Only To Me (Secrets of the Past)

by L Baker

  “Well things have changed, you should accept that. Now get dressed.”

  I quickly closed and locked my door as soon as he was past it. I sat down at my mirror, and brushed my hair out before braiding it into a thick side braid. I looked in the mirror assessing the image.

  I had my mother’s beauty but my father’s pale skin.

  My lips were red and full, and light black circles were forming under my eyes. In the mirror I could see the almost handprint around my arm, and I cursed his name under my breath.

  I stood up and grabbed one of my school uniforms out of the closet. I quickly slipped the pleated skirt on, then pulled the white button down blouse over my head, too lazy to unbutton it.

  After placing my stockings and mandatory black shoes on I grabbed my accessories off the dresser, giving my outfit an edge, and headed out the door.

  I walked into the kitchen annoyed that Eric and Lucas were conversing and joking as if they were old buddies. I looked to my mother who was at the stove making breakfast, my stomach growled and I realized yesterday my appetite had been constantly interrupted by the foolish-ness that came with Eric.

  I walked to the pantry and grabbed the cereal. I was bothered when Eric grabbed the box from my hand.

  “Maybe you should have something a bit more filling.” he gestured towards the plate of eggs and bacon on the island.

  “I’m fine,” I said attempting to yank the cereal from his hand unsuccessfully. He gestured to-wards the plate again, and I walked past him to sit next to Lucas who was already scarfing down his second helping.

  I began to slowly eat the eggs, which satisfied my mouth and made me exhale a moan. I didn’t think anyone heard until I noticed everyone’s eyes on me.

  “Excuse me. I forgot to eat yesterday.” I chuckled towards my mother who smiled back satisfied.

  Lucas let out a big laugh, and Eric stared at me amused.

  I finished my plate, kissed my Mom, and headed towards the front door to grab my bag. I could hear Eric following close behind, and my aggravation with him grew with each step. I reached for my bag on the floor, but my hands were not quick enough as he had already picked it up, and opened the door for us to exit.

  “After you.”

  I rolled my eyes at his gesture and walked down the steps.

  “I assume that’s your car,” I stated looking at the shiny black jeep in front of the house.

  “Yes,” he responded looking towards the 2014 Range Rover. “It’ll soon be yours.”

  “Not even my taste,” I shot back before walking towards the jeep.

  I reached for the handle of the car, but again he was quicker and opened the door for me.

  I stepped into the car and watched him walk to the driver’s side. I waved to my Mom who was at the door with Lucas as he was headed to work.

  She blew a kiss and the car pulled off. We sat in silence for the majority of the ride until I reached for the radio, and he snapped at me for touching it.

  “Geez touchy much,” I mumbled under my breath. He didn’t respond, and we continued to ride in silence for the duration of the thirty minute ride.

  When we pulled into the school parking lot, I scanned the area looking for Christian and Lily.

  “Who are you looking for?”

  “No one.” I replied jumping out of the car, but stopping when he had his hand around my arm again.

  “I’ll be here at three to retrieve you.”

  “You should seriously learn some manners.”

  I shot a disgusted look towards his hand, and he released my arm.

  “I apolo-” I slammed the door before he could get his apology out, and walked towards Chris-tian and Lily, who I spotted near the front.

  “Hey Christian, hi Lily.”

  Lily caught on to the aggravation in my voice and avoided eye contact.

  I realized everyone else in the lot had their eyes on me, and was probably wondering the same thing I knew Christian and Lily were thinking.

  “Was that Eric Gadreal, you were riding with?” she asked, a little too enthusiastic for my liking. Her short blond hair was different today. Instead of the blue streaks she flaunted yesterday she now had a red one to match her nails.

  Christian shot a questioning look at me before following the car out of the parking lot.

  “Yeah.” I responded blankly looking back to Christian.

  “OMG that’s the hottest were around.” I heard her almost squeal.

  “If you want him so bad why don’t you marry him?” I grumbled under my breath before storming past them into the school. I heard her ask Christian what was my problem as they walked behind me.

  I had English first and then math. Both went by quicker than expected for a Monday.

  I stopped at my locker to switch my books when I was lifted into the air. My skirt flew up, and a squeal came from my mouth.

  I turned around and punched Christian’s hard chest, then looked up at his sharp bluish grey eyes and smiled. He ran his fingers through his black hair pulling it into a low pony tail that made the front locks fall to his face.

  “How’s your day going so far Medusa?” he joked as he began twisting his finger around my hair. I slapped his hand down and threw an annoyed glance.

  Lily walked up and I immediately apologized for attacking her earlier. She shrugged it off as usual.

  “What was that about anyways?” she asked

  “I’m sure you’ll hear soon enough.” I responded leaving it at that.

  She shrugged again and began to rant about her first two class periods, and catching us up on the weekend gossip. I half listened as we walked to lunch, Christian with his arm around my waist, and Lily walking backwards still talking to us.

  I could never figure out how she managed to keep from falling or bumping into people as she kept her back towards the crowd and her eyes on us.

  She continued to babble until we made it to the cafeteria and she instantly went towards the lunch line. Christian and I laughed at the same time at her abrupt departure and headed to-wards our usual table outside.

  “Hey you want a slice?” he asked heading back towards the doors.

  “You know it,” I replied, “grab a coke for me please!”

  I sat at the table and rummaged through my bag.

  I could feel someone’s eyes watching me and I glanced up to check my surroundings. Other kids were talking and eating lunch as usual, and then I saw him. Eric was standing across the grass against a tree, his arms were folded, and he stared directly at me never breaking his glance, even though I had spotted him.

  I got up and made my way into the cafeteria unable to handle the stalking. As I was entering the door Lily and Christian were headed towards the door.

  “Let’s just eat inside today.”

  They looked at each other confused, and Lily shrugged again and turned towards the nearest empty table, with Christian and I close behind.

  “What’s going on with you today?” Christian whispered in my ear, only to be answered with a shrug.

  I knew he would find out about Eric being my mate as it became news for the wolves, but I couldn’t bring myself to tell him.

  We all sat down and I glanced out the glass window to where I saw Eric standing and was relieved that he was gone.

  I downed my pizza, and guzzled the coke, before jumping into the conversation. Lunch went by too fast as usual, and we were all headed to our last class. History for me and Christian, and Math for Lily.

  “See you guys later,” she said as she climbed the stairs to her third period.

  We both waved and then turned to walk to class.

  “So, you gonna tell me what’s up or not Anna?” His voice was unusual and serious.

  Lucas knew me better than anyone and could always sense when things were not right.

  “What do you wanna know?” I asked hoping to avoid this conversation.

  “Well you were riding with Eric Gadreal this morning. He’s what four years your sen
ior? How about we start there……and what about this?” he asked as he pulled my collar back a bit and touched a sensitive spot on my neck, which I assumed was a bruise from Eric’s hand being around my throat.

  I quickly moved his hand and begin fumbling with the top buttons of my shirt.

  “Did he do that?” I swear I’ll kill him if he.”

  I cut him off before he finished

  “Don’t worry about it Christian don’t get yourself hurt because of me.”

  “I’m not the one you should worry about, Anna.”

  “Just drop it. Ok.”

  We didn’t say anything after that, we walked to class in silence. Out of the corner of my eye I could see the flexing of his jaw from the held in anger.

  We sat at our desks and I could feel Christian’s eyes on me. I turned to him knowing he wanted answers that I couldn’t provide.

  I smiled and he instinctively smiled back. His eyebrow raised and I heard the faint whisper.

  “What’s up with Eric and his not so subtle stalking?”

  I stared at him surprised at the question.

  “How, did you know he?” I stopped before completing the sentence, still surprised.

  “I could smell him a mile away” he whispered as Mr. Harper continued his lecture, “now that I’ve answered your question how about you answer mine.”

  I looked at him for a moment before turning my eyes to the book on my desk. I didn’t have an answer to give.

  I continued to look down to avoid the rest of the conversation. I could see Christian looking at me, patiently waiting for his answer.

  I begin to think about the day he told me he shifted, his fifteenth birthday. He was the youngest I’d ever known to turn before turning eighteen. I always knew he was special so I was sure he could hear my thudding heart beat in my chest, along with the few others in the class from our pack that was fortunate enough to have the gene.

  I looked up to see Clara Ansley glancing back at me with hatred in her eyes.

  She was the epitome of beauty. Long legs, straight blonde hair, and a nasty attitude to match. At school she was cold-blooded and walked the halls with superiority as minions catered to her beck and call.

  Aside from her beauty she was almost ordinary. Her father was a sentinel who served with Gabriel, and her mother a lonely housewife who gave up her wolf to birth Clara but never shifted again.

  When she noticed me looking, she turned her head and muttered “whore” under her breath. I heard a few snickers around the room, and I slightly sunk in my seat.

  What’s her problem? I asked myself.

  Mr. Harper tapped on the board.

  “Clara, is there something you would like to share with the class.”

  “No Mr. Harper, I was just thinking about the Scarlet Whore. Seems one has blessed our generation with her presence.”

  Laughter erupted from the few students who heard her earlier. I stood up and asked to be excused before I abruptly walked out of the classroom without an answer.

  Christian was right behind me as I stormed down the hallway.

  “Anna!”

  I heard his voice behind me, but I didn’t stop nor slow down. I kept walking until I made it to the exit.

  I burst through the doors with hatred inside of me, wanting to go back and rip Clara’s head off.

  He spun me around and hugged me so tight the burning of my skin had cooled and heated at the same time.

  I took in his smell and smiled. He was always my hero and I loved him for that.

  “Are you ok?” he asked looking down at me.

  A smile instantly crossed my face.

  “Better.”

  I buried my face in his chest.

  As I closed my eyes I felt a sharp pain in my chest and I realized I had just been pushed out of his arms. Eric was now in Christian’s face pinning his back against the door of the school.

  “You.” he growled.

  “What are you doing” I yelled as I stepped towards them trying to push Eric away from Chris-tian as they stood face to face.

  Christian looked at him with a smirk on his face, and pushed him backwards. I was shocked, and I saw the same surprise on Eric’s face, from the shove Christian had just delivered.

  Eric was supposed to be the alpha, and Christian just proved he obviously had a death wish. I stepped in between them as I saw Eric step closer to Christian, with black anger in his eyes.

  “Move!” Eric growled

  “No…” I answered nervously

  “Move Anna, or I’ll move you.” He snapped.

  I tried to place my hand on his chest but he instantly slapped it down, causing Christian to growl and move forward, pushing me closer to Eric.

  “You’re just itching to die mutt.” Eric sneered through his teeth, enjoying this moment a little too much.

  Christian didn’t answer, he only glowered, and I noticed his eyes were now black as well.

  “What are you doing, Christian is my friend.”

  “Oh I know exactly who he is, I know all about him, but he has no business touching you.”

  I interrupted him.

  “He was only making sure I was ok, this is unnecessary, and you’re making a scene.”

  My voice came out fast and unsure.

  Neither looked at me, but only stared at each other angrily.

  “I can smell him all over you, in your room.” he said disgusted, now looking at me.

  I quickly took the small step forward, and grabbed Eric’s arm, trying to persuade him to turn towards the car.

  I knew a brawl would ensue and I couldn’t bear the thought of Christian being hurt because of me.

  “I’ll see you soon mongrel.” he spat as he turned with a smile on his face. He gripped my hand and pulled me towards the car. I glanced back at Christian and saw the anger in his eyes.

  “I’m sorry.” I mouthed and Eric yanked my hand harder, evidently noticing our silent conversation.

  He threw me in the car and walked to the driver’s side slamming the door.

  I could feel the heat radiating off of his skin. He screeched out of the parking lot as the stu-dents were filing out of the school.

  He drove much faster than he had this morning, and it occurred to me to fasten my seatbelt. I fumbled with the buckle before finally getting it to snap in place. I looked towards him, and saw his eyes were violently watching me.

  “You should watch the road.” I whispered nervously. He didn’t respond he only sped the car up, and stared out the window.

  One hand on the wheel, the other on his chin as his elbow rested on the window seal. I gripped the seat to steady myself, as the fear rose in me.

  “You should really slow down Eric,” I stuttered, looking at him.

  “I know your upset but you don’t have to kill us both.”

  He continued to look out the window, until we were sitting in front of my house. He reached to my side before I could and unstrapped my seatbelt, then reached and opened the door.

  “Get Out.” Anger was clear in his voice.

  I jumped out of the car, and headed towards the door. The tires of the truck screeched off be-hind me. I walked into the house, no one was home, so I was thankful for the silence, and the opportunity to be alone. I walked to the kitchen to grab a bottled water, to cool my insides, which were now on enflamed.

  I knew what the heat meant. I could feel my blood boiling, every time my anger grew. I knew the signs all too well. Every member of the pack with the gene experienced the same thing be-fore their transformation occurred.

  I thought back to when Lucas turned eighteen, and that night he almost ripped the front door off of the frame before running off. His ear piercing howl reached into my bedroom that night, and I knew what was happening to him. He was transforming for the first time.

  His anger was out of control and his rage grew every day.

  Leading up to his birthday his skin was always hot, and we knew we would be unsuccessful at calming him e
nough for the transition to take place lightly.

  I remembered he had been gone for three days, and the worry my mother displayed caused me anxiety. She paced and called upon our neighbors to go after him. Her worry grew when no one caught his scent, and she realized he hadn’t simply run into the woods near our home.

  When he returned home, he swooped both of us up in his arms, and Luke was back. When mom went to sleep that night he told me had run until he reached Georgia. I was amazed at his speed, and jealous that he had left the reservation, which was rarely done in our pack.

  My birthday was slowly approaching and in a months’ time, I knew that the same would hap-pen to me. I would soon find myself running through the woods in my new form, freedom, agility, and speed on my side.

  I mostly wanted the freedom, to be a rogue wolf roaming the forest alone and unrestricted.

  I downed the entire bottle trying to cool the fire inside of me, until I finally gave up and walked upstairs. I sat on my bed thinking about the incident at school, thinking about Christian and how crazy he was for challenging the Alpha.

  I smiled at his bravery because I knew no other wolf would go against an alpha, not even the nomads were that brave, and they belonged to no pack.

  I fell back onto my pillow realizing I’d left my bag in Mr. Harper’s class, so homework was out. I grabbed Great Expectations off my desk and begin reading until I dozed off. I opened my eyes realizing that it was the middle of the night. I decided against getting up and forced myself back to sleep.

  Chapter 5: Unexpected Events

  My alarm blared as it did every weekday morning. I slowly got up, and walked to my shower, hoping the cool water would wake me up.

  I walked to my closet put on the uniform and shoes, and brushed my hair out, deciding it would be my hiding place for today. I skipped down the stairs into the kitchen, where I knew Mom and Lucas would be. I went to the pantry for my cereal.

  “Morning.” I said kissing my mother as I passed her, and punching Luke in the shoulder, before sitting down next to him.

  “Did you sleep well?” my mother asked still at the stove.

  “Yes.” I lied as I finished my cereal.

  “Hey can you drop me at school today?” I asked Luke. He ignored my question, and my mother turned towards us.