78

When Ray told me what he had planned I felt sick to my stomach. He was leaving town, my brother was leaving me tomorrow and apparently has had it planned for weeks, only he's put it off because of me.

I couldn't bring myself to tell him that after tonight, after Colton tells me his darkest secrets, I was willing to help him avenge his parents and I didn't know exactly what the meant.

I didn't want to worry Ray, because after he told me the reason he was leaving, I couldn't hold him back.

« You're leaving ? » I gasped, my eyes burning with tears. How could he even think about leaving me ?

« I was waiting until you were eighteen… so I could go to West County. It's were our family originated from. I just feel like now is my time to go. »

« I'm not eighteen for another few days ! Why ?! » I yelled, unable to help it. « What about college ? Toby and me ? What about mum and dad ? »

Ray made a noise. « Mum and dad don't give a fuck about anyone but themselves. I've already told Toby, that's why he's pissed with me. And as for you, you have Colton now and a whole good life ahead of you, a mated life. I don't belong here Layla, never have. Since turning into a werewolf, college just isn't for me anymore. I feel lost… If I stay, I'll just cause more problems with Colton. Being near him makes me want to rip his throat out. »

I screwed up my face and sniffed back tears. « But Ray, you might get hurt. »

« I know the consequences, but something is calling me to that place. Sometimes when I'm running in wolf form or driving, I'm always heading in that direction and I want to know why. I feel as I can find myself there. I just need to leave here and as my sister I want you to understand. I'm not leaving you. I'm just trying to find myself, don't make me feel guilty for that. » Ray reached out and put his arm around me.

I cried into his chest, realising how much I actually relied on Ray. He brought me up, but there was nothing I could say to make him stay and I knew that.

« When are you going ? »

« Tomorrow night, » he mumbled, casting me a gloomy look.

« Tomorrow ! » I squeaked. « Why so soon ? »

« If I stay, I might just kill Colton, and you'll hate me forever, » he grinned.

I sat up and wiped my face with the back of my hand. My phone was buzzing, it had been for the past hour, but only now I picked it up and answered it.

« Hello ? » My voice cracked.

« Why are you crying ? » Colton's voice came down the phone. I winced a little and wiped the tears from my face.

« When are you coming down ? » I whispered, in an attempt to change the subject.

« Why are you crying ? » He ignored me.

« I'm fine. I'll tell you when you get here. »

I heard him sigh down the phone and my heart ached for him to be here. I needed him. « I just need to sort things out here at the club. Will you be okay until eight ? I'll try and be as quick as possible. »

I smiled crookedly. « I can survive a few hours without you Colton. »

I really couldn't.

He chuckled. « I'm sure you can, wrap up warm tonight…I love you. »

My heart warmed at him saying that and I grinned slightly, messing with the fabric on my duvet. « You too. »

« Say it, » he urged playfully and I laughed.

« I love you too. Now go be back-to-business-Colton. »

He made a noise. « You make me sound like a Barbie doll. »

I rolled my eyes, but smiled. « Go ! »

« Are you sure you're okay ? Anyone's ass I need to kick ? »

« I'm fine. No ass kicking yet. »

« Okay, see you later babe. »

« Bye. » I put the phone down and flopped down on my bed, sighing hazily. Ray leaving town crept its way back in my mind and my smile faltered.

I couldn't stop him from going, It wouldn't be a good sister thing to do.

I yawned sleepily as I snuggled into my pillow. I missed my old bed, it was just great to be back in my own messy room that I missed. This time, I had a pain free sleep and I enjoyed it.

I spent the majority of the day catching up with Tasha. She had come around to visit, and was first to point out my awful appearance.

« Oh my god Layla, you look like death ! Some flu you must have had. »

I told her I had the flu. « I feel better though. »

She beamed, her red hair was tied back and she was wearing some weird flowered top that was making my eyes go funny.

« School is starting up again soon. Being a senior is going to rock. »

« I guess so, it's going to be different. »

« Yeah, especially since Vicky has gone total psycho now. Apparently no one likes her now. Matty doesn't even invite her to his parties anymore after what she did to you. Oh by the way, who was that guy you were with ? »

I was about to say 'my boyfriend' but stopped myself short. Was he my boyfriend ? It just seemed like such a weird thing to call Colton now.

« Um…my boyfriend ? »

Tasha giggled. « You lucky bitch. He is so fine. How old is he ? »

« Twenty two, » I shrugged and glanced at her, smirking slightly. I'd never had a chance to show off Colton or gloat about him. « He's the owner of The Wolf Cave. »

Tasha's face was priceless. I had to take a mental photograph because it was that amazing. « Holy shit ! Seriously ?!

« Yep. »

She squealed and smacked me on my arm. « Oh wow. Some perks of being his bitch you must get ! »

« Tasha ! » I swatted her. « Stop talking to Ray, he's rubbing off on you. »

She raised her eyebrow. « Talking about rubbing off, you and– what's his name ? »

« Colton. »

« Have you and Colton sinned ? » She winked and I laughed nervously which made her mouth pop open. « You gave him your virginity ! »

« Shh ! » I hushed.

« Oh come on, this is great. You finally popped your cherry. So, you and Colton. Is it love ? »

« Yeah, » I nodded, wishing I could just tell her everything, but I couldn't. It would be too dangerous to involve Tasha. « I think it is. »

Tasha made a gushy sound and I had to change the subject after that before I vomited. She stayed for a little while, but got off around seven, which gave me enough time to shower and freshen myself up for Colton's arrival.

Finally, I was able to wear my own clothes, which consisted of a pair of jeans and a black shirt. I put on my coat when I heard the doorbell ring.

I ran down the stairs quickly to see Ray had already answered the door.

« Come in, » he said to Colton and stepped aside. There was some harmony between Colton and Ray now that I was happy about.