Trapped: the Truth (Book 2)

Chapter 1

It has been six months since my 18-year-old brother, Luke Bolton, told me he was born a werewolf. He managed to keep it a secret from me for almost eighteen years. And the worse thing is that he bit my best friend after losing his temper due to the loss of our parents. As a result, Nate Freiser is a werewolf now and he killed five people because he did nit know how to control himself. Luke had years of training while Nate had no one.

I still cannot look at my brother for keeping such a huge secret from me and cursing my best friend. Every now and then he tries to initiate conversation with me but I always shut him down. He even tried to get my boyfriend, Chris Hunt, to talk me into forgiving him.

Chris and I have been dating for about nine months now and I trust him. I know he is a werewolf but it did not take him too long to tell me who he really was and I appreciate that.

My sister, Claire, is receiving therapy after she saw her boyfriend being attacked by Nate in his wolf form. She has no idea werewolves exits, let alone the fact that our brother is one of them.

Chris and Nate are hanging out together more. They have some kind of bromance going on.

Aunt Julie is still oblivious to the reason behind the fact that I am not on speaking terms with Luke. She used to ask me why we are not talking every day but she gave up after two weeks. I am not sure whether my brother told her anything but he definitely did not tell her the truth. I will not be the one to break the news. Luke has to own up to the truth one day. The truth will come out eventually, I am sure of it. I just hope he does not drag down Chris and Nate with him.

"Ready to go?" Chris asks, grabbing my bag from my shoulder.

"Yes."

Chris has been giving me a ride home from school every day since I do not talk to Luke anymore. Today was the last day of school. The snow is still melting from the mountains. The weather is getting warmer.

"Where are we going?" I ask once he starts driving.

"You'll see." That is all I will get from him. He is very good at surprises and keeping secrets. No wonder he has kept his secret for so long.

I still have not told Steph about Chris being a werewolf. I thought it would be best if she did not know but now I really want her to know. It is like I am carrying a ton of bricks on my shoulder and I just want to let it all go. But for the sake of Chris, I keep my mouth shut. Even Nate wants to tell her but he is afraid she will see him in a different light.

We arrive at my favorite sandy beach. "Here we are," Chris announces.

"The beach." I nod with a smirk.

"Nate and the rest will meet us down there," he says opening his car door.

He comes around the front and opens mine. I take his hand and he helps me out of the car.

"I don't have a swimsuit," I whine. Everyone is going to be able to swim while I will have to just watch.

"Don't worry," he says showing off his dimples with that panty-melting smile. "There's a shop. I will buy you one. Come on." He pulls me with him.

Thankfully, it is not windy today so it is perfect for a swim.

We stop at the shop. They have all kinds of beach-related objects - swimwear, balls, frisbees, air mattresses, towels, umbrellas. Chris makes me try on too many bikinis and swimsuits for my liking just so he could see me in them. I finally choose a white bikini with floral pattern. He pays for it, just like he promised, even though I argue with him and try to pay for it myself.

"Just thank me and that's it," he tells me handing me the bag with the bikini. "Now let's find a place where you can change and I hope I don't have to kill anyone who looks at you the wrong way."

I laugh at his remark. I change in the toilets and then we meet our friends who are already setting up the umbrellas.

"Hey Emma!" Steph calls out before we actually reach the group.

I hug Steph while Chris shakes Nate's hand in a brotherly manner.

"We haven't been hanging out much lately," Steph tells me. She is absolutely right. I have been spending the majority of my time with Chris and Nate. I feel guilty for it but it is probably better if she does not know the truth.

"I know and I'm sorry. I promise I will make it up to you," I vow.

Chris's phone rings and he moves aside to answer it.

"Good," Steph says with an approving smile. "Let's go for a swim."

I set my bag on Steph towel and pull my hair up in a ponytail.

"Em!" Chris calls out just as I am about to leave with Steph.

I excuse myself to Steph and walk towards Chris. He looks around to make sure there is no one in hearing range.

"My dad called," he tells me in a low voice. "He told me there are hunters in town and guess what they are hunting?"

"Wolves?" I ask knowing I am right before he approves.

He nods.