Saoirse’s eyes shot up to Jaymus as he led her away from the others. What could he want to talk to me about? What did I do wrong? I must have done something terrible. He wouldn’t have wanted to walk away from the others unless it was an emergency. Saoirse was always so intimidated by Jaymus. He was only a few years older than her and he as well lost his parents at a young age. They both had been raised by the pack. Jaymus though was always ahead of the curve. Saoirse grew up always having a tiny crush on him. He would talk to her more than most and made her feel a little less lonely. She admired his strength of character and determination. Plus it didn’t hurt that she thought he was easy on the eyes. There were times he’d come by the kitchen after training, a faint sweat covering his body, and she would have to stop herself from staring. He is the Gamma now, I can’t have thoughts like that. But her mind dwelled on that image as she suddenly heard him speak.<br/><br/><br/>“You’ve done quite well,” he started, offering her a little smile as they wandered along the edge of the party. His gaze would often flicker back to those he left behind. He was curious what was said while he wasn’t there, but there was still work to be done...even if it was a party. “Are you having a good time?”<br/><br/><br/>“Yes,” she mumbled out. “I saw you enjoyed those cookies.” Jaymus snorted at the comment but let her go on. “Did you want me to make some more for you? I could whip up a batch real quick. Wouldn’t take much time at all!”<br/><br/><br/>Jaymus, still holding a couple of cookies in his right hand, chuckled a bit at the offer and shook his head. “I think I’ll be okay for tonight. There are plenty of other options around if I get peckish, after all.” He glanced over at her, pausing in his steps so that he could study her face. “You should just relax and enjoy the party.” With a soft sigh, he touched her arm gently and offered a little smile. “Have you talked with any of the pack yet?”<br/><br/><br/>Saoirse knew he had just asked a question but her mind was so consumed by the fact that he had his hand on her arm. Shaking her head a little to snap out of it she looked up to him and with a confused look said, “Huh?”<br/><br/><br/>The single syllable was enough to have Jaymus straight up laughing and before she could even think that he was laughing at her, he moved the hand from her arm to wrap his arm around her once more. “You’re very reserved and that’s fine. I was, too, during training. We barely saw each other then, but I would hope you’d trust me enough to tell me if something was bugging you….”<br/><br/><br/>Biting his lip, Jaymus sighed and looked at her. “I worry you’re falling into the shadows here. Hiding away in the kitchen all day, not talking to anyone...Have you thought about training with the others?”<br/><br/><br/>Saoirse tensed up, her brain trying to form words.”Well… I guess I just figured that is where I best fit in. I’m not really strong like you or as smart Preston. I know how to make good cookies. That’s about it.” She shrugged and looked at him, expecting to see his disappointment in her. What she found instead, was far different. Instead of disappointment, or even anger, he saw confusion and curiosity.<br/><br/><br/>“What was it that drew you to the kitchen in the first place? I know that Marissa was a fine cook, but did she bring you in?” He tilted his head as he thought about their former cook, but pressed onward. “I mean, I love your cookies...obviously.” He smirked at her with a little wink. “But I just wonder why you never tried for anything else?”<br/><br/>He had thought about it a lot, more often now than ever. While he’d been young and in training, he’d wished to see Saoirse more. She was fun to talk with and they got along easily. He needed more friends and even though he kept himself really busy with his training, he always made time to stop by the kitchen to see her. In fact, she was the only friend he remembered having while growing up.<br/><br/><br/>“Why don’t you come find me tomorrow? I’m usually training in the East field….we can see what you can do.” He smiled at her before nudging her playfully. “At the very least, we can have some fun.”<br/><br/><br/>Saoirse’s heart lept. At eight am. Like every morning. She gave an enthusiastic nod and watched him pop another cookie in his mouth. As Jaymus munched on the treat happily, he took her hand and led her back to the group. Glancing over at Preston, he silently thought on the many other things he’d have to fix before the night was out. Glancing to the Alpha and Luna, he spoke once more, “What’d we miss?”