Ridley And Her Wolf

Chapter Four

The next day I woke up as the sun rose. I didn't know what time Asher would be here. I got dressed, shivering. The old house didn't have heat and I could see my frozen breath. I put on my favorite pair of jeans, my grey boots and a red flannel. As a second thought, I slid Asher's jacket on. I went into the kitchen where I found a note from my dad.

R & G,

I won't be back until late tonight. Greyson, feed your sister. Ridley, make sure he doesn't burn the house down.

I love you both ,

Dad

My dad got a job at the local hospital. He specializes in internal medicine. He has inconsistent work hours. That I was used too. I rummaged through the nearly bare cupboards. There was no real food, so I gave up on the thought of breakfast. I was too nervous anyway. Greyson walked into the kitchen. Wearing my robe with owls on it.

"Greyson. Is that my robe?"

"No."

"Greyson."

"Yours is softer than mine." I glared at him, then laughed.

"Yay, I'm off the hook!" He did a little dance. "What are you doing today?"

"I'm going out with a friend." I said, not specifying on who.

Greyson looked in our empty refrigerator. "I guess I'm going grocery shopping."

He left the kitchen and I heard him stomp up the stairs. Then the doorbell rang. Greyson came charging down the stairs.

"No Greyson! It's for m-" He yanked open the door. Asher stood there looking striking as ever in a black longsleeve shirt. Greyson was a good 4 inches shorter than Asher and was still in my owl robe, his hair sticking up on one side from where he was sleeping. What a great first impression.

"Oh. So you are the friend." He glared up at Asher. I wanted to crawl in a hole and never come out again.

"Greyson this is Asher, Asher this is Greyson."

"You can call me Ash." Asher stuck out his hand, grinning easily.

Greyson ignored it. "Where are you taking my sister, Asher?"

"On a hike." He said matter of factly.

"Greyson, please." I pleaded with him. He looked at me and sighed.

"Just be careful with her. "

"I will." Said Asher, very serious.

"Be safe, Riddle." Greyson said, standing back so I could walk out the door. I ran a hand through my hair, feeling thoroughly embarrassed.

"Shall we?" Asher smiled. I followed him outside. A big dark green Jeep waited in the driveway. He opened the door for me and shut it after I scrambled in. He jumped into the driver seat.

"Here's your jacket." I began to take it off.

"Keep it, you might get cold."

"Are we really going on a hike?" I asked.

"Of sorts. Is that okay?" He looked at me.

" Yes."

"Good."

He pulled out of the driveway, and I had a million questions on the tip of my tongue.

"Your brother is interesting."

I blushed, embarrassed. "He's not usually like that."

"It's alright. He's just being protective."

"Where are we going?" I asked.

"You will see."

I groaned. "Ash, you have got to give me something. I need some answers. Why weren't you worried about my mental state when I told you a wolf was following me." A slightly hysterical laugh bubbled from my lips. "I don't know why I trust you so much. There's just something about you. I feel like I've known you for a long time. It's just so frustrating. I... I really need some answers soon."

I shrank in my seat, what I just said, still ringing in my ears. "Oh you will most definitely think I'm crazy now." I couldn't bear to look at him.

"Ridley?" Asher said.

I looked at him. I couldn't read the expression on his face. His eyes were closed.

"I'm sorry. I-" He opened his eyes. They were filled with unbelievable sorrow.

"We are here." I looked around. We were in a small clearing, with a huge rock formation on one side and a sprawling forest on the other. I hadn't even realized we went off road.

"I promise, I will answer your questions." He opened his door and got out. I jumped down from my seat, onto the near frozen ground. Asher sat down on a rock jutting out. He motioned for me to sit down.

I sat and wrapped my arms around my knees. He pinched the bridge of his nose, his eyes closed. The he took a deep breath. He looked at me, all burning and pain. I waited.

"The first time I saw you, I knew it was over for me. I thought I ruined everything. But you weren't scared. You didn't react as I thought you would. You didn't run or scream. I had hope. So I followed you. I actually have been watching closely. I had to make sure you were safe. I- I don't think I can stay away from you. I have dragged you into a huge mess. If you never want to speak to me again, I understand. I wasn't going to tell you. I tried to stay away. You should have friends and a normal life. There was something about you that is so familiar, I couldn't help myself. When I saw you, everything changed. Nothing matters anymore except for you. I need to protect you. I'm frightened that you "

I sat there, trying to comprehend everything. "Asher. What do I need protection from?" I choked out.

"I don't think your mom passed away. I think she was murdered. And I think I know who did it. You see I'm not entirely normal. There are more like me. But not all of us are good.

"What are you talking about?" I asked, startled.

"There are so many things I still have to tell you." He looked away.

"Asher. Please, I need some answers. You can't get rid of me now. How could I be scared of you? What else do you know?" I asked him.

"I think it would be better if I showed you." He stood up and gave me a pained expression.

"Asher?" I stood up, suddenly aware of how cold I was.

He ran into the forest. Seconds later, a massive wolf slowly emerged from trees. It towered over me. I thought back to the train tracks and my nightmare. The wolf's golden eyes were familiar. They stared at me with such intensity.

I slowly walked up to him, trembling.

"Asher?" I whispered softly.

He lowered his midnight head and pressed it softly to my chest.