The Amber Shift

Eight

Noelle

I can't believe they're fighting over me. I didn't realize I was living in the hallways of a fucking high school. That I let Remi touch me is none of their business. How territorial can you get? Like I am a piece of property for them to own? And I understand Remi was just trying to help, but he was a little over the top protective in there, too.

My thoughts are interrupted by a flash of white outside the hallway window. "What is that?" I mutter, stepping toward the glass.

My lips part as my eyes rest on a shock of white fur, and I gasp when I realize what I at first thought was the biggest dog I've ever seen is actually...a wolf?

Shit. I've never seen a wolf in person, but this must be one. It's way too big to be a dog and too brawny to be a coyote. I didn't know there were wolves in Charleston, even if we are sort of far out in the boondocks.

And if I didn't know better, I'd swear the wolf sees me in the window, a look of recognition and alarm flashing in his eyes. I pull the drapes shut, my knuckles going white from my grip. I squeeze my eyes closed and glowing green eyes stare at me behind my eyelids.

Glowing eyes...

I swear when I walked into the game room, I glimpsed the same haunting shine in Elijah's eyes. But instead of green, they were a bright blue. I shook it off, letting my concern for the fight take precedence. Every man had stopped what he was doing, clasping his hands behind his back and looking away from me. It was strange to say the least, and something is definitely out of sorts. A nagging feeling sits in the pit of my stomach, demanding that I find answers. And I would seek them out if I had any idea what I'm searching for.

I exhale and force a hint of bravery to the surface. This animal is strange and so is everything else around here. I peek out again, hoping to get a second look, but the wolf is gone. Isn't that the way of things; when I get the nerve to face the unknown, I miss my chance.

With no other choice, I trudge back up to my room. I don't want to spend the rest of the night alone, hence, my intention to play games with Remi. Instead, I walked in on their Fight Club meeting. If my uncle were here, I could go talk to him, try to get him to tell me why I need all this protection. I know there's more to it than what he is letting on.

I round the corner near my room, and I nearly jump out of my skin when I find Asher leaning against the doorframe.

"What are you doing up here? How'd you get up here so fast?" I ask, narrowing my eyes at him.

"I came to check on you; are you all right?"

In any other circumstance, I wouldn't be annoyed that someone went out of their way to check on my wellbeing. The act would be kind, chivalrous even. But after the testosterone-induced rage displayed downstairs, it feels like nothing more than a shallow excuse to keep an eye on me.

I tilt my head to the side and in monotone, I say, "Oh, I'm just peachy, and how are you tonight, Asher?"

"Are you honestly pissed at me?"

"I'm pissed at the entire situation, and you happen to be a part of it."

Asher steps forward and his gaze moves up and down my body, lingering on the lace-trimmed neckline of my cami. Heat simmers in the pit of my stomach and spreads to the juncture of my legs. He moves so close to me that I can smell the scent of his skin—a heady mixture of leather and evergreen. I want to press my face against his chest and breathe him in as the heat of his skin sinks through my thin pajamas.

I reach for the hem of my shorts and run my fingers back and forth over the satin while willing my feet to remain planted.

His green eyes pierce me to my core, like he can see straight into me and knows what I'm thinking, what I'm feeling.