Well Beyond

28

In an instant, I'm on my feet, shoving past Erik with a forceful swipe. His frown deepens, but he turns to my parents, offering an apologetic smile as if to smooth over my abrupt departure. The nerve of him speaking for me, acting as if I needed him to apologize on my behalf, grates on my nerves. I feel my anger flare, a seething ember building in my chest.

The door slams shut behind me, and I whirl around, facing Erik with a blazing fury. His body tenses, his posture bracing for whatever words might come next. His eyes lock onto mine, trying to gauge the storm brewing within me.

"Don't you dare speak on my behalf like I'm some sort of child," I snap, my voice trembling with the force of my rage. "I don't need you to save me."

Erik's stance remains firm as he crosses his arms, a move that only heightens my frustration. His refusal to engage with me is infuriatingly calm, adding fuel to the fire. I scoff, turning sharply towards the car parked in the driveway. 

"Of course, you don't care. Why would you? You've already ruined my fucking life once. Why not do it again?"

The crunch of gravel under Erik's footsteps echoes loudly as he strides to the car. With a swift motion, he opens the passenger door and holds it open, his expression a mixture of determination and frustration. I roll my eyes, purposefully walking past him, ignoring his gesture. His face tightens in disapproval, but he remains silent, his patience visibly wearing thin.

"I understand you're upset," Erik begins, his tone measured but tinged with weariness. "I get it—"

"Do you?" I whip around to face him, my challenge unmistakable. His sigh is heavy with resignation.

"Let me at least drive you somewhere," he offers, his voice smooth. "We still need to figure out where you're staying. It's not safe for you to wander alone."

I hesitate, my mind racing through the possibilities. I know little about his pack, and with Emma's location uncertain, I'm left with few options. His offer, despite my anger, is a pragmatic one.

"Fine," I concede through gritted teeth, my voice barely above a whisper. I approach the car, the anger still simmering beneath the surface. Erik's eyes soften with a hint of relief as he closes the door behind me, his demeanor shifting to a more accommodating one.

As I slide into the passenger seat, the silence between us is charged with unspoken words. The car's engine roars to life, and we drive off, the tension between us palpable. The familiarity of the road outside contrasts sharply with the emotional turbulence within. Erik's presence, once a source of dread, now feels like an unwelcome reminder of the complicated and painful past. I rub my hand over my face roughly. 

I glanced over at Erik, who was focused on the road ahead, his expression a mask of concentration. His hand moved deftly, shifting the transmission with practiced ease. My gaze was drawn to his tattooed arm, where intricate designs wound down from his sleeve, every motion emphasizing the artistry etched into his skin. I shifted slightly in my seat, trying to find some comfort amid the unease that had settled over me.

"Where are we going?" I asked, my voice quiet as I attempted to distract myself from the growing tension.

Erik cast a brief, sidelong glance at me. "I'm taking you back to my house. From there, we can figure out where you'd like to stay next."

I frowned at his response. "Your house?"

He nodded. "Yes, my house. I had it built shortly after you left. It's a tradition here."

His words hung in the air, heavy with meaning. I could sense a hesitation in his tone, a reluctance to delve deeper into something that clearly still held significant weight for him.