“Only thanks to dogs like you.” Tyler kept his gaze locked onto Marie, shutting Kyle out of his sight completely. He tried to keep his expression set as Marie flung herself all over Kyle, but he knew there was a flash of his jealousy that flickered across his face. “I couldn’t let anything happen to you. Part of being your best friend and all. And your Dad might murder me.” He ground his teeth together, annoyed that his jab at Kyle was smoothed over so neatly. Why would Marie like someone so arrogant? Every second he was around the guy, he wanted to punch him straight in the jaw.
“Awh, darn. You know how I love it when you get all bitey,” he grinned at her, smile falling as he turned to Kyle. “What would I ever do without you? My hero.” Tyler couldn’t help but spit out the last words with fierce venom. Every moment, he had to keep his anger in check, as to not lose her temper and do something he would regret. He could easily take Kyle; a simple skinwalker wasn’t a match for a hybrid like himself. But the dog happened to be one of Marie’s friends. A close one if the way he was looking at her was any indication. But if he stayed her much longer, his temper might just flare out of control.
“Y’know, I just remembered that I have to be anywhere but here. If you don’t mind..” Then, under his breath, “Not that you would even notice.” He stuffed his hands into his pockets, turned on his heel and walked in the opposite direction of the pair. Finally away from Kyle’s ever present stare, he allowed the black that was threatening to melt over blue flicker and stay in place. Instead of blinking himself away to Piper, he decided he needed to walk this off and continued towards the woodsy area across the way.
Marie had to look away from Tyler’s stare. Clearly this had been a bad idea. “Daddy’d never hurt you. I wouldn’t let him.” She smiled at him softly but inwardly cringed at the best friend remark. Maybe that’s all she would ever be to him. She awkwardly cleared her throat and blushed slightly as Tyler said he liked her all bitey. The moment passed quickly as the boys tried to out-snark one another. She felt like a bone being fought over by two dogs. This was the last time she took Piper’s advice. Not only did it seem as though she was leading Kyle on but Tyler might not even speak to her after this.
She pulled down on her skirt as she stopped swinging. Tyler was leaving and Kyle was asking her to lunch? No, this was the exact opposite of what she had wanted. ”Ty…” She stood and tried to get his attention but he ignored her. She turned to Kyle as Tyler walked off. “Lunch is a bad idea. I don’t even know what I’m doing right now.” She rubbed the bridge of her nose, annoyed with herself. “I just-I wanted to make him jealous.” She kept Tyler in view as he kept walking. “Looks like I did the exact opposite.” She sighed and looked back to Kyle. “I’m sorry if I led you on…I just didn’t know what else to do.”
Kyle ran a hand through his hair, completely ignoring Tyler now. It was obvious the kid was spoiled. And a brat. But Marie liked him so he couldn’t just out him then and there. He turned his attention to Marie, brows pulling together. He couldn’t help but grin.
“Listen, Marie, I figured it out a few minutes ago.” He stood up to stand beside her, gently placing a hand on her arm. “It’s okay, don’t worry about it.” He gave her a wink before shrugging. “I’m probably gonna have lunch with Caroline anyway, so it’s cool. But hey, at least now you know the guy’s got some kinda feelings about you.” He frowned, looking over at Tyler’s figure walking away. “Be careful about him, okay? I don’t…” He trailed off, pulling a face. “Just be careful, okay?”
He moved a hand to her chin, lifting it slightly. “And if you ever need help, don’t hesitate to come find me, alright?” He nodded towards Tyler. “I’d go get him now before he vanishes.”
