Gangsta Mate (A werewolf/gangster romance)

Lennox

LENNOX

I floated in and out of darkness, sometimes feeling weightless and sometimes feeling the familiar soft silk underneath. When consciousness gained, I didn’t dare open my eyes. I could too well feel the hardness and the heat of the large body that spooned me from behind. The heavy arm around my waist felt like a deadweight. I dreaded opening eyes, to accept consciousness, to face him.

“I know you’re awake.” He whispered right into my ear. I shivered in both desire and revulsion. And I hated him for the former. I hated him whole. But it’s hard when it’s the same person you once believed you had loved. He’d been a fervent dream then, now he’s a feared nightmare.

He pulled me closer into his body, as if anymore was possible. He crushed me against his chest that felt like it was made up of bricks. His arm pushed into my chest, burning me like a hot brand on my bare skin. I didn’t get a chance to contemplate where my top went as his arm made it impossible for me to breathe. Would I risk being awake to be able to breathe?

Being a coward, yes, of course. To live, I would.

“Jude.” I said in a breathless sort of way. But then, I was, breathless.

“How you feelin’ this morning, angel?” Jude asked as he eased his grip around me. I immediately sucked in a deep breath as my heart seemed to pound in my ears. I gripped the sheets in my fists to resist the urge to run, memories of the last time I did and failed playing in my head. He’d only catch with me, without wasting any breath, would only laugh at my foolishness. And then he would punish. I could feel the throbbing of the wounds on my shoulders and my upper arms. Though they were now tended to and bandaged, that doesn’t mean they can’t be reopened again.

I felt the silk sheets beneath me rustle as Jude’s heat left me. I could hear his joints popping and almost imagine his muscles flexing as he stretched behind me. I remained in that curled position, with my back to him. I started shivering. From the cold, from fear. Why can't I be stronger? Why can't I be brave?

“Open your eyes, angel. It’s a beautiful morning, see for yourself.” He said cheerily.

When I didn’t respond, I felt Jude’s strong arms wrap around my shoulder and pull me roughly against him, my back against his chest. “Open your eyes, angel.” He whispered again in my ear, this time he sounded less patient.

I cracked my eyes open with great difficulty. It was when air hit my dry eyes did I realize that I’d been crying in my sleep. “Jude?” I murmured, my voice cracking, my throat rough.

“Lennox.” He said, sweetly against my ear.

“I’m thirsty.” Anything to get him away.

“But you didn’t tell me what you think of the morning.” I could almost imagine the chagrin Jude would be sporting right now.

“The morning is beautiful. Sunny and clear. And warm.” I quickly added. In reality, I was sweating and the sun’s heat was doing no good for me. But Jude liked mornings unlike the others of his kind, who prayed to the moon’s light for their powers. There was huge window across his side of the bed, the silk curtains drawn back fully. The room was bathed in the sunlight. That’s how Jude liked to wake up, the sun’s heat streaming onto him, lighting him in a golden glow. I was fascinated by it first, now I was just disgusted by his godly complex. He just wanted to be different, the only one.

“Yeah, it is.” He said, sounding satisfied.

“I’m thirsty, Jude.”

“Oh, yes, I’ll get you some water.” The bed shifted as Jude stood up. Without him supporting my weight, my stiffened body hit the bed again. I flinched at the pressure on the wounds on the back of my shoulders. Mentally cursing, I tried to sit back.

When, Jude returned with water, Nick was with him. Despite the heat, I had curled myself in one of the light blue silk sheets, which I was glad for since I hated Nick go pervy-eyes on me. But my covered body didn’t stop his condescending smile, though this time it didn’t quite reach his eyes.

“I understand he believes this place isn’t that secure.” Jude kept talking to Nick as his hand holding the glass stretched towards me. The only good thing about Nick was that Jude found him worth his time. Right now, Nick had his undivided attention. Taking the glass, I at last let myself look around the room. The room was exactly same like the last time. Sky blue walls with hand-painted letters of a tribal language written in white paint surrounded the corners of wall. Wooden shelves holding old, dusty leather bound books, photo frames and wooden figurines of beasts lined the three of the walls. Nothing was touched on those shelves, even the photo frames I had turned to face down still remained like that.

“But he thinks his warehouse hide-out is secure, Michael must certainly be going nuts.” Jude said nonchalantly. I stiffened at the mention of Michael's name but quickly masked my curiosity with indifference. But I did notice Nick give me weird look at my action. So he noticed. Not that his opinion mattered, anyway. That sicko.

 Turning his gaze from me, he told Jude, "He has his reasons. He wants us to meet there and stay there until the full details of our agreement are discussed." 

"Whatever, I don't mind it either way. So I believe this is an order to pack your stuff." Jude said, a twinkle in his eyes.

When Nick left, Jude looked at me, he could barely constrain a grin, "We're gonna be having a few sleepovers at Michael's. Are you excited, Lennox?"

 I only nodded. He had no idea what effect it had on me.