"I really don't want to go," I whine. Ander is carrying me to the car as he lets me down so he can open the car door.
"We need to know if you're all healed up. If you keep that boot you might do more harm than good." Ander retorts.
"Ugh, I hate hospitals." I say. "But won't the handsome doctor to get in trouble for helping me so much. I don't want him to get punished because of me."
"He doesn't get in trouble. I pay the consequences," Ander admits.
"Even more so now. I can't go. You're almost Alpha and if you continue to help me that would only make things worse."
Ander steps closer to me, "just get in, please."
I sigh as I get in. I really hated causing anyone trouble.
We arrive to the hospital. I really dreaded being in them. I had a fear in the back of my mind that once I got through the doors even before getting poked they would know what I am. They would snatch me and ship me off to a secret lavatory to be a test subject.
I'm sure there's more werewolf doctors but I never really looked. I never really needed a doctor. Now that I come to think of it ever since I moved here that's all I been up to. I been getting in situations that resulted in me being in pain or needing medical attention.
I mean it hasn't been all bad but still. It tends to leave a bad taste. When we step inside the fear I had comes rushing back. Remembering it didn't help so here I was holding my breath just in case letting it out somehow rats me out. I follow Ander as he goes to the receptionist who openly gawks at him before she helps him. When he asks for the handsome doctor she smiles at him before pointing to an office.
He thanks her which makes her blush before he turns to me to hold my hand. I don't look to see if that gesture deteriorated her advances.
He guides me through the brightly lit halls to a wooden door with the template on the door that had the doctors name and degree. I was mostly focused on looking around to see if anyone was about to take me. Ander's knock snaps me back to reality, I look down at our hands. Why did this feel so right?
"Come in," a voice responds.
I slowly let my breath out as Ander steps aside after opening the door to let me through first. I look inside before I step in.
Dr. Colbert's office wasn't as big as I would have imagined. It was fairly spaced. He had three fake plants adorning it. He had two monstera plants and a small potted Sierra Sunset on his desk.
The walls like everything else in the hospital were white. White tile, white coat, white filing cabinets. Just white.
The doctor looks up from a file to see who's disturbed him. He smiles when he sees Ander and me. Ander puts a hand on my back as he gently guides me to one of the chairs that are on our side of the desk.
"Vanessa and Ander, so good to see you both. What can I do for you? Sit," Dr. Colbert stands to shake our hands.
"We came because we think Vanessa's ankle is healed." Ander tells him.
"Is that so?" Dr. Handsome asks me.
"It doesn't hurt as much as it used to. Like the cast the boot is beginning to bother me."
He nods. "Okay, lets see what we can do."
He comes to stand. He puts his discarded lab coat and asks for me to follow him. Ander nudges me, I reluctantly go. He guides me to an empty room with a bed and I heavy machine, which would be the X-Ray one. He goes out the room to speak with someone as I'm left to sit on the bed and wait.
I take the boot off since it really did start to bug me after I had told the doctor. Once my foot was free it felt light weighted. As if a huge amount of weight had been lifted off it. I tried to stand to see if I was in any pain but it felt weird. It had been elevated for a while that bending it felt foreign. At least there was no pain.
Another doctor steps in, Dr. Andil, he was so nice and tentative that he made me feel at ease. When we were done he said the results will take a bit so I would have to go wait in Dr. Colbert's office. He was so nice to even walk me back.
Ander smiles when he sees me walk in. I had my boot back on since we didn't really know if it was completely healed or not.
After a minute of silence I decide to ask him something that's been on my mind.
"Why didn't Diana and Jay go to the training? Why is Robb so oppose to Jay training?"
He looks at me in amazement. He smiles as he answers.
"Well, after the attack that you saved her and Jay from she has been on edge. It's like she's afraid it might happened again. She took longer to heal because she was just too freaked out. Jay stood by her side even when he was all healed. Robb thinks Jay is also freaked out and needs more time but I know Jay is ready. He's stronger than they give him credit for."
I nod at his response. Especially the last part. Jay can seem like he's not ready or too innocent for reality but he's strong. I can sense that much in him. The only way to really know is to put him to the test. Training is a great one because he wouldn't be in eminent danger.
Just as I was to say as much the doctor walks back in. He had knocked before he stepped in.
"Give it to me straight, Doc," I tell him as he sits on his desk. I laugh when the look on his face was that of concern.
"I been wanting to say that," I admit.
Ander snorts a laugh but covers it with a throat clearing.
"Well it seems you're right. It's fully healed."
Well color me shocked. I'm impressed but also skeptical it's impossible for me to have healed this fast.
"What's wrong? Shouldn't you be happy?" Dr. Colbert asks.
"No, it's impossible. My wolf is dying. It can't be healing me that fast. I haven't healed like this since the first few times I shifted."
"Maybe it's the bond. It's getting stronger therefore it's making your wolf stronger, right?" Ander asks looking between me and the doctor. I shrug. I had no clue.
"I'm not sure. It could be a million different things. Have you had anymore episodes?" Dr. Colbert asks me.
I shake my head. "No, but it doesn't make sense. If I was really getting better then why do I feel weaker each day?"
"I've run multiple tests but I can't find anything wrong with you. If I hadn't seen how bad you were hurting I'd say there was nothing wrong with you."
And that was the scary part, that's what will be keeping me up at night. I feel as if life is messing with me. It gives me hopes like this just to later tear it away. I couldn't risk thinking I'm getting better for it one day to all burn down. I had to keep living. If it's the only thing I can do.
"Thanks, Doc. You're the best," I tell him. I stand to leave but decide to sit back down to take the boot off. It was no longer needed. It did it's job so now it'll be left behind. Literally.
I walk out that office, still slightly limping, feeling free. The weight was off and I had now to relearn to walk. It didn't take that long once I was almost out the doors Ander catches me.
He picks me up before I could step out. He literally swept me off my feet as he walked me out the doors.
"You can't seriously think I'd let you walk out with just one shoe on." He tells me. I laugh as I let him carry me towards the car.
"I should probably go get the other shoe," I tell Ander.
Even though my foot is healed I let him drive me. I was doing my own mini physical therapy by rotating my foot and moving it up and down.
"I think so too," Ander says. He's smiling as he drives me home. I reach to hold his hand.
Our peaceful drive comes to an end before we can even make it to the line. Wolves ran pass us causing Ander to forcefully break. We watched as they ran from the right side of the woods to the left side of the woods before the trees hid them from us.
He looks back at me in turmoil as he tries to say something. I give his hand a small squeeze.
"Go, I can manage getting myself home." I assure him.
He looks like he's about to protest but sighs as he looks guiltily at me. He uses our clasped hand to pull me in for a kiss. When he pulls away I grab his arm, "be careful." I plead.
He nods as gives me a smile before stepping out. He runs the way they had headed before he shifts and disappears as well.
"It's fine, everything is fine," I tell myself.
Before I jump to the other side I take my only shoe off. It was getting ridiculous just having one on. I manage to jump over to the driver side, I grab my discarded shoe to set it on the passenger seat when I get the weird feeling I'm being watched. The driver side door was still wide open. I look around as my eyes come to lock onto a smirking Otto.
Anger fills me as I glare at the jerk. Everything he has ever said or done to me replay in my mind. Blinded by this sudden rage I storm out the car.
"Miss me?" He asks.
I was livid at this point that I had my shoe in a tightly grip. With all the force I could muster I fling the shoe at his head.
"Ow, what the hell?" He growls out as my shoe connects with the side of his head.
"What the hell indeed! What are you doing here? What do you want with me?" I shout at him.
"It's good to see you too, beautiful," he smirks, as he rubs his cheek as the shoe connected more with it.
I walk up to him as he stares at me with curiosity which gives me all access to his unguarded face as I go punch him.
He blocks it as he wraps my arm behind me. I'm facing him as he's facing me. Our bodies are too close to each other for my liking. He swiftly backs me up to a tree still having my hand twisted behind me.
He sneers at me, "now that I know you're his mate, there's no way in hell I'm letting you go."
With his free hand he forcefully grabs my jaw so I can look at him. I try to pry myself of him but he just tightens the hold. His eyes are full of anger and hate that looking inside them scares me. It scares me that someone can hold that much resentment inside them. It's scares me that I might be just the same.
I stop struggling, I was bidding my time, when he looks down at my lips I freeze. He leans in as if he were to kiss me. Not wasting anytime I kick him. I kick him hard as I can in his shin. He growls in pain causing him to back up in pain. I break free. I use his stunned moment to grab his hand and flip him. I did it with the full intention to break his arm but the person I sense walks in.
Before I could react and defend myself the copper haired guy punches me on the face. I let go of Otto as I cover my mouth were his fist connected. The guy was now standing before Otto glaring at me. I glare right back. Using the new profound anger of being punched I tackle him to the ground. As I return the punch to his face but unlike him I don't stop at one. I continue to punch and hit him until I'm forcefully removed.
Otto has picked me up from behind. He had locked his arms around mine to keep them in place. He picked me up and lifted me off the ground, off of the asshole I was hitting.
"Whoa, calm down. I think that's enough." Otto says. The humor on his voice only makes me more angry. "You might kill him."
"Let me go you stupid idiot, this ends now. I want nothing to do with you and your little group," I grit out.
He chuckles.
I head butt him with the back of my head. It hurts like hell but hearing his nose break was more than satisfying. He drops me which I use the opportunity to kick him on the groin. When he bends down to clutch himself I knee his face. Further hurting his nose.
He drops as the copper haired guy moans. He was moving to stand and I was more than ready for him. I was also glad I didn't really kill him. Can't have that in my conscience.
A growl comes from behind a tree, I turn to see the same three wolves that threw me off the cliff step out.
Otto was coming to stand as well leaving me to ward off five of them. Five against one is no easy feat. Especially to a defected werewolf like myself. I know five against one is suicide, I am not suicidal, but I am screwed.
I step back to get a better view of them all but my foot steps wrong and I find myself falling to the ground. I fall sitting down which as painful as it was—was good. I start to clutch the dirt beneath my hand in an unnoticeable manner. I needed to bid my time as the wolves slowly approached.
The dark one was clearly leading them comes close enough as Otto and his friend stand straight looking at the wolves just as I was.
Once the dark wolf was close enough I throw the dirt on its face blinding it long enough for me to climb the nearest tree. The other two had pounced at me when it's leader was blinded for a second but I managed to get high enough to be out of reach.
Thank you, Bass. I tell myself.
What about me? Mark responds.
I stand on the branch not risking having my feet dangle like free meat. I look down as the wolves growl and jump on the tree unsuccessfully.
How far are you? I ask him.
Almost there just hang on, babe.
"If you really are as badass as you think you are then fight me one on one, cowards," I spat at them. Which only makes me wish I'd shut up.
A howl comes from beyond but it's loud enough to know it's getting closer. This seems to get all their attention as they look from me to from where the howl resonated. Clearly seeing as now things will be even they dash out not waiting to see who was arriving.
Otto and his little friend, who I did an number on, come closer to where I am. The look up the tree towards me.
"This isn't over, beautiful. I'll see you soon." Otto warns. They both shift and dash the same way the other wolves went.
I don't risk getting down until I'm fully sure that they're gone. Jumping down, I have forgotten of my broken ankle not too long ago, I manage to land on my feet in a low crouch.
Luckily my foot didn't snap or anything. It didn't even protest on the force of my weight. I took that as a good sign. I look around but I don't sense anyone. I do, however, see my discarded shoe.
"Come along little friend, you did your job." I tell it as I brush off the dirt. It doesn't hurt as much if I don't put that much pressure.
Stepping on the dirt ground was painful and uncomfortable. My clothes were dirty, especially my socks. I make my way towards the running car in the middle of the road. Just as I reached the open door Mark rushes to me.
"You're going to be the end of me," Mark says. He looks on edge.
I smile as I place my shoe on the passenger side. I step back out just in time to see Ander shift back as he comes to check on me. He had a worried look on his face but his jaw clenched and unclenched telling me he was more than worried.
He tentatively touches my cheek which makes me flinch when he gets to the tender part. The copper hair guy had a great swing.
I try to smile but even I'm not up to it. I hate seeing him upset because of me.
"Don't tell me I missed it," Bass pleads.
I turn to see him as he looks up at me. He was staring at the ground before his eyes saw my face. His expression quickly turned into one of pure rage. I can sense him turning into scary Bass.
He comes to me as if to see if his eyes are deceiving him.
"I'm okay, it's not as bad as it looks," I hoped. I haven't assessed the damage, yet.
"Tell me you made them pay for it," Bass says in a darkened tone.
"I did. I broke Otto's nose and the one that hit me got a rain of fists to the face," I shrug out.
Bass smiles but it looks wicked. "That's my she-wolf. You need more training. To assure they never get a hit in."
"It was five against one, I think I did well."
"With all the more reason you need to train more. Until you can take a whole pack on your own." Bass insists.
"I have plans today, besides as much as I appreciate you thinking I can be as brave and strong as you...well I'm not. I'm not as strong as I used to be."
"You're stronger than you give yourself credit for. You'll still need to train." He gives me a pointed look. "Why are you shoeless?"
"I threw it at Otto." I shrug out.
Mark laughs. Ander just looks towards the trees as if hoping to see them out there.
"Hey," I tell him. He looks down at me conflicted. I knew that look. "I'm okay, I would have killed them if the wolves didn't come."
I try to sound braver than I am. I think we all knew I didn't have that capability in me. No matter how much they deserved it I couldn't bring myself to do such a feat.
"I'll drive you home," Ander says. I shake my head I know he needs to get back to his pack.
"I'll drive myself, you have to go do your pack thing. They need you. I doubt they really left. Otto said he would visit me again. You have more important matters at hand. I can take care of myself."
They all start to protest. "I'll take Bass." I tell them.
It took them a while to finally agree that at least one of them was better than none of them. Which I was more than tempted to ditch them all.
"I want to drive," Bass says. I give him a pointed look which makes him go sit on the passenger side with my shoe. I know I'm not scary but I love to think I have that kind of power.
Taking a deep sigh I go to Ander, he still looks concerned but I manage to change that with a kiss. It hurts but the pain was worth it. He pulls away "you're hurt," he says. I hate Otto and his pack.
Ander watches me get in as I wave at him before Mark shuts the car door. I pull away leaving them on the road waving back.
I'm somewhat relax as I look at Bass. He was looking deadly still. It's one of the reason I chose him. When he gets that look he chases trouble and I did not think that would help anyone. The other reason was that I needed to talk to him. I needed to know what he's thinking. Not right now but when we last talked.
I stick to the original plan of driving home to get the other shoe. Maybe change as my socks are all dirty. Driving without shoes was a new concept for me, one I did not mind at all.
"Want me to carry you?" Bass asks. I loved to be carried but I was getting too comfortable with that so I shake my head.
"Nah, I need to walk it off," I tell him. Walk what of? I have no idea, just sounded appropriate to say.
He doesn't question me as he follows me to the house. He had my shoe on his hand. The whole ride he had clutched it like a teddy bear. Once we reach the stairs Angie comes out of the kitchen.
She had a bowl of popcorn that she was eating on her way back to the family room.
"Oh, you're home," she greets happily, but that soon ends. "What happened to you?"
I stand there as a deer caught in headlights. I had not thought this through at all. I was stupid to have come here. Clearly I was in terrible shape I had just survived a fight.
"Did you get in a fight?" She asks when I don't respond. She eyes Bass as if he's the one to blame. "Bass, right?" She asks him.
Bass smiles awkwardly at her. "Yes, how are you?" He answers. He extends his hand for a handshake. She just stares at both of us in astonishment.
"You see, Vanessa in the city she took karate lessons. She wanted to get back into it. I agreed since defending oneself is important and valuable life lesson. So here we were training. Just hand movements. I always say training is vital, right?" Bass asks me.
"Yes, yes he does. All the time," I say unironically.
"So here we were training when she takes a step her boot just breaks. Poof! broken just like that. Which causes her to falter and fall. She ended up hitting herself in this rock. Which worried me. So I personally took her to the hospital where the doctor said she didn't break anything. In matter of fact he said her foot was better. There was no need for the boot. That she only needed to do physical therapy to strengthen her foot more," Bass says.
I was like a fish opening and shutting my mouth as he went on to completely lie.
Angie listened to his whole story, she looked unconvinced and highly suspicious.
She looks at me, "is that true?"
I did not want to lie. "Yes?" It came out like a question. She looks between me and Bass but doesn't say anything on that matter. "I'll get you some ice. Try not to do too much. You may not need the boot but you can't exert yourself."
She walks back into the kitchen. Bass looks at me like a crisis was adverted. Oh, poor Bass. "Head upstairs I'll go right now." I tell him. He looks like he was going to say something but doesn't. He walks upstairs just as Angie comes back. She hands me a hand towel with ice.
I place it on my jaw as the cold is uncomfortable it comes to a relief. My injury was starting to hurt.
"Are you sure everything is fine? I know your story wasn't true but I'm willing to accept it if you promise me that everything is fine." Angie looks at me sternly.
I look her in the eye and do one thing I never was good at. I lie to her, "yes, I promise." I also promise that it'll be my last time.
She sighs in relief. She smiles at me before she kisses my cheek. "Okay, keep the ice on."
She walks into the family room.
I take a minute before I head upstairs. With each step I hated myself for lying to her like that. Bass was on my bed when I walk in. I must have looked as miserable as I felt, "what's wrong?" He asks worried.
"I hate myself for doing that," I admit.
"You did what you had to. The truth would have worried her more. You lied to spare her." Bass assures me.
"Doesn't take the feeling away."
Bass hugs me as I keep the ice on my throbbing jaw.
"Bass, can I ask you something?" I tell him.
"Of, course."
"Are you still mad at me?" I ask.
He doesn't say anything for a minute which makes me worry. I don't move from his embrace and he doesn't push me away.
"I wasn't mad at you, I was mad at me." Bass finally answers.
"What? Why?"
"Because I took long to get to you. When I got there I should have pushed you to tell me what happened but I didn't. I let my anger blind me. I was so focused on how hurt I was that I didn't think about you. You must have been scared."
I close my eyes. I can go through that fall over and over again but I could not stand the pain in Bass's voice. I hated that I couldn't help him.
"I don't deserve your forgiveness." He adds when I don't say anything.
Now he was blaming himself. I was a terrible sister. He has always cared for me. He was my partner in crime.
"I think it's the other way around." I finally tell him. "You've done so much for me and all I ever do lately is cause more problems."
"Not true. If anything you're now living life. You always went about it numbly not truly living and now for the first time I can see you come out of your shell, I can see you letting yourself feel and be happy."
I sniff as tears cloud my vision. I was not about to cry. Just as I was sniffling Angie walks by since the door was open she looks at us. I'm practically crying in Bass's arms.
A million emotions crosses Angie's face as she looks between us. She reluctantly walks away. I'm sure she's not Bass's biggest fan right now.
Bass senses my struggle he always knows what to do to change my mood.
"Remember when Tristan was forcing Mark to read but he would just watch the movie instead." Bass chuckles at the memory.
"I remember him promising to buy you a drum set if you would read the ones that didn't have movies and give him the cliff notes." We laugh because laughing is better than crying.
"I miss those days. When we weren't always worried about what tomorrow might bring. About whether if we'd have another tomorrow."
"Just one more day," I say. "I used to say that a lot when I knew she wouldn't last another day." Tears threaten to fall but I blink them away. This took a dark turn.
"As much pain as your past brings you, I'm so glad you came into our lives."
I pull away from Bass. I look at him as I give him a smile, he caresses my cheek just as I sense Angie walking by, she falters again but doesn't say anything. I smile more as I'm sure she's thinking something that isn't.
"I need to get going. Have to prep another playlist for tonight." He informs me. Kissing my head he heads out leaving me alone.
"Love you!" I shout after him.
"Love you too," he replies.
Where are you? I ask Mark. He has been unusually quiet.
I'm hanging out with your mate. He's getting scary.
What do you mean?
He's looks like he's about to tear this place a part to find Otto.
I remember when he had taken me to his "chateau" which as much as I'd like to forget that place I had to remember where it was. But I kept coming in blank, I'm an idiot.
No, you're not. He's not there. He obviously took you there because he had no intention of returning there.
I guess so. Doesn't change the fact we can still check it out.
It wouldn't hurt to check it out but I rather not be the one to go. I felt so useless.
ME: Hey, how are you?
MY LOVE: I think it's more important to know how YOU'RE doing....
ME: I asked first.
MY LOVE: I'm okay as long as you are.
Aww, I'd still punch him if he does anything reckless. That's my thing.
ME: I guess we're fine then.
MY LOVE: I guess so.
This is why speaking is better I can't tell what he's actually feeling. I would call him but I rather not disturb him. He brings emotions out of me that I been bottling up and right now I want them buried.
ME: Can you tell me where Diana lives?
MY LOVE: Yes. But only if you promise to visit me as well.
ME: If you're in the neighborhood, sure.
I snort when he says he's always around. He sends me detailed directions which makes it easier for me to find. I just hope I don't stumble upon the rogues. I don't think I can handle another encounter.
Give me a minute and I'll go with you. Mark tells me.
No, it's okay. I'll head straight there and stay with her. Don't drop what you're doing for me.
Seriously? Do you not know how important you are?
Mark, I'm not a child. I've managed to stay alive so far. I'll be fine.
Promise me that you will head straight there.
I promise.
Okay, love you.
Love you, too.
I look down at the directions. How hard can it be? I have to change but before I do that I decide to change his name on my phone. Correction, I'll change all their names into nicknames. They're much superior than names.
I took a quick shower and changed to some leggings and a long sleeved shirt, along with my converse.
I head to the family room where Angie is staring at the television but is more lost in thought than paying attention to it. She looked sad. John is looking at her in worry but neither one notices me.
"Hey," I softly say.
"Oh, hey, hunny. Did you want snack for you and your company?" Angie asks.
"Bass left actually." I tell her.
She looks confused but nods. She still looked down as her mind wanders again.
"Oh," she finally says.
"I know coming from me isn't much, but you would make anyone feel like they won the lottery being their parent's. I mean you took me in without even knowing me. You've made me feel loved and wanted not to mention welcomed. Anyone would be lucky to have you in their life. If you ever decide to adopt, my parent's money will be there for whatever you decide. It's yours."
Angie started to sob which broke my heart but I couldn't cry. I left as I felt tears threatening to fall. I get it the the car in time to rest my head on the steering wheel to focus on my breathing before I could even break down like Angie. I know I'm over stepping boundaries but they truly are great parents. They deserve all the happiness in the world.
I busy myself as I take my phone out to reread Ander's instructions.
The directions said to turn onto the third dirt path after an intersection but do I include the dirt path that leads to another main road? It was by the intersection but also not as close.
I decided to count it. I mean it was the first dirt path I came across.
Once I get to the third one I drove down a long road that was mostly dirt. I was having second thoughts. Maybe I shouldn't have counted the other one.
I came this far might as well see where it leads. I can always turn around. A house comes into view which gives me hopes I got it right. I mean there's no harm in just checking. Right?
It was a three story house that looked a little rundown but well lived. It looked like a house you inherited but only managed to fix one or two things each generation.
I slow down as I approach the front part of the house. It didn't have a garage or a driveway. It was all just dirt and patches of grass.
There was an SUV parked outside with the trunk lifted. An older man was trying to carry as many bags as he could so he wouldn't have to make multiple trips.
He was struggling for a second but then seem to have it under control until a bag broke spilling all its content. He couldn't possibly get the fallen items as he'd risk dropping the rest he had manage to secure.
I step out to go help him. He smiles when I get closer. "Here let me help," I tell him, as I rush over and pick the cans and oranges.
"Why thank you," he tells me.
His smile was kind, it showed all his laugh lines. For an older man he still looked great. He had grey hair and beautiful grey eyes that glint with tenderness. Something about them seemed familiar.
"Come before more things start to jump off," he jokes. I follow him towards the house as the steps creak beaneath our weight.
The inside of the house was in much better condition. It was more up to date than the outside. The door lead straight into a kitchen that had modern appliances and big wooden squared table. He sets most of the bags on the floor while I place mine on the table. I took the liberty to place the oranges on the empty fruit basket.
"What brings you to my humble abode?" He asks me.
He looked amused as he catches me staring at the place. I smile with embarrassment.
"I took a wrong turn," I admit.
"There are never wrong turns just untimely ones." He says.
Not sure how to respond to that. "I should get going. Lovely home, bye." I tell him as I rush out the door.
I stop as I get by his SUV, he's on the porch staring at me, "need help?" I ask pointing at the rest of the bags.
He chuckles as he shakes his head, "I can manage, thank you."
I absentmindedly nod as I try to remember why he seemed so familiar. I head to the car before I wave goodbye to the man.
I guess that road didn't count after all.
On the dirt path down the road from the older man's home a two story suburban like house resides. It was beautiful I drive until the dirt path becomes gravel. I park just in front of the garage door.
Even though there's no need for a fence they had a small picket fence parting the front yard and the rest of the woods. The front yard consisted of a beautiful rose garden but before I can make it there I had to step over some toys, a bike, and a ball. Just as I was about to make to the porch Diana comes out to greet me.
"You made it," she says. She looks happy to see me as I just awkwardly wave at her. "Come in."
She starts to walk in and I just follow her as I take one last admiring look at their roses.
Inside was adorned as those cute family homes you see on television where there's never a mess and everything is rightfully picked to adorn it. Unlike the Holt's unattainable exquisite taste Diana's home is one that we all wish to have. The more attainable one.
The door leads you to an open space where the stairs are on the left and big living room on the right taking all the available space. They had a fireplace decorated with trinkets and framed family photos. There was a flat screen mounted on the wall. On the sides there was built in shelves that are decorated with vases that had roses in them along with glass figurines. They were of simple things: a wolf, a heart, a Virgen Mary (it was more ceramic than glass), and a crystal ball.
The had a black cornered couch with a long coffee table that had remote controls and magazines spewed about. At the end of the couches was small end tables that had a small lamp on them. One had a box of tissues.
Another table lined the back of the couch with photos that had hand knitted placement mats underneath them. A long bench trailed the side of the stairs. The compartments underneath it held shoes.
I must have been gawking too much that she cleared her throat. I give her an embarrassed smile as I follow her up the stairs. On the wall they had aligned in a pattern more family photos.
As far as I can tell she has a younger brother and an older sister. Her parents looked so in love in all their pictures. It gave me a longing for that kind of life.
Upstairs there was a door on the left that was left slightly opened exposing the bathroom. I follow Diana to the first door on the right that was just slightly opposite of the bathroom. The door was a foot off to be perfectly aligned to be directly across.
Inside I'm frozen in awe. This was a room that I would have wanted to own to make my own. One that I could have my things adorning it. I never got to do that but that was okay. I've come to appreciate the things I do have.
A little envy never hurt anyone. Just as long as I don't let it taint me.
Her room was painted in this light pink color that made the room look brighter and warm. She has a huge bed, like mine, but hers had bed frames at both ends. She also had like a little end bench that held plushies and a blanket.
Her walls got my upmost attention as hand painted paintings hanged in every inch of her walls. You can see the progression of her skill. I know it's hers because there's an art section on the left corner of her room by the door. She had an empty canvas perched on the stand. There was a lot of brushes and paints scattered about in her table just beside the canvas.
There was one that took center stage, the other paintings were placed to go around it. It was one that was clearly painted by a child. It even had a tiny blue handprint painted on the bottom corner as if were it's signature. I loved the simplicity of it. It was a painting of her family.
"I think this one is the best one here," I joke, they were all amazing.
She awkwardly laughs as she sees the one I pointed to. She still looked tensed as if I scared her or something.
"My brother Mason did that." Her cheeks blush. A proud smiles crossed her facial features. She must really love her brother.
"I love it," I step for a closer look. He had painted himself with whom I assume is Diana. "Whoa."
It was one with a black background and a withering flower that was bleeding out. Kind of morbid but yet enticing.
"Painted that one when I had lost my necklace," she tells me. "I usually paint when I'm worried. It helps me calm."
I remember the necklace Otto had given me. It had a name on the back.
"Who's Esmeralda?"
"She was my grandma. She gave it to me before she passed away. It's the last thing I have of hers. I was going crazy thinking I'd lost it forever." She clutches the necklace on her neck. She was holding it so tightly I was sure it'd leave a mark.
"Sorry for your loss," I tell her.
She smiles at me as I continue to look around.
Diana shits from one foot to the other not saying anything as I explored her room. I must be making her anxious. Beside her bed on the wall was two wide bookshelves filled with books. I go look to see what kind of books she reads all I had were the depressing ones Mark had been reading. I'm not much of a reader but I did dabble in it when Tristan insisted.
I like to say Mark corrupted me since he was bent over on refusing to read anything.
She had fluffy rug right in front of the bookshelves and a bean bag in between the bookshelf and a night stand by her bed. I sit on the bean bag to make it less awkward she had really tensed when I went to explore her books.
"I love your sheets. Mine are simple colored. I was thinking of getting ones with designs." I say to try to clear some of the tension. She had purple flowered bedspread with matching pillow cases. There was a teddy bear sitting in the middle. Hers was a cute fluffy white one. I loved my raggedy one.
"My mon got those," she tells me. She's still by the door, hasn't moved.
"Why did you put the bed by the window? How are you to sneak out?" I tease. Although I did want to know. Her bed frame was covering most of the window off. She had pretty white curtains.
Her face turns red. "I don't know," she says. I would have thought the window would be a better muse for her painting instead of the corner of the room.
"I'm messing with you, I love your room. Your house is beautiful." I smile but she just looks down at the floor.
A bright colored book got my attention as I read the title, when I lean to get it I heard her hold her breath. I take it out to see it's a vampire romance. I quickly put it back. Maybe I should get it for Mark, maybe not.
"Thanks but I bet yours is better."
"Not really, but I do love it. I left the original decor. If I ever decide to change it I'll let you know. You clearly have better taste than me."
"I'd love to help," she blushes as she says that. I smile at her, I probably won't change it but if I ever decide to take a room at the Holt's I'll let her help me then.
"Do you want something to drink? Sorry I forgot to offer." She turns more red. Am I that hard to be around with?
"Some water, if you don't mind." I struggle to get off the bean bag which causes Diana to laugh. When I glare at her she stops and apologizes but we soon laugh together. I opt to slide off it and just get up from the floor. I must have sunk real deep for me to struggle like that.
We head to her kitchen that is just a huge open space just beside the living room. You can see into the kitchen as what is clearly meant to be the dinning area at one end. There's a long table with benches on the sides as the ends have chairs. There's a fruit bowl and flowers as another beautifully hand knitted mat laid underneath them in the center. The rest of the table was exposed.
They had a smaller island counter like the Holt's as it also had stools and another base of flowers.
"Do you want juice or soda? Instead of water," she offers. We look at her fridge it was full of vegetables and other organic food.
"I'll take some juice," I tell her as I look at the drawings on the fridge.
The kitchen had a door that was mostly glass with steel frame on it that was crafted like ivy. It lead to their backyard.
She serves herself some orange juice as well as we both silently drink it. Her eyes are wandering everywhere as if it weren't her home and she was just now discovering it.
I mean I couldn't possibly make it more awkward if I happened to ask something I been thinking about. I'm sure she would know but the question is would she tell me.
"Can I ask you something?"
"Yeah, sure," she warily answers.
"What's between Otto and Ander?"
She tenses for a second looking around now more wildly than before. When I thought she'd just pretend I didn't say anything she replies, "they were friends," she clears her throat before quickly adding, "want to watch a movie?"
As much as I'd like to ask more questions, I don't. I'm just now getting to know her better and I don't want to risk that. She clearly didn't want to talk about it. I take my cue to mind my business so I just nod instead. She looked relieved.
I start to follow her back the room as I clutch my cup of juice when she suddenly stops making me almost spill it. I look at her as she stands there on the middle of the stairs with a curious look.
"Is it true that you threw your shoe at Otto?" She finally asks me. We had been standing on the stairs for a few seconds before she talked.
I snort a laugh since now when I think about it—it was hilarious. Stupidly hilarious.
"I did and I'd do it again," I tell her. She looks worried for a second but then offers me a smile. We go back to walking up to her room.
I wonder if she had a relationship with Otto as well since they all know each other.
Her room doesn't have a television but she does have a laptop. She was letting me scroll through her library of digital movies. They were mostly rom-coms.
Only time I've ever seen any was when Ash and Maggie were in the mood to watch one. I would usually see one or two with them but I mostly stuck with Bass and Mark whom both liked action maybe even adventure. Bass was also heavily into horror and thrillers. I would see just one with him before I'd leave mid way through. He always managed to find the most disturbing ones.
"Why don't you decide? I haven't seen most of them, I'd like to see your favorite one." I tell her when I get overwhelmed with the options.
"Okay, I have a lot but I think this one is cute for right now." She says as she clicks on 27 Dresses. I hadn't seen that one before.
We're sitting on her bed with the laptop on the bed between us.
I take sips of my juice as the movie progresses. I can't help think of the others right now training. I still didn't know if I should ask her about training. Maybe like the other subject it isn't up for discussion. I barely pay attention to the movie.
"What is it?" She asks me. I was looking at the screen but not paying attention.
"Hmm?" I snap out of my thoughts.
"You look like want to say something, is it about Otto?" She hesitantly asks.
"No, not at all. I-I just wanted to know why don't you like training?"
She sighs but doesn't look upset. She looks ashamed. I should have definitely not asked.
"I guess I'm sacred." She hangs her head avoiding eye contact with me.
"Of the vampires or the rogues?"
"Both?" She responds.
I smile at her which takes her by surprise. "They are scary but you don't have to worry about the vamps. They're good people, especially Maggie and Tristan. They would never let anyone hurt you. They're the best."
She blushes as she smiles at me. She sighs as she looks conflicted. "I do want to train to be stronger but I'm just not ready."
Hearing her admit that made me want to hug her. I know I act like nothing fazes me but it does. I just come to know how to shove everything down and not let it get to me. It isn't healthy and I know that but I can't seem to break that habit.
"I'll train you. I mean I have taken a beating from them to say that I have some knowledge of the matter. Then again every time I do beat them I feel like they weren't even trying." I admit.
"I'm sure you're better than you give yourself credit for. You have faced the rogues in more than one occasion and you look fine. Although can you not worry Ander so much. He always worries for you," a small smile appears on her as she looks at me expectingly.
"No promises. I think Mark and the rest can attest to the fact that I'm the end of them all." I shrug out making her laugh.
"We can do it today. My parents are at their restaurant with my little brother so they won't be back until a little later. We have the place to ourselves."
I think Bass would love her enthusiasm to want to train but I doubt she's ready to meet all that Bass is.
"Where's your sister?" I ask as we head back downstairs. She had changed in the bathroom to more accessible clothes while I was glad for my wardrobe change from earlier.
"She's in college," Diana responds. "She rarely comes, I think she's happier over there than here. She never really liked to shift and be a wolf. Pretends to be human more than anything."
"Oh," is all I can say. That was something I'm not proud of. I practically neglected my wolf and what I truly was. I let my anger blind me. I have a lot of regrets when it comes to my wolf.
"She gave me this sweater actually," Diana says when we reach the kitchen. "Not sure what it means but it's cozy."
She had a white sweater with a faded overshot of a forested place in an invisible circle on the middle. On the back it said, "may the trees help you breathe".
"It's cute." I admit. I had no idea what it was trying to do but it looked comfortable.
"Thanks," she opens the back door to lead me outside. Their backyard was all grass with some decorations. There was a grill on the porch some chairs aligned the house and bushes next to the porch steps. A few garden gnomes and a birdbath. There was more toys scattered around.
"Will this do?" She asks me. I just smirk as I head to the middle of the yard.
"Most definitely, since we'll work in human form first."
We both put our hair up in a ponytail before we warmed up.
"So you'll have to defend. Wait for me to attack you before you deflect and attack back. Make sure to put most of your force on your hit if you manage to get one. Look at everything I do. Anything to help you know what I might do next. Do not attack first even if I take my sweet time to go after you. Keep your defenses up and always keep an eye on your surroundings as you lock me down."
"Got it."
I loudly clasps my hands, "all right. Let's get this started."
I'm now feeling like Bass and that was scaring me. I can see why he's always excited to train. It challenges you not only in mind but also in body.
I begin to walk slowly around her she soon she begins to do the same. She's laser focused on me as I am on her.
She was too slouched to even have proper footing for an attack.
"Don't hunch. Make sure your feet are evenly planted on the ground. A little further from each other. Perfect." I would say when she adjusts herself.
I go in as she side steps my hit. I step back. Circling again she looks ready for anything.
I go in with kicks as she manages to block most of them. I managed to get her on the side of her ribs, on her left leg, and her right arm. She shook the pain away which only made me smile, she's definitely stronger than she lets herself seem.
I may not be as fast as Ash but I think I'm fairly good at throwing them consecutively. Diana doesn't get overwhelmed, she continues to do her best to block or dodge my hits. She was getting a hang on things she was a fairly fast learner.
She'd be better if she had a proper trainer but I'm not going to push her to do something she isn't ready. I'll help her ease into it if she ever feels up to it.
I stopped my onslaught as I circle her to bid my time to get a kick in. Just when I see an opening I go in but soon find myself in pain.
Diana punched my breast.
I rub my right boob looking at her in wonder, "ow," I say, "weird but effective."
Diana shrugs unapologetically as we chuckle. I cradle it as I hope it doesn't bruise it was a hard hit.
We get back in as we prep our stances. I go for a kick again as she throws a punch. We both connect, me on her right leg, her on my already bruised jaw. We both stumble back. Now if the bruise before was horrible it might get worse. I hadn't looked at it in hopes it'd go away.
I was going to need a boat load of makeup to cover it up.
Even though I'm in pain I encourage her.
"Again, you're doing great." I tell her as I meant it. She was doing a lot better than I did on my first training session with Bass, although I was thirteen he was brutal.
We shakes it off as we go back in. She has an even more determined look on her. When I go for hits she bobs and weave most of them as I try to return her hit. She surprises us both as she catches my right fists before kicking me on my exposed ribs. I fall back a step as I cradle the wound.
She almost knocked all the air from me. The pain was intense as my right side had been getting the full force of my injuries.
She looks concerned but I wave her off. I would be fine.
A slow clap gets our attention. We both turn to see someone standing on the porch.
"Dad?" Diana says.
He steps down the steps causing the motion sensors to turn on. It was getting late which caused the effect of us training in the dark. Which I've come to enjoy.
Her dad had a beautiful smile those that effortless make you seem wicked and mysterious. I found myself smirking. He was wearing a grey shirt that hugged him tightly showing his muscled body. He crosses his arms on his chest as he looks proudly at his daughter. He was very handsome.
He begins to rub his beard as he continues to asses the likes of us. His brown eyes twinkled with amusement.
Diana had the same smile on her face. She definitely got it from her father as well as his brown eyes.
"That was beautiful," he says.
His voice is deep and silky that I would not mind if he read me a story. It was the perfect mixture of rough and smoothness.
"Thanks," Diana shyly replies. She was being humble.
"How long have you girls been out here? It's getting pretty late. We got sidetracked at the restaurant, sorry we're late, baby."
"It's okay, we just started actually. We were going to do wolf form as well." Diana informs him. She sounded kind of excited.
"Well that sounds great and all but you need to eat. Come on, both of you." He turns to walk back inside.
"Wow, is that really your dad?" I tell her awestruck.
She looks at me with a mixture of concern and shock, I just shrug.
"He has an amazing voice. Also not bad on the eyes," I tell her. She rolls her eyes as we laugh. She pushes me towards the house as she tries to get me inside instead of standing there gawking. She touches my tender ribs by mistake causing me to groan in pain as I hold them.
When we get inside her mom tells us to wash up as Diana's little brother, Mason, runs circles around the island counter where their mother is serving food onto plates. They had gotten take out. I wonder if it's from their restaurant.
I follow Diana to the bathroom where I finally let myself see my face. The bruise was forming all right. It wasn't as bad i had thought. It was mostly yellow. As of it were already healing. Which is starting to creep me out.
When we get downstairs we see as her dad is playing with her brother. He throws him in air catching him every time. Mason laughs as he shouts, "again!" after he's caught. He's giggling as his dad complies. The pang in my chest comes back causing me to divert my eyes. I felt as if I were intruding in a memory.
We were sitting on the table as Diana's little brother had insisted he sit next to me. He was adorable. I had declined but they wouldn't take no for an answer. I had called Angie to let her know I was staying a little longer. She was hesitant but ultimately agreed when John persuaded her.
I'm feeling like John has a soft spot for me.
Diana's mother has light brown hair, like Diana's but longer, as well as dark brown eyes. Her skin looked naturally tanned. She had a kind face. Diana's little brother had dark hair and dark eyes, he was a miniature replica of his father. He had a mixture of both parents and that made that much more adorable.
"Diana told us you had recently moved in. How are you liking Creekwood?" Diana's mother asks me.
"Nothing like the city but it's more peaceful," I falter at the last word.
"Ah, the elusive city. Have you come across other beings there? Since it's a free reign of species I bet there's plenty to meet." Diana's mother adds.
"I once saw a fairy, but it could have been a pixie, I'm not entirely sure. She was nice. I usually avoid any unnecessary interactions." I tell her.
"Yes, you have to be careful. Just because there isn't territories there, doesn't mean it's entirely safe. How are John and Angie?" Diana's father interjects.
"They're good," I respond as I eat a spoonful of rice.
"They're good people," Diana's father continues.
"The best," I agreed as I cover my mouth to speak.
"Would you guys stop interrogating her? I'd like for her to come back some time," Diana says. I wanted to laugh but ended up choking. They all got worried as I brush it off, I drank most of my water.
Diana refills my cup as her brother pulls on my sleeve.
"Do you like cars? You have a nice car." He tells me.
"Thank you," I say as I return his smile.
"Can I ride in your car?" He asks.
"Sure, where would you like to go?"
"McDonald's! Can I get nugs?" He pleads.
I look at Diana. "Chicken nuggets."
I nod. "Of course, if you eat all your food I'll take you tomorrow."
"Really?" He asks excitedly. The look on his face made me laugh as I nod in agreement.
He claps his hands before he starts to eat, with said hands. He was too adorable.
After dinner Diana and I head back to her room. Just by her painting area there was closet. It didn't have a door it had a closed translucent curtain and a beaded curtain that was parted and tied to the sides.
"Wow, you have a lot of dresses," I comment.
"I don't really like to wear them but my mother keeps insisting on buying them for me." She rolls her eyes in fake annoyance.
"Same, in the not comfortable in them not the mom part," I say the last part low. I'm not sure why I even said it.
"Is it okay to ask what happened?" Diana tentatively asks.
"I-I," I begin to stutter, I know talking helps but it's hard sometimes. "My father died and my mother broke. It's why I didn't jump into the mate thing. How theirs turned out is kind of off putting, you know?"
"I'm sorry, I can see why you're hesitant with Ander." She softly says. "Do you think you'll ever mate with him?"
Her question surprises me. "I can't really answer that. I mean I can say yes now but then no, and vise versa. I just need time, I guess."
"How about some ice cream?" Diana suggests changing the subject.
I look at her in utter shock before I clear my throat. Angie's warning will forever be engraved in my mind. "I'm rather full, but thank you."
"I think I should head home. It's getting darker and I have to drive back." I tell Diana as we lay on her bed. We had moved there to ponder on what to do next since her father thought we had enough bruises.
She nods as we head back downstairs together. Once I reach the bottom step Mason comes to clutch my feet in a tight hug. "Save me," he pleads.
"Mason Angel Robbins get back here!" Their mother calls sternly. He clutched at me more.
"Oohh you're going to get it now," Diana teases him.
"No, take me?" Mason gives me puppy eyes and I was more than ready to snatch this kid and take him anywhere he wanted. He's too adorable for his own good.
"Mason, let go of Diana's friend. Come on, it's bath time." Diana's father pries him off me. I chuckled as he tries to reach me to take him away.
Diana pulls me outside when I was about to break him free.
"Thank you for having me and for dinner. It was delicious I love your home and family." I tell Diana as she walks me to the car.
"You're welcome anytime." She tells me with a bright smile. "Just don't give into my brother's antics. He's the devil's spawn." She deadpans.
"Aww, I couldn't resist he's too cute!" I gush.
"Try harder next time." She says sternly. We laugh because she sounded just like her mother.
"Mind if I join your little date tomorrow? We can invite Jay as well," Diana tells me as I open the car door.
"Yes! We can also train more tomorrow after my date."
She smiles. "Okay, here let me give you my number. You can call or text me."
I hand her my phone once she hands it back I text her so she can have mine as well.
"See you later." I tell her as I get in.
"Bye."
I wave as I back up and make another u-turn. As I pass the first path that I had mistakenly taken I can't help but kick myself for not asking Diana who that might be. His familiarity was bothering me. I know I've seen him or maybe even met him before. I'll ask her later, maybe text her.