Cry Wolf

Chapter Thirteen - The Pull

The Pull

When the last bell finally rings I nearly dance in relief. Today was exhausting and I can't wait to leave. A part of me also can't wait to go home and be near Liam again. That part pisses me off, however, and I pointedly ignore it.

Still, I can't deny how truly horrible it feels to be separated from Liam. Even for just a day. The pain and emptiness is like torture and I can only hope that it will get better as time goes.

It will not.

I try not to think about that. For my own sanity. I have to be strong.

Jin and I walk together towards the parking lot. Oddly, in just one day I've grown used to his silence. I've even started to like it. There's no pointless conversation with Jin. No pestering questions. No words of judgement. He's simply there, watching over me, like some kind of guardian knight.

I shake my head in bemusement. I'm such a geek.

Maybe I should call you Nerd Girl.

I roll my eyes as my wolf gives a little cackle of laughter.

Roland is waiting for us, leaning back against his dirty jeep with arms crossed. There are several groups of students gathered in the parking lot, gawking and whispering, but Roland doesn't seem to notice or care.

As we reach him the big werewolf scoops me up into a bone crushing hug. "Tu m'as manqué."

"Roland," I gasp, slapping at his back. "Can't breathe."

He chuckles, setting me back on my feet. "How was school, ma chére?"

"It was fine."

He raises a brow, jerking his chin towards Jin. "Even with this S.O.B?"

Smiling wide, I pat Jin on the shoulder. "We had a great day. Right, Jin?" I tease.

Jin gives both of us a look that clearly says shut the hell up.

"Abby! Abigail!"

Roland looks over my head as a familiar voice shouts my name. His brows furrow and his body visibly stiffens.

Turning with raised brows I see Christopher half-jogging towards me and digging through his book bag. He nearly trips several times in his haste. Or because he isn't actually watching where he's going.

When he reaches us he comes to a halt, still burrowing through his bag. "Hey, I forgot to give you the outline for..." he trails off as he finally looks up and notices Roland. His eyes widen behind his glasses, which look precariously close to falling off his nose. He looks Roland up and down, taking in his tattoos and bulky build, a deep blush spreading across his cheeks. "Wow," he breathes. Then he glances around, clearly embarrassed.

Feeling his pain, I clear my throat and say, "Hey, Christopher, this is...uh...my roommate, Roland."

Christopher gives Roland a shaky smile. Holding out his hand he stammers, "Hi...um...I'm Christopher. Christopher Eagle."

Roland's eyes narrow even further, staring Christopher down until his hand starts to shake. "Roland Landry," he finally grates. His arms remain crossed, his face hard as stone.

"Oh..." Nodding, Christopher awkwardly drops his hand, casting me a please help me look.

I'm not sure what Roland's problem is but I give Christopher a wide smile. "What's up?"

"Right...um..." he goes back to digging in his bag, pulling out a crinkled piece of paper. "I forgot to give you the outline for our project."

"Thanks!" Taking the paper, I fold and tuck it into my own bag.