In a Heartbeat (MxM)

Chapter 35

He looked happy, genuinely happy.

And that cold feeling from yesterday was coming back. It was minor this time, but I could feel it start to form in my chest, a small hold on my lungs, the pressure slowly growing until it plateaued. I didn't know what he was doing to me, but I didn't like this cold feeling in my chest. It wasn't planning on going away, and I wasn't entirely sure what it meant.

But a small part of me felt conflicted. He was so happy with them, so comfortable. So different from the anxious wreck he was anywhere near me. And I couldn't help but wonder if he'd ever feel that way around me if he'd ever show me that authentic smile, where he'd feel comfortable to be in the same room. And sure, I didn't want to admit that we were mates. I really didn't. But with everyone bashing me, telling me I was destined to fail, that I'd never be good enough, I just wanted to prove everyone wrong. I was tired of people not believing in me, tired of them telling me what I should do, should think, or what to say.

That, and now with Michael here, I was reminded with all the times of people saying he was better than me. I so badly just wanted to punch him and-

"Well, it appears he's made quite some friends." Speaking of the devil, Michael said, walking into the kitchen with that same smirk plastered on his face. He grabbed a pear from the bowl, before standing next to me, watching the group laugh and talk amongst them too.

"What are you doing here?"

He turned, raising his brows, before taking a bite of the pear. "Same as you, I'm starved, both for food and drama. Looks like we have the same hobbies, maybe we are related."

"Buzz off."

He scoffed, before rolling his eyes. "You know eavesdropping can be a crime. It's alright, I'll add it to your rap sheet."

"What do you want, Michael?"

He turned to look at me, before frowning satirically. "Oh, I know that look, brother. Someone's been sulking like a kicked puppy."

I shook my head. "What are you talking about?"

"I think you're starting to realize it," he smirked, before leaning closer to my ear. "He doesn't need you."

I froze, before punching at his arm. "What-"

"I mean look at him," he cried out, pointing at Simon, who was laughing, smiling freely with Xavier and the others. "You think you can make him that happy? After everything you did?"

"And you know what?" He continued, stepping forward, cornering me as he let the alpha pheromones exude from himself. "One day, he's going to realize he doesn't need you. He'll realize that you're just using him for the alpha role, and he'll learn that you never cared, never will care. You only care about yourself, Vince, and one day, he'll see that part of you, the parts of dad that consume you, make you this evil person. He'll learn that father was right about you; you'll never be good enough. And I can't wait for the day Simon realizes it all. That you're a coward, and you'll never be enough for the one person that was meant for you. And when he does..."

He smirked, glaring down at me with his piercing gold eyes as he let his wolf's presence come through. "...You'll lose it all. It would be a real tragedy for you. You'll lose the alpha role for good, forever being my second, just the way father originally wanted it. Now wouldn't that be just splendid? The real icing on the cake, don't you think?"

Rage bubbled from my chest, overriding that cold feeling from earlier as I went to throw a punch at him, but he easily caught it in his hand.

I went to throw another one when I heard Simona and Xavier walk in. My hand immediately dropped as I saw Simon glance our way, that damn smile still on his face, as the others were blabbering about some show still.

"Hey," he raised his hand in an awkward wave before Xavier got his attention for a second. I quickly glared at Michael as he stepped backward, that smug look of his still mocking me. Simon turned, before clearing his throat. "Me and Xavier were thinking of making dinner at his place later. We were wondering if you'd like to join us?"

I glanced between the two of them, wondering what the hell they were planning. Xavier sent me a look before mind-linking me, I think he'd really appreciate it. Besides, his cooking is Loreta-level.

Simon waited patiently, looking between the two of us as he bit his bottom lip.

"Oh, hun." Michael approached Simon, placing a hand low on Simon's back, in a way that made me feel uneasy. He glanced at me before responding to Simon with a smile, "I would love to, but I've got alpha duties to attend to."

Michael smiled so freely with them, but he'd glance at me with such contempt I wondered how none of them could even sense it.

Simon stepped closer, tugging slightly at my shirt to get my attention. He looked at me with a soft grin before asking again, "Would you like to join?"

"Um," I frowned, wondering what was the right answer.

What, you're going to reject him again? Michael mocked. His words had frozen me in place. The urge to punch him was strong, but I glared at him instead. When he saw my expression he nervously released my shirt sleeve before stepping back.

"Sure, I'd like that," I finally told him. He let out a sigh of relief before smiling again, still not nearly as vibrant as when he was with the others, but enough for me to tell that he seemed happy that I agreed even if just a little.

"Well, six o'clock? Is that alright?" He asked. "Xavier said I should try making your mother's recipe. He said it's been a while, so I figured I'd give it a try."

I hummed, as Michael continued to mock me from behind the two. It wasn't helping that he was standing way too close to Simon, so close that I wondered how Simon wasn't the slightest bit uncomfortable.

"Well, I'd love to try your cooking one day," Michael ruffled Simon's hair. "But I have some important things to attend to. Next time, love?"

"Of course." Simon smiled. "I can save some for you if you'd like?"

"I'd love that, dear. I'll see you later." He smiled before sending me one last awful smirk before heading toward the door. Just as Michael stepped out he mind-linked me again. Watch out, Vince. If you take too long, it won't be long before someone else might just sweep him off his feet.