18. Kairo

18Kairo

I heldon to Justin as the slow song played softly over the speakers. It wasn’t difficult to see Justin’s mind wasn’t with me, even though he was right here in my arms. He was obviously shaken by the harsh words Alex spat at us. “I’m sorry that this night probably isn’t turning out like you wanted it to.” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “I don’t know what his problem is. He isn’t usually so rude.”

Justin’s kind eyes lifted to meet mine as we swayed to the music, wrapped up in each other’s arms. “He clearly doesn’t like me. That’s obvious.”

I sighed. “But I don’t get it. You’re a great person, and you’re my mate. What’s not to love?” I stared at him, wrapping my arm around his waist more tightly. From the other side of the dance floor, Alex was staring at us, and his eyes were glazed over in the darkness. “Maybe he’s in a mood. Or jealous,” I continued.

“Maybe he is jealous, but it’s not about you having your mate,” Justin offered. “He could very easily be jealous because he thinks someone is taking you away from him. You know, friends can get very territorial, and that may be what’s bothering him.”

“He doesn’t need to worry about that,” I argued. “I’m not going to forget he’s my best friend. I would never do that to him. We’ve been through a lot, and I wouldn’t abandon him like that.”

The more I considered Justin’s words, I thought maybe he was really onto something. Maybe there was a part of Alex that wanted to make sure nothing changed between us. I supposed, in a way, I could understand that.

The song ended, and we pulled away from one another. “I don’t want to come between you and your best friend. You know that, right?”

“And you won’t!” I reassured him. “But you’re my mate, and I don’t like the way he treated you.” I sighed, “Can you give me a second to talk to him?”

“I’ll go grab something to drink,” Justin said, leaving the dance floor. And I watched him all the way to the bar before turning to focus on my friend. I didn’t waste any time heading over to where Alex stood. He smirked as I approached him. “Decided to do away with your shadow? Didn’t think it was possible.”

“Why are you calling him that? He did nothing to you, and he’s my mate. Why aren’t you happy for me?”

“You can do better, to begin with,” Alex started. “Besides, since when did you start believing in all that fate crap.” He shrugged. “I just feel you’re doing a disservice to yourself if you stay with someone just because you think he’s your mate. Ever thought you might be wrong about that. Cause you might be, you know….” He shrugged again, “Just saying.”

My eyebrows furrowed together, and I stared at him. “I’m not wrong.” And even if I was, I had a feeling I’d still pick Justin. I like the man I was becoming with him. “but even if you think I am, you should respect me enough to be nice to him.” I looked away from him, zeroing my eyes in on my mate without even having to seek him out as he headed back in our direction. He stopped before he could reach us. Clearly, he could feel Alex’s attitude towards him, and I didn’t blame him for not wanting to be around it. He gestured to a table close to where he was and moved towards it, giving us privacy. I watched him as he took a sip of his drink, and I realized Justin wasn’t trying to come between Alex and me, which I believed, but the choice would be simple if I had to choose between the two of them. I hope I didn’t have to make a choice, but I knew without a doubt what it would be if I had to. I shook my head. “This was a mistake bringing him here.”

“Well, at least you know that. Now you can send him on his way, and the party can really begin.” He looked like he actually thought that was a possibility. “Took you long enough, but I knew you’d get bored with him.”

I sighed and shook my head, “Clearly, you don’t get it. I’m taking him home. We’re going… as in my shadow and I, are leaving!” I raised my voice to make my point clear to Alex. From the corner of my eye, I saw Justin glance in our direction. I motioned for him to come over and meet up with us. “This wasn’t a smart idea. I wanted to stay at home with Justin and the kids, and he agreed, willingly, to come to meet you. But if you want to be a jerk about it and not even try and get to know him, then I don’t know what to tell you.” I turned to Justin and grabbed his arm. “Let’s go baby.”

“What?” Alex reached out and grabbed my arm, startling me. I yanked my arm back and glared at him. “You just got here. We haven’t even had time to talk. You can stay, and I’ve already ordered an uber for Justin.”

“What?” I glared at him. “What gave you that right? Who do you think you are? Justin is not leaving here alone. I will take him home, and we’ll stay there.”

“Kairo, you don’t need to,” Justin argued, coming in closer. I met his gaze, and he shook his head. “It’s alright. I understand that you have your friends and I have mine. If it’s easier on Alex, I’ll just go.”

I grabbed his hand and pulled him away from Alex so we had privacy to talk. “This isn’t right. He is a juvenile asshole, and I don’t want to be around him right now.”

“He’s your best friend, and hey, it’s nice that he got me an uber, right?” He laughed, but I wasn’t finding any humor in this. “It’s fine, Kairo. I promise you. You stay and hang with your friend. We’re not meshing well, and maybe one day, that will change. Maybe it won’t, but I think you need to take a moment to be with Alex. I have no problem heading home.”

Justin walked over to Alex, and I hurried to keep up with him. I missed what he said to Alex before he brushed past him and walked towards the front of the club, but I had my own words to deal with.

“This was wrong, Alex. On so many levels, this was wrong. You’re better than that.” I rubbed my brow and asked, “So, what happened.” When Alex opened his mouth, I held up my hand and shook my head. “You know what? On second thought, I don’t even want to know. I care about Justin, and you could care less that I’m happy. For once in my life, I am happy! He holds my heart and soul. I am his mate. And you are obviously more concerned about yourself.” I shook my head as Alex simply stood there and stared at me. “This will never happen again. If you can’t support who I love, then you can’t be in my life. Try this shit again, and our friendship is over.”

With that, I hurried past him and towards the front door of the club. I needed to get to Justin, and I needed to apologize for Alex’s behavior. He didn’t deserve that, but right now, I was so pissed at the one man I thought was my best friend that I couldn’t see straight.

I reached the exit doors and stepped into the air, but after looking up and down the streets, I didn’t see him anywhere.

“Justin!” I called out. There was no use. He was already gone, and I hoped this didn’t cloud his vision of me. Gods please let this another thing I fuck up.