Shadow of the Day (Wolf Moon Sequel)

Chapter 40: Don't Be Mad

Lila POV

"Wait-- he told her I got kidnapped?"

 It was early morning, and I'd snuck out to sit on the porch to get an update from Matt without being overheard. It was kind of cold and dark, so I flipped my hood up against the wind.

"Yes, but I told her it wasn't true. She said that Dom told her Caleb saved your life when you were grabbed, that's why the 'murderer' went after him; to get revenge," he said quickly. "I know I shouldn't have lied to her about the kidnapping thing, I'm sure it'll come back to bite us later, but I wasn't sure it was a good idea to confirm it, especially since its not my business."

I rubbed my temples, taking a breath. "No. You were right to lie. If she knew it would be harder for her to let go without all the details and it would have probably ended badly for her to hear it from you."

"She didn't give you a hard time when she got home, did she? She seemed better when I dropped her off, but..."

"Actually, she apologized to me for pushing so hard and giving me attitude," I said with a quiet laugh. "I don't know what magic you did or what you said to her, but thanks Matt. It's a total 180 from before and whatever it was you did worked wonders."

"You're welcome," I could hear his smile. "I didn't do much honestly."

"You got her to talk to me again, that's a big deal," I insisted. "Really. I don't know what I'd do without your help."

"I'm sure Wyatt would have been happy to lend a hand."

"Matt!" I groaned. "Come on. Let it go."

"No way, I'm going to tease you as long as I can about this," he laughed. "Just like if it were any random guy you had a thing for."

"Great," I said sarcastically. "But seriously Matt," I continued, "Joking aside, I'm really grateful."

"I know. And I'm grateful you're letting me help," he replied.

I settled more comfortably against the porch rail. "So how was it last night? Did you confess your undying love for Ivy yet?"

"Lila!"

"Hey, if you get to tease me, I'm going to return the favor," I replied, smirking. "Now come on, give me all the details."

"There are no details!" he said hastily. "I wasn't going to make a move on her with everything going on, she doesn't need anything else on her plate."

"I think she'd be pretty happy to accommodate you."

"I just...don't want to overwhelm her," he said softly.

I pursed my lips. "Are you sure that's the only reason?"

There was a long pause and I almost thought we'd gotten disconnected, but then he finally answered. "I'm kind of scared."

"Of what?"

"Just. Look, let's say I do ask her out now and she says yes. Great! But what's going to happen when she finally knows everything? She may not feel the same, and I don't...I don't want to lie to her. Or have her look at me like I'm some kind of monster," he let out a sigh. "I just don't want to get my hopes up. Or hers."

My gut clenched. Not just at his words, but remembering that he had a soul mate on the way sometime too. Maybe he had a point.

"That makes a lot of sense," I said slowly. "Maybe just give it some time. See how it plays out when she knows everything."

"Yeah, I guess," he sighed. "I hear my parents getting up so I should probably go."

"Alright. Thanks again, Matt," I said sincerely.