An hour later, the police left and I flipped back the covers to dress. The full light of a new day lit my room. Wednesday morning, the beginning of Thanksgiving break.
After giving my statement of events and description of the men, I’d asked if it was okay to stay somewhere else for the rest of the night. No one augured with the idea. The police believed it a simple break in, which suited me fine. I could just image the line of questioning I’d endure if I’d mentioned they’d broken in to take me. After seeing the second man, I had no doubt that had been their intent.
Clay washed up while I dressed. He’d worn his blood along with the other men’s blood.
Tugging a t-shirt over my head, I decided we’d go to the compound a day early. I’d waited long enough. I had too many questions to answer on my own. An Elder waited for me at the compound. I needed to talk to him and he had better keep it to himself.
Grabbing my messenger bag, I began to cram clothes in it. I didn’t treat it anymore gently than Clay or Luke had when they packed it. Agitation over the pull I’d felt still filled me. When I turned toward the door and saw Clay waiting, already watching me, I dropped my gaze to the floor unable to meet his calm regard. He sighed and stepped aside motioning for me to lead.
In the kitchen, he had my jacket and shoes waiting. I slipped them both on remembering at the last minute to call Rachel to let her know what happened. Thankfully, she hadn’t been home. She promised to only come back home with Peter just to be safe.
I spent most the ride napping, still regaining my strength. We both remained tense during our brief lunch stop.
Several times, I’d woken to the sound of him tapping his grey nails against the steering wheel with his canines elongated. At those times, I wanted to reach over and pat his leg, but I held myself back.
When I woke to see his ears pointed too, I quietly studied him for a few minutes. I knew I was the cause of his agitation. He sensed my withdrawal. I withdrew from him because I didn’t want him to see my confusion. I wanted to talk to Sam first, before saying anything to Clay. But my approach obviously wasn’t the right one. Clay had stuck by me through everything. I needed to trust that he wouldn’t turn away from me after I revealed what happened.
Quietly, I asked him to pull over to the snowy shoulder. I hadn’t changed my mind about telling him first, just about withdrawing from him. He paused his tapping to lift a brow, but did as I asked. Once he had the car in park, I quirked a sad smile at him and tapped my lips. He calmed and shook his head in amusement before complying.
We both needed the distraction of the moment. I needed affirmation that we still had our connection. Boy did we ever. And he needed reassurance I was fine.
He cradled my face in his hands kissing me tenderly. I clutched his shirt dragging him closer. When he opened his mouth to nip my bottom lip, I groaned and willingly let him in. We steamed the windows while the car idled on the back road. My lungs burned for air. Finally, I had to pull away to catch my breath. He continued to kiss me, small gentle kisses to the top of my head.
His neck hovered in my line of sight. I could give him what he wanted. A quick bite and I wouldn’t need to worry about other potential mates. I could Claim him as my own. But I didn’t want to hurt him anymore. Physically or emotionally. I pulled back from our make out session.
Clay gave me one last kiss on the lips before he put the car in drive again. The smooth pink skin of his very human ears called my attention. He looked content, no longer tapping his fingers while staring ahead at the snow-covered roads.
I turned away and pretended to sleep, condemning myself for my lie. My hesitation didn’t stem from a concern that I would hurt him. No, just like Sam said, I selfishly didn’t want to give up my plans, unwilling to bend to try to make it work as Clay had.
We arrived at the compound just as the sun’s last rays sunk below the tree topped horizon. Vehicles crowded the parking area. I didn’t worry though. Holidays always drew a crowd.
Clay grabbed my bag and then walked around to my side to open the door for me. Staying close, we walked inside the compound. Jackets and shoes filled the entry. It meant cramped quarters for the holiday, but I’d done it before.
We searched out the apartment I usually stayed in with Sam, but another family with small cubs had commandeered it. After several minutes of knocking on doors, we gave up trying to find an apartment in the main compound. We turned down a hall I typically didn’t travel, the unmated wing, and found the majority of the dorm quarters also occupied. Several men passed us as we searched, giving us curious looks as they scented the air. I stayed close to Clay.
Clay and I grabbed the first open dorm room and put our stuff on the twin bed there. We would figure out the exact sleeping arrangements later.
In the hall, I said, “I need to talk to Sam.”