My gaze traveled over her bruised face to the casts covering her arm and ankle. It was then that I noticed her belly.
My chest tightened with the need to touch her, to place my hands on her stomach. I wanted to feel connected in some way, but I refrained from going any closer. She needed her rest.
I had decided the best course of action would be to wait until she was ready to leave, before I told her she would be staying with me. She would sleep in my room, in my bed, where she belonged, and as bad as it sounded, I didn’t want her having time to think or argue. Throwing it on her at the last minute would stun her enough to get her home with the least amount of struggle.
Sam shifted slightly, stirring the air, and I took a deep breath through my nose. It was difficult, but I caught her light scent just beneath the smell of heavy disinfectant. I had missed that smell. Soon, I thought, it would be on my pillow.
The cat inside me roused, ready to claim what was his. I’d been pushing the impulse back since the first day I met Sam, knowing nothing permanent could become of our relationship, but no more. The cat and I were one, no separate thoughts or wants. Sam was mine, and my cat instincts demanded I protect my territory.
I had to get out of there soon. If someone were to walk in and see me, they would be scared shitless. I didn't need a mirror to know my eyes had turned. They gave off an inhuman glow when I began the change.
That was another thing that needed to be discussed between Sam and me, but first things first. It was time to find Jordan and explain my plan. I didn't really give a shit if he agreed or not, but he had a right to know.
9
Alex
"I cannot believe you're doing this."
Jordan's words sounded harsh, as was his usual way of speaking. We were driving to Sam and Liz's house to pack a few of Sam's things.
Jordan had not been happy with my plan, but I held my ground. Sam would be living with us for the next month at least, hopefully longer. Nothing Jordan said was going to change my mind. Best friend or not, I decided that if he couldn’t handle having Sam around, he could move. Hell, I thought, if things got too bad, Sam and I could move. Once she healed, of course.
The idea had just been a passing thought, however, it began to linger, develop. It would be nice to have a house Sam and I could raise a family in. Maybe one with a big back yard and a swing set for the baby.
I sighed. Of course, all those plans depended upon Sam forgiving me. I planned to give it my best try.
I glanced over at Jordan. He looked more anxious than his irritated words implied. He was fidgeting, going between rubbing the back of his neck to wiping the palms of his hands against his jeans. I watched his throat move, as he swallowed hard and furrowed my brows in thought.
I had another obstacle. I had not told Jordan about the baby. I knew it was a sore subject with him. He would explode at the mere mention of Sam’s pregnancy. I knew his reaction was rooted by guilt, but I made the decision to let Sam tell him when she was ready. I only hoped he didn’t fly off the handle, like he had the last time she told him she was pregnant.
For all of Jordan's bravado, he was a wreck without Sam. He loved her as much as I did, but would not or maybe could not, admit it. Would he ever want her back? If he did want to work things out, we would have to decide if we could share. For the most part, sharing had worked in the past. It had been great, but that was for a casual relationship. I was thinking about the future, hoping for a forever.
Keeping one hand on the wheel, I rubbed my forehead with the other. I was getting ahead of myself again. All of it depended upon Sam. She could decide she wanted only one of us or maybe neither. On top of everything, there were still too many secrets between us. Only time would tell, and if Jordan wanted in the running, he needed to get his head out of his ass.
“I am, so get over it," I said as I pulled into the driveway at the address Liz had given me.
Jordan bared his teeth at me and growled. I ignored the display of dominance, which only pissed him off more. I shrugged, tired of his attitude.
"Well, you go ahead. I'm staying in the car," he snapped.
"Fine."
"And I am not helping you take care of her.” He pointed a finger at me. “You’re all on your own with that," he grumbled while crossing his arms in defiance.
God, he was like a petulant child. I decided not to acknowledge it.
"Fine," I said again, getting out of the car, shaking my head in frustration.
I unlocked the door of the small brick home that Liz and Sam shared. My first impression was that it was really nice. The place was clean and fully furnished. The walls were painted a fresh blue, dotted with a few pictures of landscapes. Dark hardwood flooring made the space seem even bigger than it actually was, and I liked it with the cream and brown furniture.