Chapter Fourteen:
Shay:
I laid face up on my bed.
"You're joking," Jody said.
"No," I said, "It was him."
"For real?" she asked.
"For realsies," I said, "It was Noah."
"That's nuts," she said.
She laid down next to me.
"I don't even know what to say," she said, "I couldn't be happier for you."
I felt myself smiling.
"Its official now," she said, "Baird said I can talk to you once you had your interview."
"Yeah, he said the same to me."
"What do you think about this whole Devil thing?" she asked.
"I'm still not sure," I admitted, "But you can't help how you're born."
"That's true," she said.
This whole thing barely felt real sometimes.
"So," Jody said, "Did you see him change?"
I had to actively turn my head just to look at her.
"What?" I asked.
Of course, I heard her, I just needed a minute to really let it register.
"You heard me," she stated, "Did you see him change."
"A little," I said.
"Was it weird?" she asked.
"It was a kind of strange," I said, "But it really wasn't too crazy of a change."
She nodded.
"Did you see your guy change?"
She looked at me, and I could see it on her face.
"Was it like a gnarly change?" I asked.
"You ever see a boy grow scales, Shay?" she asked me seriously.
"What?" I had to ask "Scales?"
"Oh yes," she said, "His skin changed colors, and his eyes did too."
"Wow," I said.
"Noah didn't really change at all?" she asked.
"His eyes changed," I said, "Oh, and his tongue split in half."
"That sounds a lot hotter than it probably is," she said.
I thought it was pretty weird, but the second his tongue made contact with my skin, I'd say it is beyond hot.
"Is this our new normal?" she asked me.
"What do you mean?"
"Do we need to schedule dates?" she asked, "Do we have to always see them at the facility?"
I never thought to ask either of those questions.
"I'm not sure," I admitted, "I hope not."
"I want to know how they get their freak on," Jody said.
"Come on," I said, "I'm sure they do it the same way we do."
She shook her head, "Nope."
"What do you mean, no?" I asked.
"Delaney said that a lot of Devil's don't handle excitement well," she stated.
"You seriously asked him about sex?" I asked.
"I mean, it did come up," she shrugged.
"Did he elaborate on how?"
"Well, I guess it's different with humans," she said, "But he said that when a Devil tries to plow their mate, it gets a bit, freaky."
I don't think I could handle her strange answers right now.
"Freaky, how?" I asked.
"They can't control themselves or their change."
"So, they would change in the middle, or before," I said.
"Imagine being the girl that has to have sex with that rock guy," she said, "Is his penis made up of rocks too?"
"One would assume so," I stated, "But if he just changes for his power, it might not be something to worry about."
"I guess that makes sense," she said, "But then he isn't a Devil."
"Exactly," I stated.
"Shay," Jody said.
"Yeah?"
"If you could have a power," she said, "What would it be?"
I didn't even know.
"That's a hard question," I said, "What power would you want?"
"I want to be stretchy," she said.
"Really?" I asked.
I actually had to laugh, because that was one of the powers I asked if Noah had.
"Yeah," she said, "I could do all kinds of things."
"Like slip under doors."
"If I fall off a building, I can make a parachute out of myself," she stated.
"You can also get a drink from the fridge and not have to get off the couch."
"Hell yeah," she said.
I nodded. Being stretchy might be cool.
"Hey," Jody said, "Got any vodka?"
"Uh," I thought about it, "I think so."
She got up, "Let's go on a treasure hunt."
Noah:
I woke up feeling too many things to really decipher what it meant.
I didn't want to get up.
My mind drifted to yesterday.
I wish I had more time with her.
I had to sit up.
This wasn't productive. Wishing for all the things I want in life.
It was crazy when it popped into my head, but I agreed.
I would trade a lot to just have her.
The ghost of her scent filled the air.
My body shivered.
I already wanted to see her again. I wanted to talk to her without Baird present.
It was going to take a few days, maybe longer, for me to forgive him.
What the hell was I going to do with myself today?
I didn't have to go to the program center anymore. Work isn't until later.
I couldn't go see Eileen.
The only thing I could think of to do is go see how Griff and Breena are doing.
Or I could lay in bed all day.
I took in a decent-sized breath.
Maybe, I could talk to Delaney about this girl Jody. I wanted to know if she is a good person or not. I didn't want Shay to get hurt by anybody. Not if I could help it at least.
I already felt like the kind of guy I knew a girl didn't want. Being overprotective wasn't always the right choice. I needed to be careful with that.
It wouldn't hurt to actually be friends with Delaney. If our girls are friends, we'll probably be forced to spend more time together anyway.
The best part about it would be if either of us experienced to crazy of a change, we could hold the other back. Friendship couldn't hurt. In fact, it could be quite beneficial.
I got up and put on whatever I came in contact with first.
Faded blue jeans and a short-sleeve green shirt. Black lace-up shoes, and pretty much everything else I needed to be tracked and monitored.
I had to really think if I knew where Delaney's room was.
I felt myself frown when I realized I had no idea where his room is. I didn't even know what his job was.
My legs just kept going as I searched the building. I would find somebody that knows.
I made my way to the room Breena worked from.
She would know. I think she would anyway.
I didn't need to knock. The door was open, and there were several other people around.
Breena glanced over at me.
"Are you looking for Griff?" she asked.
I shook my head, "I was looking for Delaney."
She just stared back at me.
"I don't know where his room is," I stated, "I was going to ask you if you know."
She shook her head, "Devon is working security today, you can ask her."
"Thank you," I said.
She turned back to the nurse she was speaking to before I walked in.
Devon is working security today. Lucky me, I guess.
I turned a few times until I found the room I was looking for. Security was written in large black letters.
I knocked and waited.
No response.
I knocked again, and before I even finished my second knock, the door opened.
Devon stood there looking irritated.
Her blue hair was always a trip. A trait shared by both her and her brother. Different blues for different abilities.
"Devon," I greeted.
"No," she said.
"No?" I asked, "You don't even know what I am going to ask."
"Raisa told me you haven't been coming around," she stated, "I can only assume that is why you're here."
She thought I was trying to fuck her?
"I was going to ask about your brother, actually," I stated.
"You want to hook up with Delaney?" she asked, "I didn't think you were into that."
I sighed. It felt like she was trying to fuck with me.
"No," I sighed, "I was hoping I could talk to him, but I don't know where his room is."
"Oh," she shrugged, "He isn't there, so there is no point in telling you."
What?
"Is he here?" I asked.
She narrowed her eyes at me.
"Devon," I said, "Please, I just need to talk to him."
We all may have grown up together, but I didn't know much about her. Sometimes I regret not being more involved with their lives. Most of the time, though, I'm glad I don't have to hear a lot of their drama.
"About what?" she asked.
I knew she was protective over her older brother, but hell.
"His mate and mine are close," I stated, "I want to talk to him about her."
She looked surprised.
"I can text him for you," she said, "He had some stuff to do today, so even I don't know exactly where he is."
"Thank you," I said.
"Do you know what his mate looks like?" she asked.
I watched her pull her phone out of her pocket. I noticed just how short her shorts were.
She typed into her phone before bringing her attention back to me.
"Yeah," I said, raising my eyes to make eye contact with her.
"Is she," she hesitated, "Is she pretty?"
I didn't really put a lot of thought into the pink-haired girl.
"She definitely looks like she might be his type," I stated.
"I would like to meet her," she said, "Delaney has told me good things."
I felt a little relieved to hear that, actually.
"Sneak into the program center next time they have a meeting," I suggested.
She met my eyes with a serious expression, "I heard about what happened with you and your mate."
I had to really think about it. What happened that sounded so bad?
"What happened with me and my mate?" I asked.
"I overheard Baird briefing Dr. Olsen," she said, "You met her outside of the program, and you were punished."
"Yes," I said, "At the daycare Eileen works at."
She actually gasped, "Really?"
I nodded, "Her younger brothers go there."
"Wow," she said, "And you've only just met her?"
It did sound weird when she said it like that.
"I was pretty pissed about it actually," I admitted.
"I can imagine," she said with a small smile, "Having your mate be so close and never running into them."
It looked like she got a response because her attention went back to the device in her hand.
"He said he is curious about your mate too," she said, "But he is doing something for work, so he will meet you later."
"Okay," I said, "Thank you."
She nodded, "Good luck."
"Thanks," I said.
She shut the door.
Damn it.
What the hell was I going to do now?
Shay:
I think I overdid it. I felt sick.
Jody grinned at the television.
"I could totally make that," she slurred as she pointed at the screen.
I don't even know what it was, it looked like a mixed rice and shrimp dish.
I nodded, even though I was pretty sure she didn't know what it was either.
I would have stopped drinking earlier if I had to get the boys. Thankfully Andre got off work early tonight.
I didn't know if I was ready to go to the daycare and see Eileen yet.
There were so many questions I had, I didn't want to drown her with them.
Cody walked into my room and smiled at me.
"Hey," I said, "What's up?"
"Can you paint my toes?" he asked.
I wasn't expecting that, but I nodded.
"Go pick a color," I pointed to the small box I kept the bottles in.
He grinned wide as he pulled the box out to go through them.
"Can I paint one foot?" Jody asked, "And Shay paints the other?"
Cody nodded with so much excitement, I couldn't help but think it was cute.
"Pick two colors," Jody said.
She moved back towards the headboard of my bed so that when Cody got on the bed, it would be easier to paint his toes.
He never asked me to paint them before.
Cody practically jumped on my bed before he sat in front of us. He handed me purple, and he handed Jody blue.
I smiled at the face he made when he extended his leg to give me his foot.
Jody giggled next to me. I knew she was just as excited as I was to paint his nails.
"What made you decide to paint your nails?" I asked.
He frowned a little.
"Don't worry," I said as I unscrewed the lid, "I am just curious."
"I think painted nails are pretty," he said, "But the boys at school said only girls paint their nails."
Jody made a disapproving noise, "That is not true."
"Really?" he asked, sounding hopeful.
"Of course," she said, "Boys and girls both paint their nails all the time."
"Andre doesn't," he said with a frown.
"That's because Andre doesn't like nail polish," I stated, "Everybody likes what they like."
I didn't hesitate to hold his toes still as I painted his first toenail.
He grinned wide as the color made contact with the nail.
"There is nothing wrong with being who you want to be," Jody said, "Not everybody knows who they are, so they have to learn."
I was thankful for her.
"She's right," I said, "You are the only one who knows who you really are and what you really like."
"And once you know the real you," Jody added, "People will love you for it."
"And some people won't," he said.
"Those people don't deserve to know you if they can't see past a few painted nails," I stated, "People are more complex than that."
"The people who support you and the things you like," Jody said, "Will stay with you forever."
He grinned at us.
"Like you guys?" he asked.
"Of course," Jody said, "You see how weird Aunt Jody is, and you guys love me, right?"
He looked like he realized what she meant, and he nodded.
She grinned so wide at him, it hurt me. It also warmed my heart.
"That is love," she said, "Just like I love you."
I could see the tears form in his eyes.
"I love you too, Jody," he said, "And I love you, Shay."
My eyes started to sting as I watched him wipe at his eyes.
"Do you want your fingers painted too?" Jody asked.
He looked at us both a little worried.
"What is it?" I asked.
"A boy at school," he said, "I wanted to paint my nails like him."
Awe, he really is precious.
"The other boys in my class picked on him up for it," he said, "They called him a girl."
"Little shits," Jody frowned.
"It is a shame," I said to him, "There will always be small-minded people in this world."
He looked at me, confused.
"What do you mean?" he asked.
"Some people don't understand what they aren't used to," I said, "Those boys were raised differently, and it isn't their fault."
"But they could still learn," he asked, "Right?"
I nodded, "Sometimes, you just need to be patient."
"Not this time," he said, "Maybe we can paint my fingernails next time."
"Okay," I said, "Whenever you are ready."
"Thank you," he said.
He wiggled his toes happily as he studied the end result.
Andre poked his head in the room, and I could see Cody get a little scared.
"What's going on in here?" he asked.
"Painting toes," I said.
Andre's hazel eyes went to Cody.
"Are yours done too?" he asked.
Cody looked a little nervous, but he nodded.
Andre walked into the room to study our handiwork.
"They look good," he said.
I smiled at him.
Cody looked relieved before he grinned back at Andre.
I was thankful Andre didn't say what I thought he was going to.
"Be careful, okay," Andre said, "Some boys at school won't understand."
Cody nodded.
"Some girls won't either," Jody said, "Just be patient with them."
"It's time to get ready for bed," Andre said as he pat Cody's head.
Cody nodded before leaning forward to hug me tightly. He did the same to Jody.
Once he was off the bed, he hugged Andre just as tightly before going to his room.
"Thank you," I said to Andre quietly.
"I'm not completely clueless," he said, "He's different."
It's true, actually. Cody likes frills and sparkles.
"Does that bother you?" I asked.
He looked like he was thinking about it.
"No," he shook his head, "What bothers me is the way other kids will treat him."
"It just means we need to love him harder," I stated, "And make sure he knows that no matter what he likes, that we are always going to be there."
He nodded, "We're lucky to have you, Shay."
"True," Jody said.
"We're lucky to have you too," Andre said, looking at her, "Don't forget, you're family too."
Jody made a face I can only compare to a child. Her bottom lip came out a little, almost like a pout, and her eyes watered. She appreciated him saying that to her.
Her arms spread for a hug, "Bring it in, brother."
"Fucking hell," he said.
She got to her knees to go to the side of the bed he stood at, and she hugged him.
I didn't hesitate to get in on that hug.
"We're lucky to have you too," I said.
"Yeah, yeah," he said, "I need to head to bed now."
"Goodnight," Jody said once she was detached.
"Goodnight," I said.
"Night," he said, "Sleep well."
Andre walked out.
This strange sensation went through me, and I could only describe it as love.
"I don't know what I would do without you guys," Jody said suddenly.
I turned to look at her.
"I've always been that weird in your face kid," she said, "A lot of people are put off by it."
That was just Jody. I loved her for it.
"You were the only one that didn't treat me like I was annoying," she admitted.
"We were seven," I stated, "Everyone was annoying."
She grinned, "But you were patient with me, while everyone else just refused to be my friend."
I took her hand in mine, "Nobody could take your place."
She squeezed my hand and grinned.
"Besides," I said, "You're my nipple godmother, remember?"
She laughed, "For life."
I grinned at her, "Damn right."
Noah:
I couldn't sleep.
It felt like a small electric current went through me.
Every cell of my body was wide awake.
Frustration settled heavily in my gut.
I forced myself up, and I went right for my socks and shoes.
This feeling was unpleasant, I needed to get out.
I pulled a loose red tank top out of my dresser and slipped it on.
The basketball short I already wore were sufficient enough. I had to grab my phone from the charger and make sure I had my tracker on.
My jaw ached.
"Fuck," I growled.
I couldn't mess around here anymore, I had to get out. I had to get out now.
I found myself outside of the facility.
It was still dark out.
My legs started to move on their own. I ran.
I ran and ran.
By the time I made it back, the sun was already high in the sky.
My body shook. I wasn't sure if it was because of the strain I just put it through, or because I couldn't forget the taste of her skin.
"Noah."
I didn't even hear him. Part of me wished I had just gone inside the building instead of stopping outside.
"What are you doing?"
Baird looked at me, surprised.
"I was out for a run," I stated.
His eyes went to the tablet.
I hated that device. It was practically glued to his hand.
"What happened?" he asked, "Your vitals are irregular."
I knew that without him having to tell me.
His eyes scanned the screen, and he frowned.
"You left the facility at 5:17 AM, and," his frown deepened, "You are just arriving back, at 12:47 PM."
Fuck, was I really gone that long?
"What is going on?" he demanded.
I shook my head, "I don't know."
"Noah," he said quietly, "You need to see Dr. Olsen."
"Baird," I said simply, "No."
"I do not think you realize just how serious this could be," he said.
For the first time today, I felt tired. I think it was because of this conversation.
"You might be having a residual reaction from Shay," he said, "This restlessness you are clearly experiencing might be a side effect."
"Baird," I said, "I'm fine."
"Your vitals say otherwise."
"Please," I practically begged, "Please don't keep me away from her."
His expression said it all. He was torn.
"This cannot be good for," he said, "You need to make sure this is just from your first real meeting."
"And if it's not?" I asked.
"I do not know," he admitted, "But this is not good for you."
I didn't give the slightest fuck if it was good for me.
I found her. I didn't care what that meant for me. I needed to see her again.
"That also means that you can't keep her away from me," I realized what his word meant, "In order to figure out if it is a one-time occurrence, I need to see her again."
"Yes," he said like it was obvious.
"When?" I asked.
"I still have yet to talk to Dr. Olsen," he said, "I would say, maybe a week."
I couldn't wait that long.
"Noah," Baird said, "This is not optional."
He acts like I don't already know that.
"You need to see Dr. Gardiner," Baird said, "Now."
I glared at him.
"You need a sedative," he stated, "Something to help calm you down."
I didn't want to see Dr. Gardiner.
"Now, Noah," Bard said sternly.
He really pissed me off lately.
"I will talk to Dr. Olsen later today," he said, "By the time you are awake, I will have some answers for you."
I nodded, "Thank you."
I didn't expect him to expedite protocol. He was a stickler for that shit.
Baird was predictable. That was one of his defining qualities.
I would take his advice. I will see Dr. Gardiner and get a sedative.
I could already feel the desire to run again.
I couldn't go on like this.
The walk to his small clinic in the main building always felt longer than it really was.
My body stopped outside his door. The red occupied indicator was up.
I sat in one of the chairs across from the entrance.
This was the last thing I needed.
A small sound came from behind the door.
Maybe someone was actually hurt.
The next sound was something hitting the floor.
That sounded like a container was dropped. Was everything alright?
Another box hit the ground, and I was quick to my feet.
I didn't hesitate to open the door.
Regret poured through me.
This was the last thing I needed.
Raisa stared wide-eyed at me, and so did the man that had his dick buried in her.
Honestly, I didn't give a shit who she fucked, I just didn't want to see it.
"I thought somebody was hurt," I stated.
"This is a clinic," Dr. Gardiner hissed, "That's why the occupied sign was up."
He didn't even try to hide what he was doing.
She was facing the counter, holding it for support while he came at her from behind.
I suspected that he might be trying to get at her, but to see it. I needed a shower. I felt disgusted.
"You can wait outside," Raisa said.
"And listen to the two of you fuck?" I asked, "I'd rather not."
Dr. Gardiner looked more pissed off than she did.
"I need a sedative," I stated.
"You look fine to me," he stated.
It was really awkward trying to have a civilized conversation, and them still being in that position. She wore a short dress that he just pushed up almost all the way to her shoulders, and he only had his pants at his ankles.
"Baird's suggestion," I stated, "I could go get him if you don't believe me."
The look on Dr. Gardiner's face said it all. He didn't want Baird to report him.
"You little fucker," he hissed.
"Neither of us has a choice here, Clive," I stated, "I want to be here less than you want me here."
"Side cabinet," he pointed, "Orange bottle."
I walked over to the small cabinet he indicated, and I opened the doors.
"Orange," Clive said.
I know, asshole.
I scanned the shelf, but I didn't see anything with an orange label.
"There is nothing orange here," I stated.
"Are you fucking blind?" he gasped.
Raisa made an irritated noise.
I felt something bump my shoulder, and I frowned.
Dr. Gardiner was next to me, scanning the shelf.
"Fuck," he hissed, "Cassandra must have moved them."
Just my fucking luck.
He opened a few other cabinets before he smacked my shoulder.
"Take two and get out."
He held out the white bottle with the orange lid and matching label.
I opened the container and took two of the large white ovals out.
I was thankful he didn't reach his hand in and grab them. I know where they've been.
His irritation was evident as I took my time to twist the container shut before setting it on the other counter.
I left the room after that.
The door shut behind me, and even without focusing, I could hear them pick up where they left off.
My body moved quickly to get away from the small office.
I put the pills in my mouth, and I chewed them. They tasted foul.
The sooner they got into my system, the better. I just needed to sleep this off.
The walk back to my room was slow, but when I got there, I felt it again.
Frustration.
I know it hasn't been that long, has it?
I groaned once I was secure in my room.
Seeing those two fucking idiots.
I shook my head. The desire to run again was strong, but another desire was unyielding.
I pulled the red tank top off and tossed it into the small hamper. I kicked off my shoes and laid flat on my back.
Sometimes I hated how my anatomy betrayed me. I hoped the running would help tire me out to the point my body wouldn't be able to react. I was mistaken.
The forming erection only got worse.
Maybe I shouldn't have licked her knuckles.
I groaned at the thought. There were at least a dozen other places I wanted to lick.
My brain wasn't helping.
My problem was only getting harder, literally.
I glanced down at the protrusion and sighed.
I was passed the point of just being able to ignore it. Damn it.
Part of me felt the sedatives kicking in, but something inside me demanded release.
My hand slid under the thin fabric.
Guilt filled me as I thought of the mate I have yet to claim.