Shapes of Autumn (Boxed set, books 1 - 5)

by Veronica Blade

  “No more reading this trip.” He moved my hair off my neck and lowered his lips to my skin. Tingles of heat spread through me and my body vibrated with anticipation.

  Zack had that look on his face — the same one he had whenever he forgot what we were risking by being together. I wasn’t exactly opposed to getting lost in a make-out session with him. Except a little hand holding at the movies didn’t make up for the Gina fiasco and the last few days of him being cold to me.

  “Well, I hope your entertainment substitute doesn’t include making out because that’s not going to happen until we’ve talked about what happened.” Not wanting to sound mean, I softened my voice. “Don’t forget, Zack, I have just as much to be angry about as you do, if not more.”

  He reached over to his nightstand and fetched my e-reader then thrust it at me, his expression blank. “It’s probably for the best.”

  I took the book, my mouth gaping. “So… you still won’t talk about it?”

  “Nope.” He shook his head and crossed his arms over his chest.

  “I don’t get it. We could’ve hashed it out already and be kissing right now.” I knew that wasn’t subtle but I really missed that part.

  “The subject is off-limits.” He shook his head. “I’ll get too worked up. Give me a couple more days to get my head together, okay?”

  At least he gave me a time frame. But two more days of denying myself? Blah. Maybe he was right about it being for the best, though. It had already seemed like forever since we’d kissed and the longer it went on, the more I craved him. If we got started… in a hotel room… all alone…

  Not a good idea.

  † † †

  Zack had crawled into bed last night just as I’d nodded off. With no hope of working things out just yet, I’d let myself fall asleep. We checked out of the hotel the next morning and drove into Yosemite National Park. It was still early, but apparently the other visitors didn’t think so. The place was buzzing.

  Even though Zack was still a little broody, I vowed to enjoy him as much as I enjoyed the beautiful, majestic Sequoia trees. I told myself to forget everything going on and just take pleasure in being with him.

  “These trees are enormous, unbelievable.” I handed him my phone. “Take a picture of me next to this one.”

  Instead of following orders, he looked for a passerby to take a picture of us both. Brilliant idea. The only pictures I had with both of us were from prom. I wanted as many more as I could before he left.

  Hours later, we trudged to our car, ready to head home. I made my way to the Mustang while Zack stopped at the gift shop for water.

  I froze. About three cars from where I stood sat a midnight-blue Jaguar.

  Chapter Thirty-one

  I scanned the area for Renzo or Alura, wondering how many Jaguars that exact color and model one should expect to see in the course of a week. Should I call for Zack and get the hell out before we found out who owned the car? My fingers twitched at my side while I contemplated what to do next. Moments later, Zack handed me a bottle of water.

  “You think this is Renzo’s?” he asked.

  “Seems likely.” If only I’d taken note of his license plate number.

  We could wait around and find out or we can move on. He shrugged. Or we could get a little closer and see if we smell werewolf.

  This doesn’t worry you? I asked. Zack seemed barely rattled.

  Of course it does. I don’t believe Renzo’s our friend, but I also don’t think he’s a threat right now. Probably just keeping tabs on us. He brushed a hand along my lower back. So long as no one knows what you are, we’re cool.

  Then we definitely weren’t cool. The freaking werewolf was supposed to be on vacation. Why the hell was he following us? The breeze picked up and a few wayward strands of my hair tickled my nose — along with the scent of werewolf. Zack and I glanced at each other.

  “Fancy meeting you two here,” I heard Renzo say from somewhere behind me.

  Zack turned to face the familiar stranger. “Not really since you followed us,” he said in a flat voice.

  I swiveled toward Renzo and leaned against Zack, so I wouldn’t miss anything spoken silently. I gave myself a quick reminder that as far as Zack knew, Renzo still thought I was human. Therefore, I had to act like I had no idea that werewolves existed.

  “Hi. Oh, my gosh, what are the chances of seeing you all the way out here? Is Alura with you?” I asked.

  “She’s around,” Renzo answered, still looking at Zack. Get rid of Autumn so we can talk.

  Zack bumped my shoulder. “Mind waiting for me in the car for a minute?”

  “I’m being banished?” I hated the thought of missing out on whatever was about to happen. Worse, I couldn’t even talk to Zack silently or Renzo would sense the energy radiating from us. He’d know that Zack knew about me. I had no choice but to oblige.

  “Just a couple minutes.” He jerked his head toward the Mustang. “I won’t be long.”

  “Fine.” I stomped to my car, got in. Inserting the key, I rolled down all the windows and listened in as I watched them.

  “It’s been over a week since anyone’s seen Charles. Nine days to be exact.” Renzo’s eyes stared into Zack’s.

  But the younger werewolf stood his ground, folding his arms over his chest. “Like I said before, I can’t give you information that I don’t have.”

  “I think you know more than you’re saying,” Renzo stated, then continued when Zack only stared at him. “I can’t help you if I’m not properly informed.”

  “I’m not your responsibility,” Zack said. “Why would you help me anyway?”

  “You’re young with your whole future ahead of you.” Renzo kept his voice low and level. “I hate to see it cut short when you’ve only just begun.”

  “That doesn’t change the fact that I have no idea what happened to Charles. I like to think that the king’s people would be smart enough to realize I couldn’t have killed him. If you’re that worried, why haven’t you called the authorities?”

  Renzo studied Zack a beat. He stood very still and stayed quiet so long, I thought he might attack. Just in case, I kept my hand on the door, ready to jump out and help.

  “You should know that there’s been trouble in the woods near your house.”

  “What kind of trouble?” Zack asked.

  “Nothing serious. But the forest rangers are finding animal parts like tails and antlers. They know something is killing them, but they can’t figure out what. But I think you know.

  Zack’s head tilted. “You think it’s Charles.”

  “Yes, and I think you killed him. Or you thought you did. But he’s out there healing and when he’s strong enough, he’s going to come after whoever botched his murder.”

  Shaking his head, Zack tightened his lips. I wanted him to ask Renzo how to kill a werewolf for real, but the question might draw attention to the fact that we didn’t know how to do it and therefore might’ve been the ones who killed Charles incorrectly the first time.

  “I was badly injured years ago. These fine scars all over my skin? They’ll go away eventually. The majority of my injuries healed, but it took weeks. I lived in the forest and fed off animals until I was strong enough and looked presentable again. Charles wouldn’t care about impressing anyone. He only needs to be stronger than his murderer to exact his revenge. And if he’s up to killing bigger animals now, he’ll be able to handle a fledgling very soon.”

  All my breath left my body as terror consumed me. If Zack and I ran now, maybe Charles wouldn’t find us. Maybe we could meet up with my parents… yeah, bringing a werewolf to them would go over well. Whatever happened, Zack running without me wasn’t an option.

  Zack nodded, his face appearing free of any emotion. “And you followed us all the way out here to tell us that? Though I appreciate the heads up, your speech is wasted on me. I didn’t kill him. I have to get back to Autumn now.”

  “And once you’re home, you’ll pret
end you two are broken up? Is this for my benefit or for Charles?” Renzo asked so quietly, I almost missed it.

  “Autumn and I are trying to work things out. See you around.” Zack pivoted and walked away, his face a mask of fury.

  Renzo stared after him with something akin to daggers in his eyes. If he’d wanted us dead, he wouldn’t have warned Zack about Charles. Better yet, he would’ve killed us himself. Could it be that he really did want to help, but was frustrated because we refused to cooperate? Or was he trying to trip us up? Was he trying to earn our trust so we’d confess?

  Did you get all that? Zack started up the engine and backed out, his hands gripping the steering wheel.

  Yeah.

  Once we were on the road and way out of Renzo’s range of hearing, Zack let loose, his voice heated. “Charles is alive. He’s out there and once he’s healed, he’s coming after us.”

  My stomach fluttered in fear. “But I ate his organs! In what kind of messed up world does someone live after that?”

  He stared at me blankly.

  Okay, maybe I was freaking. “It’s two against one, Zack. We still have a chance,” I said with much more confidence than I felt. “We handled him before and we have a better chance while he’s not fully healed.”

  “He’s not stupid enough to come after us unless he’s strong enough to kill us. I’m not so sure the two of us can fight Charles off again. We took him by surprise before and that’s the only reason we’re not dead. No doubt though, if he finds either of us alone, we will be. You go nowhere without me, understand? You’re sleeping at my house tonight.”

  “No problem.” I hoped he didn’t notice my trembling voice. I mean, seriously, if I acted all panicked, Zack would become even more angry and protective. “We’ll tell everyone we’re back together and everything’s back to normal."

  “Our makeup needs to happen at school. It needs to be big and public.”

  “Why?”

  “Because we need everyone to witness for themselves, especially Cameron.”

  “And Gina,” I added narrowing my eyes.

  “Right. Which means we’re not back together yet as far as my family is concerned.”

  “Then what are we going to tell them? If we’re not a couple, why am I spending the night?”

  “I’ll think of something.” A moment later, he growled and slapped the dashboard. “All this time lying about being broken up and it’s all been for nothing. We’re screwed either way.”

  I didn’t have a comforting reply, so I let it pass without comment. I waited a beat, then asked, “So how do you want us to get back together? Am I just supposed to forgive you for making out with my archenemy?”

  “Not totally sure yet. When the time comes, just follow my lead.” His eyes darkened. “This sucks on so many levels. Us being together at all times increases your chance of being discovered.”

  “No one will figure it out.” No one who didn’t already know anyway. It was pointless to tell Zack now that Renzo had known about our fake breakup since the beginning. And besides, that information might lead to me telling him that Renzo already knew I was a shape-shifter. That would send Zack into a protective frenzy.

  As if he wasn’t already there.

  “But if they do, I can’t protect you, Autumn. Not against older, stronger werewolves.” He growled again, gripping the steering wheel. “Damn it.”

  “Maybe we can trust Renzo. If he really wants to help, maybe he can protect us.”

  He scoffed and stopped for a red light. “We don’t know anything about him and he’s still a werewolf. He lives under the king’s rule. I don’t care how nice he seems, you can’t trust any of them.”

  “Okay.” Apparently, Zack forgot too easily he was a werewolf too, and perfectly trustworthy. There had to be others like him. “Do you think Renzo followed us all the way out here or do you think he tracked us?”

  “That had to be his car we saw on the highway.” The Mustang began to move again and the freeway on-ramp came into view. “Or he could’ve gotten it out of Maya or Trevor…”

  “You think either of them would give a virtual stranger that kind of information? I think she would’ve texted me if Renzo started asking questions.”

  “They wouldn’t have told him willingly.”

  “Ooookay…” I frowned, confused. “You think he threatened them or something?” A chill rushed up my spine.

  “Did you read any of that old, thick book with the gold writing? The one about werewolves?” Zack slowed, then turned onto the freeway and leaned his head against the seat.

  “I just finished the SWAAST one.” Shape-shifter Werewolf Alliance Against Slavery and Tyranny had been enlightening, giving theories about the werewolf king and the legend of Hannah and Eli. But it talked more about shape-shifters than werewolves. “Until yesterday, I haven’t had much time to read.”

  Zack signaled to merge into the next lane. “You should definitely read the big werewolf book, but I’ll give you a crash course now.”

  I turned to face him and settled in for the long ride. “I’m all ears.”

  “So werewolves and shape-shifters are all about changing shape, right? We’re dealing with shapes and forms. The theory is that we can do it on humans, too.”

  “We can make a human morph?” That couldn’t be right.

  “No, not exactly. Since humans aren’t genetically capable of being anything other than human, we can only reach them on a telepathic level. Like we shape an idea and put it in their head. The trick is that they still have their own free will, so we can’t force them. But if they think it’s their idea, they’ll do what we want.”

  “Seriously?” Maybe I could encourage Gina and Natalie into confessing. But then, Zack would’ve already known that so why had he spent all that time with Gina unless he wanted to?

  “Wouldn’t work for us, though.”

  “What?” Disappointment sliced through me like a scalpel. “Why not?”

  “Only the old werewolves can do it, when they’re powerful enough. Never try it on one of them though. Even if it were possible to plant a thought into a werewolf, they’d sense what you were doing and you’d piss them off. The consequences would be deadly.”

  † † †

  Zack grabbed our stuff from the car and ushered me ahead of him. Inside his house, the living room was empty but I heard distant noises. “Let’s unload, then find everyone,” he said.

  He plopped the duffle bags on his bed and we followed the voices to the backyard. Maya and Trevor sat at the bottom of the steps and Mac stood with Cara at his side, an arm draped over her shoulders.

  “Hey.” I beamed down at Maya. “What are you guys doing out here?”

  Maya smiled and nodded toward Cara.

  “The little guys just went to bed so we thought we’d take advantage of the gorgeous evening,” Cara said, giving me a welcoming smile.

  I looked up at the stars. “Yeah, it’s nice out.”

  Maya reached up to take my hand. “Did you have a good weekend? Find out anything about your parents?”

  I gave a careless shrug, knowing what she really wanted was the juicy details. “We had a nice time.”

  “She’s going to stay the night. I’m not comfortable leaving her alone in the house after it’s been empty all weekend,” Zack said.

  “That’s fine. We love having Autumn around. I’ll have that extra bed set up,” Aunt Cara said. “Are you guys hungry?”

  “No, we’re stuffed,” Zack replied. “Mom asleep?”

  “Yes, but she had a good day,” Cara said. “I think she’s out of the woods.”

  Maya slipped past Cara and dragged me inside with her. “Details,” she demanded once she’d closed the door.

  I chuckled. “There’s nothing to tell. All we did was sleep and he didn’t kiss me even once. We’re still broken up. I’m sorry.”

  “That’s so lame.” Her eyes narrowed. “What’s up with you two?”

  “Nothing. Until I hear so
mething profound from his lips, like he shouldn’t look at other girls or he can’t believe how stupid he was for thinking anyone but me could make him happy, I’m not budging.”

  Maya sighed. “You’re doing the right thing. I just wish he’d hurry up with those magic words. You guys so belong together.”

  The door swung open. Zack and the rest of his family filed in, forcing Maya and me into the hallway.

  “I have to go. We have school tomorrow,” Maya said.

  After she left, I grabbed some of my things from my bag and dashed into the bathroom to shower. As soon as I finished and turned off the water, footsteps sounded outside the door. They traveled down the hallway into Zack’s room.

  “Zack, what are you doing?” Cara whispered, but I could still hear her.

  “I was about to change my clothes, but you’re in my room,” he answered lightly.

  “No, I mean with Autumn.” She waited a beat. “You two aren’t back together, but you’re acting as if you are.”

  Zack groaned. “It’s no big deal. Just didn’t want her over there all alone.”

  “Mm-hmm. You still care for her, don’t you?”

  Zack hesitated a moment, before answering. “Yes, I do.”

  “Then stop bringing other girls to the house and work it out,” she ordered. “We miss her.” The door closed and the sound of footfalls receded.

  My eyes misted as I tiptoed into Zack’s room.

  He closed the dresser drawer and glanced over at me. You can’t sleep here. It’s too easy to get caught. All we need is for anyone to see you’re not in your bed.

  We’ll tell them we made up, I said, even though we really hadn’t. But after this weekend, I was heading in that direction…

  No. I want to do this right. Go. He shooed me away.

  I sighed and left. We really needed to come out of the closet soon. Then Zack needed to talk to me about our issues. Tomorrow would mark four days without a kiss from him.

  And now I had to sleep alone.

  Unacceptable.

  † † †

  Zack avoided me the first half of school on Monday. Probably to remind everyone we were still apart. When lunchtime rolled around, Zack still hadn’t made any moves to reconcile. I slogged over to John’s table and sat with him, Ashley and Janine.