The Dance of Wolves
CHAPTER 13: Aksal

Seriously? In the book of life, I get the short chapter and the title with the worst luck. It was obvious he blurted out the truth without thinking my father might take issue with this.

Amal gasps as if he could suck the words back, then tries to cover it by clearing his throat. As for me, I don’t know whether to laugh or cry. Here is a straight guy who’s probably mortified for coming out as gay to a perfect stranger because the Goddess is playing games. He's probably wondering if he can glamour up an Australian accent on the fly to clarify he meant the other mate.

So, on one hand, it serves him right for being homophobic...I’m thinking about the annoyed tone with which he asked me if I were gay. On the other hand, I was starting to warm up to him after he made breakfast and followed me around trying to earn brownie points (pun intended) by helping me with my work, so I’m a little sad.

My dad looks from him to me. I didn’t mention Amal at all when I went home to get my laptop and a change of clothes this morning, so he’s a bit bewildered. The wrinkle between his eyes deepens with each passing second while he processes it. The hand Amal extended moves to wipe the sweat off his forehead and runs through his hair, then rubs the back of his neck worriedly. Dad snaps out of his stupor and goes in for the hug like a drunk koala around a sturdy tree.

When he releases Amal there are tears in his eyes. “I’m so relieved! I’m so happy my son found his soulmate and companion for life. For so long, my wife and I worried he’d be alone. This is wonderful!” He wipes the moisture from his eyes and says, “So, you’re, uh, bisexual too?”

Shit. My heart just went into overdrive. I had no idea my parents felt so strongly about me replaceing a mate, but it can’t be this guy. I’m not sure how to fix this misunderstanding without crushing Dad’s hope. I’m flustered and I have to do something. "Come on Alma, jump in any time and lend me a hand." The hollow echo of crickets flashes back in my brain. Thanks Alma, I think sarcastically.

“Uh, no Dad, he’s not--”

“No sir, I’m gay.”

He’s what?

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A/N Yes, I was hamming it up with this short chapter, but hey these two got their misunderstanding out of the way.