Of Wolves and Oranges

Chapter 14: Elizabeth

True to Fords prediction, Max walks in five minutes later. He pushes through the back door without knocking and strides into the kitchen in a wet army-surplus raincoat covering a form-fitting black t-shirt. He looks around and sniffs, then grins widely with a shit-eating smile.

I scoot onto a bar stool behind the island and blush. "Ford, I mean, Jaco, is coming now."

Max chuckles and sits down opposite me, dropping my bag on the counter between us "Ma sent your bag."

Ford appears at my shoulder. His hair is wet and pulled back in a top knot.  He fist-bumps his brother then turns to me, "We usually stay over after these parties to save us from driving drunk. I'm bringing some blankets and pillows. But maybe bring some toiletries and a change of clothes for tomorrow."

I quickly run upstairs with my bag and change into a midthigh tight denim skirt but keep on the blouse because its the only one I can get on without hurting my shoulder. I do leave my panties off because I'm interested to see if he'll check. I throw in an extra change of warm pants and a hoodie along with my make up and a tooth brush before running down the stairs to join the brothers.

They both look up as I descend the stairs, Ford's eyes moving to the skirt and he grins, but Max asks, "Where is your sling?"

I cradle my arm to my body, "I think it will draw too much attention. And I really don't want to talk about what happened today with a bunch of strangers."

"And if it starts to get painful?"

I grin, "Alcohol! And if anyone does notice, the story is that I had a fender bender."

"Mmm, hmm." I can see the brothers are not happy with my story or lack of sling but I grab my handbag with my good hand and walk out before they have a chance to change my mind.

We head off in the blue Ford, down the slippery, muddy, road as the last rays of the sun dip below the horizon. I am sitting between the brothers on the front seat as Ford drives. He drapes his one arm over my shoulder whilst steering with his other. Max and Ford are discussing who is going to be there tonight. People I have never met and who Ford has not seen in two years.

Max turned to Ford, "Youd better watch out for The Bitch."

Ford growls, "What do you mean, is she still sore I dumped her cheating ass?"

Max grunts, "You know your ex never really got over you. She's saying you were taking a break and youre getting together now youre back."

"Thats bullshit. And I bet she hasnt been sitting at home pining for me."

Max grunts again and I feel Ford tense. I put my hand on his leg and he lets out a breath.

"So how is our little brother? I missed him when I arrived home."

"Ric? Wild as ever. Started MMA on the side, and now hes fokkin' ripped."

Ford groans, "Great, hes going to rib me for all the weight I've put on. What am I saying? He would rib me for anything." He turns to me and groans, "Oh shit, he is not going to like you."

I turn to look at him. "What do you mean?"

Max grunts and shares a look with Ford over my head, who continues.

"Firstly, he doesnt like the English speakers. Never mind that he can speak eight languages, fluently. He refuses to speak anything but Afrikaans to the locals. Secondly, he doesn't like non-shifters. Thinks they are soft and pathetic and just a bunch of groupies. And finally, he doesn't like women. Don't get me wrong, hes a complete man-whore but women are just a means to an end."

My heart sinks. "Maybe we shouldnt hang out together tonight. Like, it is practically a welcome home party for you, and I'm supposed to be meeting up with my doctor friends. I, um, I don't want to hold you back, or anything."
My heart contracts and sits heavy in my chest, Ford feels like my anchor and I don't know how I'll cope with an evening without him.

Fords arm pulls me tight against his chest. "Don't let Ric scare you, he's just a bit crazy. And really protective of our family. And there is no way I'm going to pretend there is nothing between us. But maybe we'll go slowly tonight, for Ric's sake."

Max laughs, "I'll keep an eye on you tonight, Burnes. Bring you drinks and shit."