Her Mate

Chapter fourteen

I managed to clean myself up fairly well but now what was supposed to be an hour with Joann was thirty minutes and that was pushing my car to its limit and hoping no cops were out. Thinking about him really scared me as there was no telling what he was capable of. He had looked like something out of a horror movie. Did they all look like that? Did Nancy?

Nancy looked like a giant...well wolf, but Jake was something else. He still had looked somewhat human and stood on two legs, not four. Maybe I should spend more time researching this stuff. Especially considering I'll be spending a great deal of time around them. How did I get into this?

"I know I look like shit but can't you try to hide being grossed out?" My sister said in weak harsh voice that didn't sound at all like her.

"Sorry, it's not you. I just have a lot on my mind at the moment is all. Say... I wanted to ask you..."

"It was just a wild animal. I- I don't remember much of it. God, I really wish people would stop asking me. I just want to forget about it." She said bitterly turning her head away from me.

I shouldn't push her but knowing it wasn't a wild animal, I didn't think I had much choice. Whoever did this was still out there and next time it could be worse.

"Are you certain that's all it was and not..." Shit! How do I say this? "...something else. Joann, you can tell me. I'll believe you." I pleaded to her. I scooted the chair closer so I could hold her hand.

She turned her head back towards me. A lump formed in my throat at her watery eyes. How I hated seeing her like this. When I find out who did this...

"It was just a wolf, Crystal." Her voice was soft and broken. I knew she wanted to say but was holding back out of fear. I didn't blame her.

"A werewolf? I know. But I need you to describe it, Joann, so we can find who it was and make sure they don't do this again. Was it male or female? Fur color? Was it someone we know?" I hoped not. Despite everything I still didn't want to think Jake would be capable of this. Yet the way he acted earlier told me he could.

"Th-that's crazy, Crystal." I could tell it wasn't so crazy breaking what few restraints there were from just saying it.

"Was it Jake?" I blurted out hoping against odds it would be enough to get her to talk to me about this. A part of me knew she would need time yet, I just couldn't. I hated thinking how she was always there for me and now when she needed me I was sitting here doing nothing.

What chance of her opening up to me was gone as her walls came up and the scared face was replaced by one of anger and defiance.

"God damn it, Luke, I said I didn't want to talk about it! Now will you just fucking drop it?!" She practically yelled at me.

I pulled away leaning back in the chair with a deep breath. Now I've pissed her off which wasn't what I wanted to do. Give her time, Crystal. She's been through a lot my head spoke up. She had.

"Look...I'm sorry, alright? I'm just trying to help is all. I got to get to work but I'll stop by again tomorrow if you want me to."

A small smile broke through her scowl. "Of course I do. Don't be silly." Her eyes enlarged with excitement "You got a new job? When? Where at?"

"Someone I recently met owns a bar here in town. I begged her for the job and it seemed to of worked. I start my first shift at six."

"You're driving back and forth?"

"Yeah, It'll be fine. I really needed it and Nancy, my boss, said I'll even get tips. I'm really excited about it."

"Well then you better get going. And make sure you sneak back here with an amazing margarita for me. Don't skimp on the good stuff either. I need it strong." She gave me a sly smile and a wink making me laugh.