Mirror Lake Wolves 01 - Moon Kissed

by Jennifer Snyder

  I took a sip of my water and spotted Alec on his way back around the track. He wore a calculated look on his face as he crept forward at a snail’s pace.

  “Is he always that serious?” I asked Becca.

  “Only the first time around the track. After that, he loosens up.”

  I sat down in the grass. “So, what do you normally do while they goof off on the track? Sit in the shade and watch?”

  “Sometimes.” She shrugged. “Sometimes I bring a book or do my homework. The cell phone reception sucks out here, so I can’t cruise the Internet for anything.”

  “Oh my God, that sounds so boring.” I hung my head back and glanced up at the lush branches above me. “Not reading, but watching them and doing homework. I don’t think I could focus with as loud as those things are.”

  “You get used to it.”

  “Mina, you ready?” Alec shouted to me.

  “Yeah, just a sec.” I took another sip of my water and then set it in the grass before standing. “Why don’t you ride with Shane?” I asked Becca as I brushed off my bottom.

  “Nah, I’ll let him go a couple laps without me first. Let his temper cool off.”

  “All right, but I am getting you out there today. Mark my words.” I pointed my index finger at her and narrowed my eyes.

  “Okay.” She laughed.

  I jogged over to where Alec was waiting.

  “You and Becca seem to be hitting it off well,” Alec said as I climbed on the four-wheeler behind him. “Told you she was pretty cool.”

  “Yeah, she’s nice. Wish I could say the same about her boyfriend.”

  “Shane is a good guy. He’s just different. He has one of those personalities you either love or hate.”

  Right now, as things stood between us, I was leaning toward hate. I didn’t say so, though. Instead, I wrapped my arms around Alec’s waist.

  “Better hold on tighter than that,” he insisted.

  “Why? You plan on giving me the ride of a lifetime?”

  “You bet.”

  As soon as I adjusted my grip, he took off. Dust flew behind us as wind whipped against my face and arms. I glanced around Alec, trying to see where the others were in relation to us. Shane was in the lead with Benji trailing close behind him. We barreled around the first corner, closing in on the guys, and laughter bubbled up my throat. My grip around Alec’s waist tightened, and I pressed my chest flush against his back, making sure I wouldn’t fall off as we drifted around the next corner.

  “Told you you’d better hold on tighter,” he shouted over the roar of his four-wheeler.

  “Can this thing go any faster?” I asked even though I wasn’t unimpressed with its speed.

  “Faster, she says?” Alec chuckled as he twisted the throttle until it wouldn’t go anymore.

  The wind stung my face, causing my eyes to water. Trees blurred by and the sun beat down on my shoulders, but I didn’t mind. I was having fun. Never had I felt such a rush of adrenaline through my system. How had Becca not enjoyed this? How could she sit out each time the guys brought their four-wheelers to the track?

  I lost count of how many times we went around, but when I noticed Shane stopping at the bed of his truck, I tapped on Alec’s shoulder, letting him know I wanted to take a break too. He slowed immediately.

  “You done?”

  “No, I just need a sip of water.”

  “Yeah, I could use something, too.” He pulled up beside Shane and waited for me to slip off the back of his four-wheeler before he did. “So, what do you think? Is it as fun as you thought it would be?”

  “Better.” I started to where I’d left my water. Becca scooped it up and held it out to me. It was nearly warm from the heat. “You ready to ride with Shane once or twice?” I asked her.

  “Yeah, I guess.” She chewed her bottom lip. Why was she being so mousy about it? Did Shane not like her riding with him? Was he so selfish he didn’t want to share his four-wheeler with anyone? Was she nervous about riding?

  “Let’s go, then.” I motioned for her to get up, then twisted the cap off my water and took a swig. “Becca is riding with Shane this time. We should have a race,” I said as I wiggled my brows at Alec.

  “Really?” Alec shifted his gaze from me to Becca. “Out of all the times we’ve come here, I’ve seen you ride like twice.”

  Becca said something, but I wasn’t paying attention. I was too busy having a showdown with Shane. The second I mentioned Becca was riding with him, his gaze had drifted to me, and I could tell he wasn’t happy about the change I’d persuaded in her. What was his deal?

  “Is that okay with you?” Becca asked as she stepped between Shane and me, blocking my view of him unintentionally.

  “What?” he asked. His tone was rough and harsh. It had Becca’s body tensing instantly.

  “If I ride with you a couple of laps. Is that okay?”

  “Yeah, I guess. I just don’t see why the sudden change of heart. You’ve always been fine sitting in the shade, watching.”

  Becca shrugged. “I don’t know. I just think it might be fun today.”

  “Fine, whatever. Hop on.”

  I took another sip of my water and watched as she climbed onto the back of Shane’s four-wheeler. She looked so tiny and frail, but I could make out the buzz of excitement vibrating from her. Shane said something as she wrapped her arms around his waist, but over the sound of Benji revving his engine as he passed by I couldn’t make out what.

  “Ready for another round?” Alec asked as he slipped back onto his four-wheeler.

  “Oh yeah.”

  I positioned myself behind him again and wrapped my arms around his waist. This time I knew to hold on tighter than I had before. I didn’t mind. In fact, I relished the feel of his abs beneath my fingertips.

  When Alec took off this time, I was prepared. We raced around the track a couple of times, passing Benji and gaining on Shane and Becca. She molded against Shane’s back while she gazed over his shoulder. A wide smile had plastered itself on her face that had my grin growing. Mainly because I liked to think I was the reason for it. After all, I’d talked her into riding.

  Shane sped up, putting more distance between us once he noticed we were neck and neck with him. Becca glanced at me and laughed. Yeah, it was safe to say she was enjoying herself. I tightened my grip on Alec’s waist as he picked up speed, trying to catch up to them, and a laugh burst from my chest.

  It was safe to say I was enjoying myself as well, more than I’d thought I would, considering some of my company.

  7

  An hour later, we all sat around drinking more water and eating the chips and sandwiches Becca had thought to bring. I wasn’t a big fan of the bread she’d used—sourdough wasn’t my favorite—but I was so hungry I didn’t care. It was nearly three thirty in the afternoon, and I hadn’t eaten lunch.

  “Think I can take that for a spin around the track by myself?” I asked, nodding toward Alec’s four-wheeler. He’d parked it beside Shane and Benji’s in a shaded area so the seats and handles wouldn’t get hot while we took a food break.

  Alec paused mid-chew. “You serious?”

  “Why wouldn’t I be?”

  “Okay.”

  “Okay? You’re just going to let her ride by herself?” Shane asked as though it was the most absurd thing he’d ever heard.

  “Yeah.” Alec shrugged. “Why not?”

  “Uh, because she’s never driven one before.”

  “Gotta start somewhere,” Alec insisted.

  “Whatever, man. I just don’t think it’s a good idea.”

  “Nobody asked you,” I said, unable to contain myself. I didn’t like Shane. The more I was around him, the more I realized this.

  “Kind of like no one asked if I was okay with you being here,” he snapped.

  “Whoa,” Alec said. He held a hand out to Shane as though to stop him from saying anything more. “That wasn’t cool. Why should I ask you if she could come? This is my uncle
’s property, or have you forgotten? I don’t know what your problem is, but I think you need to chill.”

  I hated my presence causing such a rift between Alec and his friend, but I couldn’t deny I enjoyed hearing him defend me yet again.

  “Seriously, man,” Benji agreed as he crammed another wad of dip in his mouth now that he was finished eating. “Tone it down.”

  Shane shook his head and dropped his gaze to his sandwich. He crammed the remainder of it into his mouth and chewed with an intense level of force.

  The entire atmosphere of the place had changed. Tension hung heavily in the air. I polished off the rest of my chips and headed toward Alec’s four-wheeler. He was quick to follow.

  “Sorry about him. I’m not sure what his deal is today,” Alec said as I situated myself behind the handlebars. It felt awkward. Maybe it was because I was so short. I had to sit straight and lean forward in order to reach the handles.

  “It’s okay. Totally not your fault your friend is super moody for a guy.”

  Alec laughed. “He is a super moody, isn’t he?”

  “Only when it involves me or his girlfriend. Maybe he has a thing against girls.” It wasn’t that and I knew it. Shane just didn’t enjoy being around a girl who had a little backbone. He wanted his girlfriend to be placid and sit there, watching while he had all the fun.

  I hated guys like him.

  “I don’t know,” Alec said as he scratched the back of his neck. The conversation was making him nervous. I could sense it. We needed a topic change.

  “So, Teach, how do I start this bad boy up?”

  Alec seemed to relax. He flipped into teacher mode and told me the important things, like how to turn it on and where the gas and brake were. It was a short lesson, because really, what was there to know after being told where the gas and brake were?

  “Think you’ve got it?”

  I nodded. “Yeah, totally.”

  A wide grin spread onto my face as I reached for the key and cranked the engine to life.

  “Remember, don’t just gas it. Start nice and slow,” Alec reminded me.

  I gave it a little gas. The engine revved and propelled me forward a few inches.

  “Good, go easy. Once you get on the track you can give it some gas and really let it rip.”

  “Got it,” I said as I eased on the gas. My sweaty hand slipped and I jerked forward, barely missing Alec’s foot. He jumped back in the nick of time. My hands flew off the handles and came to my mouth. “I’m so sorry!”

  “I’d watch out if I were you. Might lose a foot over there.” Benji chuckled from where he sat with Becca and Shane.

  “Yeah, yeah,” Alec said as he waved away Benji’s words. A lopsided grin formed on his face. One I found so adorable I wanted to kiss him. He took a couple steps back, giving me some space. “Go ahead. Give it hell.”

  I made sure to give it a little gas so I could ease away from him. Once all four tires were on the dirt track, and I’d lined myself up properly, I gave it more gas. The wind whipped against my face as I made my way around the first corner. By the time I reached the long stretch of little hills, I was more comfortable on the beast of a thing. Laughter bellowed from somewhere deep inside my chest. I’d ridden go-carts before, but they were nothing compared to this. I could clearly see why the guys came out here most weekends to tear up the track.

  After my third round, Benji joined me on the track. I gave the four-wheeler more gas so I could pass him. Seconds later, he flew around me faster than I thought four-wheelers could go. He tipped his head back and let out a “Yee-haw!” It sounded muffled. I wasn’t sure if it was because of the loud engines of the four-wheelers or the extra-large dip he’d crammed into his mouth. I went around the track once more before coming in slowly beside where Alec stood. His arms were folded across his chest as he watched me.

  “How did I do?” I asked.

  “Perfect.” He grinned. “You looked like a natural out there.”

  “I felt like a natural.” It was the truth. The wind against my face. The sunshine beaming down on me. The raw power with the flick of a wrist. I’d already added riding a motorcycle to my bucket list next, because it had to be even more exhilarating than this.

  “Can I hop on?” Alec asked.

  My gaze drifted to where Shane and Becca were still sitting. Tension radiated between them, and it looked as though they were in deep conversation. He was probably complaining to her about me.

  “How about I take Becca for a ride first?” The words slipped out of my mouth without much thought behind them. Becca glanced at me at the mention of her name, and her wide doe-like eyes brightened. I couldn’t be sure if she wanted to ride, or if she was looking for a way out of whatever conversation she’d been locked in with Shane.

  “Sure, yeah. Go ahead.” Alec smirked. “I’m loving all this confidence you’ve gained in a matter of minutes on the thing. Sort of wish I’d thought to bring you out here sooner.”

  “Me too. I love it,” I said. I noticed Becca stand. She dusted her bottom off before starting toward me. Shane grabbed her wrist. He said something to her, but I couldn’t hear what. It didn’t look like he was too happy about Becca agreeing to ride with me. “Becca, you coming?” I asked.

  She freed herself from Shane’s grip. “Yeah.”

  Shane watched the two of us as I popped the four-wheeler in reverse and backed onto the track. I didn’t look at him, but I could feel his gaze on me.

  “Everything okay between you two?” I asked Becca once we were facing the opposite direction from the guys.

  “Yeah, he’s just upset. Like I said before, he thinks I’m making him look like an ass today,” Becca said as she adjusted her arms around my waist. I could tell there was something more to it, but she didn’t want to tell me.

  “You’re not making him look like an ass; he’s making himself look like one,” I said.

  “I know, but it would take a miracle to get him to realize that,” Becca said. “He’s not really bothering me, though. This is the most fun I’ve had out here in a long time. Thanks for getting me to ride one of these things again.”

  “Don’t worry. The fun is just getting started.”

  I gave Alec’s four-wheeler more gas, and we drove around the track twice before deciding to head back to Alec. I didn’t want to keep him waiting any longer for a ride. Becca had seemed to have fun. I’d heard her laughing a few times when Benji caught up to us and made strange faces. That guy was a trip.

  “Done already? It looked like you two were having fun,” Alec insisted when I came to a rolling stop in front of him.

  Becca hopped off from behind me, but she didn’t rush to where Shane was. She went to the cooler and pulled out another bottle of water instead.

  “We were.” My lips twisted into what I hoped looked like an innocent smile. “And I would like to go around a couple more times, but this time with Becca on her own four-wheeler. Think you guys can let the girls have the track for a little while?”

  “Oh, I don’t know,” Becca said. She shook her head as she placed the cap back on her water.

  “Come on, it’ll be fun.”

  Benji came to a rolling stop beside where Becca stood. He reached into the cooler and pulled out a bottle of water.

  “No. There’s no way I’m letting Becca drive my four-wheeler,” Shane snapped.

  “Why not?” I swore if he said something about female drivers not being good, I was going to hop off this thing and deck him.

  “I’ve never seen her drive one in her life,” Shane insisted.

  “You’ve never seen me drive one either. I managed to do okay,” I said as I glance at Alec for affirmation. “Right?”

  “Yeah, you did great.” He smiled.

  “Jesus, dude,” Benji said. He flicked the dip from his mouth onto the ground before cracking open his bottle of water and placing it to his lips. “Don’t get your panties all in a wad. Becca can drive mine.”

  I knew I liked Benj
i.

  “Awesome.” I switched Alec’s four-wheeler into reverse. “Go ahead, Becca. Climb on. Let’s go around once or twice, and then we’ll let the guys have the track again.” I didn’t want Alec thinking I was hogging his four-wheeler.

  “You sure?” Becca asked Benji as he slipped off and motioned for her to get on.

  “Go for it.” He took another swig of his water. “You know how to work everything, right?”

  “Gas, brake, reverse,” Becca said, pointing to each.

  “What are you waitin’ for, then?”

  Becca switched the four-wheeler into reverse and eased her way backward. Before she changed gears, I caught her gaze drift to Shane. His face looked red, and I didn’t think it was from the heat. Had Becca wanting to enjoy herself out here today ruined his day that badly? How could he be ticked off at that? I didn’t get him.

  “We’re going to do a lap or two. Okay?” I asked Alec.

  “Sure,” he said. “I’m going to see if we have any more chips.”

  “One step ahead of you, brother,” Benji said as he tossed a bag to Alec. The two of them walked to the shaded area where Shane was sitting.

  Becca and I flew around the track being sure to give each other ample room. When we decided to give the guys back their four-wheelers, my hands were tingling and my fingers were stiff. My grip must have been too tight. It was worth it, though. I’d never had so much fun before.

  Alec pecked me on the lips after I slipped off his four-wheeler. The kiss surprised me. He hadn’t shown much public affection toward me today. I felt like it was a big deal. My insides reflected this as butterflies flew through my stomach.

  “Did you have fun?” he asked. His eye appraised me in a way that had my heart thumping hard.

  “Oh yeah.” I made my way to where Becca was sitting beneath the shady tree, feeling Alec watching me walk, wondering if Shane had said anything to her. If he had, it hadn’t been more than a few words. Maybe that was a good thing.

  “Hey, um, where do you use the restroom? I really have to pee,” I muttered when I reached her.

  She hitched her thumb over her left shoulder. “To the woods.”