Riley's POV
I quietly shut the back of the truck then peeked in to make sure jake was still sleeping.
He was nervous around so many people, I was to and now the thought of talking to Levi was making my stomach twist up. The things Gemma said about feral changlings were terrifying. Body mutations fur, fangs and other deformities. She said they could lose control and attack. I'm not sure if I believe all of it though. I tried to kill Levi twice and almost succeeded, I had a suspicion that his speed saved him from my bullet. He was definitely angry and he hadn't left a scratch on me, well my neck was a bit sore but not even a bruise. I sat in one of the folding chairs and watched the embers from the dinner fire glow. Aiden showed up and took the chair next to me, he handed me his flask. What's this I asked. Rum, he said. I could smell it on his breath as soon as he answered. I raised my eyebrows at him after I took a drink. I can hold my liquor he said as he took his flask back. He leaned back in his chair,pulled out a pack of licorice and handed me one. We sat in complete silence drinking rum and eating licorice. I didn't feel awkward though it was a comfortable silence. When the food and drink were gone he stood up to leave. The lights in the truck don't turn on so you can sit in it with the door open he told me.
I've always loved the night, the calmness a cool breeze. I leaned against the seat of the truck, my legs hanging out the open door catching the nights breeze. I was listening to the bugs and watching the sleeping camp. Someone came from behind a car and started walking towards me. I knew it was him right away. Levi was almost a foot taller than me, his black t-shirt hugged his upper arms and chest. I saw his eyes glowing from halfway across the camp. It was like a deep blue smoke was inside him shining out. It was a eerie sight seeing him walking towards me in the darkness. My heart started racing as he got close to me. Levi leaned against the truck door in front of me staring at me with smoky blue eyes. I knew I wanted to ask things but the worlds weren't coming out. How did it go today? He asked. It was good Gemma showed us the ropes, shes got me labeling and doing inventory for her. He moved so fast I made a little gasp, he was standing between my legs and his hands rested on my knees. That's not all you heard today so why don't you ask your questions before I get impatient.
My heart skipped a beat and I closed my eyes.
It sounded menacing but when I opened my eyes and looked at him he was smiling, well it was more of a smirk. Are you messing with me? I asked. I am, but I do want to know. Ok..well Gemma said you were bitten but you didn't die, you changed. That's true, have you not heard anything about changlings? He asked. No, Ive barely spoken to anyone and haven't heard any news since the emergency broadcasts started. I was bitten less than a week after the broadcasts. Aiden and I were staying in a house with a few other people, we were bitten by the same person. At the hospital they said that the disease started with testing on animals. The doctors told us our bodies bonded with disease and the animal cells. That's amazing! Couldn't they use it for a cure? I asked. He looked down before he answered. Apparently changlings are very unstable. Some may be working on it somewhere but people are just putting them down. When he looked back up at me the blue clouds in his eyes were moving slowly and his face was full of mischief again. I'll admit I'm a bit unstable and I have changed, you've seen my speed it's the same with my strength and I can see everything in the dark. I feel like I share my body but I'm in control, most of time anyways. I've heard some dark stories and a few people here have seen some, they can be mutated or deformed more animal than human now. We call them ferals. Gemma said that you can't control yourself and that your dangerous.
What do you think? He asked me. I looked into his eyes he was studying me waiting for my answer. I believe you, that your in control. You were angry and could have killed me or both of us. Thank you, for being kind to Jacob. I looked down before meeting his eyes again. He was moving towards me, his hands slowly running up my thighs. What do you want from me? I asked. I think you know the answer to that he said. When his hands reached my hips he ran his right hand up spine. I closed my eyes and arched my back the butterflies in my stomach were starting to turn into something more. His hand caressed the back of my neck, when his lips were about to touch mine I put my finger between our lips lightly touching his. I still have questions I whispered. I saw the corners of his mouth turn up as he he reached up and took my hand. He placed my hand on his chest. I'll answer all your questions, after I kiss you. He pressed his lips to mine and I gave into him, he deepened the kiss sweeping his tongue over mine. I wrapped my arms around his neck and he pulled me to the edge of the seat getting us as close as possible. Levi's touch was electric, his hands were everywhere caressing my cheek running down my back and up my sides. I was trying to stay in control of myself but when I finally pulled back I wasn't sure how long we'd been there. I leaned my head back as he kissed my neck before he took a step back. His hands were still resting on my thighs. Levi's eyes were brighter the blue clouds swirling faster. He took another step back and asked, what do you want to know?
I woke up the next morning with Aiden breathing down my throat again, this time I just turned over to face jacob. Levi left early to work and so Aiden could sleep a while. I needed to think about last night about what I was doing. Levi and I had sat in the truck for an hour or so asking questions and telling stories. He told me how he had heard me singing before he ever saw me, how he could jump ten feet in the air and smell animals in the woods. He told me how sometimes when he got to emotional his body acted on it's own and he had to fight to control his actions. It was amazing to me what he was but it seemed most people didn't see it that way, a lot of people in the camp didn't like Levi and Aiden.
I told him about Tyler how we were recently divorced and how he hadn't come back from his trip and I told him I was a Artist and he wanted to know how I had survived so I told him leaving out some parts I wasn't ready to share. He listened to everything I had to say and he kissed me as much as I'd let him. He pushed me but always stopped when I did. Being with him was so easy and I needed to keep myself focused and alert. I decided to ask Levi to train with me, he could fight and it would help me to protect Jacob and I could teach what I learn to him. It also gives me a excuse to touch Levi without kissing, I like how his eyes get bright every time we touch. Again just thinking of Levi was distracting. Big groups could attract attention and we needed to be ready in case. I wasn't sure what my next move would be but for now we were safe here. I climbed out of the back of the truck and stretched my legs out. I could smell the cinnamon coming from the big oatmeal pot.
I leaned against the truck and took in the morning air.