The White Wolf (2020)

Chapter Eleven

SYDNEY

With seemingly all the lights turned on for the first floor, Sydney could definitely appreciate the beauty of Jaycen and his family's home. The sleek modern architecture, neutral color palettes with the occasional pop of color or pattern on a wall or piece of furniture. She was taken aback by the lack of rich and wealthy iconography, which Sydney had thought she would find in the home of the infamous Jaycen.

It plucked a pleased cord in her to see the family didn't appear to be outright materialistic or throwing their money around.

Once they had finished the walk down the street and entered back into the Ward residence, Sydney saw Jaycen head to the dining room and speak to what appeared to be his father. Mat had corralled her further into the home, before excusing himself to talk to someone, but swore he'd stay in view of her. Sydney was very reluctant to let go of his arm, but with her back up against the wall she felt somewhat protected. Eyes finding their way back to Jaycen and his father, she was trying to pick up on what they were discussing, similarly to what had happened when she tried fleeing the house earlier.

"-don't know what to do! I have no idea how they knew about her. I only scented her two days ago after the whole lacrosse ordeal. We've gone to the same highschool for years, how am I just-"

A head of brilliant wavy dark brown hair pulled Sydney's attention back square in front of her as she looked down to a pretty girl who was a few inches shorter than herself.

"Hey! I'm Jacinda, but you can call me Jaci, like Jacy but with an 'i'. I'm Jay's younger sister." She flashed her bright teeth at Sydney and held out her hand.

Awkwardly Sydney shook it. "Sydney." She introduced quietly, "Nice to meet you."

Sydney's eyes floated over Jaci's head back to Jaycen.

His sister gasped, not seeming to notice Sydney's wavering attention, "You're hands!" She was right, nails torn and chipped, and dried rusty red blood was buried under the few remaining ones, "Here let me help you wash them," Jaci began to pull on her wrists, and Sydney felt her body lock up.

"Now now that's more like it Sydney now-"

Jaci looked at her and Sydney tried to force herself to calm down. Too many people had been physical with her for her to let her guard down.

"I'll take it from here Jaci." Jaycen's warm voice interrupted their movement, and he touched Jaci on the elbow, indicating for her to release Sydney.

"Oh, yeah...I just wanted to introduce myself to my big bros mate. I'm really sorry about everything that has happened tonight, Sydney. We can talk and get to know each other later, tell you all the dirt I have on you big bro."

"Watch it Jacinda." Jaycen warned light heartedly.

"I appreciate that, Jaci."

With that, Jaci turned and left to the rest of the massive group while Jaycen and Sydney stood there for a good awkward minute. Sydney had her arms wrapped around her, each hand cupping her opposite elbow.

Jacyen held out his hand and asked, "May I?"

☽✣☾

JAY

While his dad attempted to piece together the events that Jay had just told him, a chill ran up his neck and worry pierced the back of his mind.

He turned to see Sydney and his sister, and he immediately knew what he was feeling was her fear. He felt he had become all too accustomed to that feeling tonight. While they weren't mated, his wolf was distinctly attuned to her pheromones.