He glowered at me. “I won’t live my life afraid to do the right thing. What kind of a life is that?”
“Yeah, you’re a good guy who wants to do good. I respect you for that. But being stupid isn’t smart.”
Zack gave a quick laugh. “That’s profound, Autumn.”
“You know what I mean. You’re young and no match for werewolves who are hundreds of years old. You said with age comes strength. You’d be better off joining the king and honing your fighting skills until you get stronger. So long as you’re with them, they won’t hunt you for being a traitor. You’re no good to anyone if you’re dead.”
He glanced at me and nodded. “Okay. I promise to consider that before I do anything.”
I didn’t want to think about him leaving or getting hurt — or worse. If we didn’t talk about something else soon, I’d explode. “You want to go to Ashley’s little party Friday night? She invited us to a jam session.”
“I heard her ask. I figured you’d tell her no,” Zack said.
“Why’s that? I like Ashley. And her parties are nice. If I’m able to go, I usually do.”
“I assumed…”
Realizing what Zack hadn’t finished saying, I flinched. “You assumed that I was too much of a snob to hang out with a junior. I thought we were past that.” When he didn’t deny it, my eyes burned and my throat swelled. After all our time together, I was still the stuck up girl he originally thought me to be.
“To hell with you, Zack,” I mumbled toward my window.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
While Zack worked at the auto shop, I stayed at his house, but hid in his room, so I wouldn’t have to face his family. If they asked me what was wrong, I’d surely spill it. Zack wouldn’t like that. Once I’d finished all my homework, I considered doing his too. I reached for his backpack, but kicked it across the room instead. If he didn’t do it himself, he’d miss out on everything that his studies had to offer. I snorted at the thought and retrieved his backpack. I wrapped up his homework just as he arrived and Cara announced dinner was ready.
As everyone ate, I smiled at all the right times and made polite conversation. I noticed Cara and Favianne’s occasional glance my way, but I didn’t say anything. My goal was to get through it as painlessly as possible. When I got home, I planned to abandon Zack in favor of my room. I needed to separate from him emotionally. He would run alone tonight.
“Something’s up with the car,” he said as soon as we got on the road toward my house. “It sounds different.”
“What do you think’s wrong with it?”
He turned his head, like he was listening for something. “Not sure. I have tomorrow off, so we can take it in the shop and have it checked out.” He guided the car into my driveway and killed the engine.
Once inside, I immediately hit the stairs. “Goodnight, Zack.”
He stood at the bottom of the steps. “You don’t want to go running?”
I turned and faced him, careful to mask the violent turmoil raging within me. “Not with you. No point in bonding, remember?”
Once in my room, I closed the door and locked it. Jumping on my bed, I covered my face with my hands.
“Autumn.” He rapped on the door and when I didn’t answer, the doorknob rattled. “Damn it, open the door.” Seconds passed and he kicked at it. “Open the door or I’ll break it down, I swear.”
I believed him. I couldn’t have my parents coming home, seeing the broken door and worrying that I’d been attacked or something. I wiped my eyes and got up. Before unlocking it, I took a moment to erase any emotion from my face.
Opening the door a few inches, I poked my head out. “What?”
“I can’t leave you alone.” He glared at me. “You know that.”
“Then don’t go running. Simple.”
“That won’t work. It’s easy for you to resist, but not me.” He sighed. “Can we talk about this?”
I flung the door open and turned away, knowing he would follow. On my bed again, I leaned back against the wall, my knees up.
“Sorry about the Ashley thing.” He cautiously sat at the foot of my bed. “I wasn’t thinking. I know you’re not like that anymore.”
“Anymore? I was never like that, Zack!”
“That came out wrong,” he said quickly. “I meant that I don’t think that way anymore. About you.” He ran a hand through his hair and growled. “I’m sorry.”
That was better. But he wasn’t there yet. I stared at him, my brows raised.