Taming the Beast

Chapter 9 (Keegan)

(Keegan’s POV)

I waited anxiously all weekend for lunch on Monday but the days dragged on. All weekend, I watched

the clock, waiting for the next day. I could tell my friends were worried about me, but I couldn’t be

bothered to reassure them. In truth, I wasn’t okay. I was far from okay. I was nervous and worried about

what to say when I saw Caroline. In truth, her having a whole family while still in high school both

surprised and saddened me. My mate. The only soulmate I would ever had was already taken, and she

looked happy. I promised myself that if she was happy, I would leave her alone. I didn’t want to force

myself on her, but I still had so many questions. But I wasn’t able to ask until Monday. Monday at lunch,

I would finally be face to face with Caroline again. Lunch was when I would see her. Lunch was when I

would ask her about Preston. My chest squeezed painfully at the thought that Preston was her son.

The guys threw me comforting glances all throughout the day. I was bouncing my foot every class.

Gregg told the others about everything during the weekend. They promised to go with me. So when the

lunch bell rang, I waited until Caroline was seated with her friend before I walked over to her table and

sat beside her. All the guys filled the other seats on the cafeteria benches. Caroline and her friends ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

looked at us confused. In fact, the whole cafeteria was looking at us. I knew it was weird, but I had to

be at her table today. I needed to know. I didn’t have time to worry about what other people thought of

the situation.

“Hey there, cupcake,” Nick said suggestively. I wanted to rip his head off at the comment. I didn’t even

realize I was growling until I saw Caroline’s face widen in shock as she looked around confused. Nick

slinked back, rightfully. I stopped growling and acted as if nothing happened as the guys filled the air

with normal conversation to make up for my nervousness. I wasn’t really paying attention. I was

thinking about the question I was about to ask. It quieted as Caroline drank her water. The guys

glanced at each other before looking at me. They were giving me an in. I saw my opportunity and

couldn’t jump on it fast enough. I tripped over my words at first, but I finally got something out of my

mouth.

“Your son was really cute last night,” I blurted before I could stop myself. Those were the wrong words.

I wanted to ease into the topic. I wanted to hint at it without outright assuming and insulting Caroline. I’d

practiced in my head for days what I wanted to say, and none of what I practiced came out. Instead, I

accidentally jumped straight to the question at the root of all my nervousness and fear. I don’t know

what exactly I expected in return, but I wasn’t expecting her to spit water all over me.