My now soaked tank shirt and shorts clung tightly to my body as I stood sponge still in hand breathing heavily.  Emerson gave nervous and half guilty fidgeting with his curls. He offered to help me wash my car if I let him take it out. However, we were less than halfway through and he deiced drenching me with the bucket of dirty soapy water would be a better idea. 

"You better run twerp" I growled narrowing my eyes at him


"I regret nothing!" he demanded before bolting around the back of the house.

Dropping the sponge I dashed after him chasing him a couple of times around the garden bed and through the open garage before he slipped from my grip racing inside the back sliding door and locking it before I go there. banging on the glass I glared at him

"Let me in you jerk!" I snapped banging on the door.


Emerson grinned wickedly pointing to his ears pretending he couldn't hear me as he silently mouthed nonsense at the glass. I glared for a moment before racing off the back deck for the front door.  I could hear him lock it as I reached for the handle. I let out a loud frustrated groan as I banged on the door demanding he let me in. 


I didn't know how long I spent banging on the doors and windows and trying every possible way to get back in before I had given up and claimed defeated cleaning up the mess and resting on the porch steps.  It wasn't till Quinn came home two hours later than I had gotten back inside, cold from being drenched I headed straight for the shower.

Running my fingers through my freshly styled hair I fixed my dressed before heading down the stairs. I had heard Campbell's old beater truck from down the road long before it had even hit our driveway. I stopped before I had even reached the bottom step my heart dropping instantly at the site of the one person I detested more than Mateo sitting on the arm of the couch. Campbells younger brother Lennox.


Unlike Mateo and I back when Campbell and Quinn first got together, Lennox and I actually got along and were close to something that only grew.  I was entranced by his raven locks and icey grey orbs like a moth to a flame. I should of known a crush on him would end badly but back then I didn't care. Until I learned he was using me to get back at his ex. Since then even the word friends was not in the dictionary of us.  at least not for me.



"dollface" He smirked licking his lower lip 

"QUINN! WHAT IS IT DOING HERE!" I screamed storming towards the kitchen.


Quinn slowly retreated from the fridge, my rage not phasing her as she popped the tab on her cheap beer.  Slowly she turned taking a slow sip. Crossing my arms over my chest I glared her down, she knew how I felt about him and how adamant I was on him not being allowed in the house.

"It's Campbells Birthday" she stated like it was the most obvious his in the world


"And?!" I question announce growing


"Like him or not Lennox is his brother"  She insisted


"No. he's Satans demon spawn" I demanded still glaring at her.


"One night, that's all I'm asking you to put up with him. Call Strawberry or her brother to come over if you want, just please no fighting with him" she practically begged to take my hands.


"fine" I signed giving in " but I don't approve" I added storming out 




"Good to see you too babe" Lennox charmed still perched in a spot



I didn't answer him, I didn't even look at him  I flipped him my middle finger storming up the stairs to text for back up. Reaching my room I went straight for my phone to text Strawberry.


"sos, need back up Quinn invited the devil over" -


I stayed hidden in my room, waiting for Berry to text me back. I knew she had a shift at the dinner and I also knew her telling Sal to come to rescue me would be a lot more effective them me attempting to convince him. He didn't exactly like Lennox from day one and did his best to avoid him.  I stayed there for while before Emerson finally came to retrieve me, complaining about Dad and Quinn


Sure enough, as  I reached the bottom stairs the two were arguing about who had started drinking earlier. While Campbell was attempting to defuse the situation, Lennox simply leaned over the back of the couch watching the chaos instead of helped. Sighing I took a step forward prepared to scold the two older adults compete ignoring the knock on the door.


"Will you two cut it you, your acting like toddlers" I snapped


"maybe your sister shouldn't be day drinking" dad growled 


"learned it from you old man" she hisses back 

"You both have had to much to drink. were supposed to be celebrating Campbell's birthday and sobriety not listening to you two argue!" I started raising my voice

"Babe its for you!"  Lennox broke through  the fight


"Don't fucking call me that!" I snapped spinning around stopping myself from saying more as non-other the Aurora stood in the doorway.

"Aurora?" I questioned semi shocked at the sight

"I brought pie?" she  pipped grinning holding up a pie


Pushing my father and sister out of the way I rushed to the door. Lennox didn't move as he didn't' bother attempting to hide the fact he was checking her out even going as far as leaning back to look at her ass.   Taking a fist full of his leather jacket I pulled him in before shoving him forcefully into the couch.


"I told Quinn I'd be civilized, but don't test me" I warned glaring at him


"easy babe, just admiring the view" he smirk, I could feel my eye twitch, prepared to charge

I took a step forward fully read to launch my fist into his throat, however, Arouras gentle hand gripping my arm caused my anger to seemingly melt away. Letting out a breath I looked over at her she smiled gently nodding towards the open kitchen door. With long step she led me to the kitchen my eyes stayed locked with Lennox the entire time, ready to attack if he tried anything.

"Well, I'm  going to assume that he is the one Berry was rather vulgar about while asking me to come here?" She hummed a hint of amusement in her voice


"I'm sorry she called you.. I thought she'd send  Sal to tell you the truth" I admitted taking the pie from her.


"Actually, she did and he was going to send Mateo over which we Strawberry and I agreed was a horrible idea."  She informed slightly recoiling at the thought.

"I don't think I would survive that..."I admitted 


"Exactly, also its a good chance for us to get someone on one" she beamed lacing her arm with mine, we turned to leave the kitchen only to be faced by my father in the doorway.


"what's she doing here" he growled


"She's my friend" I replied suspension in my voice, he normally didn't care who we brought over.

"What pack?" he questioned eyes not leaving her.


"same as Berry, Sal and Mame, now leave her alone dad" I insisted, he gave Aurora one more look of suspension before disappearing into the basement


"Well.. he's pleasant" she admitted somewhat sarcastically 

"Only when he's been drinking all day"I  replied in the same tone gaining a giggle as we headed into the living room.




"So babe, you never introduced me to your friend" Lennox charmed draping his arm over my shoulder


"you're pushing it" I growled twisting from his grip


"I'm just trying to be friendly" he smirked 

"Alright, cmon man leave her alone" Campbell insisted pulling his brother away.


Lennox's eyes lingered on me as he was pulled away to join Emerson on the couch.  Taking my hand Aurora dragged me gently to the loveseat. Dropping down she pulled me with her, she was unfazed by Lennox. 

"It's Aurora" she greeted holding her hand out to him  I held in my groan.


"Like the princess" Lennox smirked "So princess, how do you now little Mikie here?" he hummed licking his teeth.


"Through Strawberry and Physalis" she answered simply


"Is that so?" he smirked leaning closer.  "Shortcake ever tell you what happened between Mikie?" his eyes darted to me as spoke I shot him a warning glare.


"No, actually  she didn't mention it"  Aurora answered truthfully



"We dated, in fact, I was her first boyfriend.. well first and only.  She's gone out a few but just can't get over me can you babe?" he taunted smirking at me.


"I see" she hummed  "We'll  I guess her taste has vastly improved since then" Aurora jabbed holding her head high.

"Oh yeah? what's that supposed to mean.? " Lennox dared


"Nothing to worry your head about" She smirked "Micah, why don't you give me a tour"  Auoroa insisted raising to her feet and pulling me with her.



"That was epic, I've never been able to shake him like that" I gawked once we were out of earshot


"Spend enough time around guys like Mateo, Adrian,  and my brother you learn how to find their off switches pretty quick" she bragged smiling.


 "noted" I giggled  leaning against her as I began the tour of our small abode