Lycan Blood (Alex Vane: Demon Stalker #1)

Evacuation

There was no question about it. It was the same shoe. I picked it up slowly, as if afraid it would vanish like a ghost. My fingers slid across the shiny plastic, still dull with blood in some places.

It was then I threw up.

I managed to make it to the bathroom, just in time for me to double over in front of the toilet. That was about all the control I had. It was sudden and violent, with a force which left me shaking. The stench of the squirrel didn’t exactly make things better. I could hear Scott asking me questions in alarm though I was clearly not in a position to respond. Finally it was over. I fell back against the wall, throat raw and hands trembling slightly. I still had hold of the shoe.

“What brought that on?” It was right around then that the embarrassment hit. I mean, throwing up is not an attractive thing to do in front of anyone. And Scott had just seen the whole thing.

“Nothing,” I muttered, not wanting to explain the whole issue with the shoe, “I just need a minute.” What I really needed was a vacation. Or maybe just a whole new life.

“Okay. You go and lay down on the sofa or something. I’ll get rid of the squirrel.”

“You really don’t have to do that.”

“Just let me help for once? Please?”

I was too exhausted to argue. Instead I went back into the living room and curled up on my sofa, glad I had cleared it of all the usual crap. My fingers gripped the shoe as if it were a lifeline. Maybe I was just afraid to let it go. Or maybe I was just afraid period.

I’m not sure how long it was before Scott re-emerged, looking like he might be about to throw up himself.

“Okay. All sorted.”

“Thanks.” I replied, genuinely touched. After all, the fox had freaked him out enough. It couldn’t have been easy for him to actually handle the dead squirrel.

He perched on the edge of the couch, eyes travelling to the pink stiletto in my hand. After a minute or two, he gently tried to take it from me.

“Don’t.”

“Alex.”

“Just don’t.” He listened to me this time, reluctantly letting go. Instead he leaned back, turning his head to face me.

“So what do you want to do now?”

“It’s too late for school.” I muttered, throwing a quick glance at the clock. Somehow it was already lunchtime. I could only hope Jacey wouldn’t read too much into the fact that both Scott and I were missing, although I didn’t count on it. It was in her nature to jump to conclusions.

“I meant about living arrangements.”

“Oh. Right,” I blushed slightly, remembering his offer. To be honest, I kind of hoped he wouldn’t ask me again. It was sweet of him to do so but how could I possibly accept? The whole thing would be far too weird, “I should be fine here. I mean, if the werewolf does break in again at least I’ll know who they are.”

“I don’t know. It doesn’t seem very safe to me.”

“I can defend myself.”

“I know. But I also know that I would have issues with sleeping in a place a werewolf has broken into. And, in the nicest way possible-you look like you could use more sleep.”

“Hey!” I gave him a glare but he just ignored it. If I’d had the energy, I might have leaned over and whacked him.

“Seriously Alex, just come and crash at mine for a few days. It’s not a big deal. Otherwise I’ll be kept awake worrying and neither of us will be in top form.” I paused, considering the idea. Living with Scott wasn’t exactly the best way to make sure I didn’t get too close to him. Then again, did I really want to stay here? It wasn’t the fact someone had broken in-that was worrying sure, but it had also happened before. I could deal with that, move past it. But the thought of going back into my room where that damn shoe had been…