This chapter's dedicated to @BlueRose_712
Thank you so much for the new cover!!

Another Summer Night Without You- Alexander 23

𝖍𝖊𝖆𝖛𝖊𝖓

The sky was blue today.

The sun was shining, and a light breeze blew across the porch, ruffling my hair.

Of course, most people would be overjoyed by the warm summer weather.

I was not one of those people.

I dropped my notebook from my lap onto the ground, frustrated by my lack of inspiration.

I stared for a while longer at the endless azure of the sky, trying anything I could to find something to write about; but to no avail.

I snatched my notebook from its spot on the ground, making my way into the house.

I had spent the whole day doing absolutely nothing.

And it was driving me crazy.

I had hoped that I could at least get some writing done, but it seemed as if even my brain was too lazy to work today.

And now that it was nearing evening, I had accomplished nearly nothing.

Once I was back into the house, I went up the stairs to my room, finally deciding that if I couldn't get any writing done, I might as well get a nap in.

Nearing the top of the stairs, I heard August's voice drift from the hallway, along with Antonio's.

His voice sounded angry again, and I wondered if it was anything related to his discussion with Antonio that occurred just two nights ago.

I approached them slowly, careful not not make a sound, as I reminded myself of their superhuman senses.

"I don't care, Antonio!" He shouted, a growl lacing his voice, "We can't let him get any closer."

Hearing a similar conversation from a few nights ago, I began to get annoyed at being left out of the loop.

"I know, Alpha," Antonio replied in his much calmer voice.

I was tired of sneaking around, eavesdropping on August's conversations just to get any information that I could.

I wanted to know more about this huge threat that seemed to be looming over the pact, especially if it could potentially harm August, or any of my newfound friends.

Building up my nerve, I stepped out from behind the wall that I was hiding behind.

"Who's this guy that you guys keep mentioning?" I asked, making my voice as forceful as I could.

"Heaven!" August yelled, surprised by my sudden appearance, "How much of that did you hear?"

He seemed to be flustered by my question, which made me want an answer even more.

"Don't try to avoid my question, August," I responded.

I've heard mention of this mysterious man that they hated so much, and it was getting on my nerves that August kept refusing to tell me about it.

I was too distracted by August to notice Antonio slip awkwardly down the hall, leaving us alone.

"It's nothing, Heaven," August responded dismissively, turning away from me, "It's not for you to worry about."

I raised my eyebrow at his words.

It seemed like he noticed his mistake right away when his eyes widened and he looked towards me.

"I didn't mean it like that!" August said nervously, "Of course you should be included in important discussions, just not this one."

"Are you kidding me August?" I answered, my anger starting to take over, "You expect me to spill out my secrets to you, but you won't do the same? I don't think so."

"But, Heaven-"

I cut him off.

"No," I responded, "I have to eavesdrop on you just to try and understand what's happening because you won't tell me! I know that it took me a while to open up to you, but I've been trying my best to change that. If you aren't willing to tell me what's happening, come find me when you change your mind."

And with that, I turned around and left.

Walking quickly back to my room, I ignored August calling for me.

Once I entered my room, I snagged my phone off of the nightstand, where it's been sitting since the night I called Malia.

Hitting the redial number, I called her again.

"Heaven!" She answered on the last ring.

"Hey Malia," I answered back, "I was wondering if we could hang out sometime."

"Actually, there's a huge party happening in that clearing in the woods tonight," She said, "Wanna come? It's gonna be so fun!"

She would've never thought to invite me if I didn't call her first. I thought, but I shook it off, choosing to ignore it.

"I'll be there," I answer, mustering up fake enthusiasm.

Anywhere is better than here right now.

"Great! I'll see you then!"

She hung up, and I quickly got up and changed into something more suitable for a party.

Slipping on a pair of ripped black jeans and a large army-green crew neck along with a pair of old worn out, chunky combat boots that Tara gave to me, I took a quick look in my mirror.

Once I had fixed my hair so that it looked decent enough, I made my way over to my window, where a large oak tree just happened to be placed in perfect climbing distance.

I couldn't just walk out the front door; August would definitely try to stop me, and I didn't exactly want to see him at the moment.

Hopping ungracefully through my window, I made sure to keep it slightly open so I could sneak back in later tonight.

I made my way down the tree as stealthily as I could, only misstepping and nearly falling a few times.

Finally landing my feet on solid ground (not gracefully, I might add), I steadied myself quickly, and began my trek through the woods.

As soon as I reached the edge of the pack territory, I realized that I may have underestimated werewolf senses yet again.

Nearby, a group of pack members were patrolling the border. I held my breath, terrified that they would find me and send me back to August.

I just needed an escape from him right now.

One of the wolves, an older woman with auburn hair, tilted her head slightly as if sensing something.

She whipped her head in my direction, her chocolate eyes narrowing menacingly.

The others followed suit, turning towards my hiding spot behind a large tree.

In a moment of panic, I grabbed a pebble sitting beside my feet, chucking it as far as I could in the opposite direction of where I was standing.

The sudden sound of the rock hitting a tree was enough to draw their attention away from me for a quick moment, in which I fled, doing my best not to stumble in my haste.

Once I was in the clear, I slowed my pace back down to a quick walk.

As I made my way deeper into the woods, I began to hear the thudding bass of my friend's crappy taste in music, and the obnoxious shouts of several other drunk teenagers.

Brace yourself, I thought, mentally preparing.

And with one last deep breath, I made my way into the clearing.