My Wolf’s Bane(27)
I backed away and wove through the thick trees until I hit the open field leading to the houses. While listening for signs of activity, I glanced back occasionally, but didn’t see him following.
Wolves in California weren’t much of a stretch. But so close to humans? And why was he so damn big?
† † †
Driving into the school parking lot Thursday morning, I tightened my grip on the steering wheel when I saw Daniel sitting in front of the school building where he used to wait for me on the low wall. He spotted my car and jumped off, his eyes following me. Crap. What did he want now? Anxious to get it over with, I looped my backpack strap around my hand and climbed out of my car.
He gave me a charming smile, the same one he used whenever he wanted something. “I thought we could talk,” he said as I approached.
“I remember when I wanted to talk. Instead, we parked and you tried to molest me.”
He pretended to clutch at his heart. “Ouch.”
“I need to get to class. Say what you have to say.” I tapped my foot.
Daniel sighed, his face pained. “I know I don’t deserve your forgiveness. I screwed up bad, but… I love you, Autumn. I can’t lose you.”
He sounded like he meant it, but none of that mattered, because I didn’t feel that way about him anymore. “Daniel, I can forgive you, but we’re not getting back together.”
The lines on his face hardened, his eyes darkening. “It’s Zack, isn’t it? You’re with him now.”
“No. It’s you. I have zero interest in a relationship with you.” Where the hell did Daniel get the idea it had to do with another guy? “I’ve barely spoken to Zack and I don’t even like him.”
“You two are always staring at each other.”
“Only out of mutual loathing. Trust me.” I gave him a quick laugh. “He hates me.”
“Don’t mess with me.” His hand shot out to capture my wrist. “You’re playing us against each other.”
“You’re twisted.” He needed to cool off before I accidentally hurt him. “Let me go.”
His other hand circled my waist and pulled me against him. “Okay, fine. You win. You cheated on me with him and now we’re even.”
I stared at Daniel in disbelief, my palms against his chest, ready to shove him into the next century. “I never cheated on you. Now let go.” I sensed Zack before he spoke.
“Is there a problem?” Wisps of hair fell around Zack’s face, making him look like something out of a magazine. Perfection. My stomach fluttered.
“Stay out of this.” Daniel held me tighter.
“Let’s ask Autumn what she wants.” Zack shifted to me. “Are you enjoying this interaction with Daniel?”
I saw Maya among the forming crowd. Daniel was about to be humiliated beyond belief, but I was done protecting him. I met his eyes and made sure Zack heard me. “No, not at all.”
Daniel scoffed. “Okay, you want to play games. Fine.” He released me and sauntered off.
“Thank you,” I said to Zack.
“Your taste in guys is lacking.” He turned to leave.
Since I was wildly attracted to Zack, I’d say his comment was quite accurate.
“What was that about?” Maya asked as he stomped off.
I nodded toward the double doors and we moved in unison. “Daniel expects me to get back together with him.”
“Ew.” She grimaced, slowing her pace. “You don’t want to, do you?”
“No way. But apparently, that doesn’t matter to him.” I rubbed my wrists where he’d grabbed me. My ex had gone from a jerk to downright creepy.
† † †
At lunch, I found Maya with Trevor and Zack. I tensed. It was either sit with Zack or leave myself open to Daniel. Not that I was afraid of him. Thanks to my new strength, I was afraid for him and I didn’t want to end up in a position where I had to explain to the paramedics — and possibly the police — how Daniel got hurt. Better to avoid him altogether.
Gina sat with Natalie and some of the same girls she’d scorned all year. That was their problem though. Unlike Daniel, Gina seemed to understand what she’d done was a deal breaker. That or she never cared about me at all. Either way, she was out of my life.
I ate in silence while Maya appeared to be lost in another world chatting with Trevor. Zack stayed at the opposite end of the table, which was easier, because at that distance we weren’t obligated to talk.
“I’m hitting the ladies room,” I whispered to her when I’d finished eating. “I’ll see you after school.”
Maya smiled, then returned to Trevor. She gave me more attention before they’d started talking. But she was so happy, how could I be jealous? I made my way down the nearly deserted corridor. Hearing footfalls, I spun around.