Chapter 24 #3
“The thing is, you know, we have to shift twice during the moon cycle. During the full moon, we don’t use a lot of energy to shift.
The moon is full and has a lot of energy; however, during the first sliver, we use more energy to shift.
When you're older, such as Ravik, it tends to make them much weaker following that shift. We want to attack him when he’s at his weakest. Also, the pack has usually gone home to do their own resting,” he said.
“Oh, I see… sort of,” I said.
“Don’t worry, I’ll keep you safe,” he said.
“How does he fit in?” I asked.
“He wants to help take Ravik down. He also has been keeping tabs on what he has been doing differently since we left,” he said.
“What is my part in this?” I asked.
“Hopefully, nothing. Once all threats have been eliminated, then you can do whatever you want,” he said.
I wasn’t sure what to think. I could be holding Aspen in my arms in two weeks. It felt like a dream until this moment. It hadn’t even fully settled in.
“I got us stuff for Blue Lagoons tonight, if you want?” he asked.
“Sure. I’m feeling a little better. I think that tea helped, I was thinking a hot shower would also do wonders,” I said.
“Then take a shower, silly girl,” he said.
I got up and took a shower. The hot water hitting my back, hitting my stomach, felt so amazing.
Showers always felt amazing, but when I was on my period, it was that much better.
He did most of the caring for Lucy. The way he cared for me made it harder to want to go back to my life.
I felt selfish for that, followed by guilt.
As the sun set, we headed outside to watch it go beyond the trees.
He started the fire to keep me warm while he started steaks on the grill.
He claimed that his Titi told him that steak was the best meal for a menstruating woman.
He also had a foil pack filled with potatoes and fresh green beans that were cooking on the grill. It didn't take long before he put it all on the tray and walked back inside. I was about to get up when he came back out with a plate and a drink in his hand.
“Sit, here’s your food,” he said.
I reached out, taking the plate and drink into my hands. It smelled absolutely mouth-watering. The steak looked perfect, with crisscross grill marks. The potatoes and green beans had brown cooking spots. There was also bacon in there that I didn’t know he included. My mouth watered.
“I appreciate you more than you know,” I told him.
I headed to my seat, and he walked back inside.
Within minutes, he sat next to me with his own plate.
I cut into the steak, and it was the perfect pink inside, not too raw, but not overcooked.
I forked a piece in my mouth, slowly chewing it, savoring every flavor.
Bits of Cajun seasoning, garlic, and onion hit my tongue.
We both finished our plates and were on our second drinks. The tipsy had settled in, and the period cramps had left. Everything felt warm within.
“I know some of your friends from back home, but who do you miss the most?” he asked.
“Josie has always been my rock. Maggie is my cousin, but we were like sisters growing up. Brenden is different. He has also been there for me.”
“I’ve met the first two, but I don’t think I’ve met him,” he said.
“You probably don’t remember him. He practically lived at our house. He was a couple inches shorter than you, white guy, dark brown hair, eyebrow ring, and ear piercings,” I said.
“Ahhh… yeah, I remember him vaguely… Emo guy,” he said.
I laughed out loud. “Yeah…”
“Any other friends?”
“Not really… more like acquaintances,” I said. “What about you?”
“Honestly, other than who I have here, it’s just within my pack,” he said.
“What’s the story with Julie?” I asked.
“How long has that question been bothering you?” he asked.
“Since that night… she was tryin’ to make you remember somethin’ ya’ll did naked in New Orleans,” I said. I brought the cup to my lips and took another swallow.
“Oof, you heard that, huh?” he said.
“Yeah… while her brother was tryin’ to… whatever he was doing,” I said.
“Kai rarely gets told no. Most girls are throwing themselves at him,” he said.
“Back to the question… what is she to you?”
“An ex-girlfriend…” he muttered.
“I mean, I kind of picked up on that. What happened?”
“She’s self-absorbed. She lived here. I lived there. Honestly, we got together out of convenience… or I did. I never really felt anything there,” he said.
“Nothing?”
“Sure, she’s pretty, and I care about her, but it didn’t consume me,” he said.
“Is it supposed to… consume you?” I asked.
“For werewolves, yes. When we meet our person, everything shifts. It feels like they are the gravity keeping us centered to the ground. When two werewolves meet, they bind with each other if they are the one. Ya know, like love at first sight,” he said.
“And what about a werewolf and a human?” I asked.
“Well, only the werewolf will feel it, but it still happens.”
“What if it’s only one-sided?”
He shrugged. “Usually, fate isn’t that cruel, but if it does, then we just have to accept that. Nobody should be forced to be with someone they don’t want, not that it doesn't happen,” he said.
“How do you know what it feels like?” I asked.
“Just what my dad told me,” he said.
“Why did you get put as my guard?” I asked another question that bothered me.
“I don’t know what cruel game Ravik was playing. I can only assume that he knew that I liked you. Honestly, I hated being an ass to you, but I’m glad it wasn’t someone else. I think they would have actually crossed lines,” he said.
“Because you didn’t?” I asked.
“I did… and I’ll spend the rest of my life trying to make that up to you. Spoiling you in every way that I can,” he said.
“Hmm… if I let you,” I said.
“Fair… everything is your choice now. What are your favorite two holidays?” he asked.
“Probably Valentine’s Day and the Fourth of July. What’s yours?” I said.
“Hmm, I’d have to say Valentine’s Day and July 7th,” he said.
“That’s my birthday! Why do you like it?” I asked.
“Because it’s your birthday,” he said, flashing me a big smile.