---- Adulthood: The state or condition of being fully grown or mature. ----

"Wait, wait, what?!" I was struggling to talk while gasping for breath.

Kenneth and I were going full on the combat training and by that point I was pretty tired. Well, at least I was giving it all I had. I was perfectly aware Kenneth always held back just enough not to hurt me. I didn't heal like normal werewolves, so it was best for me not to get much injured to begin with.

Still, the words he had just spilt as if talking about the weather pushed felt like a slap on the face. I responded throwing a punch as hard as I could.

"I said," he avoided my punch and trapped my arm. He twisted it, forcing me to turn my back to him. He slid his free arm around my neck and did a light chokehold on me, immobilizing my other arm on the small of my back. I grunted, struggling to get free with little success. When I calmed down, he continued. "I'm thinking about going to the college."

The dizziness after all the physical effort did not hinder my heart to nearly bump out of my chest when I felt the combination of his body against mine and his ragged breath on my ear. I pushed those inappropriate thoughts away in the back of my mind and concentrated on his words.

"College..." I repeated, the whole meaning sinking in like a punch to my stomach. "Well, that is... Great Kenneth." I lied, glad that he could not see my face.

"You think so?" I could notice the doubt in the tone of his voice.

I shut my eyes close, feeling guilty and selfish. I had more than enough time to prepare for this moment and I was not behaving the way I should have. I exhaled and tapped the arm that was still choking me for him to release the grip.

"Well, of course!" I pulled my lips up in the most natural way possible and turned around to face him the moment he let me free. "How can I not be happy about you trying your best?"

He furrowed his eyebrows, not buying it. I rolled my eyes and sighed loudly.

"Ok! Ok! It just made me feel old!" He arched his eyebrow and a corner of his tempting lips curled up. I tore off my eyes from his mouth and placed them back on his eyes, "It is a slap of reality if your younger brother is already deciding whether or not to go to university!"

I winced a little while saying the last sentence. I had realized for a while already that I didn't see him as a brother, but I did not want to make him uncomfortable nor burdened. Being his childhood friend slash daughter of his master, the prospective of him taking it lightly was close to zero.

"Looks like being in the second year of your own degree is not enough reality for you so..." A smug grin played in his mouth, practically asking me to punch him. Which I did. Hard. He flinched, massaging his bicep with furrowed brows. "That was nasty!"

"Mmm... I concede. But you deserved it anyway!" I laughed, sticking my tongue out and turning on spot, heading to the door that connected the gym with the rest of the house. "Now come on, you also deserve a burger at Franky's." I stopped by the door and opened it, doing a courtesy indicating him to get out before me. "My treat."

"I heard that! You cannot take it back!" I did not need to lift my head to picture him rejoicing with the news. He skipped to where I was and bowed in return. "It will be my pleasure. Now, Miss Riley," he lifted his arm above me and grabbed the door, placing his free hand on my lower back and pushing me outside easily despite my insistence to keep the bowing position, "I will be expecting you at the entrance in..."

He let the sentence open and I pondered what would I need to be ready: definitely a shower, but I could skip the blow-drying. The weather being nice enough for a much needed air-dry.

"Give me thirty minutes." I said, stepping away to let him get out and close the door behind him. He turned around and did double thumbs up, throwing a wink together that made my heart quiver a little. "Well, well, aren't we happy!"

"What can I say... You know how to spoil me."

I arched a brow and smirked at him, placing both my hands on my hips.

"Don't you mean bribe?" his expression flickered and his self-sufficient smile faded a bit when realizing I was right. I chuckled and started moving to my room, not giving him the chance for a comeback.

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I did a final check on the mirror while putting the sneakers on. I had quickly decided on short jeans combined with a V-neck t-shirt that had just the right amount of cleavage. I pulled out the necklace he gave as a present for my 18th birthday and placed on my neck, caressing it carefully.

As much as I repeated myself it was not a date, I could not help but feel nervous. Ever since I could not ignore the fact that I did not see Kenneth as a younger brother anymore, I had tried to be a more "feminine" version of myself. Still no skirts nor dresses, but I started wearing clothes that fit my body better. Sometimes I threw in some cleavages a little bit of makeup. Like today.

I played a couple of seconds with my damp hair, but I gave up. Soon it would make the 30 minutes and probably Ken was waiting for me outside already. I grabbed my purse and bolted out, not wanting to be late.

"Rie!" a voice called me from behind the moment I hit the first step downstairs. I made a full stop and leaned backwards to see my brother heading towards me. "I just finished training, wanna go grab a bite?"

I reprimanded myself for the disappointing feeling that washed through me when hearing his words. This was not a date and having Max around would keep my feet on the ground about those wild ideas I could not control. I forced the most natural smile I could and tilted my head to the entrance door.

"I was just in my way to Franky's with Ken. We're kind of celebrating, so it is my treat." Max made it next to me and leaned on my shoulder with a mischievous smile.

"Kind of celebrating what?" his raised brow, amusement sparkling in his green eyes. I was about to respond when he jumped down the first steps, placing himself at my eye level. "Also, would that treat extend to me too?"

My eyes widened in disbelief, but my lips curled up against my will. I slapped his toned bicep and sighed, continuing my way down the stairs.

"I suppose it would..."

Max made out a triumphant pose accompanied by a low "yes!" and finished the flight of stairs with a couple of jumps. Once on the bottom, he turned to me, offering his arm for me to lace, which I did. He opened the door for me with a short bow and we exited the house together.

The moment I faced forward, I saw Kenneth standing next to the jeep that I most usually used. We approached him and once we were close enough to talk, Max let my arm go and stood next to Kenneth with a big grin plastered on his face.

"Riley didn't tell me what we are celebrating yet, but I suppose you do not mind me joining the occasion, do you?" he patted the omega's shoulder, winking at him.

I could not see my brother's face, but Kenneth's face changed from surprised to a sincere smile in a couple of seconds. I did not notice when they had smoothened the friction between them, but it had been for a while and I could not be happier about it.

"You are always more than welcome Maxim..." the future Alpha cleared his throat loudly, not letting him finish the word. I chuckled a little when Kenneth slightly rolled his eyes. "Max. The more, the merrier."

"That were my thoughts exactly!" he smacked the boy's back and indicated with his head to sit in the back. "Especially when Rie pays..."

"Hey!" I protested, hands on my hips. Max winked at me and opened the door for me.

"Well, you are the one that is already making some money with your little experiments for the university..."

He closed the door after I entered the car and hopped to the driver's seat while I buckled up.

"It's not 'experiments'. It is called research." I pouted, crossing my arms.

Kenneth snickered in the back and I felt some blush taint my cheeks.

"Yes, miss future pharmacist." Max's mocking tone did not match the proud look in his eyes when he turned to me. We smiled at each other and he started the engine. "Hope you are ready, because burgers are waiting for us!"

Thanks to my brother's neck-breaking speed driving skills, we arrived at Franky's before the peak hour. We entered and the waiter greeted us in a respectful way, directing us to a table. We didn't have to check the menus as we already knew what we had come for.

"Three Franky's special burgers, please." I said before he could leave, giving him my friendliest smile.

The waiter smiled back at me and took his notebook out, writing the order down.

"And what shall we serve you as for drinks?" his gaze landed again on my eyes, the tips of his lips still curled slightly upwards.

"I will have sparkling water. And they..." I turned to Max and Kenneth, both sitting opposite of me.

"Coke."

"Two cokes, please." The waiter shuddered at their unfriendly answers, looking back to notebook.

I was not surprised by my brother's sharp reply, always the protective older brother, but it was just seldom times I had heard Kenneth's cutting tone. I threw a last quick smile to the waiter, dismissing him, and faced the two boys.

"Well, I thought we had come here to celebrate, not to growl at the poor waiter."

Max arched his brow and looked at Kenneth placing his hands on the table, completely ignoring my comment.

"Exactly! May I finally know what are we celebrating?"

I knew it was going to hurt again, so I kept my eyes focused on my brother.

"I have decided to go to college." I saw from the corner of my eye Ken glancing my way, probably looking for some support, but it was already taking all of my willpower not to fall apart after hearing he had already decided.

It was not one hour before when he had said 'maybe'. Well, he was not pondering it anymore. He was leaving.

Max opened his eyes wide, pulling them from Kenneth to stare at me.

"College!" I nodded, forcing the corners of my lips upwards. "My goddess Rie, we are getting old!"

Kenneth shook his head with a smile dotting his lips, huffing at the familiar reaction. The pressure in my chest increased, making it harder for me to control my emotions. I needed some fresh air to calm down. I was about to stand up when the waiter came and left our drinks on the table, not lifting his gaze from his own hands, before leaving hurriedly again.

I tried once again, but Max interrupted me, oblivious to my internal break down.

"Did you decide where to?"

A rush of panic took over my body. I was not prepared to receive so much information. I jumped on my feet and my eyes traveled from my brother to Kenneth, both looking at me with surprise painted on their faces.

"I really need to go to the toilet." I blurted, squirming out of the booth without waiting for an answer and darted to the restrooms.

I stormed inside and locked myself in the furthest stall, ignoring the startled girls that were retouching their make-up in front of the mirrors.

I hadn't sat yet and I already felt a tear roll down my face. Thank goddess I had made it on time. I bit my trembling lips, trying to control the gush of emotions that was about to break loose. I perched on the toilet seat cover and pulled my legs to my chest, hugging them and placing my forehead on my knees. I focused on controlling my breathing, with long intakes and holding the air inside, preventing me from whimpering. After a couple of minutes, both my head and heart were a little calmer. I had to go back.

I stood on my feet and flushed, wasting water just because of the habit, and went to wash my face. I shouldn't have put any makeup.
After I finished trying to fix my face to make it look normal, I stepped out of the bathroom. Max and Kenneth were where I had left them, obviously, talking happily together. The burgers were already on the table, but they were waiting for me.

I could hear their laugh from my position, which made it harder for me to approach them. I felt undeserving of their company. The feelings weighing in my chest were a treason to our friendship.

Why did I change? I was betraying his trust. He deserved something better. Maybe it was for the best that he put some distance between us so that I could lock up and ultimately forget these unbecoming feelings.

Maybe at some point I would be able to truly, sincerely, be happy about him leaving my side, but just not now. Not yet. 

I walked up to them and pulled my lips into a smile, placing my hand on my stomach.

"Sorry guys," I said, leaning for my bag, caressing my torso in circular movements, "my stomach is acting up. I do not think I can stay any longer." I took my wallet and placed some bills on the table, avoiding eye contact with both of the boys. They knew me too well and would guess something else was wrong. "As, promised, it is my treat."

"But..." I closed my eyes and shook my head, interrupting whatever Kenneth was going to say. He was already on his feet.

"At least, let us take you home." Max stood up too, ready to leave with the food untouched.

"There is no need," I fixed my eyes on his, pleading for him to sit back, "I already called Josh and he is on his way."

I surprised myself with my smooth lie. After all, I had my phone on my jeans pocket, I could have totally called him. Max sighed and collapsed back on his seat, giving up. I gathered all the willpower I had left and stared at Kenneth, waiting for him to follow my brother's lead. He kept the eye contact for a couple of seconds, but he finally rolled his eyes and sat down too.

I smiled at them and gestured towards my own burger.

"Please, take care of my share too, I know you are more than capable." I winked at them and left the restaurant.

Once out, I called Josh and asked if he could pick me up. Luckily he was close and I would not have to wait much. When I hang up I was already much more relaxed.

I leaned against a street lamp and my stomach growled like a wild animal, reminding me I would have to snatch some food the moment I arrived home. Terrific.

A/N
So, I've been pretty busy with work these past weeks... Sorry!
Also, I have been too absorbed lately reading a couple of incredible stories around here that have taken all of my free time, hehe!

What do you think of the development? I've been jumping too much or can you follow the development of the relationship properly? I have my doubts there...
Anyways, thanks for reading!
Any other comments/recommendations are always welcome!

Love, Koe