fine." I hoped so. AARON. I sped past trucks, cars, pedestrians, and even bikers. I wanted to see Helena before she left the bakery. I got there in a record time of 59 seconds, and walked in briskly. The fresh scent of baked flour and other ingredients wafted into my nose, and my mouth watered. Underneath the overwhelming scent, I could smell Helena too. I followed my nose, immediately spotting her in line for the coconut bread. I waltzed over, earning myself confused glances from other customers. I was still in my chef's uniform. 'Aaron!" Helena smiled the moment she saw me. 'Ah ha! I knew you'd smile." I casually placed my hands in my pocket. She frowned almost immediately, and I smirked. 'I didn't smile when you asked me to." She grumbled. 'Who's the big baby now?" I laughed. She eventually smiled, and loosened up. 'What are you getting?" 'Coconut bread. None for you." She folded her arms. Why was this woman so cute? 'I'll just get some for myself." I scanned my eyes over the waiting area. 'You can try." She stuck out her tongue. I spotted a short line for chocolate bread, nudged her, and walked towards the line. 'That's not fair!!" She yelled. 'Life isn't fair mi lady." I smirked back at her, and focused my steps on getting to the line. I could feel her glaring into my back, and smirked. I ignored her gaze for the rest of the wait, until I got my bread. Their customer service was fairly efficient, and I was grateful. The line for coconut bread was increasing. I wondered just how good it was. It was finally my turn, and I took my bread and paid. I was a big fan of chocolate, so this would be perfect. I glanced back at Helena, and she was just getting hers. Our gazes locked, and my heart skipped a beat. Those big brown eyes get me every time. I motioned for her to wait for me at the exit, only to catch her walking off without me. 'Hey, I told you to wait." I called as she walked off. No response. 'Helena?" I tugged on her shirt. She walked faster. She crossed the next street, walking like her life depended on it. Her bag was swaying with effort. Was she really mad at me? I ran up to her, and pulled her by the wrist. She fell into my chest, and my hands instinctively went to her waist. She gasped audibly, and I gazed deep into her eyes. We stood under a street light that cast a golden yellow color above us. Her eyes were wide and nervous, and it only made her look more alluring. 'Do you really think you can run from me?" I whispered. HELENA 'Do you think you can run away from me?" Aaron's deep voice rumbled into my ears. I was lost in his green eyes, which had a light yellow glow under the street light. The nylon that had my bread wrapped was on the ground, but all I could focus on was the intensity of his eyes. I stuttered for a second. 'Mm? What was that?" He whispered, leaning closer. Oh goodness. 'I can beat you." I found myself saying. He raised his brows, releasing his hands from my waist. Then, he smirked. That smirk. Gosh. I straightened my clothes, and bent to pick my paper bag. My hands were trembling. My breath was shallow. I wanted that warmth again. 'You think you could beat me in running?" He said, half amused. He pulled me by the wrist, leading me down the street. I didn't protest. I wanted his touch in any way. That sounded less dirty in my head. 'I don't think, I know I can." I replied to his question. I used to be an athlete. In college. Aaron scoffed, and I smiled inwardly. 'You realize running is basically a hobby for me." He gloated. 'Can you run without using your abilities?" I smiled, tilting my head at him. We were at least half a mile from the farmhouse. He paused, pondering. 'I haven't tried it before, but I can. I'd still beat you though." His other arm swung freely, and I could see the chocolaty goodness of the bread basically calling out to me. My stomach rumbled. 'How about this, the first person to run to that pole at the end of the street and back, gets a piece of the other's bread." I offered. I had to have a taste of that chocolate. 'Are you sure about that Helena?" He said. His tone was serious, a little concerned. I frowned. 'Jeez, you don't have to be that serious. It's just a bet. Or are you scared that I'll beat you?" I teased. 'No, you're the one who should be scared." He stopped in his tracks, and drew a line on the pavement with his claws. We both dropped our paper bags, and positioned ourselves behind the line. It was a bit late, so there weren't many people on the road. Perfect. I was putting on corporate trousers, and running in these wasn't a problem. Aaron took off his chef's hat, alongside the shirt, exposing his tattooed chest and muscles. Not fair. I tried my best to ignore the steaming hotness beside me, and tried to warm up my muscles a bit. It'd been a while since I last ran. 'Ready.." Aaron cracked his neck. 'Steady…" I took off my heels and knelt. 'Go." We said simultaneously, and I took off. Adrenaline pumped harshly into my veins, and I propelled myself forward. I could hear Aaron laugh behind me, and I smiled. We touched the pole almost at the same time, and the journey back began. I sprinted as quickly as I could, but at the last minute, Aaron gained paces ahead of me. 'No!" I yelled in frustration, trying to catch my breath. 'Not fair! You….you cheated." I said between breaths.