Lost Things

Chapter 12: Beautifully Shattered

Chapter 12: Beautifully Shattered 

"I think it's time for bed." Jacob told Malak as he watched her struggling to keep her eyes open.

"It's still early. I am not tired." Malak told him absentmindedly as she watched the twins race around the pool in their wolf form. Jacob glanced up to the moon which was three-quarters way toward the west horizon and he guessed it about 3 a.m. The night went by quickly after Malak was introduced to the wolves that lived in the house. After the introductions, everyone hang around the pool, talking, playing games and telling jokes. Everyone was more relaxed now that they didn't have to pretend to be human.

"Sunrise is in few hours and you look tired." Jacob argues as Gabriel won the race by only two seconds. The twins then sat at Malak's feet where she started to scratch between their ears and down their necks; while they made happy wolf noises.

"I really don't want to go to sleep." Malak tried to hide a yawn as she spoke.
"Hey a stor, how you been doing?" Erik handed her an apple juice before sitting next to her on the pool bench.

"I'm good." Malak answered tiredly. "Why do you ask?" Malak asked him as he made a point to make eye contact.

"A lot happened tonight, I was just wondering if you are feeling tired, sleepy, or scared, little freaked out, or wanted to scream bloody Marry like a normal human would feel after meeting a pack of wolves. You know?" Erik told her with nonchalant shrug.

"Why would you think I would ever do anything like a normal human Erik?" Malak told him with soft smile.

"You are right! What was I thinking?" He said shaking his head. "But really, Malak what are you feeling?" He asked lowering his voice and being more serious. Jacob just watched them talk, while the twins were sitting by her feet. Everyone else was a bit far away and weren't paying attention to their conversation.

"I feel a little bit more comfortable knowing you are a wolf...You can fight back when they find me." Malak spoke with a sad smile looking down at the juice bottle in her hands.

"Don't worry; we can take care of ourselves and you. I promise." Erik offered his pinky and Malak smiled while hooking her pinky with his to seal the promise. "So they were wolves?" Erik asked to test if she would talk about it.

"Most of them. I remember there were wolves and few magic-users. I can't remember what else I have seen."

"Have you seen other humans?" Erik asked watching her carefully.

"I met a few." Malak answered, trying not to remember what she did.

"Why didn't they help you?" Jacob asked surprised.

"Spells kept me from talking to some. With others, we were in no condition to speak." Malak said petting the wolves at her feet feeling them tense.

"What do you mean?" Erik asked noticing something dark flicker in her eyes.

"Don't worry about it." She replied in a way that made it clear that she wasn't going to say anything more."I think I am ready for bed." Malak ended the conversation, finding an escape. Malak got up and said good night to the surrounding pack members before heading inside the house. Jacob followed her into the kitchen where she left the unopened juice bottle before heading to her room.

Once they reached her room, Malak looked at Jacob questionably when he continued to stand by her door instead of going to his room.

"Can I sleep in your room tonight?" Jacob said awkwardly scratching the back of his head.