I glance back at my laptop screen.
Three minutes left.
For the past four nights, we’ve all stayed up later. Although none of us has said why, it happens to coincide with an eight-hour time difference.
At this rate, we’ll be running on about three hours of sleep again. Even less for me.
My watch lights up with a notification, a direct message rather than the group chat. I reach for my phone.
Revea: You’ve been very quiet in the group chat, Sylvan. I hope you’ve not forgotten about me.
What is my chest doing? I feel like I can’t breathe, and I’m breathing too much all at once.
Me: I’ve been reading and looking. I don’t often say much. Sorry.
Revea: You’re still awake?
Me: Yes.
After a few seconds, I realise that isn’t open-ended enough.
Me: I’ve stayed up to watch something.
My fingers hover, desperate to say more but knowing my truths can anger and upset.
Revea: I hope you enjoy it, gotta go, sleep wellx
Fuck. That X is a sign off. I’ve missed my chance to tell her I miss her…
Sound erupts from my laptop, I quickly mute it, but now my pack are watching me.
“What’re you up to, Syl?” Luc asks with a sly tone, possibly because the way I reacted insinuates I don’t want them to know something.
Which isn’t true. They can know. I’m just not sure how they’ll react.
I don’t want to make them mad again.
“I’m watching something,” I say, eyes intent on my screen.
“Okay... are you going to share with your pack? Unless it’s porn.” Then he lowers his voice. “Or are we past that now since the whole CCTV...”
I cast my screen to the TV, cutting off the rugby match and Luc’s words.
“What’s this, Syl? A presentation or something?” Kaiden asks, shifting on the sofa to face the screen better.
“Yes, in a way.” I find my lips twitching as they try to work it out.
Soon, they do, because the event name appears on the screen behind, and people walk onto the large stage.
“What the fuck...” Luc murmurs.
“Sylvan.” Kaiden wets his lips. “Please tell me you didn’t hack into the CCTV at the convention.”
“No. Although I considered it,” I say. “You can pay to watch the event. It’s a livestream.”
When Revea steps on stage, every one of us produces a soft noise. Be it a growl or a groan, they all mix in.
“She’s fucking gorgeous.” Kaiden shifts to the edge of the sofa.
