"You have to be cheating," John laughs shaking his head.
He was, that little cheat was using his mind reading abilities. I glared at him as he gave us all his most innocent smile. He seemed bashful but all I could think is that I could bash his head in.
Whoa, he says through our link, aggressive much?
I was fuming. But I'm not sure why. Lies. I did. I was still scared to shift. I was neglecting my other half. I don't know how much longer I can last before breaking.
We were playing charades and I was teamed with John. We were obviously losing thanks to the cheater. Who just kept saying it was a fluke but we both knew better.
John's laugh snaps me out of my whirlpool of emotions. He was genuinely having fun and yet here I was nagging and complaining. I knew they did this more for me than for themselves, they wanted to make me feel more comfortable with them in their home.
Tears welled in my eyes, they were really trying so hard to incorporate me into their family and here I was acting like an unexpected guest.
I only knew about family from the Holt's and now the Burke's are here making game nights to clear any tension between us.
Wiping the unshed tears I calm myself enough to enjoy their company even if there was a complete and utter cheater amongst us.
Angie was the first to give up. She kept yawning but assured us she can do another round but it was getting late. I mean ten o'clock isn't really considered late but for someone working a demanding job it's pretty late.
"I think I'm getting a little tired," I lied. Mark catches on quick as he stands, "yeah I should get back home."
"Oh! Here," Mark hands me his mustangs keys. I go over to the bowl by the door where I usually dump my keys.
"What's going on?" John asks curiously.
"Vee thought it'd be better to drive the mustang over the challenger," Mark shakes his head.
"What?! That car is a beaut. How-" his words die as he stares out the window at the cars outside. "Okay, I can see why she'd prefer that one." He gives a low whistle.
The mustang is just as luxurious but a little more inconspicuous. A less in your face kind of car.
"Thanks Mark," I give him a tight hug as I walk him out. We say our goodbyes but I knew he'd be in my room once he got the car in his garage.
I was sitting on my bed lost in thought when Mark came back through my open window.
He sits by me not saying anything at first. We just sat there in complete silence. The kind where you want to be alone but not entirely.
"You're scared aren't you?" He whispers.
Tears start to well again. I don't say anything as I try to hold them back. I hated crying.
"You can't put it off anymore Vee. It's killing you," he softly says.
He was right, I can feel something wrong with me. I just couldn't bring myself to face it thinking I could hold out just a little longer. Just one more day.
He doesn't stare at me and I'm grateful. Although he's close to me he keeps his eyes on the ground. If he did turn towards me he'd see how scared I was. A single tear falls but I wipe it away quickly.
"I get it, the first time you shifted you almost died. You were scared, confused, and all alone. But you're not anymore. I'm here. I'll always be here," he continues.
A shaky breath escapes me as I continue to try to not cry.
"I-I," I stutter as the knot on my throat prevents me from speaking.
Mark slowly turns to me, seeing me he doesn't say anything. He just reaches for me and holds me in his hands as I hyperventilate.
Tears stream down as I silently cry in his arms.
I guess I was more terrified than I had originally thought.
That night I couldn't sleep. The bed felt too comfortable and it was irritating me. After tossing and turning I get up and head straight to the closet. Mark wasn't there and I was glad for that. I didn't want him to see me like this. It was bad enough I cried and slobbered all over his clothes.
In the closet I shut myself in making as I begin to make a makeshift bed like I had my first night here. Sleep eventually overtakes me.
The next morning was just like I felt. A shit-storm. It was dark out as heavy rain rained down so thick it was impossible to see through the closed windows.
Grumbling I head to take a quick shower and get everything ready for my second day. Just like Ash said there were bagged hangers with the day written on them. Taking the Tuesday one I head to change.
Spraying the perfume on I contemplate taking the sunglasses. I mean yesterday it was more prudent as the sun was out but today it was clearly not. Angie's voice calling for me to head down and eat I decide better safe than sorry. I shoved them in my bag and head downstairs.
I hear a car pull up and know it's Mark. I guess I'll be driving myself today.
He knocks and walks in before anyone can open the door for him. I mean I know the Burke's don't mind but still, manners. When I see him I nearly choke on my juice. I can see why he didn't wait for a response. He was drenched. Not a single part of him was dried.
He looked annoyed but the sight of food perked him right up.
"Sorry for the puddle," he says sitting by me. He tried to give me a hug but I shove him away. I laugh as he pouts. I let him kiss my cheek but he uses that opportunity to hug me as he manages to wet me.
Angie and John laugh as I hit him for touching me.
"Ash will not approve the wet stain on her couture." I say wiping my shirt with a napkin as if it'd even help. Thankfully I also grabbed my jacket.
Mark just shrugs as he serves himself food.
I have to go with Tristan to a meeting with the wolves, Mark randomly says through our link.
Is everything okay? I ask warily.
Yeah, me and Maggie will be going with him. Since we did move in without any warning, I think they want to see if we're a threat. He informs me.
I thought Tristan has already spoken to them.
He did but now the future Alpha wants to speak with us.
He wasn't there before?
Nope, he was away but now he's back and wants to meet to discuss a treaty.
I give Angie a smile when she looks worriedly between me and Mark as we became really quiet. She smiles back but I can see she still thinks something is up.
I mean how could I tell them everything about me and Mark and not sound entirely insane. Breakfast goes silent as we all get caught up in our thoughts.
I can go if it helps, I tell him.
Don't worry about this. It'll just be another boring and very judgmental meeting. I'm just telling you since I won't be able to drive you like I had planned.
Don't worry about me. I can manage on my own. Just make sure there isn't bad blood the last thing we need is wolves hunting us down.
Us? I'm sure they wouldn't harm you. He jokes. He's right but it doesn't make it sting less.
Yes, us or am I not part of the family anymore. Where you go I go, remember? I respond offended.
I didn't mean it like that, you're right I'm sorry. He gives me his signature smirk which I can't help but smile at.
"It seems that it won't give up," John says staring out the kitchen window. "You better drive slow and be aware of your surroundings, wildlife might come running out," John says looking at all of us pointedly.
Angie snorts but clears her throat when John squints at her, "yes, children. Be careful driving all right?" She tells us as she gets up to kiss her husband.
Call me if anything happens, Mark tells me as he picks our plates off the table. He still had food in his which tells me he's nervous of this meeting more than he wants to admit.
Just be careful, okay? I sigh as I know there's not much I can do.
We all bundle up, Angie gives me an umbrella as Mark dashes out the door without a care since he was already wet. I give them both hugs before I go outside.
I quickly get in as the cold water hits against my umbrella and jacket.
Once inside I turn the radio off as I focus on the sound of water pouring on the metal. I wait for Mark to pull away before I do the same. Heading opposite directions I try to concentrate on not hitting anything as it was becoming hard to see through the rain.
Why did they not just cancel classes on horrendous weather is beyond me.
I was driving so slow I thought I'd never make it to school in time. I was so focused on my one person argument that when something dashed in front of the car almost passed me without notice but a second later another thing dashes right by. Before I hit the third I managed to break allowing a fourth pass just as quickly.
Deer, it's a deer, I tell myself but I knew better.
Just keep driving, Mark tells me. Of course he's checking up on me.
It was four of them some thing is up. I tell him.
Not your problem babe, just drive, he insists.
He's right it isn't my business what other wolves do. It's not like I'm part of their pack or anything. I don't owe anyone anything. Just as I was going to put the car on drive I hear a howl. Not just any howl it was one of agony. It was a cry for help.
My hand hovers over the gear.
Just drive, please. Mark pleads.
I don't know what compelled me but I dash out the car not caring for Mark's remark of how reckless I'm being. I run into the woods in the direction I think I heard the howl come from.
"Let her go!" A familiar voice growls. "You're killing her!"
"Shut him up," a deep voice orders.
I ran faster heading towards the voice that seem to be muffled but yet so clear, as the rain continued to drench me.
I come to a scene of a man holding Jay with a hand over his mouth. His face was full of anger and fear as he looked down at a light brown wolf panting. They were both bleeding. The wolf seemed in worse shape. It was just lying there waiting for death.
Anger welled inside me as I rush tackling the guy that was about to bash the wolf's head with his boot. We roll for a bit but I managed to hit my head on the ground. A little dazed and confused he managed to get the upper hand.
"Well, well, what do we have here," he tsked. Shaking his head, "you shouldn't have intruded in what doesn't concern you."
Wrapping his hand on my throat he begins to squeeze. Trying to pry his hand out he puts more weight as he gets on top of me.
Staring it into his black eyes I stop fighting. Which seems to surprise him but a cruel smile covers his face.
Waiting for a moment I punch him right on his nose breaking it on impact. Which stuns him momentarily giving me enough time to push him off me. Reaching for a fallen branch that was a few inches away from me I swing it as hard as I could getting him right on the head.
More blood rushes from him. A whimper catches my attention. Jay was now limp on the ground just beside the wolf. His heartbeat assured me he was still alive but the wolf was barely breathing. It was running out of time.
The one that had strangled me was on the ground unmoving as well. I was using the few seconds I had to try to get my breathing back to normal when the second guy launched at me. He shifted mid jump, I did the only thing I could think of. I ran.
Get him to the line, Mark ordered. I know he must have been losing his mind. He has stayed with me as it was all going down. He kept quiet since I could never concentrate enough when he's talking to me.
I ran as fast as I could but the wolf was right on my heels. Jumping over things running full speed is not recommended if you're an amateur. I was lucky to have not stumbled and fallen during the pursuit.
I tried to shift a few times but nothing happened. It was as if my wolf was hiding.
I was zig zagging hoping for confuse it as I don't want to give away where I was leading it to.
A sharp pain comes from my leg as I trip and stumble to the ground. Coming to stand the wolf halts just in front of me snarling. I don't have to look to know there's blood. I can smell it.
The water was becoming blinding as I wiped my hair from my face.
The wolf growled just as it was about to pounce. There was no point of running so I stood there waiting for the impact but it never came. Instead a whimper is heard as the wolf laid beside a broken tree. Mark stood over it, although his back was to me I could see the tension on his muscles. He was mad.
He went to the wolf and snapped its neck.
"Are you okay?" He asked me with gritted teeth.
"I'm fine, but I'm not so sure about the other ones," I say with a shaky breath. I was starting to feel cold from the rain.
"You're not going back there," he glares at me.
"The hell I am," I angrily respond. I began to cough as I still hadn't fully regain control of my breathing and the running did not help at all.
"Are you crazy? You could have been killed," he was shaking but I doubt like me it was from the cold.
I just stared at him as I began to make my way back. He grabs my arm stopping me.
I yank my arm away and looked him in the eye, "I need to check on them and you're not stopping me."
He was about to say something but I just turn and run. I was running faster than when I was being chased. I hadn't realized I had shifted until I came upon the clearing I had found them.
The guy I had knocked out was coming to, he got up and looked at me before growling and shifting. But before he could even get his bearings in his wolf form I tackle him with so much force he collided with a tree. Bones snapping can be heard. Before he could even stand I bite into his throat.
Once I get a better hold on him I rip his throat out. Causing his howl to die with him.
Shifting back I find myself in tattered clothes. Not caring for modesty I check on Jay who is still unconscious but still much alive. The wolf's breathing was shallow as it still had its eyes open. When I got closed it seemed to be scared but I gently hold out my hand to check the damage.
There was a deep gash on the side. Blood coated it's fur. I didn't know what to do.
Bring them to Angie, Mark finally suggested.
It's a werewolf not just any wolf.
Same difference, we're wasting time.
He was right but I couldn't just show up with a werewolf and pretend it was a common wolf. She would know as it's much too big to be a run of the mill wolf.
Bring them to Bass. He did manage to fix you.
I wasn't sure but I didn't really have any choice. Carrying the wolf to the car was a tiring mission. But I managed to fit it on the back seat although it looked a little bunched up I didn't waste anymore time. I got Jay and put him on the front seat.
Getting to the Holt's didn't take long when I was driving like a maniac. I was lucky to have not crashed or skidded off the road.
The rain was taking no prisoners. It seem to have gotten thicker if that where even possible.
"Oh god not anymore dogs," Ash says as Tristan carried the wolf in. Bass got Jay. I was shaking as I followed them to the dinning room.
"Ash why don't you go get us water and some washcloths," Tristan orders.
Rolling her eyes she goes to fetch those things. I scan the place but I don't see Mark or Maggie.
Tristan pours alcohol on the open wound causing the wolf to wither in pain. Bass comes back with a syringe and injects the wolf on the neck. After a few moments it goes limp but it's breathing and heartbeat continues to slow down.
"Morphine, this is going to get messy." Bass tells me.
When Ash returns she drops the things off and walks right off. The blood was getting to her.
"Won't the blood..." I don't finish my thought.
"No, Bass used to be a doctor but thought it stressing so he joined a touring band," Tristan informs me, "I've been around humans more than I'd like to admit. Blood doesn't have that effect on me."
Tristan puts gloves on and begins to snap bones back into place as Bass stitches the open wound that runs down its side. A shudder runs over me so I walk out letting them do their thing.
I head to the living room where Jay is unconscious. Ash is sitting on the coffee table staring at him amused.
"He's just a baby," she says.
"I just hope he's okay," I tell her.
"He's fine just knocked out. As much as I'd like to pretend I don't know any of this I can tell you that he doesn't have a concussion," she informs me. "Just needs to rest."
I take her word as I've always known she was smarter than what she lead on. I mean she came up with a concealing perfume just for me.
"Where's Mark and Maggie?" I finally ask.
Ash smiles at me as she shrugs. When I glare at her she laughs, "they went to the meeting. Maggie forced him since he was too wound up after saving you, again."
I look to the floor not knowing how to respond to that. I mean I could have driven off but what would have happened to Jay or the wolf if I had. As much trouble as my decision has caused I don't regret it.
Jay stirs but doesn't wake up.
While waiting I manage to bandage my leg up. It was no longer bleeding but it did throb causing me some discomfort.
It seemed like forever before Tristan and Bass came out of the dinning room.
"The wolf is fine it's just needs to rest. I think it's best if you take them away from here before they wake," Bass says.
"I think we should let them rest for a bit more before moving them," Tristan advices. Bass shrugs as he's indifferent.
After two hours they seemed to get a little agitated and I can't blame them. Once they wake up they'll want to attack. Moral enemies and all.
"I'll take them back, I just don't know where to take them," I tell them.
"Take them where you found them. I'm sure their pack will find them," Ash suggests.
I think about it but honestly what choice do I have.
Once they're loaded onto the car I quickly get in before I change my mind.
The rain was still pouring, we were all wet and tired. I looked over to Jay who is still sleeping and to the wolf who's heartbeat seems to be getting stronger. I can't bring myself to leave them out in the rain like that.
But I can't stay with them as it'd bring up too many questions.
Pulling to the side of the road, I sigh, as I sit there contemplating things over.
A buzzing gets my attention as Jay's pockets ring. Reaching for the phone clearly still in his front pocket I pull it out.
55 missed calls and 80 missed texts from a Robb fill his screen.
Opening his phone I go to his messages:
Robb: Where are you?
Robb: Answer me!
It was full of concerned texts from just one person. Two actually a Theo just started to bombard the phone with just as concerned texts.
Contemplating for a minute I send a text back to Theo who is the one texting now.
Jay: At the school come get us. Hurry!
I put his phone back I turn the key and drive as quickly as I could to the school parking lot. Pulling over I quickly get out as I open the back doors to pull the wolf out first. As carefully as I can I carry it under a tree to be just out of view but not too hidden to be missed. Besides the tree was shielding them from the down pour.
Laying Jay beside it I jump back in and drive off as fast as possible. My heart beats just as fast as I try to make my way to the Holt's. I know school is still in session but I can't manage to go back. I'm sure with this rain they wouldn't let anyone go outside.
The parking lot was kind of empty anyway. I'm sure a lot of students called off.
Pulling up I see the challenger on the driveway. Mark and Maggie must be back. I get out and run inside.
"Are you crazy?" Mark shouts. "Why did you let her go alone!"
"I'm right here," I say irritated.
They all turn towards me except Mark he was clearly still upset.
"I'm fine. I left them somewhere they'll be found."
"Shouldn't you be in school?" Maggie asks.
"Can't really go looking like this." I says pointing at myself. Besides the obviously my clothes were completely drenched, I had scratches, blood stains that I was sure weren't entirely mine, and the fact that I was practically naked.
A shiver runs through me. Mark sighs as he wraps me in a blanket that Ash had covered Jay in.
"Come on let's get you in to a warm shower." He says guiding me towards the stairs.
I go inside his room, which has gotten messier than when Maggie had originally shown me on her tour. He walks me to the bathroom where he gives me towels and tells me to use his shampoo and soap.
Leaving me alone I take a deep breath. I was still shaking but I'm not sure if it was from the rain or my anxiety coming out.
The shower was godsend as step out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped around me I walk to find Mark but I only come across clothes neatly folded on his bed. Changing quickly, I start to make my way to the door when he walks in.
"Got you some hot chocolate, to help warm you up." He says deflated.
Thanking him I take it and cradle it on my hands. I really needed it.
"You're still mad at me," I say not looking at him. Staring at the marshmallows floating I concentrate on counting how many there are. Anything to keep myself from looking at him and his disappointed look.
He sighs before sitting on his bed. "No, but I was. I was scared shitless thinking of all the things that could happen to you. Then they did. You could have died. I was so mad that I couldn't see how scared I really was."
Looking at him I go sit by him. "I'm sorry."
"As incredibly stupid as that was it was just as incredibly brave of you. Just don't do it again. I don't think my immortality can handle a scare like that again." He jokes.
We laugh as I take sips from the hot chocolate. "Now all I'm worried about is what I'll be telling the Burke's as to why I didn't show for school today."
"Tell them the truth," Mark says. He sees my expression so he quickly adds, "not the entire truth, just parts. Tell them you almost ran something over and the whole ordeal shook you up so you came here."
I mulled over what he said, nodding as I think about it. That is something I could say as it's not entirely false it's just not the whole truth.