??A Howl In The Night??
?(She’s Mine)?
?Chapter 15?
?The Trophy Men?
“Get up!” I throw my pillow at the mop of blue hair that never ceases to irk me. If I could, I would hit his face, but he has that and the rest of his body buried under a mountain of covers.
A groan emerges from the lifeless bundle, then silence.
“Don’t make me have to say it twice,” I narrow my eyes, crossing over to his side. I stare at the glittering blue that always manages to distract me, blinking annoyingly when it almost blinds me with its light.
He turns slightly, and I can now see his forehead and abnormally long eyelashes. Jealousy sears through me as I gaze at the portion of his face revealed. Isn’t the girl supposed to be the pretty one?
On a whim, I reach towards him and punch the bundle as hard as I can. There are wretched m0ans as the man emerges like a butterfly from a cocoon, holding his arm in indignation.
“You could have just used a pillow,” he scoffs, though still spellbound under sleep. He leans his back against the headboard, watching me. I feel almost uncomfortable under his endless, measuring stare.
“Time to get up,” I state, shooting him a frightful glare when he makes no move.
“And why, exactly, is it time to get up?” he probes. I suddenly feel doubtful.
“Are we not going to school today?” I ask shakily.
He laughs heartily, sparking elation in even my heart. “No, Mona,” he corrects dreamily, “today is Saturday.”
I melt into a puddle on the hardwood floor.
“Are you serious?” I squeak, backing away from his form. He reaches out quickly to grab my arm, stopping me in my tracks.
“I’ll forgive you,” he says, his words slurred, “for a kss.” His strong hand forces me closer, elevating my heart rate until it’s about to burst.
“Xavier!” I exclaim. He still seems to be half-asleep, yet smiling all the while.
Fright mounts as he gives a final yank, my lips inches from his. I have to stop him, but how?
With no other alternative, I punch him in the chest as hard as I can, his grip temporarily loosening. Using that opening, I tug away, running into the hallway as fast as I can.
Touching my heart, I wish for it to slow down… so I can breathe.
It is all a mystery. Why is Xavier making my chest pound so hard? Even a glimpse or a simple touch is spiking my heart. But it isn’t love, I’m sure.
It can’t be.
I try to block these suspicious thoughts from my mind, taking off down the narrow hallway like a bullet. It seems to continue on endlessly, door after door appearing until my burst of speed sputters and dies. Now I am hot and sweaty for a different reason.
It must be that “fake” love that sparks between two mates. The savage desire coursing through my blood is rampant, affecting my thinking. I can’t give in to it, for then I will find myself under Xavier’s intoxicating spell. It is the first time in my life that I am actually afraid of… loving someone.
Well, these past few days have introduced many firsts, so I suppose I should get used to it.
I finally wind up in a dark room. I straggle along the walls, hoping to find a switch of some kind. After a little searching, I finally bump into a strange, inanimate object.
Light blinds me as it floods through the room, the lamp shining like the sun.
I take in the granite countertops, the stainless steel appliances, the gigantic refrigerator, and luxurious oven with awe. It is so big, almost as huge as their movie room, and spacious. I rush to a small door with anticipation, and fling it open to reveal a stockroom of every ingredient I could ever need or want. It is big also, with a cooled section dedicated especially to meat. I knew their kitchen would be magnificent, but this exceeds all expectations.
Wandering over to an open cookbook, I gaze onto the lists of delectable food choices. My stomach grumbles annoyingly, and I at once decide to indulge in this fantasy world and make breakfast.
***
“Hey Mona,” Wes pops his head through the doorway, his golden hair shining in the light, “what are you doing?”
I pause at the refrigerator, turning my head at the sound of his voice. I smile a little, grabbing a few eggs and shutting the door afterwards. Wes weaves his way towards me, his movements fluid and smooth.
“Breakfast?” he asks in wonder, “you are actually making breakfast for us?”
“So what if I am?” I bend my head in embarrassment, knocking one egg against the bowl to crack it.
Wes ignores this remark, smiling at me brightly. He reminds me of Xavier in his puppy-like behavior, yet I have a feeling that Wes would treat anyone this way, while Xavier doesn’t care about other girls. Is this difference caused by the mating?
“I’m making-” I start after guilty feelings enter at my cruelty, but he interrupts me eagerly.
“Don’t tell me! I love both surprises and homemade breakfast,” he smiles, his teeth glistening, “Xavier will especially love anything you make. By the way, when I passed his room all the way here, he was laughing hysterically. So I was wondering…”
Yolk explodes onto the bowl, shell dribbling in shards down the side.
“Mona?” Wes stares at my clenched fist in confusion.
My hand trembles as I turn away to the sink to wash off the slime now adorning my palm. The water burns as it slips down my fingers, some splashing upon my face. But no matter how hard I try, I cannot wash away the blush from my cheeks.
I turn back to Wes, smiling awkwardly. “I’m okay. It was an accident,” I attempt to reassure him.
“Are you su-”
“Yes. I’m,” I take the beater and punch the glob in the bowl, “Perfectly. Fine.”
“No you aren’t.” His voice is firm and resolute.
Bitter words stay captive behind my lips, beating against its confinements. We both look at the crumbled shell mixed in with the yolk in silence, I desperately trying to hide the redness in my features.
“I’ll just… come back later then,” Wes bows slightly, and then exits the room, his footsteps pounding through the hallway.
I pick up the clear bowl, trumping over to the sink, and pour it down the drain, watching the egg disappear once and for all. Irritation grows within me, boiling inside my chest. Calming is impossible. He tricked me.
Xavier…
What am I going to do with you?
***
Click 10 below to continue reading
