Chapter 44: Mistake

I kept my voice quiet as I spoke, "Hey, you gave me a bit of a fright for a moment. I did not realize you were in here". Eric grunted in response and took a drink of the red liquid in his glass. Red wine, I presumed from the smell of alcohol permeating the air. The smell was becoming very familiar in this household. They must enjoy the taste.

I walked to the sink and took down a glass and filled it with water. This was awkward and I wanted to talk to him. I had yet to even hold a conversation with Eric and now was my chance. Maybe if I got him to open up he would tell me why he avoided me so much. I don't think he had a reason to hate me, but sometimes it really felt like he had something against me. Here we go. I can be cunning and get some answers. "I just came down for some water. What are you doing up?", I asked a little less nonchalant then I had imagined in my head. He swallowed down the rest of his beverage and got to his feet. He said coldly, "I was just leaving". Crap... "Wait! You can stay if you want", I said as Eric walked swiftly to leave the room. I sat my glass down and quickly positioned myself in front of him. He wasn't prepared for my sudden movement to stop him and his chest collided with my hand as I held it up.

As my hand came in contact with his body. I felt the air in the room change. An electric and dark energy charged the area and I knew I had made a mistake. I should not have touched him. I had no right.

Eric pushed me against the wall hard. "Do... not... touch... me", he growled out each word viciously and slow. He had my hands positioned about my head and was dangerously close. His canines were sharp and long. He could easily rip through my neck if that was his intention. Shackles... I could feel the metal shackles from my past digging into my skin. Stay here Little Wolf, don't go back there.

I refused to break eye contact with him. I will not back down. I will not submit. He was testing my strength and I refused to look weak. I had to focus, Eric was going to tell me why he hated me so much... I was not going to stop until he gave me some answers now. I had to stay on track or I was going to get lost in the dark memories edging closer and closer.

My canines elongated and my wolf bristled at the surface. "Why do you hate me so much?", I asked. His dark eyes looked intensely at me before answering, "I won't be the one all messed up when you decide whatever demons your hiding are coming back for you.". Anger shot through me and I snapped at him, "What do you know about demons?". He laughed in a cold manner before stating, "We all have demons. You think because we live in this big house we haven't been through some terrible shit?". I didn't answer just continued to face off with him so he continued, "I can see the anger and guilt in your eyes, I can feel it... I can even taste it". He leaned down and sniffed at my neck for emphasis. "We could help you and God knows we can protect you, but you haven't decided if you want to run off yet. I won't be the one who needs picked up from the floor when you run out on us." He let go of my hands and they fell down to my sides.

In a tone of finality he said, "Do not touch me again until you decide to stay.". He walked out of the kitchen and then anger and tension filling the room followed after him.