Midnight Lovers

Chapter Eight

Finnick's P.O.V.

I watched as Grace ate my bacon. I wasn't really upset, I could order more bacon, I was just glad that she wasn't glaring at me anymore. She took a bite of her pancakes, the sweet smell of the chocolate plus the syrup made me feel a little nauseous. "Do you like sweet food?" I asked her.

She shrugged swallowing her mouthful, "Not usually. I like some sweet foods, but I prefer food being on the spicier side of things." She said as she took another bite of her pancakes.

I smiled slightly at her response and resumed eating my own breakfast. We didn't really talk that much after that. I watched her as she stared out the window at the couples and families that walked past, smiling, and happy. I tilted my head, peering at her face.

Grace looked at me and I was surprised that she seemed sad. "Is there any chance I can call my family? Let them know I'm okay?"

I hesitated. What would she tell them? Would her parents try to track her down if she called? I studied her face, her eyes were glassy, her lip was quivering. I felt my heart squeeze "Of course. You can use the phone at home, or you can come with me to the office and use the phone there."

She shrugged lightly "I'll use the phone over at your office I guess."

I nodded. Once Emily brought our bill I paid and stood up, offering my arm to Grace. She wrapped her arm around mine, standing surprisingly close to me. We left and walked for a while before I asked "Are you okay?" She shrugged, paused, and shook her head. I stopped at looked down at her "What's the matter?"

She shrugged again "I don't know, I'm scared, and nervous. This is the farthest I've been from my mom in a long time and I'm worried about her." Her lip quivered again and her eyes glistened with tears "I want to go home."

My chest felt incredibly tight as she hugged my arm to her chest; her whole body trembling. I turned, wrapping both my arms around her and holding her tight. "I'm sorry." I whispered "I know you're scared and I know you miss your home. I want to try and make you feel comfortable, and at home here. I know it'll be hard, but I'm going to do my best to make you happy." I squeezed her tight, "I promise."

Grace sniffled slightly, and I pulled back enough to peer down at her. Her eyes were red, and I could see the streaks on her cheeks from her tears. I gently wiped her cheeks with my hand. "I promise."

Grace wiped her nose on the sleeve of my jacket and nodded a little bit. I smiled slightly and put my arm around her shoulders and walked her the rest of the way to the office.

I ignored everyone as they rushed up to me, asking questions, crinkling their nose at Grace. I pulled her closer to my side and snarled at them as we passed. I walked us to my office, and closed the door behind us.

Grace automatically sat on the futon that was in my office. It had been a gift from Cody when I first became Alpha and usually fell asleep at the office. I took of my coat and picked up the phone, handing it to Grace. "Go ahead and call your parents."

She hesitated, staring at me before she started to dial the number, putting the phone to her ear. Being a werewolf with heightened senses I could hear the phone ring, and then a cliff followed by a cautious 'hello?'

"Hi Mama." Grace said, sounding like she was going to cry all over again.

'Gracey!' The woman on the other end shouted, also sounding like she was going to cry. 'Oh baby, where are you? Are you okay? I've tried calling but your phone went straight to voicemail.'

Grace sighed "Y-Yeah I'm okay." She said, sounding a little shaky. "I've just..." She looked at me then continued "I've got some stuff going on... I'm sorry about the phone thing. I, uh, lost it, and it's probably dead."

Grace's mother paused 'Are you sure you're okay...?'

Grace looked at me again, and I looked down at my desk, trying to pretend I wasn't eavesdropping. "...Yeah." She said, more confident this time. "I'm fine. A friend from school just invited me on a last minute vacation. So don't worry about me. I'll try to keep in touch, but no promises."

'Oh... Well alright sweetheart. Have fun. If you need any money just ask okay?'

"Yeah Mom. I love you... Bye." Grace hung up, handing the phone back to me, then brought her knees up to her chest.

"Are you okay?" I asked. This time however, she shrugged. Then nodded.