Hidden Truth

Chapter 6

Blake

The sound of the shower turning on woke me. I pulled my phone from my pocket and squinted at the bright light as I checked the time; nine in the morning. Rolling off the couch, I stood up and stretched my tense muscles. That was the most uncomfortable sleep I've ever had, but I actually felt well rested at the same time. Quietly leaving her room I went to my sister's room to get Claire some different clothes. My sister had a shopping addiction, her closet was full of clothes with the tags on, still in the bags. I grabbed a random pair of pants and a shirt, to place on Claire's bed.

Before I left Claire's room, I went to her bathroom door. I contemplated knocking to tell her about the clothes but stopped short. Shaking my head, I slipped out her door and went to my room. My mind was racing as I paced my room, thinking about her. She was only here to be protected for a few months and then we can ship her off to her father. There was no place in this world for her and me to be together.

I changed into just a pair of shorts and stepped onto my balcony. The air blew past me as I jumped over the ledge, and I took off in a sprint into the woods, trying to clear my head. Claire was starting to get to me, and I don't think she even knew she was doing it. A part of me still ached after Leslie. I knew she wasn't coming back around, but a piece of me wanted her too.

Coming to a stop, I closed my eyes and focused my senses. I could hear the rustle of a bush to the left in the distance, and the scent of a doe hit me. Creeping slowly to the left, after a few feet the deer came into sight. Crouching low I watched her until her back was to me. She looked back and forth before dipping her head down to drink from a creek. I took my opportunity to sprint at her and sink my fangs into the back of her neck.

The doe tried to run and buck me off, but I swiped her feet from under her and held her down as I drank. Soon her thrashing stopped as she lay limp on the ground. After I had my fill, I went to the creek to wash off the blood and turned back to the house. I left the doe's body there knowing some pack of wolves or a bear would find it and have a nice meal. I decided to walk back and enjoy the chill of the fall weather coming in. The leaves have finally changed colors and lightly fell around me, crunching under my feet.

When the house appeared in the distance, I noticed Tony at the stove cooking and Luke was at the counter. I stopped walking for a second when I noticed Claire was sitting next to him. I wasn't ready to see her yet, especially after she probably saw I slept in her room last night. I'd have to see her eventually, so I headed for the sliding back door. As it slid to the right, I heard Claire's sweet voice ask, "but why am I here?"

I watched Luke open his mouth, but everyone stopped as I walked inside, and they all turned to me. I focused on Tony, but I could feel Claire's eyes staring at me. I stopped myself from meeting her gaze as I said good morning.

"Morning Blake, this is early for you." Anthony greeted with a smile on his face before turning back to the stovetop.

"Yeah, and you actually look well rested for once," Luke stated as he turned in his seat. I knew they were going to question me later about this. Shaking my head at them, I headed to the fridge to get something to drink. Looking down at the shelves I decided on a bottle of water, before looking back at my brothers.

"Yeah, I had a good sleep for once." With that I left the kitchen and headed for my room. Sooner or later my brothers would be up there questioning me. I just hoped they would respect my privacy and not tell Claire anything. Opening my bedroom door, I locked it behind me and headed for my bathroom.

I took a cold shower to get the smell of deer and creek water off my body. Wrapping a towel around my waist, I rested my hands on the counter and stared at the mirror. The bags under my eyes were slowly fading, but the scar across my right shoulder reflected back at me. Tracing my fingers along the jagged mark my mind was flooded with the memories of that night. I pushed off the counter and went into my room, falling back on my bed. Stretching my arms above my head I just stared blankly at the ceiling.

***

It was a few hours later when I heard the knock on my bedroom door. Closing the book in my lap I placed it on my small table, heading inside from the balcony. I was going to have to talk to my brothers eventually. The lock clicked and I cracked the door, walking to my bed. Sitting on the edge I watched as Tony walked in and shut the door behind him. He stood by the door staring at me for a couple minutes before speaking, "what's going on man?"

"What do you mean?" I shrugged and pointed to the chair in the corner of my room. Tony walked over and took a seat. He watched me, waiting for me to explain. "Look Tony, its nothing."

"It's not nothing," he started and quickly glanced at the door before lowering his voice. "You slept in her room last night. You woke up at a decent time and even went out hunting."

"So," I said dryly.

"So, you shouldn't be using her as a crutch for your issues."

"It's not like that Tony," I tried to explain but the words got lost on my tongue. I was using her to help me get over Leslie and I knew it was not going to end well for anyone.

"Then what is it like Blake," he asked.

Letting out a slow breath I tried to play it off as an accident, "She was having some kind of dream and I went to check on her. She was calling out to me, so I sat on the couch until she relaxed a bit. I accidentally fell asleep," I shrugged it off. I mean it was partially the truth.

He seemed to buy it as he nodded and let out a long breath. "I'm just worried about you bro."

"You don't have to be, I'm fine." I tried to reassure him, and it seemed to get him off my back; for now, at least. Suddenly I remembered Claire, "where is she?"

"Luke showed her the library," Tony replied and stood from his seat. "I should go prepare dinner for her." I nodded as he started to make his way towards the door. Before leaving he turned back to me, "I'm here if you ever need to talk."

"I know," I spoke softly. As Tony closed my door I stood up and walked to my nightstand. Opening the top drawer, I pulled out the folded photo I kept hidden under a book. Slowly unfolding it I stared blankly at the picture of the girl. Her bright brown eyes stared back at me, and she had a small smile on her face. I ran my thumb across her face, and I felt my heart break all over.