Shadow of the Day (Wolf Moon Sequel)

Chapter 23: The Nightmare

Ivy POV

"You know Matt, you don't have to walk me home," I told him, halfway to home already. "I'm perfectly fine to walk alone."

"Yes I do. It's dangerous; you never know what's out here," his eyes scanned the dark street, face grim.

"Oh come on, it's freezing. Who in their right mind would be outside at this hour?" I rolled my eyes, "Besides I can take care of myself."

"Can you really?" he asked doubtfully.

"Of course I can." I insisted.

"I don't believe you. Besides, I'm not taking that chance. Lila would have my head if anything happened to you," he looped his arm through mine, "So you're stuck with me while she's off with Wyatt."

I looked at him sharply. "Why don't you like him? He's a pretty nice guy."

Matt stayed quiet for a moment. "I don't...he's not my favourite person in the world but I don't hate him. I just don't like him either. I don't really feel anything about the guy."

"You seemed a little tense when they were leaving. Jared looked mad too," I pointed out, "So what's up with that?"

"There are issues between our groups. Jared doesn't trust Wyatt around your sister. He doesn't think he's a good guy," he said slowly.

"Why not? What did he do?" I prodded. "And can you stop dodging the question?"

Matt let out an exasperated sigh. "Look, we had our issues. A lot has happened over the past few months; we don't have much reason to hate them but we are not going to be their best friends either."

"But what did Wyatt do to make Jared not trust him?"

"Ivy I can't tell you. I wish I could, because damn it it'd be nice to talk to someone who isn't involved, but I can't. I don't have a choice." He shot me a pleading look, "Please stop asking me."

"Sorry," I mumbled.

The rest of the walk was silent and awkward, and I was kicking myself for asking him questions about things I knew he couldn't tell me.

But it certainly wasn't silent when I got home.

"What the hell are you doing here?" I hissed, letting go of Matt's arm. Joe was sitting on my porch steps, clearly waiting.

"I think we need to talk about-" he started.

"I don't want to talk to you. Ever. Get off my property right now," I pointed a finger down the street, "Leave. You have absolutely no right to be here so get out."

He stood up, brushing his hands on his pants. He looked at me, and in the dim lighting I could see him sweating, see the crazy and desperate look in his eyes. "Ivy please, I need you."

"Well, I needed you years ago when mom died. But you weren't there. Now go," I spat at him.

"Excuse me sir, but you better leave right now," Matt said, standing next to me. He fixed his green eyes on Joe, "She's telling you to leave and you better listen to her."

Joe looked from me to Matt and back again before he nodded slowly, swallowing hard. His hands came up, rubbing together as he walked past us.

"Well Lila has my number if you ever-"

"Don't say anything. Just leave," I cut him off, not interested in what he had to say at all.

He cringed and walked off down the street, shoulders hunched, hands still rubbing together. I stared after him, a sick feeling in my stomach.