Winter's Bite

Chapter 18 Owen

I stormed through the back doors, intend on discovering what Uncle Jeb had to do with Cait. I left Flame outside with the other dogs. I didn't want him upset by my confrontation.

When Jeb arrived two weeks ago I'd thought little of it. Our family was closer than most vampire families. Relatives often socialised with one another. But what Cait had told me put a different perspective on his arrival.

I heard laughter from the kitchen. Jeb leant against the kitchen worktop while Estelle sat at the table. Both grinned. Jeb and my sister Estelle were good friends, although he and I had never been close. I barged up to him. My face morphed in anger, fangs and claws extended.

'What do you want with Cait?'

Jeb bristled. His own body morphed.

'How dare you storm in and accost me.'

'Boys...' Estelle began.

We both ignored her.

'You've been following her haven't you? You caused her parents death.'

Pain crossed Jeb's face.

'An accident. I never meant to hurt Erin.'

His Russian accent thickened as his eyes darkened with emotion. He morphed back to his human self.

Calming down a little, I morphed back too.

'You saved Cait, didn't you?'

'I thought I had time to get them both out. I miscalculated.'

'You still had feelings for her mother?'

'Always I have feelings for Erin. When I saw her in Tibet I wanted to talk to her. But I startled the man. Caused accident. It was not my intent.'

'Why have you been stalking Cait?'

'She is Erin's daughter. I wanted to see she is okay. You know I wish her no harm. On the day the boar attacked I came to you on the hill. I tell you, 'The girl needs help.' I killed the boar.'

My shoulders relaxed. Whatever his motives, Jeb didn't seem to intend Cait harm.

'That's your only interest? That she's Erin's daughter?' I asked, as jealousy reared its ugly head.

'What else could it be?'

He hadn't answered my question. I stared at him.

'We all know what your interest is,' he sneered.

'I care for Cait,' I retorted.

He snorted.

'Boys,' Estelle interrupted.

She looked anxious. I'd forgotten her presence.

'What are you arguing about? It seems like you're both concerned for Cait's welfare. Jeb helped save her life, twice. And Owen, it's obvious you care for her.'

I felt a bit sheepish. Jeb snorted again.

'I'll see you later,' he said to Estelle. He stalked from the kitchen without looking at me.

'Don't mind him. He's always been hot-headed.' Estelle pulled out a chair beside her. 'Sit down. Tell me what's happened.'

'Cait and I got back together.'

'That's great news.'

Estelle's face lit up.

I grinned as my adrenalin drained away.