ENDURING {Sequel to Everlasting} ❗️EDITING ❗️

Chapter 2 - Part B

"Where've you been?" Luther asks curiously as I waltz in after dark.

I stare at him with a frown, a little confused as to why he's acting like the dad I never had right now. Arms crossed and his expression stern, almost disapproving.

"Working on a case. Why?" I respond wearily, opening up the fridge and picking out a neatly wrapped sandwhich.

"You missed dinner." He scolds.

I just roll my eyes. "Hence why I have this." I say, waving the sand which at him.

"That's not sufficient food, Kali. You're working constantly, you need to make sure you eat." He exhales, overly concerned as always.

"I do eat-"

"Not enough." He scowls slightly at me.

"I'll eat a big breakfast, it's not that big of a deal." I tell him, annoyed as I head out of the kitchen quickly.

Without a wolf things are a lot different, I don't have the bloodlust anymore, but I also lost my appetite. She's been gone almost four years now and it still feels like the gaping hole in my chest is wide open, the place she used to be.

I head to my room and lock the door, showering quickly and climbing into bed. Another day, just like everyday. I thought to myself, tucking the covers against my chest and face.

*
*
*

~ THE NEXT DAY ~

As promised I eat a large breakfast, so large in fact that I struggle to finish my coffee afterwards. Yes, I'm aware coffee is bad for you, but with my work schedule I've learnt to love it.

"Alright, gotta' run. Bye!" I rush, waving at the Elders as I rush out to my car.

I got up extra early to muck out Apollo and make sure he's good for the day. I should really ask the Elders if it's ok that I build him an enclosure outside his stable, so he's getting some form of exercise whilst I'm not home.

The sun is barely up, it's around six in the morning, and I'm driving out to Germany to pay a visit to a man that used to know James Thorpe. I've done my research on this case, and given how little there is to know, I've read it multiple times.

Yes, it's a thirteen hour drive. I really don't believe in interrogating someone over the phone, not someone like Leone Sanchez anyway.

By the time I reach my destination, it's a little past five, meaning I actually saved time. Yet there is no car outside, and I know Leone drives a black Audi.

So what do I do? I drive to the pub approximately twenty minutes away, a place Leone visits quite often. It saves breaking into his house for information, and one of the neighbours noticing me.

The second I pull up near the pub, I spot Leones car down the street, in the long line of cars parked outside the pub. I get out and lock my car, ignoring the stares of the people that live in this area as I head into the pub.

It's just another ordinary drinking place, one I take no interest in as I scan the faces dotted around the room. Figuring Leone will come to me, I slip off my jacket and head over to the bar, sitting down on the stool.

"Whiskey please." I smile flirtatiously at the bartender, acting like a common preppy young woman that flirts her way through life.

"Coming right up." He smiles.

As he prepares my drink, I pull out my phone and play angry birds, placing my card on the counter for the bartender to use.

"First rounds on me." A man with a faint accent sits next to me.

"I can pay for my own drink." I laugh, glancing up at the man casually. Bingo.

Leone isn't bad looking, he's simply an ex-con that spent seven years in prison for the murder of a teenage boy. Accident or not, his pretty green eyes aren't fooling me.

"Doesn't mean you should have to." He winks, sliding my card towards me and handing the bartender his own.

Nodding my head, I smile. "Ok, thanks I guess."

"What's your name? Haven't seen you around here before." Leone seems curious, that little smirk as he glances me over doesn't do him any good.

"Sophia, I'm just passing through actually. I have a meeting in Italy, and it's kind of a long drive." I give a sheepish look.

"Italy, huh. I'm Leone." He flashes a smile, offering me his hand.

I shake it with a shy smile, tucking my hair behind my ear. "What about you? Are you passing through, or do you live here?"

"Been here since I was a kid, it's not that bad, this place grows on you." Leone give a small shrug as he glances around the bar.

"I bet." I mutter under my breath, raising the glass of whiskey and tipping some down my shirt.

"What?" He asks, eyes turned away as he watches the TV.

"I said I'm wet." I smile with embarrassment, showing him my white shirt that is now covered in alcohol.

Leone chuckles and offers me a napkin. I attempt to soak it up but it doesn't work, so I do what I originally planned when I spilled my drink, and I unbutton my shirt. I'd worn a low cut cami underneath, and considering he isn't used to seeing beautiful city women in this area, I catch his attention instantly.

Leone orders me another drink, and we spent a while chatting, drinking one glass after another. I manage to sneakily pour a couple of mine away whilst his head is turned, so it's no wonder that he ends up tipsy before I do.

Laughing, I lean in further.

"Anymore of this and I won't be able to drive." I say teasingly, holding up my half empty glass.

"Where you planning on going at this time?" He wonders, still grinning as he feels the buzz of alcohol in his system.

Looking up at him, I gently glide my hand up his chest. As my nails gently scratch the back of his neck, Leone clenches his jaw.

"I think you know." I whisper softly, half standing up as I slowly lean in.

Leone just smirks, grabbing my hips and pulling me close. Our lips touch, and it felt cold, practically lifeless, but I couldn't back out now, no matter how wrong it feels.

I let him pull me in, I let him drive me to his house, and I follow him inside. The second we enter his home, Leone becomes more dominant in his advances, a little rough as he pushes me against the back of the couch, kissing me.