Ghost Wolf (Wattys2014)

Chapter Five

Chapter Five: Time Alone

After a night of lectures on safe sex—of all things—and asking permission before having the house cleaned, I woke to snow. 

Its brilliant white glow streamed through the window, abnormally lighting my room from the usual dullness of the morning light to that of what felt like midday brightness.

I got dressed into a thick leather jacket, jeans and a grey scarf. From under the bed I took a black pair of ugg boots. After pulling them on, I tied the laces and pulled their fluffy helms over my ankles. 

Smiling, I slowly took each step down the stairs on my still tender ankle. Thankfully it wasn’t so bad this morning and good thing too, because I wouldn’t be able to depend on Bruce’s care.  

Once outside I found my Father’s truck gone. My car had been moved to the middle of the driveway where steel chains hugged the Honda’s wheels—at least he had finally made himself useful.

After sliding into the driver’s seat, I started the engine. My nerves jumped at an abrupt tap on the window. Kaiden stood on the other side of the glass. He wore the same clothing as last night with an addition of a grey-shirt.

He awkwardly began rubbing the back of his neck while his cheeks grew flushed. “Uh hey, want me to drive? I thought I’d give your ankle a rest.”

“If you have a completed licence then sure, thanks,” I said and slid into the passenger seat. “I thought you’d be back in Tacoma by now.”

“I stayed the night at my parents’ place.” The Honda’s door closed with a crying bang. Kaiden winced. “Sorry … some-time’s I forget my strength…”

“Do they … know? Your parents I mean.”

“No, I couldn’t tell them. They’d tell the tribe and then the tribal people would tell others—I’d be either hunted or put under a scientist’s knife.” He smirked. 

While Kaiden reversed out, I noticed how exact he was with the wheel’s alignment. It must have been a wolf thing. I couldn’t have done better myself.

“So… I guess it’s a little late to ask now but… do you have a boyfriend?” He was rubbing the back of his neck again.

I knew he wasn’t just being thoughtful. “Had one, but no.”

“What happened?” He glanced at me for a moment.

“Mum sent me here and in the meantime he found someone—he was breaking up with me on the phone when I heard a giggle.”

“Sounds like a player and dick anyway,” he mumbled.

“He didn’t seem to be.”

“Well, I’m not going anywhere or seeing anyone.”

I flushed red. “Right … Have you ever had a girlfriend, Kaiden?”

Once again he began rubbing the back of he is neck. “Uh, no I haven’t, why?”

“You really know how to make things awkward.” I giggled.

“Right…I’ll keep that in mind, too.” He noted with a sigh. “I haven’t been able to date or see anyone human. I don’t want to involve anyone or put them in danger.”

“Then why are you involving me?”

 “I told you, you’re different.”

Snow flushed the Honda’s duco as Tacoma came into view before I expected it to. The roads were quiet as snowploughs cleared the roads and laid out salt. My head lay against Kaiden’s shoulder and breathed in his warm musky scent. My heart flickered as a smile etched a curve into my mouth. By Kaiden’s side, I felt relaxed and protected.  He found my hand and gave it a light squeeze. I wished the drive had been longer.