The last W.O.L.F.

Chapter 1

Grace's POV

-So, any plans for next week? - Brother's voice woke me up from my restless sleep.

We were still in his car, on our way to his friends' lake house, apparently because there is going to be some small party with friends and family. It was already dark outside, but the car lights let us see a few meters ahead.

-Mmhm... What are you talking about? - I said in sleepy growl. My head hurt from constant banging in the side window.

I sat straight up and tried to concentrate on the view outside the front window so I wouldn't fall back asleep.

-I mean, after we get back, do you have any plans? I have few friends coming back in town so, we are going to spend weekend on Remy's. I don't want you sitting home all alone, - he let out with a defensive cough.

-I see, the protective mode is on, - I murmured, -no worries, bro. I'm probably going to have few friends of my own for sleepover. You know, romantic movies, hot chocolate, ice cream and girl talk, - I said not even trying to hide sarcastic note in my voice.

-Ok, ok, just don't get yourself in any trouble, - he said, mirroring my narrowed eye grimace and turned back to face the road.

-By the way, we're almost there. Can you pass me the water bottle? It's in the bag on the top, - he said, pointing in bags direction.

-Yeah, sure, - I replied while zipping the bag open.

I took out the water bottle and something shiny beneath it caught my eye. Passing the bottle to brother, I took it out with the fabric it was rolled into.

-Hey, what's this? - I asked and my brother's eyes widened, seeing the object in my hands.

-Put that down! Now! - He suddenly yelled and, after I froze in shock, he grabbed it out of my hands, shoveling it down in the bag on my lap.

-You weren't supposed to see that. Or even worse, touch that, - he muttered angrily.

I zipped the bag shut and curled back in my seat nervously. What was that supposed to mean? What even was that thing? I couldn't make myself to ask him or even look at him. I turned to my right and gazed out of the window, keeping my arms crossed on my chest. This wasn't fair. In the same year our parents decided to go around the world tour, we promised each other that we will tell each other everything. No hiding, no more secrets. I guess it was working longer that any of us thought it would, but still. I always thought that I would be the one to break it.

-Look, for now, I can't tell you why, but this is really important that you forget what you saw, okay? -He sounded as miserable as I felt.

-No, I'm not okay, - I said, turning to him.

-What was that? - I didn't mean to sound so harsh, but this was just too much. Secrets? Really, bro?

He started chewing on his upper lip, grabbing the wheel so hard his knuckles went close to white. This really looked bad. What could possibly be so important about this shiny thing? I thought about its strange shape. It was something like a golden pyramid in size of a light bulb, decorated with little shiny diamond shaped dots. It was quite heavy, like there was some liquor inside.

-Gusto, why can't you talk to me? Did something happen I don't know about? - I felt angry. Why would he hide something from me?

-Gusto...-I tried to say something but he looked me in the eye and his stare said how furious he was.

-I could write a book about what you don't know about. Now, please, if my sanity means anything at all to you, drop this and never ever... Ever mention this again, - he stated, spiting every word like venom.

I flinched because it hurt that he talked to me like that. We almost never argued. Not seriously. And this seemed like something big.

-Come on. This is so not you! - I tried more to convince myself than actually state a fact to him.

-What do you know! - He yelled, not even bothering to look at me.

-Damn, Gusto, YOU PROMISED! - I cried out loud, while my eyes started to water.

-I didn't know then, okay!? I didn't know that THIS, - he pointed at his bag, - was going to happen. -

-What is this? - I asked with pleading eyes, turning my voice down.

-This... - he started, but his voice trailed down while his eyes focused somewhere ahead on the road.

He turned his gaze to me, sad look on his face. I tried to encourage him with supporting look, but he let out a desperate breath and rolled his eyes.

-It's something bigger than just us or my promise not to keep secrets from you. Please, just trust me. If I tell you this, there's no turning back and I don't want you to be near any of this. Please understand me! I'm trying to be the big brother here. I'm trying to protect you, - he sounded so lost and feeble.

-When did this happen? - I tried to soften my voice, but it came out hard anyway.

-I don't know. Month ago? Maybe two. I just want you to know, I didn't choose it or make it happen. It just... kind of found me, - he smiled as to himself.

There was nothing funny about this, but something close to laugh escaped my mouth. Gusto snapped out of his dreamy gaze and glared at me.

-I'm sorry, did I say something funny? - He was obviously pissed.

I just shook my head and pressed my lips in fine thin line, so nothing else could escape. I tried to think of something to change the subject, though my questions were left unanswered, when suddenly Gusto hit the brakes and we stopped in the right side of the road, in actually the middle of nowhere.

-So, are we there or what? - I sounded quite annoyed.

-We are there. Now, we leave this car behind and go by foot, - he gave me the kind of smile that lets you know, there's challenge ahead, he thinks you have no chance to complete.

I just let out exhausted breath and opened the car door as soon as the purring of motor was cut off. At least I will have a chance to really talk to him, without him avoiding my questions. Although it is a good thing, I'm not so sure I really do want to know the truth. However, this is going to be a long, very long, walk.