I set the check register aside and pulled out everything else, not paying any attention to where the items came from. Should I worry that my parents would notice that their stuff had been rearranged?
Nope. After how they’d deceived me, I didn’t really care what they thought.
I flipped through papers until I hit on what looked like a birth certificate. Everything else fell to my lap as I brought the paper closer. According to the document, Autumn Nicholson was born in April on the same day as me, to parents Richard and Patricia Nicholson. What the hell? Obviously, the child was me. But who were Patricia and Richard?
This discovery was huge.
Not to mention upsetting.
I squeezed my eyes shut and took in a deep breath before zooming to the scanner to make a copy of the certificate. It didn’t tell me whether my parents had adopted me from these people or if they were, in fact, Richard and Patricia and had changed their name. But it told me something was up, that’s for sure.
The scanner spit out a piece of paper. I snatched it from the tray and stared at it as though it would tell me all its secrets. My parents’ secrets. After a few seconds, I returned to the safe.
I was about to shove everything back inside when I noticed a small, square tray. I grabbed the card on top which turned out to be an ID. It had a picture of my mom on it — with blond hair. As long as I could remember, she’d only ever worn her hair dark. So why did she need an ID with different hair? Strange.
I eyed the box again, reaching for the next card in the stack. It was a credit card in my mom’s name. Thinking I might have a use for the ID and credit card, I held onto them and put everything else back, shutting the door and spinning the knob.
For what seemed an eon, I stood in my dad’s office, unmoving, alternately staring at the copy of the birth certificate and the ID.
Maybe Zack was right all along and I’d been adopted. But that didn’t explain why I looked so much like my mom who had raised me. Of course, she could’ve gotten lucky with a genetic similarity. Or maybe they were my real parents, but had changed their name. But why would they need to do that?
In a daze, I walked the few feet to my room and opened my laptop. A search under Patricia Nicholson brought over a million results, more for Richard Nicholson.
I tried again, adding my birth city, but with such a common name, nothing usable popped up. Giving up on that, I clicked on the map. The hospital was located in a small town near Yosemite, about six hours by car from Los Angeles.
Assuming that Richard and Patricia were my biological parents, and not the people I knew now as my parents, did Richard and Patricia know what I was? Maybe Zack was right and my real mom was a human who didn’t know my father was a shape-shifter. Like Zack’s mom who had no idea her husband was a werewolf. Maybe my dad had died, leaving my mom single, and she couldn’t keep me.
I released my breath, squeezing my eyes shut. As the seconds ticked by, I knew I couldn’t ignore this new information and I had to find Richard and Patricia Nicholson. But without any other clues, where would I begin? With no home address on the birth certificate, how would I find them?
Plopping back against my pillow, I stared at the ceiling.
Autumn?
Hey, Zack.
You still coming over?
Do you want me to?
There was a pause. Geez. Did he have to think about it so long?
Around ten? he asked.
I’ll see you then.
Zack had seemed annoyed. Maybe he planned to break up with me for real before booting me out of his room.
Chapter Twenty
As usual, I morphed into a common house cat and scratched on Zack’s window. My foot had just touched the floor in my human form and Zack was there, holding my face in his hands and dropping kisses on my mouth.
I don’t want to talk about it, okay?
Whatever it was, I was pretty sure I didn’t want to talk about it either. Probably my conversation with Greg or my date with Cameron. Talk about what?
Anything. And I don’t want to argue. He buried his face in my hair and his arms wrapped all the way around me.
I closed my eyes, my cheek pressed against his neck. I had no interest in hashing out any of that either. Besides, if we got to talking, I might spill the beans on the birth certificate and that I planned to go out of town this weekend to get information on my birth parents. I might even tell him I’d been accused of cheating on a test. God forbid I should let it slip that Renzo and Alura knew about me.
I didn’t want to think about any of that right then, much less discuss it. If you don’t want to talk, what do you want to do? It’s still early.
Zack had already guided me to the bed where he gingerly coaxed me lower until I was horizontal. I just want to be with you.
Okay. No kissing?
He nudged my shoulder to turn me until I could no longer see him, then he pressed his body against my back, his face swallowed up in my hair. Draping his arm around my waist, he squeezed me even closer and his legs tangled with mine. I didn’t feel or hear him breathing. He made no noise except the steady beat of his heart and no movement but the light strokes of his hand on my wrist.
I melted into him. It was almost better than kissing.
† † †
It was still dark. I was on my side with my back to the clock so I had no idea what time it was. It didn’t matter — my body said it was time to wake up.
Zack’s hand moved on my hip. You awake?
I turned over to face him, our lips inches apart. Yes.
He stayed perfectly still, watching me. Tentatively, I brought my hand up to rest on his cheek. Sighing, he removed my hand and turned his lips into my palm. The softest of kisses trailed up my wrist then he placed it on his waist and scooted closer to me, his thighs melding to mine.
Zack pushed against me, rolling me back. Lightly brushing my lips with his, he moved closer, crowding me, and the nerves in my limbs sprang to life. His mouth touched mine again, teasing, his tongue tasting my bottom lip.
It was killing me.
Kissing Zack was the most exciting thing I’d ever done but this time was even better — the perfect balance of anticipation and bliss. All too soon, he drew back and looked over his shoulder at the clock.
I got a glimpse of the time. It was later than I’d thought.
It’ll be light soon. You should go. He left the bed and handed me a pair of jeans and a T-shirt. Take these with you.
I nodded, wondering how he could turn it off so easily while I stood there trembling. Even though he hadn’t wanted to talk, perhaps he was still angry with me from yesterday. Zack wasn’t exactly big on sharing his feelings and I refused to ask him. Vowing not to dwell on it, I stepped into his jeans and shrugged on the shirt.
But he needed to know I was leaving this Friday — that was only two days from now. Um…
He closed the distance and held me by my shoulders, studying me. What’s up?
Remember when you suggested I snoop around, look for something on my parents? My gaze wandered to his chest.
Uh-oh. What did you find?
I came across a birth certificate with totally random people listed as my birth parents. I’m going to drive out to the hospital where I was born and see if I can dig up anything on them. Canvass the neighborhood maybe.
Drive out where? he asked.
Small town near Yosemite.
That’s several hours away. You’re not driving out there alone. Hell no.
It’s not like you can come with me, I said. How would it look if we went out of town together when we’re supposed to be broken up?
Let me see what I can come up with. We’ll figure something out. But you’re not going alone, that’s for sure.
I gave him a quick kiss on the cheek, then I headed out the window. I booked it home, going straight to the back door of my house.
Finding my key, I raised it to the lock and froze. Renzo’s scent wafted up my nose and my hea
rt thumped wildly against my ribs.
“Autumn.”
Spinning around to face him, I looked into his eyes and saw tornados wreaking destruction. Why was he angry? Had he changed his mind and decided he was finished vacationing? Did Charles come back to life and tell Renzo what we’d done?
“Where. Is. Charles?” he growled.
Whew. He didn’t know and I needed to keep it that way. I wanted to bolt, but with him directly in front of me, there was no escape. That would only make me look guilty anyway.
I backed up against the door and inhaled deeply to steady my pulse. “I told you I don’t know.”
“You’re lying and that’s why you’re frightened right now.”
“I’m not lying,” I said. “I’m afraid because you’re in my backyard, uninvited, and you’re a very scary dude.”
“But Alura isn’t scary?” He raised one brow.
I shook my head. “No. She doesn’t sneak around my house and block me so I can’t move.”
“Meet me at the coffee house later. I’ll make sure Alura is there too.”
Why would I meet with Renzo on purpose? “What if I say no?”
He laughed softly, which was even more terrifying than the storm in his eyes. “Then I’ll find you.”
“Fine. I’ll meet you guys tonight,” I said quickly, then got distracted by his skin. Despite the fear inside me, I found myself leaning forward almost imperceptibly to get a closer look.
“Problem?” he growled, eyes narrowing.
I’d never seen him up close during the day. “You have fine little scars all over your face. I thought werewolves and shifters both healed completely.”
“We do. But some wounds are so deep, they take longer.”
“How long ago was it?” I asked.
“None of your business, little one.” His tone told me I’d asked enough questions.
“What happened to you?” I pressed unthinkingly, too curious to resist.
“Maybe, like you, I asked too many questions.” He didn’t say good-bye, disappearing as if he’d never been there.
I shivered at his veiled threat, glad he was gone. Wait… Was Zack supposed to come with me to the coffee house? Renzo hadn’t specifically requested him. I’d go without Zack. No point in putting his head on the chopping block, too.
I scurried through the door then locked it, my mind drifting back to Charles and how his wolf body had vanished. After scrambling up the stairs, I checked my computer for recent local news, even though I suspected it was a wasted effort. Twenty minutes later, my suspicions were confirmed. Not even a whisper about an oversized dead wolf.
He had to have healed somehow. There was no other explanation.
If he was alive, he’d come after us, and this time, he’d kill us for sure. Fingers of terror clawed at my heart.
† † †
With only three more school days to prove my innocence to Mr. Collins, I still had no idea how to squeeze the data from Gina. She seemed to believe I wanted to be her friend, but she hadn’t let anything useful slip yet.
When I arrived at school Wednesday morning, I backed into the parking spot so I faced the lot, easily seeing any new arrivals. I slunk down in my seat, until Gina drove up in her black convertible Mercedes. I got out of my car, just as she exited hers — followed by Natalie. Damn. Natalie was a lost cause. My odds were better with Gina, but with Natalie there, forget it. I retreated to my car to wait for Maya.
We have a couple ways we can approach this Yosemite trip, Zack’s words invaded my mind.
And how is that?
First, you’re not going alone. That’s out of the question.
I had difficulty arguing with him since I was dying to get him all to myself anyway. Okay. What else?
My mom knows the truth about us so we could enlist her help. Maybe if we bring it up over dinner, she can order me to go with you.
Brilliant, I said, glancing around. The parking lot was filling quickly.
Or, he continued, we make up in public—
And throw away all our hard work? I loved the idea, but felt like I’d sacrificed a lot. Besides, Renzo had told me to keep our relationship under wraps. He wasn’t someone I wanted to cross. And I didn’t want to scrap our progress only to have to start all over again when the next new werewolf showed up.
If Charles is alive, we’ll need to go back to spending every moment together again anyway. Safety in numbers.
So you think he’s alive? I asked.
Not really. But I think we should be prepared either way.
Zack, always practical. Are you almost here?
Yes. Think about our options and we’ll talk later.
The red Jeep parked and Maya and Trevor climbed out. I was there before Zack locked up.
“You have no makeup on,” Zack commented.
“Didn’t have time.”
“Really? What were you doing all morning?”
Trevor and Maya eyed Zack curiously.
“Do I look bad or something?” I asked him.
“Not at all. You look… wholesome,” he answered.
“Wholesome,” I repeated, grimacing.
He chuckled. “It’s not necessarily bad. It’s just different. Sometimes change is good.”
“I thought you liked the slutty look. I figured you’d have to, otherwise you wouldn’t have dated Gina.”
Maya punched Zack in the shoulder, scowling. “Eeww! You dated Gina?”
Sorry, I told him silently, biting my lip.
“Hey!” Zack flinched, rubbing his shoulder. “It was ages ago, before I knew you guys.”
“Whatever.” She switched targets, zeroing in on Trevor. “Did you know about this?”
The boys needed saving, so I stepped in. “It was before he knew she’d slept with Daniel. It’s not their fault.”
Maya sighed. “I’m sorry for hitting you, Zack. I guess I’m just mad at you for not fighting for Autumn and being such a wuss about everything.”
“C’mon. Let’s get to class,” I said, hoping to save Zack from having to respond.
Thank you, he told me silently.
† † †
I waited for Gina after my last class, but she was glued to Natalie. It made sense that Gina would drive Natalie home since she drove Natalie to school, but it still sucked. Trying to get Gina’s attention during lunch had been pointless since she sat with Jeff, Natalie and Greg. Another day wasted.
Disappointment wedged itself in my throat like a ball of fire. How was I going to clear my name if I couldn’t get close to Gina?
My only other idea was to force her to fix it. Blackmail? But with what?
I dragged my gaze from Gina’s glossy, black convertible, but ended up eye-to-eye with Cameron. He turned away from me as he arrived at his truck. Crap. He’d been staring at me. I hoped that didn’t mean what I thought it did.
“What’s up?” Zack studied me a beat, then glanced around. Thankfully, Cameron had already disappeared inside his truck.
My shoulders slumped. “Gina and Natalie set me up in Mr. Collins class and now he thinks I cheated on a test. If I can’t prove my innocence by Monday, he’s calling my parents.”
Zack’s jaw set in a hard line. “Are you sure it was Gina?”
“Pretty sure.” I nodded. “I was going to try to suck up to her, hoping she’d slip. Epic fail so far.”
Zack grinned. “Sounds like you need a pinch-hitter.”
Huh? “Is that some kind of football term?”
He laughed. “I mean, what if I’m the one sucking up?”
“You’re my hero!” I squealed.
“Why is Zack your hero?” Trevor asked.
“Yeah, why?” Maya echoed.
“He’s going to suck up to Gina, try to get her to confess to setting me up.”
“But Gina won’t open up so long as you keep hanging around Autumn,” Trevor pointed out. “People already think your relationship is strange. I know I do.”
Just when
I thought the school situation with him couldn’t get any worse. If he had to work on Gina, I’d spend even less time with him.
“What’s so weird about us? It’s not like no one’s ever broken up and stayed friends,” I said, hand on my hip.
“Trevor’s right though. If I’m your friend, she won’t let me in,” Zack said.
On the sly, I looked over at Gina and Natalie who were still hanging around Gina’s Mercedes. They weren’t facing us dead on, but if anything happened in our circle, they’d see. It was a perfect opportunity.
“Well, I’m sorry in advance.” I slapped Zack’s face hard, the sound echoing off the pavement as I powered up my vocal cords. “Staring at other girls right in front of me? I was trying to stay friends with you, but forget it! Stay the hell away from me!”
I stomped off toward my car, which allowed me to observe Gina and Natalie who stood rooted in place, their mouths wide open. They looked convinced. Good. Now I just had to wait for Zack to work his magic on them. If he was still talking to me after this. It was the first real hope I’d had since Mr. Collins had accused me of cheating.
Getting in my car, I started up the car and peeled out. I’m so sorry. It didn’t hurt too much, did it?
It was so strange to hear him laughing in my head. You were perfect. Remind me never to get you mad for real. By the way, I’m seeing Gina tonight to wrap up our project.
I don’t want her anywhere near you. Just get what I need so you don’t have to see her again. I loathed being the voice of reason right then.
Working on it. Coming over later?
Of course.
My cell phone rang and I pulled over to rummage through my purse. It was Maya. “Hey.”
“I can’t believe you did that.” She snickered. “What a beautiful performance. You should have seen Gina’s face. Wait. That was an act, right? You weren’t really mad at him, were you?”
“No. Zack and I are still friends.”
“Okay, whew.” She exhaled audibly. “What are you doing the rest of the day?”
“Homework, chores.” Meeting with a terrifying werewolf who knows I’m a shape-shifter and hooked up with a werewolf. Hoping I won’t die. “I have to check in with my parents and some other stuff.” But if Maya and Trevor went out for coffee and saw me with the werewolves, they’d catch me lying. “Oh, and Alura invited me for coffee. I said I’d pop in.”
Shapes of Autumn (Boxed set, books 1 - 5) Page 43
