Dark Side of the Moon (14 page)

There were a few closed doors on the second floor.  I knew one of them was his room, another his parents’ room, and one was possibly a bathroom.  The other two were either other bedrooms or storage rooms.  London showed me to the first door on the left.

His room was kind of what I expected.  The bed was king sized, the TV across from it large, a few dirty or clean clothes on the floor and in the closet doorway, and a couple video games stacked in a neat pile in front of the entertainment center.  What shocked me were the items on the wall and on his dresser.

Wolf figurines were on the dresser, all in various colors and poses.  It was kind of a shock because it appeared that he was obsessed with wolf culture.  But what really shocked me were the drawings on the wall.  They were all of wolves, close ups of their faces or of one’s full body or a pack.

They were the same style as the drawing I had found in my locker.

I wanted to ask him about it, but he spoke before I could.  “So, what do you want to watch, Selina?” he asked as he made his way to his entertainment center.

I took a deep breath.  “How did you get that drawing into my locker, London?”

He thankfully didn’t try to fight me by dismissing my question or his actions a couple weeks ago.  “I heard you muttering the combination to yourself on your first day, and memorized it.”

“Why?”

He shrugged, looking through a stack of DVDs in the center’s cabinet.  “I didn’t know at first, but then it came in handy after you were bitten.”

“Why did you put the drawing in there?”

He turned to look at me.  “I needed a way to tell you what you were becoming without actually telling you.  If I would have done that, you would have thought I was crazy.  I needed you to come to me.”

Now the most important question.  “Did you draw it?”

He nodded.

“Why in the hell are you not taking art?” I blurted.

He gave me a little smirk.  “I didn’t see the point.  I’m taking weightlifting instead, trying to build up at school, too.”

I tried not to look him over.  “It’s clearly not working,” I said without thinking.  It was only somewhat of a lie.  London clearly wasn’t a body builder, but it was noticeable that he did work out some.

He thankfully took my comment in stride.  “Maybe not yet, but it will.  Now, what would you like to watch, Selina?”

“I don’t care.  Nothing too gory, though.”

“Alright.  Make yourself comfortable.”

While London looked through his movies, I removed my jacket and shoes.  I laid the jacket on the gaming chair that Dan also had, and eyed the bed.  I remember the first time I came over here, one of the guys said that London had been with Ricky, and when she came out of the house, she was only halfway dressed.

I was curious about that incident, and being his girlfriend and mate, I could ask about previous relationships, right?  Turning to London, I asked, “Where did you and Ricky—?”

“Not in here,” he interrupted.

“What?”

“She wasn’t ever in here.  I only let a few people in my room.”

For some reason, I believed him.  As I sat on the bed, I asked, “What’s with her?  Every time I see her, she keeps glaring at me as if I kicked her puppy or something.”

He took a deep breath, and put a disk into one of his gaming consoles.  “I won’t lie to you, Selina.  I have slept with her a couple times before you moved here.  But after your first day at school, I kind of didn’t want anything to do with her anymore.”

“But what about the first time I came over here?” I asked, giving him a confused look.

He sighed, turning on the TV.  “I was frustrated with our situation, even though you had absolutely no idea.  I couldn’t do anything with her though, and was actually glad Charles came to interrupt us because it gave me the perfect excuse to tell her to go away.  And she’s been pissed at me and jealous of you ever since.”

I nodded a little, glad that was cleared up.  “Were you dating her and just up and dumped her?”

“I wouldn’t say we were dating.  But Ricky knew who you were without me even having to say anything.  But I really don’t want to talk about her anymore, Selina,” he said, approaching the bed.

London slipped out of his shoes, and rested on the bed, rearranging the pillows in front of the headboard so he’d be comfortable.  I stayed at the end of the bed, unsure if I should move or not.

“Despite what I said on your first day at school, I won’t bite, Selina.  Not unless you want me to.”

“No, I don’t want you to bite me, London.”  I moved to sit beside him on the bed, rearranging the remaining pillows, too.  Though I was next to him, we weren’t touching.

When the movie title played, I couldn’t keep a smile from forming on my face.  I kind of expected for London to show me his favorite movie, which was of course an action movie about super heroes.  I had seen it once before when I took Dan to see it with his friends, but I didn’t say anything.  London clearly wanted to watch this with me, and it wasn’t a sappy romance or anything scary.

About halfway through the movie, I noticed London had gotten closer to me.  I had been so engrossed in the move that I didn’t feel or hear him move.  My heart fluttered as I tried to figure out if he wanted to do anything other than watch the movie.  There was no way I wanted to get carried away with him, and I had no idea what would happen when I told him so.

Taking a chance, I rested my head on his shoulder, snuggling a little closer to him.  I mean, he wasn’t a terrible person now that I knew him a little better.  My first impression of him had been completely wrong.  But I wasn’t completely comfortable around him just yet.  That would still take some more time.

When the credits rolled, London turned to look at me.  We were so close to each other, and I couldn’t help my eyes from darting to his lips.  I could kiss him, right?  I mean, he wanted me to be his girlfriend, and he kissed me last night.  He must have been of the same mind, for he leaned into me.

But right when he pressed his lips to mine, we heard someone yell, “London, I’m home!  I can’t find anything else to do in town.”

London growled, and pulled away from me.  “What the fuck do you mean by that?” he called back, anger on his face.

“Don’t you dare talk to your mother that way,” she responded.

“I probably need to get going anyways,” I hesitantly told London.

His anger slipped away.  “Yeah, I heard you tell your mom you’d be home by dinner.  And there’s always tomorrow.”

I had no idea if my parents would let me keep “going to a friend’s house” every day, but I didn’t say anything to him about it.  He was already aggravated that his mother was back, and I didn’t want to add onto it.  So I just put my jacket and shoes back on.  London did the same, and walked me back down to the front door.  His mother wasn’t in sight, which was probably a good thing.  I didn’t want to cause a rift between her and London, or a bigger one if it was already there.

After I put my coat on, London opened the door.  I figured he was going to walk me to my car, which I didn’t mind.  It was dark out, one of the downsides to winter.  But before we could descend the stairs, London froze.

I was about to ask him what the matter was when he said, “Get back inside, Selina.”

“But—”

“Now,” he sternly ordered.

I had no idea why he was acting like this, but I knew I didn’t want to piss him off.  As I stepped back to the door, I understood why he wanted me back inside.  With my new sensitive hearing, I was able to hear the faint growling coming from the woods.  And when it grew louder, I was able to see the outline of a wolf emerge from the trees.  London was not acting as if this was a member of his pack, but it didn’t have the same scent as the rogue that had attacked me.  In fact, it kind of smelled similar to that strange scent I had caught during the full moon.  Was this a new wolf?

I really didn’t want to find out, and ventured inside.  I had no idea what he was going to do, though, and was concerned about him.  I didn’t want for this wolf to attack London.

London stood his ground on the porch as the wolf stopped in the middle of the yard.  It continued to growl, its lips curled back over its teeth.  “I have no idea who you are or why you are here,” London said to the wolf.  “I know none of my people turned you, and you must be covering your scent somehow.  But I do know that you really do not want to cause any trouble.  So I suggest you leave now or face the consequences.”

The wolf continued to growl, widening its stance as if to say that it wasn’t going anywhere.

“Is that your final decision?” London asked.

The wolf barked, not moving from its spot.

“Then you leave me no choice.”  London then reached for the hem of his shirt, and lifted it over his head.  Shit, he was going to shift and fight the new rogue?  My heart pounded in fear for him.  I didn’t want him to get hurt.  But I had no fucking clue as to what to do.

Then, London unbuttoned his pants, and kicked off his shoes.  His pants fell a little off his hips, but it was apparently enough for him to shift.  I had no idea when I would get used to seeing him transform, let alone doing it myself.  But I felt my stomach drop as he charged the new wolf.  I didn’t like how he was taking the wolf on alone when he had a whole pack at his back.  And why wasn’t his mother helping?  Why wasn’t I helping?  But how?  I didn’t know how to fight….

Chapter 16

My chest constricted in pain as London tackled the new wolf.  He immediately gained the upper hand, going for the wolf’s throat.  Was he going to kill him?

But before London could get a grip on its neck, the wolf dodged and countered.  Shit, I didn’t want London to get hurt.  But what could I do?  I had no idea if his mother knew what was going on.  If only I could contact the other pack members.

Glancing down at London’s discarded clothes, I noticed his phone poking out of the back pocket of his pants.  He and the new rogue were engrossed with each other.  They shouldn’t notice me slipping out for a second.

Adrenalin pumping through me, I opened the door, and reached out to grab London’s pants.  They were still fighting, oblivious to everything else.  After I had his pants, I darted back inside, and unlocked his phone.

Under his contacts, Channing was at the top, a star beside his name.  I clicked it and the call button, and held the phone to my ear.  “Come on, pick up,” I muttered to myself as it kept ringing.

A moment later, he answered, saying, “Dude, you knew Artemis and I were going out tonight.”

“Channing, it’s Selina.  London’s in trouble.  There’s a new rogue outside his house, and I don’t want him to get hurt.”

His voice turned serious as he told me, “We’ll be right there, Selina.”  Then, he just hung up.

Oh, I hope they’ll get here quick.  London was still fighting with the wolf, neither one of them gaining an advantage.  One would try to attack the other’s neck or legs, and the other would dodge.  Both of them growled and snarled at each other.

The minutes dragged by as I watched them fight.  My hands hurt from clutching London’s phone too tight, but I couldn’t move.  My eyes tracked their movements and my lungs pumped air through me, but I was otherwise completely frozen.

Movement to my left caught my attention.  I sighed of relief when I saw a brown and gray wolf emerge from the trees.  Channing and Artemis.  They immediately charged the rogue wolf, and completely surprised it when they knocked it off balance.

Their surprise attack gave London the chance he needed.  He charged the rogue, too, and clamped his mouth around its throat.  I was concerned a little about his behavior.  Why kill the wolf when he could just run him off?

London viciously shook his head, causing the rogue to cry out.  But then he let go of the wolf, and growled at him.  Artemis and Channing flanked him, snarling as well, standing their ground.  The wolf looked between the three of them before finally darting off into the woods.  London gave him a second chance to turn back, and he took it now that he was outnumbered.  I doubt London would be so lenient next time, if there was a next time.

The three wolves stayed in their positions for a moment.  Then, all three of them approached the house.  Channing scratched at the door, so I opened it for him.  He and Artemis came inside, and headed for the stairs.  I wonder if they kept clothes here, which meant that they must have ran here from wherever they were in wolf form.

When I turned back to London, I found he had shifted back to his human form, and had slipped his boxers back on.  That’s when I realized that I still had his pants.  After he slipped his shirt on, he grabbed his shoes, and came inside.  I was still kind of frozen to the spot, my eyes on him.

London approached me, set his shoes down, and picked up his pants.  After he put them on, he held his hand out to me.  I hesitantly handed him his phone, and as soon as it was in his pocket, I couldn’t help giving him a hug.  I had been afraid that something was going to happen to him, and he thankfully came out unscathed.

Wrapping his arms around me, London softly said, “I’m fine, Selina.  He didn’t get a hold of me.”

Still hugging him, I asked, “That wasn’t the same one that bit me, was it?”

He sighed.  “No, it’s a new one.  His scent was strange to me, making me believe that he’s masking it; it didn’t quite have a wolfish scent.”

“How is that possible, London?”

“I’ve heard that there are some herbs in Europe that can mask our smell, so they would have had to import it.  I’m going to have to get to the bottom of this; I can’t have two rogues trying to encroach on my territory.”  He tightened his grip on me.  If I didn’t want anything to happen to him, then I was sure that he didn’t want anything to happen to me, either.

When he pulled away from me a moment later, he asked, “Can I see your phone?  I’m going to put Channing and Artemis’ numbers in it.  I want you to call them if something like this happens again.”

I nodded, and handed him my phone.  In a way, this was great.  I wanted to talk to Artemis about mate stuff and she’d be able to give me a female’s perspective as well as her own experiences.

As I heard Channing and Artemis coming down the stairs, London handed my phone back.  They were fully clothed.  Did everyone leave a change of clothes here in case something like this happened?

“Who the hell was that?” Channing asked.

“No idea.  Their scent was masked.  But I’m guessing he and the other one are working together,” London answered.  “We may need to do patrols, try and find them and drive them away.”

Channing and Artemis nodded.  “We’ll go tell the others to be on the lookout for two rogues,” Artemis said.

London nodded, and held the door open for them.  After they walked out, he turned to me.  “I’m going to follow you home.  It probably picked up your scent and can figure out where you live from that.  I don’t want you to go out by yourself either, Selina, especially at night.”

I nodded.  I didn’t want to be attacked again.  Or have to shift in front of my parents.  Plus, I had no idea if I’d be able to hold my own in a fight.

“Come on.  Let’s get you home.”

I followed him outside after I grabbed my coat.  He stayed beside me until I was behind the wheel of my car.  London quickly got into his car, and followed me down the driveway.

I drove home in a daze.  Now I had to be on the lookout for two rogues.  And they were masking their scents.  I didn’t want to be stressed out about this.  I was already stressing over my new relationship.

When I arrived home, London pulled in behind me.  I was kind of surprised that he got out of his car and waited beside me as I grabbed my backpack.  Then, he walked me to the door.

Before I opened it, he said, “Go ahead and text us so we’ll have your number.  I want you to call me if anything happens.”

I nodded and set my backpack down.  Then, I wrapped my arms around his neck and held him tight.  London returned my embrace, holding me tighter.  So much has happened to him since mid-December.  He discovered his mate, couldn’t help me until after sunrise when I was attacked, and has two rogues threatening the safety of his pack.  Though he must have a million thoughts on his mind, he seemed to be calm.

When we pulled away from each other, London cupped my cheeks.  My heart fluttered as he gave me a kiss.  It started out soft, just a light pressure, but then it quickly became more urgent, almost desperate, his tongue exploring the inside of my mouth and sending shivers down my spine.  But now was not the time or place for any of that.  I almost whimpered when I pulled away from him; I did want more even though we shouldn’t right now.

“Text us as soon as you can.  I’ll see you tomorrow, Selina.”

I nodded, and picked up my bag again.  He didn’t move as I opened the door, I guess to make sure I walked inside safely.  But before I could walk inside, I saw my mom sitting on the couch and she turned to look at me.  Shit, she most likely sees London.  I needed to think of something to tell her.

Saying a quick good-bye to London, I shut the door, and turned to my mom.  “Hey, Mom.”

“Hey, Selina.  Have a nice time with Artemis or London?”

“Both.  He and Channing showed up an hour ago to study, too.  And London wanted to make sure I got home safely.”

“Oh, well that was nice of him.  Are you hungry?  I just ordered a pizza.”

“Sure.”  I quickly set my bag and coat in my room before heading to the kitchen.  After I had a slice on a plate and a drink, I went back to my room instead of eating with my family.  I wanted to be alone right now.

Settling on my bed, I took my phone out.  I’ve had London’s number for a few days, but I’ve never messaged him.  I sent an individual message to him and Channing each that read, “Hey, it’s Selina.”  But to Artemis, I sent, “Hey, It’s Selina.  Are you busy tomorrow?”

A moment later, I received a message back from her.  “Yeah, Channing and I have plans since we had to cancel tonight.  Did you want to hang out?”

“Yeah, whenever you’re free.”

“I could call.”

“Don’t want anyone to overhear.”

“Okay.  How’s Friday after school?”

“Sure, see you then.”

Artemis sent back a smiley emoticon.

But right as I was about to set my phone down, it rang.  The screen read “Miranda.”  I wanted to answer it, but I just had so much going on that I wasn’t sure if I could keep it all to myself.  So I just let it ring until it went to voicemail, letting her believe that I was probably away from my phone instead of ignoring her.  She didn’t leave a voicemail, and texted me instead.  I ignored that, too.

After I finished my dinner, I tried to calm my mind.  I really wanted to work on my drawing, and tried to be slow so my hand wouldn’t shake.  Drawing the wolves reminded me of the fight earlier.  London could have seriously been hurt.

I ended up only drawing a few small detail lines before I went to bed.

The next morning, I was on alert as Dan and I walked out to my car and when we were walking into school.  I didn’t want either of the wolves to sneak up on me.  I also rushed to school in driving and walking into the building because I wanted to see London so the aches would go away.

They seemed to get worse with each passing day.  London had wanted to hang out after school, but I told him that my parents probably wouldn’t let me constantly “go over to friends’ houses” and that they probably wouldn’t like the idea of him coming over to my house without them there.

The plus side was we were able to text each other now that he had my number.  Since we had a lot of classes together, there was no need to text in them.  But as soon as I arrived home, he practically blew up my phone.  I didn’t mind because we did need to get to know each other.

He asked about my favorite movies, books, activities, foods, and songs.  He asked about my fears, my wishes, about my old school and friends.  When there was a break in the questions, I asked the same things of him.  We both liked the same kinds of movies, but he didn’t really like to read books.  He was more active than me, but we both did like to draw.  He was almost like a human garbage disposal when it came to food, and our music tastes were kind of similar.  He didn’t answer his fears or wishes, although I kind of had a guess as to what one of his fears was.

It was so weird to think that he was so attached to me even though he didn’t show it or say anything about it.  But I had to think about how he knew about mates from a very young age and he has been waiting all his life for me.  And with us getting to know each other and getting along, I could understand why he wouldn’t want to lose me.

And I knew that I wasn’t going anywhere anytime soon by my own free will because I found that I actually liked London a lot.  But I still needed Artemis to answer my questions.

After dinner on Thursday night, I asked my parents if I could go out with Artemis after school the next day.  I hadn’t asked to go see anyone during the week, plus it was the start of the weekend.  They told me that all I had to do was make sure Dan was safely inside before I left and to not stay out too late.

The next day, after we arrived at school, I let Artemis know that we were good to go do whatever we wanted once school let out.  She told me she’d just follow me to my house and we’d just ride in her car.  I didn’t mind because I didn’t really know my way around town just yet, just to and from school and to and from London’s house.

During the day, I tried to take notes instead of talking to London.  And during lunch, I had gotten used to sitting with him at his table instead of with Dan.  A few of the guys spoke to me to be nice, but they were going to have to get to know me, too, if I was going to be London’s mate.  Almost all of them had been born here, but a few of them had moved here when they were younger.

One thing that I really had to get used to was London walking me to class and giving me a kiss before going to his class.  I liked it, though I thought we were moving a bit too fast.  But I wasn’t exactly sure how to tell him to slow down a little when my body was telling me that I needed more.

I was so ready to talk to Artemis after school let out.

After the final bell rang, I ventured to my locker to switch my books out for Monday.  And I wasn’t surprised when London pressed a kiss to my cheek.  He was very affectionate toward me, something I didn’t really expect for him to do often in public.  But if he could show affection, so could I.  I gave him a quick kiss before closing my locker.