Protecting Elijah

•Chapter 23• Brothers Before Mothers

"Jessica, please tell me what's wrong" Stephan whispers against my hair.

I just continue to cry silent tears against his coat, as I cling onto him like a monkey. I can feel his hand on my back, drawing circles on the exposed skin. The position is quite inappropriate since he is my mate's best friend, but he's just comforting me, in a friendly way.

"I don't know what happened" I whisper hoarsely, "I was just sitting and thinking and then my mark started to hurt."

"I heard voices Stephan" I say pulling back and looking at his face.

We were now sitting back in the car, since we left the diner. I don't know how we got here, or how I ended up sitting in his lap, but all I want to do is cry.

Why are you crying? You need to calm down Jessica, we will figure this out. Jordan's voice pops into my head.

That's never ever happened before, I tell her, What was that, who was that Jordan?

She's quiet, and for a moment I thought she was ignoring my question.

I can't tell you, but I know you can figure it out on your own, she says.

"What!" I scream out loud. "That's bullshit!"

I feel Stephan stiffen and grip me tighter. He probably thinks I'm crazy since he doesn't know I'm talking to my wolf.

Everything will happen in good time, She says.

No it won't. Everyone always says 'things will be fine' or 'it will work itself out' but no. That doesn't happen. That's an excuse people use when they don't know what to say.

"Yeah sure" I mumble, trying to get out of Stephan's lap.

"Hey, hey" he says pulling me back. Grabbing my face he looks at me, "What the fuck is going on?"

I can see concern in his eyes, and my heart swells with warmth, but also guilt because I don't know what to tell him.

"I don't know" I say quietly breaking eye contact.

"I think you do know" he says sternly "And don't give me some crap story about how you were just 'tired' or 'imagining something'."

I laugh nervously and use the sleeve of my shirt to wipe my probably red and swollen eyes. I got to open my mouth but he cuts me off.

"You were screaming my name Jessica, why?" He asks searching my eyes for answers.

He just stares blankly at me, but finally loosens his grip.

"I don't know" I whisper.

I can see his face etched with annoyance as he grumbly tells me to 'get off him.'

"Stephan-"

"Just don't" he says turning on the car, "That's not fair."

"You know I would tell you, but I honestly don't even know what happened" I say turning to him.

He just ignores me and continues to drive while clenching his jaw.

"I-i was just sitting, and you had ordered the food, and-an-and, we were talking, then I started thinking about Elijah and you and-"