The Other Woman

The next few weeks passed by in a blur. Every day ran into the next. Cam would go to work, then when he got home we'd go out somewhere. Once we got home every night, we'd wind down and spend time together. It was smooth going, but I just couldn't get the thought of him leaving out of my head. What would I do when he was gone? Just spent my time at home doing nothing?

With us going out every day, being in public was getting easier. The noise not so loud, the scent of fresh blood not so strong. Maybe here soon, I could see my family again. Though I was still scared I'd do something bad if Cam wasn't there to help me control myself.

Today when Cam got home, he had Lawrence with him, and they were packing a bunch of stuff. I guess today was the day.

I stand next to Cam, watching him load a suitcase with clothing. "Is there anything I can do to help" I ask meekly. I'm starting to feel really useless again.

Cam looks up and smiles at me. "No, my love, I've got it under control. Besides, Lawrence is helping and someone else is coming over with an SUV to load everything into. All you have to do is sit back and relax."

Sit back and stay out of the way, he means. I nod and walk into my reading room, far out of their way. How could he not want my help? Does he think I'm still too weak to do anything? With a sigh, I sit in my favorite chair, sinking into its fluffy cushions. Who was this someone else? Was he from the Social Services office, like Cam and Lawrence?

I groan and close my eyes, trying to block out the thought of Cam being gone with someone I don't know, in a strange city, hunting down someone dangerous. Crap, this isn't helping any. After sitting there grumbling to myself, Lawrence opens the door and steps in.

"Hey princess, I can hear you from across the house. What has your panties in a twist?"

I shoot him a dirty look. I'm getting tired of his jabs."it's none of your business, prick. Leave me alone."

He chuckles. Damn he's so annoying. " It is my business if it puts your health at risk or upsets Cameron. Tell me what's wrong."

With a roll of my eyes, I relent. " I'm worried about Cam going off like this. What if you guys get caught and this guy kills you?"

Lawrence sighs and sits in the chair across from me, his arms crossed over his chest. " Listen, sweetheart, we're all durable, and while this does have risks, it's only a reconnaissance mission. No confrontation, I promise."

His words didn't make me feel better. I just couldn't shake the feeling that this would backfire. Right when I was about to say so, Lawrence looks towards the door.

" I think our third is here. C'mon and meet her, it'll make you feel better" he says. He gets up and waves his hand for me to follow.

With a grumble, I stand and follow him to the entryway of the house. Then it registers what Lawrence said. Her? Their third person is a woman? My stomach drops. When we get to the front of the house, I see Cam opening the front door, then a very beautiful woman comes in, squeals and pulls Cam into a tight hug. Jealousy flares in my chest.

" Ahh, Cammy, it's been so long since I've seen you," she says, still embracing him.

Cam awkwardly pats her shoulder and tries to escape her grasp. When he finally wriggles free, he looks over and sees Lawrence and I standing behind him. The woman notices us too, her eyes locking on to me. A smug smile crosses her fine features. Right off the bat I can tell she a ghoul. Her skin is so pale its almost translucent, and a cold aura flows off of her. I instantly dislike her.

Pushing the woman away, Cam turns towards us and says "Terra, meet Emily Wormwood. She'll be Joining us in Alpha City." I can tell by his face that she's making him uncomfortable. If she's such a pain for him, why is she coming along?

Emily entwines her arms through Cam's, a possessive gesture. "And who is this, Cammy?"

I can't help but grind my teeth. This woman is getting on my nerves.

Cam pulls away from her and takes a step towards me. "This is Terra, my mate."

Her face instantly turns sour. It's kind of funny. After shooting me a dirty look, she looks at Cam and bats her eyelashes at him. Ugh, I think I'm going to be sick. "Oh Cammy, don't be ridiculous. You know you're mine."

Cam takes another step away from her. "Emily, we ended our relationship decades ago. I'm bonded to Terra and it's staying that way. I'd appreciate it if you behaved, or else you'll need to be removed from the mission."

With a huff, she turns and walks out the door. Cam let's out a sigh and turns to me. "I'm sorry about that, my love. She and I dated a while ago, but it's been well over. She's still very possessive though."

I'm mad, to be honest. I know Cam didn't do it on purpose, but why is she coming if they have history? What if Cam slips while they're together and he sleeps with her? The thought disgusts me. I just can't get over it. I know he's leaving soon, and I won't see him for a while, but I can't stand to look at him. I walk away and lock myself in my bedroom.

Sliding down the door, I sink my head to my knees. Tears start flowing from my eyes, and I can't explain why. I just can't stand the thought of those two together.

After a few minutes, there's a knock on the door. I ignore it. I don't want to look at him. I can hear him sigh. "Terra, please..."

I'm crying harder now, but I still don't open the door. "Terra, I hope you know that I'd never do anything to betray your trust. You're my mate, and no one is getting between us." He sighs again. "I have to go now. I love you. I'll call you when we get there." I hear his footsteps as he walks away.

I shudder a sob. Why does it have to be like this? This is going to be the longest few weeks of my life.