by Adria Wade
“Well, maybe just a little bit.”
I jumped as cracks of thunder and lightning brought life to the dark, gloomy sky.
He sat up. “How long are you here for?”
“My plan was to take a year off before going to college.”
His brows rose in surprise. “Oh, so you’re going to college?”
“Why wouldn’t I? I was an A and B student. Just don’t tell my father. He would be proud. I’m smart… I just don’t make smart decisions sometimes.”
“What do you want to be?”
“I wanted to major in psychology, but I’m not sure anymore. I figured how could I help other people when I can’t help myself?”
“I think you could do it. You would have empathy for them, because you’re going through similar struggles. You would know how to help them more because of that… just like how I’m trying to help you.”
“I never thought of it like that. I guess that could help.”
“So, why are you taking a year off?”
“I couldn’t go away…not like this.”
“Like what?”
“I’m a mess.”
“You’re a beautiful mess.”
I smiled as my cheeks flushed.
“You just have to learn how to live with it…move on and try to be as happy as you can.”
He looked down, biting on his lip as he got lost in thought.
“What?”
“I’m debating.”
“Debating what?”
He met my gaze. “Whether or not I should ask you something, but I’m going to do it anyway, even if I already know the answer. Can I make you dinner?”
I beamed. It only took five heart-melting words to crack the shield even more.
“You know how to cook?”
“Well, just steak and spaghetti so if you want any side foods with your steak, we might just want to stick with the pasta.”
“So you do eat human food.”
“Yeah, of course. I’m a hybrid; a part of me still craves human food as a wolf should. When there’s a full moon, though, wolves can’t help but to turn and hunt for humans. It’s the only time they ever thirst for a human’s blood.”
“What about you?”
“I don’t turn into a full blown wolf, but my thirst for blood intensifies.”
“So, is that a yes?” he added, his eyes filled with hope.
My smile faded. I remembered I had that rare family dinner thing tonight, and after the bad news, I wasn’t going to be up for anything. I could already feel the sorrow build as I thought about her demise.
“I have dinner with my family tonight.” I looked down. “I think I’m going to need a couple of days by myself after…Andie.”
“So, it’s a yes, just not a yes right now.”
“Exactly.”
“Then I’ll wait until you’re ready.”
“Thanks for helping me. You really are the nicest guy I’ve ever met.”
As I leaned in, I could feel the excitement begin to stir deep in the pit of my stomach from the close proximity. I placed a kiss on the corner of his mouth.
The corners of his mouth turned up into a smile. “Are you letting me in?”
There was still a part of me that was resisting, even if he proved that he could handle me. I was hopeful, yet afraid.
“I’m going to try.”
The door to the training facility swung open, and Kyle rushed inside. “Andie is gone. She jumped out of the window and ran off.”
Eli looked at me with worry in his eyes. “She can’t control her thirst.”
“She’s going to be a nightmare,” Kyle said.
My stomach plummeted as fear shook my insides. Andie was out there somewhere, running wild and stalking people for their blood. It was a scary feeling to know that there were more just like her out there, surrounding us humans and rendering us defenseless against them. I couldn’t believe I was actually thinking it, but I hoped I never had to see her again.
Chapter Eleven
It was strange how I was able to get a decent night’s sleep but still wake up feeling drained. Of course the session I had with Eli made me even more tired, but I didn’t care. Turns out, punching the hell out of a dummy actually did help with my pent up anger and sorrow, and, well, spending time with Eli and getting to know him more was worth enduring the exhaustion I was feeling now. I thought a shower would help when, really, it only did the opposite.
I moved around my room, practically dragging my feet on the floor as I dressed into a pair of sweat pants and a white, lace crop top then made my way downstairs with my coffee in hand.
The smell of turkey roaming throughout the house made my stomach gurgle. I hadn’t eaten all day, and I couldn’t wait to get my hands on that delicious, juicy turkey when dinner was finished. Ms. Schultz was crossing the hall, carrying food to the dining area when I got downstairs.
I joined my father in the living room. He was standing with his hands in his pants pockets as he watched the news. The news reporter had said that a young male that was found near the mountains beaten to death had been identified, and I just about dropped my coffee when Preston’s face appeared on my television.
My heart sank and all of the blood drained from my face as I stared in shock at the television. He was beaten to death. My mind raced back to that night when Eli and Taylor beat him for trying to rape me. I could still hear the sound of his ribs cracking, and the puddle of blood he left on my floor.
I closed my eyes and exhaled. Oh, God, they killed him. Whether they meant to or not, he took his last breath on my floor.
“That’s the third murd-” He stopped mid-sentence, and my eyes immediately shifted to him. With a look of concern on his face, he moved toward me. “Are you okay?” I nodded. He looked at the television then back at me. “You look like you just saw a ghost. No, I take that back; you look like you just had a diarrhea in front of an entire room of your classmates when you saw the news. Do you know that guy?”
The front door suddenly opened.
“Father, I’m home!” Taylor called out.
Perfect timing. I ignored his question, pretending to be distracted as I turned to face Taylor, Chelsea, and Eli.
As our eyes locked, Eli and I shared a smile.
“Hi,” Eli said.
“Hi. I wasn’t expecting to see you tonight.”
“I couldn’t wait.”
My dad bumped me aside with his body and held out his hand to Eli, sizing him up. “Hi, Eli. How are you?”
“Dad.” I smacked him in the arm.
Eli nodded. His smile never left his face as he shook his hand, remaining unintimidated by him and his overprotectiveness.
Taylor threw his arm around Eli’s shoulder. “Don’t worry; Eli is my date for dinner tonight.”
My dad’s brows rose, and Chelsea snickered, shaking her head.
“Oh, really?”
“Yes, really. I wasn’t ready to tell you at the time, but now I am. Dad, Chelsea has always been a cover up to hide the undying love that I have for Eli.” Taylor pecked him on the head.
Eli pushed him away. “Dude!”
The room fell into fits of laughter while Taylor grinned.
“My son, the comedian.”
Ms. Schultz poked her head in the room. “Dinner is done.”
I grabbed Taylor by the arm, stopping him from leaving as everyone left the room.
“You do know why he’s here, right?”
“Yeah, he has the hots for my sister. He told me he wanted to take you on a date then brought the dinner up tonight, so I invited him.”
My brows pinched together, surprise setting in. Before he didn’t want Eli with me, and now he was okay with it.
I folded my arms. “What, you’re okay with it now?”
He shrugged. “He sat me down and we had a talk. I warned him once, and that’s all I’m going to do. He’s a big boy. He can take care of himself.”
I was relieved. No more senseless drama over E
li pursuing me.
“Okay, I like that.”
“I know you do.”
He turned to leave when I stopped him once more. “Have you watched the news lately?”
“No; I don’t like watching the news. It’s too depressing. I have enough death to deal with in my life. I try to avoid it as much as possible.”
“Preston was found dead near the mountains. He died on my bedroom floor. What if they link his murder back to us? He was last seen here.”
He waved his hand, dismissing my panicked question as he remained calm. “Paige, don’t sweat it. They can’t point us out as the main suspects. You were throwing a party with fifty plus people here. He could have left with any of them. He could’ve gotten into a fight with someone when he left, was killed, and they dropped him off near the mountains. The possibilities are endless and they won’t have enough evidence to pin it on anyone.”
“I may have reacted badly when I saw him on the news. Dad saw and questioned me.”
Taylor’s eyes closed as he sighed. “Great.”
“I walked in and his picture popped up. I was caught off guard. I didn’t even know he died. I thought he was fine; maybe a few broken ribs, but I still thought he had a damn pulse.”
Deep in thought, his eyes fell to the floor. “Okay, if Dad brings it up again, let me do the talking.”
“Okay, but I think I would do fine answering the questions. I was too shocked to come up with the best answer at the time.”
He smirked as he walked backward. “Yeah, because you did a superb job hiding your emotions when you saw his face.” He pointed his finger my way as his mouth fell open in shock, attempting to mock my reaction.
I scowled and flipped him off.
He chuckled and turned to walk away. “It’ll be fine.”
I hope so.
We joined everyone in the dining area where a scrolled, wrought, iron candle wall sconce hung from the light, grey blue wall, and the bronze, pendant chandelier shined just above the table. It was spacious and elegant. I sat down next to Eli, grinning at my father as I pointed my chin at Ms. Schultz, whose long, golden blonde hair fell in curls over her chest. Her face brightened with warmth as she passed the mashed potatoes to Chelsea. So, she was joining us for dinner, huh?
My dad’s brows rose as he shook his head in warning. He knew I was pretty much outspoken with most things, except for my feelings. The headshake wasn’t enough to keep my mouth shut though.
“So, when is the wedding?” I asked.
I grabbed a biscuit and placed it on my plate. I snuck a peek at my father, whose cheeks turned red. Uncomfortable, Ms. Schultz looked down and took a sip of her red wine.
“A little too soon?” I asked, still grinning.
My chest shook with laughter. I enjoyed watching them both squirm with my awkward questions.
“We’ve only been dating for a couple of months, dear. Marriage isn’t in the future as of yet.”
I smirked. He put an emphasis on dear.
“Fine, fine.”
“So, Eli, what are you intentions with my daughter?”
I froze, holding my fork filled with green beans to my mouth, yet too caught off guard to actually take the bite. I knew the probing questions were coming. I just didn’t know it was going to be this early in the dinner. During dessert would have been nice…or not at all.
He was giving Eli his lawyer look. His brows high with a stern, challenging look on his face, and I all of a sudden wanted to hide underneath the table.
I was able to put my fork down as I looked over at Eli, who was so cool, calm, and collected. It amazed me how he wasn’t like any other guy I brought around my father. They were only friends, but this same exact talk always found its way into the conversation, leaving them flustered and nervous by his penetrating, oh so serious look he pulled off so incredibly well.
“I like your daughter very much, and I would like to get to know her more over dinner.”
“Oh, so you’ve already asked her out?”
He nodded. “Yes, sir, I did.”
“Shouldn’t you have at least asked me first?”
“It’s a date. One that I was hesitant to go on in the first place. He’s not getting down on one knee,” I said.
My dad nodded as he cut into his turkey. “Okay, and if it came down to that?”
“Then I would ask you for her hand in marriage.”
My dad sighed and put his utensils down. “I just want to make sure she is safe. With the guys that she chooses and given the incident, I think I have every right to probe.” He then looked at me. “Do you agree?”
“Absolutely, but I know for sure that I am safe with him. He is the one that saved me from the…” I hesitated, suddenly feeling a lump in my throat, preventing me from saying the word. “Assault,” I forced out.
My dad’s face softened and his eyes shifted to Eli with a look of appreciation on his face. “I am so glad that you were there to protect her when I wasn’t able to, so thank you.”
With a smile to his lips, Eli nodded. “I would do it again in a heartbeat.”
My father’s lips curved into a smile as he set his gaze on me once more. “I think I like him.”
Me too, Dad.
“Now.” I set my fork down and straightened my body as I continued with a smirk on my face. “It’s my turn.” My eyes fell on Ms. Schultz. “I hope you’re ready.”
My dad sighed and rested his head in his hand. “Good God, give me strength.”
Taylor snickered. “God better give you something. You’re going to have a heart attack by the time she’s done.”
With humor lighting up her grey eyes, Ms. Schultz smiled and placed her hand over his. “It’s okay. I’m actually curious as to where the conversation will go.”
My dad gave me a stern look. “Be nice.”
I smiled sweetly. “Of course.”
I took a drink of my iced tea then clasped my hands together and rested them on the table. “Now, Ms. Schultz, what are your intentions with my father? I’m pretty sure he’s already filled you in that my mother, God bless her gold digging ass-”
“Hey, language!” my father yelled, pointing his finger my way.
“Sorry. God bless her gold digging self, but she only married my father for one thing and that was the green in his pocket. So, with that said, are you willing to sign a pre-nup to protect my father if you two do decide to marry? I can assure you that’s one major precaution my daddy dearest makes when it comes to protecting his wealth from women who only seek one thing…well, after he divorced my mother, that is.”
Taylor snorted. “This is getting good.”
Chelsea grinned. “Yeah, where is the popcorn when you need it.”
“Well, Paige, I can assure you that I am a hard working woman who has come out of a divorce myself, and I have brought money to the table in that marriage. I don’t mind signing a pre-nup, because I’m not after his money. I didn’t take this job to win the affection of your father so I could get access to his money. The connection between us was there so it went from there.”
“Do you have kids?”
“I have a son, Daniel, who is in his first year of college.”
My brows pinched together. College? She looked a little too young to have a kid in college.
“How old are you?”
“I’m thirty-four.”
“You would’ve been sixteen when you had him,” Taylor said.
She nodded. “Correct.”
“Wow,” Taylor said.
“I know it’s never ideal to have a child that young, but it happened. It was a teenage pregnancy, which led to a marriage that failed because we were too young to know any better. We stayed together for our son up until three years ago when I’d just had enough of being trapped in a loveless marriage. It was better for Daniel, as well, even if I didn’t know it all those years ago. We weren’t ever the family he deserved. We constantly argued and I saw how it affected him, so I got out.”
>
She is the exact opposite of my mother and I like her.
“So?” my father asked.
I shrugged, jokingly. “She’ll do, I guess.”
She smiled. “I’m glad I passed the test.”
Flustered, my father raked his hand through his hair. “That went a lot smoother than I thought it would.”
“Me too,” Ms. Schultz said, her body sagging with relief. “I would like it if you and Taylor actually called me by my first name.”
“Okay, Ms. Charlotte,” I said, testing it out.
Yeah, I kind of like it.
“While we’re on probing questions, Eli, would you be willing to give any information on the guy who assaulted Paige?”
I closed my eyes, feeling the air escape my lungs as I exhaled. Not this again.
Eli and I both shared a look. His body was tense for the first time in my dad’s presence. He was suddenly not so comfortable with his questions.
I casted my eyes down, afraid of what was to come. I was half tempted to reach over and grab Ms. Charlotte’s wine. Serious questions…oh, how I hated you.
It wasn’t just about wanting to forget it even happened; it was about making sure that me, or even Taylor and Eli, weren’t linked to Preston’s murder. I had to lie about what he looked like.
“Brown hair, brown eyes, and a half sleeve on his right arm. Oh, before you even ask, the guy on the news was just a college guy who showed up at my party. I didn’t know him. I was surprised to hear that he was murdered is all.”
I reached for the wine bottle. Dinner was getting complicated and heavy. Such complex, stressful conversations shouldn’t be going around the dinner table. I felt like I had to stay on guard at all times. I was paranoid about the next daunting question, and it was getting hard for me to enjoy my meal. There were some things that my dad should never be included in, and the supernatural world and Preston were both of those things.
“Dad, are you going to stop her?” Taylor said.
“It’s one glass of wine. What could it hurt,” he said, shrugging it off.
“A lot. It’s obvious that she has a problem. I don’t mean to upset you by saying this, but you’re not exactly around long enough to know that she has a habit with running to booze when there is something she can’t handle,” Chelsea said.
