Chapter 85: Best friends
Yuki’s arms wrapped securely around Xavier’s shoulders as he carried her out of the auditorium. The movement sent another sharp ache through her ribs, making her wince. Even so, the pain in her body was nothing compared to the dozens of curious eyes that followed them the moment they stepped into the corridor.
Several gazes drifted their way. After all, Xavier was pretty popular on campus and she was the infamous seductress. Whispers followed them down the hallway. The attention made her skin prickle with discomfort.
"This is embarrassing." She whispered. She buried her face against his shoulder. The fabric of his shirt smelled faintly of fresh laundry and light cologne. Some students stopped in their tracks. They watched dumbfounded as the pair passed. "Maybe I should walk on my own."
"And make your stomach worse?" He retorted. His voice was firm yet gentle. She clamped her mouth shut. She did not ask further questions about why he was going out of his way to help her or why he was being so nice. She silently watched the side of his face until another question slipped out.
"You seem to have an odd relationship with Kaden." She mentioned. Her tone was curious. "He lets you get under his nerves more than most people."
Xavier chuckled warmly. The sound rumbled through his chest. Yuki noticed that aside from Eloise, Xavier was another person Kaden was not overly strict with. "We practically grew up together." He explained. His voice carried a nostalgic note. "My dad mentored him for years. Maybe he grew a conscience after all the times he beat my ass up in the name of sparring."
"So you guys are practically best friends." She asked. Something popped into her mind. Her eyes lit up with realisation. "You were the one who hinted at Kaden to burst Ajax’s party weren’t you?"
"You should learn to mindlink me," Xavier commented. His voice dropped lower. "The walls have ears. And for the record, I did not hint at anyone." He argued playfully.
"But you are best friends," Yuki stated with a small smile.
"I do not know if you can call it that." He replied. His tone was light and self-deprecating. "He is older than me. Aside from his brothers I am his favourite punching bag next to Maverick. I prefer to think of myself as the emotionally supportive punching bag." He chuckled again. The sound was warm and easy.
"That was definitely something someone’s best friend would say." She observed. "Aren’t you scared that defending me will ruin your friendship?"
Xavier sighed deeply. "Honestly I get where Kaden is coming from." His voice grew more serious. "The resemblance between you and Aevia is unsettling. But I have never been the type to agree with everything he says." His words were vague but Yuki understood the meaning behind them clearly.
Shortly after they arrived at the infirmary. Xavier waited outside while Yuki’s injuries were being inspected inside. Eloise’s hits had been serious but there were no major injuries. The doctor examined her with careful hands. The room smelled of herbs and antiseptic.
"Just rest a bit and take the potion and painkillers to aid your wolf to heal you." The doctor prescribed in a calm professional voice after finishing the examination.
Xavier entered the room once the check was done. Yuki was lying on a bed to recover her strength. "Thanks." She chimed softly. She glanced at Xavier who had not left yet.
The doctor nodded and glanced briefly at Xavier before leaving. The door shut quietly behind him.
"Thanks for carrying me over," Yuki said. Her voice was grateful. "You should head back to class."
He gave her a weak smile. "Take care, Yuki." He said in a warm tone. He drew the curtain partitioning the beds and walked out. It left her alone in the infirmary room.
Yuki’s head fell back onto the pillow. She felt drained to the bone. After whatever had happened during the match the strength transfer had drained her afterwards. She guessed it was an aftereffect. It did not take long after her head touched the pillow before she drifted into sleep. Yuki slept until the sky started turning orange outside the window.
By the time her eyes fluttered open she was stunned to see a pair of sapphire eyes staring at her. Her heart jumped in her chest. She pushed herself up quickly. The sheets rustled under her hands.
Kaden was quietly staring at her. He stood with his hands tucked in his hoodie pockets. He leaned casually against the wall. His shoulder-length hair was not packed into its usual messy bun. It fell loosely around his face.
"What are you doing here?" She gasped. Her nails clutched the sheets tightly. His eyes slowly trailed over her with deliberate contempt as he pushed himself off the wall.
"Do not stare at me that way." He said. His voice was low and slightly rough. "Trust me I would rather not be here but for whatever reason Yasmine thought I should check up on you." That made more sense to her. Her lips twitched slightly.
"Well, you can leave." She replied. Her tone turned sarcastic. "I am fine. If you are worried Eloise might accidentally kill me and get into trouble for it there is no need to worry anymore."
Kaden could not help laughing. The sound was short and filled with amusement. "If you say so." He shrugged. "Does it hurt?" The question was a bit unexpected. His voice softened just a fraction.
Yuki smiled at him though her eyes stayed cool. "Your girlfriend was trained properly." She said. "I understand why you said medical professionals should know combat too. Turns out I need it to protect myself from jealous girlfriends."
Kaden scoffed at her words. "I can tell it does not hurt as much." He replied. "Eloise should have hit better." Yuki laughed at him but her eyes remained cold. The room fell silent for a moment. Kaden’s hold tightened on the potion he had brought in his pocket. He wanted to give it to her. Not that he cared. It was simply his duty as her lecturer.
"Bye then." She chimed. Her voice was light but firm. His gaze lingered on her for a few seconds before he walked out.
"Asshole." She muttered behind him. She did not care if he heard or not.
********
Yuki left campus shortly after. There was still a subtle pain in her stomach but most of the other injuries had healed. Her healing had improved but her wolf was still young and not used to the process.
By the time she stepped out Maverick was waiting for her along with another warrior whose name she did not know. Yuki knew they were not just there to escort her. They were also there to keep an eye on her.
"How was class?" Maverick asked. He pulled the car door open for her. His voice was gruff but surprisingly conversational. She was a bit startled. When did he start making small talk?
"I spent the entire day at the medical centre." She stated. She slid into the back seat. The leather felt cool against her skin. Maverick frowned deeply.
"What happened?" He inquired. His tone sharpened with concern.
Yuki smiled faintly. "Eloise beat the shit out of me." She stated. Maverick went silent. He did not push further. He shut the door after her then slid into the driver’s seat.
The engine rumbled to life. "Are you heading straight to the alpha’s residence?" Maverick inquired. His voice was steady.
Yuki shook her head. "No. Take me to Ravens headquarters." She requested. His frown deepened noticeably.
"Are you sure?" He asked. He sounded hesitant to take her there.
"Yeah." She chimed confidently. The car drove off toward the industrial area of the city. It arrived at the towering skyscraper belonging to the Ravens Group conglomerate. The tallest building in Ravenscourt capital gleamed under the orange evening sky.
"Are you seeing someone?" Maverick asked after parking the car. His voice carried a note of caution.
"Yes. Take me to Killian." She requested. "Tell him it is important."