CHAPTER 4: MEETING THE RUNT AGAIN. 

~LANDON

"Sure, Dad," I replied, trying to hide my frustration. This is perhaps the thousandth time he'd insisted on my best behavior. 

Despite my dislike for being here, especially after what that runt did to my face, Dad insisted I come along. I couldn't understand why my presence was necessary. Couldn't he court the woman he liked without dragging me to some shit dinner, let alone enduring her daughter?

My teeth clenched at the thought of seeing that runt's face again. I never thought I'd see her anytime soon after she got kicked out of school.

Dad rang the doorbell, and the door opened, revealing my soon-to-be stepmom. She looked stunning. No doubt, Dad always had an eye for women. He hugged her tightly, a smile lighting up his face, brighter than I'd seen since my Mom passed away

“This is my son, Landon,” He introduced, breaking away from the hug. 

“It's nice to meet you, Landon.” She beamed at me and I returned the smile out of courtesy, that was what Dad wanted.

"Come in. I prepared something for you guys. I'm certain you will love it.” She said, leading us into the sitting which was barely bigger than my bedroom back home.

Following her to the dining table, I couldn't help but feel someone's eyes on me. I glanced in the direction my instinct painted in my head–The upper staircase but no one was there. I shrugged it off and proceeded to sit before the mouth-watering meals. 

“This tastes really nice,” Dad remarked, already enjoying a pancake while she served us pasta.

“Glad you like it,” She chuckled, taking her seat beside Dad.

Not like I care, but I was left out as their conversation went on about how good the meals tasted, their upcoming wedding…blah blah blah. I wasn't paying much attention, but I was relieved the runt wasn't here to make my irritation worse. Still, I wanted to go home.

“Is Allison not back from school yet?” Dad suddenly asked, changing the topic.

"She is,” she replied, and then her blue eyes flickered as if remembering something. “She must be having a hard time washing off the paint from her hair.”

I snickered.

“She got paint on her hair? How'd that happen?” Dad asked, furrowing his brows. Why was he so concerned about her?

“She got bullied in school and got rusticated. I'm trying to sort out the issue with Mister Jacob and met with her bully to set things straight," She explained.

If only she knew I was her daughter's bully. Maybe she'd kick me out, which sounded like a great idea to get out of here since Dad wasn't planning on leaving anytime soon. 

I opened my mouth to speak, but Dad beat me to it. “I'm sorry about that. I can call Mister Jacob to withdraw her expulsion. I don't want you going through too much trouble.”

What?! Anger surged through me, darkening my face at Dad's words. Ignoring the weight of my words, I blurted out, “Aren’t you being too selfish, Mrs. Westwood? Using my Dad's influence to get your daughter back—”

"Landon!” Dad cut me off, his eyes flashing with anger.

“It’s the truth—”

"No one asked for your opinion," he sharply interrupted, glaring at me. "Apologize to her right now."

"I'm sorry, Mrs. Westwood. I didn't mean it that way," I said, clenching my hands beneath the table

“It's fine, Landon. I understand,” she said, smiling. 

No, you don't! I badly wanted to speak up, but I held back, knowing it would only anger Dad more.

"I'm a bit pressed. Can I use your restroom?" I asked, changing the subject.

“Of course, it’s upstairs at the end of the hallway,” she replied. I stood up and headed upstairs.

Using the bathroom was an excuse, I just couldn't stand being there anymore. I wanted to vent out my pent-up anger on something before I completely lose it.

The floorboard loudly creaked, my shoe heels threatening to bore holes into them as I walked past the rooms in the hallway. Almost reaching the restroom, I caught a glimpse of Allison in one of the rooms from the corner of my eye. 

I stopped and retraced my steps to the slightly open door. I stood transfixed, unable to take my eyes off her. She lay on her stomach in bed, wearing only a red lace bra and thong. Her comely curves were staring right at my face. 

Damn, I never knew she was this attractive. I mean, I'd only seen her in baggy clothes before now. 

I frowned as I heard her giggle.

Was she with someone? I felt suddenly curious. Though I couldn't see anyone else in the room from where I stood. 

Tempted to enter, I held back upon noticing she had a cellphone in her hand as she flipped her wet hair to her side.“My Mom won't like the idea of me going over to your house right now, Jason.”

Is she dating Jason? 

My brows snapped together. 

I couldn't resist my curiosity, so I switched to my wolf's hearing, heightening my earshot.

I knew I shouldn't be eavesdropping, especially staring at her behind, but I couldn't tear my eyes away. I was too intrigued, even though getting caught wouldn't be funny.

“But why?” Jason's voice came from the other end of the call.

"Unfortunately, she's having dinner with her new boyfriend, who happens to be Landon's Dad," she replied, her tone seething.

"Wait, what? Landon? You mean Landon Smith?”

"The one and only. My life is officially ruined if my Mom decides to marry him. I can feel it.”

“Then ruin your Mom's relationship with his father immediately. You can't be living under the same roof with that bastard!" Jason suggested, darkening my mood.

I didn't understand why I suddenly felt so bothered by Jason's suggestion. I mean, just a few minutes ago, I was trying to cause trouble at the dining table, right?

“How do I pull that off? Mom seems so crazy about him," she asked, but before Jason could reply, I impulsively charged in and snatched the phone from her.

She looked up at me, her eyes widening in shock. Frantically, she pulled the bed cover across her chest and then angrily yelled at me.“What the fuck are you doing in my room?!”

“What's going on there, Allie?" Jason's worried voice came from the phone. I disconnected the call, tossing the phone on her bed. 

“Are you seriously planning with Jason to ruin your mother's wedding—”

She fiercely interrupted me. “That's none of your business. Stay out of it. Leave my room right this instant before I do something you'll regret.”

Regret?

I tauntingly raised my brow. "What exactly are you going to do? Tell your Mom I saw your round butt-cheeks?”

Her cheeks flushed red. “Something worse than that, so just leave while I'm being nice," she glared, pointing to the wide-open door.

Mocking her threat, I scoffed. 

“Do you even know what's at stake if you go on with your plans to ruin your mother's relationship with my father?”

From the confused look on her face, I knew her Mom was still keeping her in the dark.

“What the fuck are you saying?" she asked, glaring at me, although she seemed genuinely curious.