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 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.▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪

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