New In The Territories (Book 1) COMPLETED

Chapter 55 Sam

The cryptic message left by Jack on my answering machine had me on edge all day. It didn't help matters that all my calls and texts to Mady, Nate, Dmitri, and Mason have gone unanswered or returned. For the past couple of days they all seemed to be quiet and distant. Mady said things were going to be fine with Dmitri, even though when we had talked things were tense, words guarded almost empty. 

Leaving one last threatening message on Mady's phone, I finally got a text back saying they would see me at Jack's tonight. Relieved I heard from Mady, finally, though it didn't help with the knots that built up in my stomach over the hours. I couldn't put my finger on it but whatever was going to happen tonight was going to be big. As in life changing big.

Pulling up to Jack's it reminded me of the barbeque but with even more cars. Vehicles all on the lawn, soft chatter of people in the back but this time it had a whole other feeling. No laughter or kids playing, just a nervous and intense vibe.

Every step I made the volume that came from the back yard lowered. I wanted to throw up. I wanted to run in the opposite direction. I did not want to be here. Whatever this was about it was not good.

Rounding the corner every pair of eyes turned my way. I wrapped my arms around my midsection, as if it helped to hold myself together. The first pair of eyes I met and held were the beautiful ocean blue eyes of Dmitri. Staring back, giving nothing but blankness and unease. Uncomfortable, I looked for a friendlier pair of eyes of my friend Mady only to find Mason next. He too held the same expressionless eyes and face as Dmitri.

Before I had a chance to look away, a gentle hand pressed lightly on my lower back. Letting out an embarrassing screech, the self-defence classes Dmitri had taught me flooded back.

Elbow flying up to connect with whoever was behind me in the throat, was quickly stopped with a firm hand followed by Jack's boisterous voice.

"Whoa, it's just me Sam," Jack said, with a calm reassuring voice.

"You scared the shit out of me," I gasped, clutching my chest, feeling the strong frantic beat of my heart.

"Hey," Dmitri's voice, now inches away.

Startled from his closeness I jumped back only to trip over my feet and to be caught by Mason. He grabbed hold of my arm preventing me from embarrassing myself further. Pulling out of his grasp immediately, dumb founded. "What...where...?" I stammered. Seconds ago, they stood over 25 feet away and now they were just feet away and that was only because I continued to back away.

Looking at the hurt in Mason and Dmitri's eyes, I felt ashamed on how I reacted. "Sorry. You both just startled me and how the hell did you move that fast?" I asked, completely confused. Still shaken up and not too pleased on how I was getting the cold shoulder over the past couple of days I took another step back. No matter how much I cared for these people and didn't like to see the disappointment on their faces, right now I needed space.

Mason took a slow step forward. "I need you to believe me when I say everything will be OK. You trust me so remember that," his words were soft but held doubt.

Taking another step back, so I would have room if I needed to get away. His words just added to my unease.

Jack captured my attention. "Come Sam," he gave me his arm in a gentlemen fashion, "It's time to talk."

"I'm good here, thank you," This scene reminded me of something that would happen in a horror flick. One of those vampire movies where all those innocent people were invited to a bar just to be slaughter.

Jack seemed to understand my reluctance. "Everyone back up and give Sam some room."

That helped a bit as Mason and Dmitri backed away. Still not comfortable to move closer, I held my ground and didn't move. I felt a little silly standing by the corner of the house but my feet would not move an inch.