I made it to the living room when the door burst in again.
Clay dragged Luke behind him holding the cuff of one pant leg. Luke didn’t appear to mind. He laughed uncontrollably with his hands clutching the waistband of his pants to keep Clay from pulling them off entirely. They crossed the threshold and I saw a crowd watched from the hallway. I quickly moved from the couch to the door, to slam it closed. The poor door would need some repair work.
Clay dropped Luke’s leg once he reached the middle of the room and then turned back to the door, which I still stood in front of, without pausing.
He tried reaching for the knob without meeting my gaze, but I stopped him with a hand held up.
“Clay, I need you to stay and listen.”
He still didn’t look at me and I knew my simple statement before had truly hurt him. Why wouldn’t it? Had I really ever given him much hope we had a future together? Sam showed up at our door just days ago saying I’d rejected him and needed to do the Introductions again. Instead of putting my foot down, we went back. Granted I had told him I didn’t like to see him hurt and admitted he we both knew he was the one for me, but we hadn’t talked about what we’d do about it.
“Please. Give me a chance.” I reached forward to hold his face, forcing him to meet my gaze again. “I’ve asked so much of you already and know it’s not fair to ask again, but I am.” I chose my words carefully aware of our audience inside the apartment and in the hall.
He sighed, reaching up to cup my face, gently smoothing his thumb over my cheek. A tender look crept into his eyes before he abruptly dropped his hands. He turned and stepped over Luke, purposely kicking him on his way to the chair against the wall.
Luke’s laughter started to quiet as I commented, “Most people wouldn’t laugh while being dragged through the compound like that.” I stayed by the door for now. I didn’t want either of them leaving. I knew I couldn’t stop them physically even on my best day, but I’d cry if I had too.
Luke turned toward Clay and said with a grin, “I’ve never seen anyone hold a transformation like that. He was man, but the fangs, ears, fur… it was amazing, and hilarious, mate.”
“Um, isn’t that a sign that he’s in an extreme emotional state?” I asked Luke as he settled himself on the couch still taunting Clay with his smirk. He didn’t appear to hear me.
I walked behind Luke and smacked him hard on the back of the head. It really hurt my hand, but got his attention. “Meaning you should stop trying to annoy him,” I felt the need to clarify.
Since Clay sat across from Luke, I moved to Clay and gingerly perched on one of his knees. He held still for a moment and then pulled me fully into his lap turning me so we could both see Luke. Much better than sitting in my own chair. Warmer too.
Having successfully gained both their attention, I decided to get to the point. I didn’t know what happened after I’d fainted but felt sure Sam would want to talk to me as soon as he found out I was awake.
“Luke what happened when I touched you? What did you feel?”
“One hell of a shock. Listen, did you bring me here for a reason, or was it just to rub your relationship with him,” he nodded at Clay behind me, “in my face?” His usual smile still curved his lips, but his words conveyed the agitation he tried to hide.
“It’s for a reason.” I tried leaning forward, but Clay wrapped his arms loosely around my waist. I didn’t fight it. I’d pushed him enough for the night… or day. I still didn’t know how long I’d been out. “Clay didn’t tell me… How long have I been sleeping?”
“Two days, love. Everyone’s been pretty worried and the Elders are waiting to talk to you.”
“I bet,” I muttered. My eyes drifted to the door and I focused. It did no good other than to set my head throbbing again. “Crap.” I held my head, my eyes watering as I tried to breathe through the pain.
Clay grunted in annoyance under me.
Luke’s smile slipped. “Listen, I think you should still be in bed, little one. No disrespect intended, but you don’t look well.”
My hair hung wet and uncombed around me. I could imagine what I looked like. I pressed my cool fingertips to one temple wishing I hadn’t been so stupid. Clay started to rub my back soothingly, working his way up to my neck and then lightly stroking my hair. It helped.
“I know you’re right, but I can’t go back to sleep yet. I need you to tell me what happened.”
Nicole told me that she’d really connected with Randy. Even after my pull wore off, they continued to date. I couldn’t go back to the two women at the club to find out what they’d experienced. I needed to get more information from Luke.