He blew us a teasing kiss and disappeared from sight, leaving us to lose ourselves in the music and the people surrounding us. I gladly followed Jez’ lead and focused on nothing but the music, my friends and having a good time.
I knew that come morning, nothing would have changed. Arys would still be gone; I would still feel like it was my fault, and I’d still be out the money I’d lost tonight. For now, however, nothing mattered but the music and the freedom of letting the rest go. If only for tonight.
* * * *
My darkened bedroom greeted me when I opened my eyes late the following afternoon. It was certainly a major benefit of choosing the downstairs bedroom for my own. It had been vampire friendly for those times Arys stayed over, and with my primarily nocturnal hours, it was perfect. I’d expected a throbbing headache to assail me upon awakening. I was pleasantly surprised to discover I felt pretty good after partying with Kale and Jez until just before sunrise. I took my time stretching before rolling out of bed and reaching for my robe. The large house was quiet, empty, but I expected Shaz to come by sometime this evening.
With a yawn, I pushed my tousled hair back from my face and headed upstairs to the kitchen. My focus was on the coffee pot on the counter, and I frowned when I realized I’d forgotten to make coffee and set the timer before going to bed. Then I saw it, the large black shape looming outside the patio door.
Adrenaline slammed through me, far too strong and sudden for having just woken up. It took me a moment to recognize the ebony wolf staring in at me with crystalline blue eyes: Zoey Roberts.
I stared at her long and hard, my tired brain scrambling to make sense of what I was seeing. It was surreal, seeing her sitting there on the other side of the glass that she and I had both crashed through, thanks to Arys. I remembered that night as if it were yesterday.
I’d stood by helplessly while she killed Raoul, her own father. It was all so f**ked up, yet here she was.
I took a tentative step toward the patio door, hesitant to open it. I didn’t fear her in the least. If she’d come, it was because she had accepted my offer. Perhaps it was time for both of us to let the past go. We’d loved and hated the same man, albeit in different ways and with different reasons. Now, he was gone, and we were still here.
I reached for the door but paused, caution reminding me that I was alone. Though I wasn’t afraid, it was better to be safe than sorry. I went to the phone and called Kylarai, leaving a message on her voice mail to come by when she had a chance. Shaz would be here soon. I was safe.
Zoey didn’t move the entire time, she merely peered at me with those amazing blue wolf eyes. Again, I was reminded of how much she resembled her father. Only those eyes set them apart.
The click of the lock on the sliding door was loud in the silence of the large house.
Only when I began to slide the door open did Zoey move. She lowered her head and slowly backed a few feet away. She was being submissive, trying to show me that she meant no harm.
Regardless, I was ready for her if she tried anything. I had enough power ready to down her in one blast if it came to that. I opened the door just enough so that I could slip out onto the patio with her.
I felt awkward. Of all the people in my life, Zoey was unlike any other. I really didn’t know what to say to her. We couldn’t just stand there and stare at each other. I glanced to the left and right, finding neither of my neighbors out in their backyard.
Definitely a good thing.
We stared anxiously at one another, me with uncertainty and her with quiet complacency. I took a deep breath, hoping she was coherent in there. I had to assume so.
“Zoey … I’m glad you came. Obviously, your speech is limited so let’s just cut to the chase. If you came here because you want to be back in your human body, turn in a circle.” I shrugged, knowing how stupid that sounded. Still, I had to know we understood each other.
She gave me a long, lingering look. I imagined she was thinking what a dumb ass bitch I was. Oh well. After a moment, she turned in a slow circle, sitting so that she faced me again, her head tilted to one side.
Something in her gaze, an irritation, told me she wasn’t happy with having to come to me. However, she didn’t have any other options. After spending six months trapped in wolf form, she had to be more than ready to be rid of it.
“Ok,” I nodded, crossing my arms over my chest. “You can come inside. I don’t need the neighbors seeing a wolf in my backyard. But, don’t try anything, or I’ll lay you out cold. And, bear with me. I’ll do my best, but I can’t guarantee anything.”