The shadow

42.

"Stop the car!" I shouted. Reka straightened up and Aarav stood on the brakes. We were both shoved forward. The seatbelt creaked as it strained to prevent us from smashing our faces into the cushion of the front seats.

"Are you crazy—?" called Aarav from the front but I swung the passenger door open and rushed outside. I could feel it. The cold night air carried his scent among the dark trees. The house was only a few steps away.

"Renesme? What's wrong?" Reka called as she followed me outside. She sniffed the air as animals did. Her eyes flashed. Her posture shifted, and Aarav was behind her in seconds.

"Werewolves," she murmured. They both scanned the opaque shadows under the trees. I did too. I didn't use my eyes but my power. I felt a slight tingle. I was certain it was him. But it was faint.

"There's one," said Aarav behind me. I turned to where he was staring. His lips pulled back over sharp teeth, his face morphed into something not human. Eyes larger, predatory.

"Jacob," I whispered. The shadow shimmered, danced against the darker background, and stepped into the silver light. Both of my companions took defensive postures, hands turned into claws. Reka's beautiful face twisted into something feline, deadly. I gasped as I recognized the silhouette.

"Quil!" I exhaled. Reka was ready to pounce. "Don't," I shouted towards her. Energy crackled around her like electricity, and a low groan rolled deep inside her throat. "He is a pack member from my—" I couldn't finish. I just couldn't. It was too painful.

"I came to see if you were ok," he called from the shadows. He kept his distance, cautious around the wereleopards. "I see you are in good company. You don't really need help getting over our alpha," his voice was heavy with animosity.

"You've got it wrong," I retorted.

"Am I?" he smirked with half of his face hidden. "Drinking with leopards in some shady bar." Aarav stepped in front of me, anger radiated from his whole body like a halo around him.

"My bar is not shady," his voice was barely human anymore.

"Right," laughed Quil. "I thought I'd tell you that Jacob was doing his best to build your future together. Now, I'm not so sure," he shook his head. "Anyway, have fun. I don't think you are worth the effort. Jacob should just choose someone in another pack. A strong luna to bring us together." He stood very still, nothing moved around him. The forest seemed to hold its breath. As if the slightest movement could trigger violence.

"I-I didn't want him to leave." tears stung my eyes. "Jacob is my—" I couldn't say it.

"Little girl, if you really love him let him go," Quil shook his head. The door to the front porch opened with a bang. Dad stood there, eyes glowing with rage. I took my focus off Quil one second, the next he was gone. Merged with the darkness as if he was never here.

"Renesme!" called Dad in a murderous voice.

"Shit," I whispered.