The School of Wolves

Ch. 63 Beady Eyes

"Sure," he replied, his face calm. I turn around so he can put the necklace on easily.

He gently brushed my hair to the side and over my shoulder. He brought the necklace over my head and I held it securely in place, my fingers grazing the wolf's head.

I feel the warmth of his hands as he carefully clicks it into place. "There you go," he exclaims as he moves away to stand next to me.

"Thanks," I reply with a grateful smile.

I can never put those clasps on by myself. There's been plenty of times when I've had to ask my family to help. It's just hard when you can't see what you're doing.

"You're welcome. How was your birthday party? I was told that I was missed by your aunt's," he says with a lightness to his voice.

I chuckle, taking my hand away from the necklace. "You know how they are. They are always interested in what my friends are doing, especially when they know how to flatter them."

"Yeah, you have some real nice family members. Maybe I should tone down my charm," he says with a grin.

"Agh, who ever said you're charming," I retort with a smile.

"Okay, fine. You're right, Cress."

I nod my head at this. He shouldn't lie and say he is charming when he's at best a smooth talker. Well I guess it's kind of the same thing. But he'll let it get to his head.

"I guess I only have my looks then." He sighs dejectedly looking away.

I hold in my laughter as I tilt my head to look at him pouting. I smile as he turns to look at me with a glint in his eyes. When did he get so playful?

A door slams closed, jolting me at its suddenness. I glance up to see Jared walking into the room.

His face lights up when he sees Garrett. "Hey man! Glad you could make it. Better late than never, right sis?" He exclaims as he comes over to us, glancing my way.

"Yeah, nice to see you again Jared. How's school going for you?" Garrett smiles at him while giving me a quick glance.

Jared puts an arm around his shoulder saying loudly, "It's been wild Garrett! You know that we've started our tests already but I have to catch you up on all that's been happening to Cress lately,"

"Oh really? Like what? I hope nothing too serious,"Garrett carefully says as he gives me a once over glance, his eyebrows raised.

I only shrug saying, "Oh, nothing special really. I already told you about the accident that happened earlier this week."

Garrett nods his head solemnly as if this topic wasn't his favorite. It's not mine either.

I just don't want to talk about all that mess again. His expression seems like he wants me to share more details but I am saved by the bell.

"Cress Sweetie! Thank you for helping clean up. You better get to bed to prepare for your next test tomorrow. Don't want you to be too tired now," my mother announces from the kitchen.

"Okay mom!" I shout before turning back to my brother and Garrett.

I offer an apologetic smile. "I guess I have to get ready for bed. Sorry I couldn't stay up with you guys any longer."

Turning to Garret I add, "Thanks again for the necklace, I love it. I'll see you tomorrow."

Garret gives a slight nod saying, "Don't worry about us. You should get a good nights rest before the sparring test tomorrow. I'm glad you like the present."

I walk away wistfully and glance over my shoulder saying, "Good night! Jared, make sure you guys keep it down."

"Don't worry Cressie! I'll make sure we turn the volume down when playing our video games." My brother walks away talking wildly with gestures.

Garrett turns around just as they round the bend mouthing, "Good night."

Garrett turns around just as they round the bend mouthing, "Good night."

I stand there for a split second too long before running up the stairs and closing my door. I get ready for bed and climb into my covers, throwing them over my lap.

After a few tries, I take off my necklace and set it carefully on my nightstand. A goofy smile spreads across my face as I try to suppress it.

But fail miserably since I can't get Garrett's soft smile out of my head as he gifts the necklace to me.

I sigh and flop back down onto my bed, snuggling deeper into my blankets. Whispering to my dog stuffie, "What should I do Muffins. I can't go on any longer like this can I?"

I gaze into Muffins black beady eyes feeling silly that I'm confessing to a stuffed animal. What advice would it give me besides telling me I'm hopeless?

"What are we going to do?"