Chasing the storm

Chapter 20: A Hunger He Can't Ignore

(Rowan's POV )

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I wasn't asleep.

Not even close.

I lay on my back, staring at the ceiling, the dim glow of the emergency lanterns casting flickering shadows across the gas station walls.

My stomach twisted. Not from guilt. Definitely not that.

From hunger.

Because, like an absolute idiot, I walked away from dinner without eating a damn thing.

But going back now? No. Not happening.

I could already hear the whispers, see the looks. Caleb would smirk, Ava would raise an eyebrow, and Sienna—

No. Not her.

I shut my eyes, exhaling through my nose.

Just forget it. Sleep it off.

…Except my stomach had other plans.

A low, angry growl rumbled through the quiet room.

I cursed under my breath. Perfect.

Just as I turned onto my side, trying to force myself into unconsciousness, I heard soft footsteps.

Then—

A shadow blocked the dim light.

I cracked an eye open.

Sienna.

Standing over me.

Holding a damn bowl of soup.

I groaned. "You've got to be kidding me."

She didn't answer. Just crouched down, setting the bowl on the crate beside my makeshift bed.

"I'm not feeding you," she said dryly. "In case you were wondering."

I smirked, voice rough. "Shame. I was looking forward to being hand-fed like a king."

She huffed. "You're the furthest thing from royalty, Carter."

I leaned on my elbow, giving her a lazy look. "And yet you still brought me food. Sunshine, if you wanted an excuse to see me, you could've just said so."

Her eyes narrowed. "I'm being nice."

I grinned. "Yeah, that's what worries me."

Sienna rolled her eyes. "Just eat. You're unbearable when you're moody."

I sat up slowly, my muscles aching from the fight earlier. "And here I thought you liked me this way."

She didn't dignify that with a response.

Instead, she sat down cross-legged, watching as I picked up the bowl and took a slow sip.

It was warm. Comforting. And after the hellish day we'd had, it was the first thing that didn't feel like a fight.

Silence stretched between us.

Then—

"Why'd you leave?" she asked softly.

I paused mid-bite, glancing at her.

She wasn't looking at me. Just picking at the loose thread on her sleeve.

I took another sip before answering. "Didn't feel like eating."

Her gaze lifted, sharp and knowing. "Didn't feel like watching me feed Caleb, you mean."

I smirked. "You think too highly of yourself, sweetheart."

She scoffed. "I think you're full of shit."

I chuckled. "And yet here you are. Sitting with me. Making sure I eat."

She crossed her arms. "Someone has to. I don't need you passing out in the middle of a fight because you're too stubborn to take care of yourself."

I tilted my head. "You care."

She hesitated.

For one second.

Then her expression hardened. "I care about all of us, Rowan. Not just you."

That shouldn't have irritated me.

Shouldn't have gotten under my skin.

But it did.

Because I didn't want to be lumped in with everyone else.

I wanted something different.

Something more.

I set the empty bowl aside, exhaling slowly. "You should get some sleep."

She didn't move.

Instead, she studied me for a long, quiet moment.

Then—

"Do you ever stop pushing people away?"

I stilled.

My fingers curled into the blanket, my jaw tightening.

"I don't push people away," I muttered.

She let out a humorless laugh. "Right. Because storming off, ignoring everyone, and throwing punches at Caleb is totally normal social behavior."

I clenched my teeth. "He gets on my nerves."

"He breathes and you want to kill him."

I smirked. "See? You understand me."

She glared. "Rowan."

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "Look, sweetheart. I'm not the guy who sits around and has deep talks about his feelings. If you're looking for that, you're in the wrong place."

She didn't flinch.

Didn't back down.

Instead, she leaned forward slightly, her voice softer this time. "I'm not asking for deep talks, Rowan. I'm asking you to stop acting like you don't give a damn about anyone."

I swallowed.

Because she was wrong.

I did give a damn.

Too much, maybe.

But saying it out loud?

Not happening.

So I did what I did best.

I smirked. "Nice try, sunshine."

Her expression flickered—like she saw right through me.

But instead of pushing, she stood up, dusting off her jeans.

"Fine," she muttered. "Be an ass. Starve yourself next time."

She turned on her heel, walking toward the door.

And before I could stop myself—

I called after her.

"Night, trouble."

She paused, glancing over her shoulder.

For a split second, something passed between us.

Something electric.

Then she rolled her eyes, muttering something under her breath as she walked out.

I chuckled, leaning back onto my place.

And for the first time all night—

I actually felt a little bit full.

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