***
After another restless night where my dreams were filled with blood-lusting killer werewolves, I awoke to a new day. Alexis arrived promptly to take me to campus, although I had the feeling he hadn’t actually gone anywhere.
“Good morning, princess, sleep well?” he asked, looking much like his usual self.
“No. Actually I had a lot of trouble sleeping. It seems werewolves are now invading my dreams, too. Go figure.”
He nodded, not the least bit surprised by my reply.
“How’s Kyran?” I opted for changing the subject better the frustration I still felt got the best of me.
“He’s still feeling…hungry.”
Hungry? I hated how that sounded. “Isn’t there anything any of us can do?”
“Not unless you’re willing to sacrifice yourself so that his pain will go away.”
I remained quiet the rest of the way to campus. Alexis did as well; apparently he didn’t want to start another pointless argument between us. Not that I could blame him. I mean, I was taking my frustration out on him and it wasn’t his fault.
As Alexis parked the car in the school parking lot, I noticed Gage and Josephine arriving in the black Audi I’d seen the day before.
“Gage and Josephine are here too? What about Kyran? You guys left him alone?”
Alexis stared hard at me for a moment before replying. “He’s not alone. Marquis and Simone are at home. And he’s locked inside the house, so he’ll be fine.”
Locked? Locked up like some kind of rabid animal?
“We have to play the normal life routine as best we can. Chances are this alpha and his pack associate with you, and if there’s a chance that we can find out who he is we’re going to take it.” He added.
“I know.” Grabbing my bag, I opened the car door and slipped out. “Did you inform your family of what you found out yesterday?”
Alexis joined me as we made our way toward Gage and Josephine.
“Yes. Marquis is pretty upset about it, too.”
“Understandable, I guess.” I slipped the bag’s strap over my shoulder as we walked.
He nodded. “It’s not going to be easy, but we’ll manage.”
I didn’t doubt that for a second.
“So, uh…I didn’t ask, how did you sleep?” I asked while bumping playfully into him.
He grinned. “I didn’t sleep at all. I kept watch over your house for most of the night. Around five in the morning, Marquis and Simone came by to relieve me of my guardian duties.”
“Don’t you need sleep?”
He smiled while he slipped one arm over my shoulders. “We don’t need to sleep as much as humans do. We can go days without it.” He pulled me closer to him and whispered in my ear. “But I sure had a lot of fun watching you sleep.” He laughed when he noticed the shock that registered on my face.
I’m going to have to start sleeping with my window shut and locked from now on.
“You are such a pervert!” I shoved him away from me and he only laughed harder. We joined Gage and Josephine and we all headed to our respective classes in good humor, despite the concern we all felt for Kyran.
As the day progressed, a series of weird events began to unfold. The oddness began when I noticed that Kenny Marshall was constantly leering at me from across the room. I didn’t know what the deal with him was but I was very uncomfortable.
After the teacher appointed us with a group assignment, Kenny finally rose and walked over to my table. The second I sensed his approach I lowered my eyes to my book and tried to pretend I hadn’t seen him.
“Would you mind if I joined you?” he asked with a smile. We needed a partner for the assignment and I had none. “Jack isn’t here and since you don’t have a partner either I was wondering…”
I glanced at Jack’s seat, which I noted was in fact empty. “Um…sure, sit.”
His smile broadened as he sat next to me. “Thanks. For a moment there I thought you would say no.”
I wanted to. “Sorry, I…have been under a lot of stress lately, so I’m usually very much distracted these days.” I removed my book from the middle of the table and placed it closer to me.
“Too bad…It’s also a shame you couldn’t make it on Wednesday.”
Uncomfortable with his nearness, I busied my hands with anything that lay atop the table, anything so I wouldn’t have to look at his face.
“I was busy. Sorry.”
He shook his head and smiled. “No problem. I can understand how that can happen.” He pulled his chair closer to mine and I nearly cringed. Without a word he reached for a lock of loose hair that was blocking my view of him and tucked it behind my ear. I had to stop myself before I actually recoiled away from his touch. “You are very beautiful, Marjorie, and very special.”
Hah! Special enough to rile an entire pack of werewolves! “Thank you, Kenny.” I slowly removed his hand from my face when it seemed to linger there a little too long. “So, ah, where’s Jack?” I hoped the change in subject would shift his attention to someone else besides me.
“I don’t know, really. He hasn’t been to classes in days. I’ve tried calling him but he hasn’t answered. I stopped by his crib the other day and his brother told me he hasn’t been home for a while.”
“Isn’t that weird? I mean, Jack being missing?”
“Not really, that’s just Jack. I’m thinking he’s out partying somewhere with his group of friends and the carousing is just too good to come home.” He settled one hand over the table, tapping his fingers on the smooth surface as he looked at me.
“Hopefully he’s okay.”
“I’m sure he is. You don’t know Jack the way I do. When he parties, he really goes all out. Sometimes he’s drunk for days. I used to do it too, but since my family’s business is starting to take off, I just can’t do it anymore. I have to be more responsible since I’m an only child and everything will fall on my shoulders.”
“Oh, that’s good. There really is no sense paying for all these expensive classes if all you’re going to do is get drunk and pass out.”
“You’re absolutely right.” His closeness unnerved me and I wished he would just move away. How could I feel this way for someone who was equally as handsome and as charming as Alexis was? But then again, Alexis’s presence was full of good vibes, while Kenny…I couldn’t even explain it. Kenny was different. “But you know what I would like?”
“No. What?”
“To take you on a date.”
My heart skipped a beat. A date? With Kenny?
“Since you couldn’t make it to our study group, maybe you’ll be able to make it to a date.”
No. I didn’t want to be alone with him under any circumstances.
“I’m flattered, Kenny, but…” What could I possibly say that would make him back off and leave me alone? “I’m sorta seeing someone else.” I blurted.
He seemed utterly surprised. “Oh? I saw you arriving with him this morning, but I didn’t think anything of it.”
With him? Who was he referring…
Alexis. “Um, yeah…well, I…”
“You’re dating that Rousseau guy, Alexis.” He sounded so disgusted I thought he was actually going to spit at my feet.
“Well, I…” Alexis? I couldn’t say I was dating Kyran, because by the looks of it, I doubted he would ever be allowed to join society again. Alexis was just there. “Yes, I’m seeing Alexis.” It wasn’t such a big lie, since it looked like I was going to be seeing a lot of Kyran’s twin from now on.
“He’s not right for you!”
His sudden outburst caused my stomach to clench. I’d never seen Kenny that way before and quite frankly it scared the living daylights out of me. He must have sensed my discomfort because he turned to look at me with an apologetic expression on his face.
“I’m sorry, Marjorie, I…it’s just that I can’t picture you with someone like that Rousseau guy.” His words came out in a rush, and that freaked me out even
more.
“What’s wrong with Alexis?”
Kenny’s face changed from angry to one of annoyance. “For starters, he’s always hitting on every woman he sees. Do you really want to date someone that shows so very little respect toward you?”
“We…uh…just started dating.”
“I see, so you believe he’ll stop that behavior because he’s dating you now?” His right hand rumpled the dark spikes of his hair.
“Yes.”
“I have a hard time believing that.” His expression hardened. “You deserve someone better, Marjorie. Someone that won’t disrespect you. Like I said, he’s not good enough for you.”
“Let me be the judge of that, Kenny.”
I stood and grabbed my belongings as the teacher dismissed the class. I hurried to the next one and away from Kenny. Throughout the short walk to Math class, I kept looking over my shoulder to see if Kenny was following. But since I saw no sign that he was, I darted inside the classroom and sat in my appointed seat.
My heart was pounding so hard I thought everyone around me could hear it.
“Hello, Marjorie.” The sound of Angela’s voice startled me. I had completely forgotten about her.
“Oh, hey, Angie. How are you?” My eyes kept darting to the door. It was unlikely that Kenny would follow me to Math class but I was scared just the same.
“Not so good. I’ve wanted to apologize to you for days but you keep blowing me off.”
“I’m sorry, Angie. I’ve been really busy lately.”
“Oh, I can imagine how busy, exactly. Since you’ve been hanging out with the Rousseau’s more than you’ve been with us.”
Wasn’t she supposed to be apologizing? “Well, it’s not like I’m changing my old friends for new ones. I have very good reasons as to why I’ve been hanging out with the Rousseau’s.”
“I can think of two very good reasons.” She said hotly.
“Angie, I don’t know what has gotten into you lately, but you know what, my private life is my private life. If you are still angry at me over the accident, then let’s drop our friendship and get on with our lives.” I started to rise, but a firm hand on my forearm stopped me.
“No! Marjie, I’m sorry!” She turned her pleading gaze toward me. “I’m not feeling like myself lately. Everything gets me upset and I can’t help but feel like my life is stuck in a rut while you girls are all moving on with your lives.”
“Believe it or not, I understand you more than you think. My life is heading down a rough road right now. I haven’t blown you off on purpose. I’m trying to learn how to cope with what I’ve got going on.” I felt a little relieved that she was listening to me intently and wasn’t making any faces at me as I spoke. “I have a lot on my plate right now, Angie. You wouldn’t even believe how much.”
She nodded as if she knew.
“But worst of all is that I know how you feel about me now.”
Angela didn’t seem sincere with her apology. I had the feeling she was just apologizing because she didn’t want to end up alone. She preferred my company even if she hated me.
“I’m sorry about everything I said that day. I didn’t mean it. I spoke out of anger.”
Hell, she was lying to me right now too; she meant everything she said that day.
“You’re right. I mean…we all have issues and problems to deal with. It’s just that mine is a little more obvious than yours. We’ve been friends for so long I don’t want to see it ruined over anything. I’m really sorry, Marjie.” she said.
“I accept your apology, Angie.” I accepted it, but didn’t believe it one bit.
“Thank you, Marjie.” Her mouth crept into a smile that looked forced and even fake.
Something told me that I now had an enemy in my mists, one who was closer to me than the pack of rogues competing to gain me as a mate.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Two hours later I was exiting my last class before lunch when I spotted Tracy heading straight toward me.
“Please tell me that this whole thing about you dating Alexis isn’t just a very good rumor.” her lips parted into a wide grin.
Gossip strikes again! I hadn’t realized Kenny was such a gossip queen. It was barely noon and the rumor about Alexis and me dating had already reached Tracy’s ears.
“Unfortunately for you, it is.”
Tracy’s smile died. “Ah, geez! And here I was thinking this day was beginning to be worthwhile after all.”
We exited through the double glass doors and walked over to Tracy’s car. The rest of our friends were a little late meeting us there, so Tracy and I were alone.
“Who started this rumor anyway?”
“I think I did.” I winced as I said it.
Her face scrunched up as she looked at me. “You’re making no sense.”
“Well, I’m going to tell you the truth, but you have to promise me you won’t tell anybody.” I poked her arm with a finger.
She raised her right hand and placed her left over her heart as if she was about to recite The Pledge of Allegiance. “I swear on my baby I won’t tell a soul.” Her baby was her car, the one possession she took great pride in.
“Kenny asked me out, and in a panic I told him I was already seeing someone else.”
“And you told him you were dating Alexis?” She looked every bit as surprised as she sounded.
“Not exactly. He assumed I was, and I…sort of…said I was.”
“Ah, Marjorie, that’s what you get when you hang out with me.” She looked at me and smiled. “You start lying like me.”
I let out some air. Why did I get myself into this mess? Pretend to date one guy to get another off my back? What the hell is wrong with me? “What am I going to say to everyone else? The entire campus knows by now.”
Tracy shrugged. “Don’t say anything to anyone. Let them believe the rumor so Kenny will stay off your back.”
“What about Alexis?” I glanced around; fearing that at any moment the silver eyed hunk would walk out of the building and confront me about the rumor going around.
“What about him?”
“He must have heard it by now.” I turned my gaze back to Tracy and frowned. “What am I going to tell him?”
“The truth. Besides, I’m pretty sure he’ll enjoy playing your boyfriend. He likes you.”
I shifted uncomfortably under her scrutinizing gaze.
“You’re wrong.” I argued lamely.
“Am I really?” She leaned against her car, arms folded over her breasts, eyes mocking me.
I fought the urge to roll my eyes. “How can you even tell, anyway?”
“Because he’s always flirting with you—”
“Alexis flirts with everyone, that’s just the way he is.” I tried desperately to plead my case. “He even flirts with the old lady that prepares all the sandwiches for the campus cafeteria.”
“Maybe so, but he sure doesn’t look at her the way he looks at you.”
“You’re seeing things.” I barked in irritation. There was no possible way Alexis was infatuated with me. I refused to accept it.
I started to walk away from her but stopped abruptly when I caught sight of Alexis walking toward us with a big broad smile on his face.
“Oh my God! Tracy, he’s coming this way,” I squeaked.
She started to laugh and I suppressed the urge to run off like a scared kitten.
Alexis reached us before I could turn around and bolt. I tried to explain myself but before I could open my mouth, he grabbed me by the waist, pulled me against him, and smiled right before he kissed me senseless. Aghast, I could only stand there and take his assault on my lips. I realized a slapping session was in order but I knew if I did so, I would discredit myself in front of everyone who was watching.
When he finally let me go, I was able to see just how far my little white lie had gone. All my friends, along with a few other people, were standing around us cheering and howling as if they had just witnessed the best
touchdown they’d ever seen. Well, I had to give the man credit; he did know how to kiss.
“Well, hello, princess, did my girlfriend miss me?” Alexis’s grin was unbearable.
Unfortunately for me, I started this whole mess, not him, so I couldn’t blame him for playing the part, could I? “I’m going to get you for this, Alexis,” I whispered so only he could hear me.
“I swear if you slapped me right now I wouldn’t mind at all. It was worth it!” His grin was accompanied by a wink.
Despite myself, I smiled. Why did he have to be so damn cute? “We need to talk.”
“No need. I know you made up the whole I-am-your-boyfriend scheme for a reason. You can tell me later. Right now I’m starved and much in need of nourishment.” He wrapped his arm around my shoulders and pulled me to where Gage and Josephine waited next to the Audi. Behind us, I could hear Tracy, Rosa, and Claire squealing like a bunch of schoolgirls.
“You are insufferable, Alexis.”
He grinned. “Ah, well, you know me. I have to show open displays of affection to my new girlfriend. After all, I have a ton of girls to make jealous.”
“You’re so full of it.” I swallowed the urge to slap him upside the head and continued walking to where Gage and Josephine were patiently waiting for us.
Alexis laughed.
“What was that all about?” Gage asked as we approached.
“Well, it seems like some girl,” Alexis looked at me and smiled, “started this rumor that Marjorie and I are now dating.”
“You’re not really dating?” Gage asked with a smile.
“No, but no one has to know that.”
“Oh, I get it now.” Gage said.
“Can we go eat? I’m starving.” Alexis opened the back door and gestured for me to climb in first, which I did.
We all hopped inside the black Audi and headed to lunch.
***
After school, I arrived home to find my father had returned from his trip. We spent the early evening catching up, and after dinner he decided to retire to his bedroom. Because he was so weary, I offered to do the chores for him. After days of having to do the barn chores without a pitchfork, I decided I needed to be brave for a little while and go find where I’d left it.
Secrets of the Moon Page 29
