My Wolf’s Bane(66)

“That sucks.”

“What’s the point of wanting someone who doesn’t want me back?” I couldn’t have Zack thinking I was pining for him. “How are things with you and Trevor?”

“Heavenly. We’ve only been dating a week or so, but it feels like we’ve always been together.”

I smiled. “I’m glad one of us is in a normal relationship.”

“I can’t believe it finally happened.” She sighed. “See you at lunch.”

Maya rushed off to class and Zack ushered me down the hallway. “You better not make me late. Nicely done, by the way,” he said.

No remark at all on my comment about not wanting him, but that was just as well.

† † †

At lunch, I invited John and Janine to eat with us. Where I sat, I could see Daniel. Jeff sat with him again, along with Gina. She and Daniel huddled up next to each other, Gina frequently brushing up against him.

Daniel’s eyes cut to mine. As he held my gaze, he kissed Gina. So they were out in the open about being together. Poor Gina had no idea what she was getting herself into.

I shuddered.

Maybe having Gina at his disposal will keep Daniel off you.

The words came into my head and I jumped. But they didn’t come in through my ears. It was like an impression of words, like when you hear something and replay it in your head another time. A slow smile spread over Zack’s face.

You heard me. Good.

Can you hear me? I asked.

Zack grinned. Very good, Grasshopper.

Rumors are already starting that we’re together. If we keep talking like this, people will think we’re making eyes at each other. I snickered inwardly.

You don’t need eye contact to mind talk.

I focused on the other end of the room.

I don’t care what people think, do you? He threw a balled-up napkin at me. I say we give them something to talk about.

John leaned over and whispered into my ear. “He’s so into you.”

Knowing Zack heard that, I laughed and elbowed John. I’d missed him.

† † †

After school, Zack dropped me off at his house and stayed parked at the curb until I went inside. The place appeared deserted, but I heard distant noises, like kids playing in the backyard.

Something delicious tickled my nose. I followed the scent of garlic to the oven and peered in at the casserole. It reminded me that I needed food at home. If I left now, I’d have the groceries put away and maybe have time for homework before Zack got back.

Since his family didn’t know I’d arrived, they wouldn’t miss me if I snuck out. I sprinted to my house, stopping in front of the Taurus. Zack had my new car, which meant I’d have to drive the old nasty one. So wrong.

Inside my house, Zack’s scent rushed me. It was strong enough to make me wonder for a split second if he was there. If my parents came home, and if they were shape-shifters, they’d smell Zack all over the place. Not only would they ground me the rest of my life for having a boy overnight, but they’d forbid me to hang out with a werewolf. I shouldn’t take any chances.

I gave the place a quick scrub, wiping down the sofa where he’d probably been sweating, as well as the kitchen countertops and table. Then I made my shopping list, thankful I hadn’t spent all the money my parents had wired.

An hour later, car loaded with groceries, I neared my house. As the lawn came into view, I noticed an unfamiliar car sitting in our driveway. I parked and cautiously approached the front porch. A shadow appeared beyond the screen door just before it opened.





CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

“Dad!” I leaped into his arms and he swung me around, laughing. When my feet touched ground again, I hugged my mom fiercely. “I’m so glad you’re back. I’ve missed you guys.” I hadn’t realized how much.

My mom released me, but kept my hand. “We missed you, too.”

Dad scanned the immediate area, his eyes landing on the Taurus. “Where’s that new car you emailed us about?”

Uh-oh. I couldn’t tell them that Zack had my car or about the whole Daniel situation. Why make them worry? Zack and I were officially going nowhere and, besides, I had everything under control.

“The mechanic has it.” Which was the truth. “You’ll see it tomorrow. I thought you were staying in Arizona a few more days. Why didn’t you tell me you were coming back?”

“It’s all good,” my mom said, squeezing my hand. “Your father heard from one of the other jobs. They’re in a bigger hurry than we thought and the pay is substantial enough to make us speed things up. It’s a small job in Montana, so we thought we’d go there and come back in a couple weeks.”