Chapter 13 Chapter 13
“If you kill him, there will be paperwork.” Ah, my partner knew me too well. Not only did he know what I wanted to do, he knew how to stop me from doing it. I glanced over my shoulder and saw that he and Tristan had moved to the middle of my yard. Tristan looked nervous. I sighed. Then waved my hand and sent my magic sword to wherever it goes when I don’t have it. Facing Jacob again, I tilted my head as I wondered how he had gotten here so fast. It was a long trip from Arizona to Texas without magic.
“I was fortunate enough to get a direct flight.” Huh. Must have asked the question out loud. He looked at Tristan before he continued. “We need to go. Our flight leaves in two hours. We will discuss this lapse in judgement once we are back home.”
I stepped to the side so father and son could face each other. Time to find out if Tristan was man or boy.
We lapsed into silence as they stared at each other. I started formulating a plan on how to convince
Jeramiah that I had done everything I could to bring his grandson back into the fold. I didn’t come out looking good in any of them. How could I lose the pup in less than twelve hours? Thankfully, Tristan decided to break the silence.
“I am not human. I don’t want to live as one anymore. I’ve learned more about the world I come from today, then I did in my nineteen years with you. I’m staying.” Tristan’s voice was steady but I could see his hands shaking. He was staying. YES! No explanation to Jeremiah. That was a relief. Then I had a disturbing thought. What if he couldn’t go home? What was I going to do with him? I so didn’t want a roommate.
“Either you go home with me now, or you don’t come home ever. Think of you mother and your sisters.” It was almost as if me thinking it made Jacob say it. Damn, had I become psychic or some kind of telepath? Time to calm things down.
“An ultimatum? Really? When has that ever worked out well?” I lowered the hand that had flown up to cover my face while Jacob had been speaking. “Let’s all just take a breath. “
“I’m staying.” Tristan said with the stubbornness of youth and turned and walked back into the house. I turned to see Jacob’s reaction. His jaw was clenched and his face was turning different shades of red and purple. His eyes momentarily took on the brownish black color of his wolf form. Whoa. That must be some serious anger to get through the wolf bane potion like that.
He jabbed an angry finger my way before declaring “You have broken the accords. I will have you arrested and burned for this!”
A soft chuckle slipped out of me. I tried to stop it. Really I did. Ok, I didn’t try too hard but I think I deserved credit for trying. “The pup came here of his own free will. He was not kidnapped, threatened, or coerced. He is of age.” I let that sink in for a moment. “But, feel free to file a grievance. Of course that would be stepping foot in a room full of magic users. Would you be allowed to return to your separatist group with the stink of magic on you?” After delivering my parting shot, I turned and strolled back to the house.
I stopped at the doors to watch Tristan and Connor eating at the table. My partner was keeping a careful eye on the pup who was not looking up from his food. I sighed and looked back towards the woods where Jacob had been standing. With a groan I turned and ran into the woods at full speed following the scent of werewolf. I emerged from the woods by the dirt road that connected the properties around mine. Jacob was standing next to a sedan looking defeated. He jerked his head up and glared at me when he noticed me standing there.
I put my hands up. “I come in peace.” He relaxed slightly. I walked over to the car and leaned up against it. “You hate me. I hate you.” He nodded in agreement. “You’re focusing on your anger. But sooner or later you will realize what you are really feeling is fear. “I paused to choose the next words carefully. “ I remember when you left the pack and why. I understand your fear. I give you my word I will look after the pup.” I turned and headed towards the woods. At the tree line I stopped and let out a sigh before turning back to Jacob. “Don’t worry, one adventure with me and he might come running home begging for the quiet life in suburbia.” My message delivered, I turned and ran into the woods.
I found the boys in my spare bedroom making up the bed. They had stripped the pink flower bedding off and thrown it in a heap on top of the throw pillows in the floor. The sight made me feel so violated. I’d carefully decorated this room. Glittery pink flower pictures graced the pale pink walls, a pink and purple teacup chandelier dangled in the center of the room, while a pink sparkly rug that matched the bedding and throw pillows covered the dark hardwood floor by the bed. This design had kept out every potential overnight guest for as long as I had lived here. I’d always felt the pink gauze canopy was the ultimate deterrent. I propped a shoulder against the door jam and watched them take down the canopy before putting the plain white sheets on the bed. I briefly wondered where they had come from but, I had more pressing matters.
“Excuse me.” I pointed at Tristan. “But you who said he was bunking here?” With a flourish I pointed my finger at the ground. He could not stay here. His heartbeat would keep me up all night. What if he snores? Ugh. Why couldn’t he have been allergic to pink sparkles like most sane people? Connor spouted some nonsense about not having a spare room while the pup gave me puppy dog eyes. I caved. I’m such a softy. I even offered to finish making up the bed so they could pop out and get toiletries and such. After I finished making the bed I folded and stacked the pink bedding in the closet.
When the boys returned I was lounging on the sofa using Bask as a pillow while looking into Cyrus Howl’s life.