Escaping from the wolf

I couldn't believe that Apolo might leave the city. To another school, to meet new people... other girls. Besides, I don't think Apolo is a traitor; Kayler and he are best friends, and I don't think he would betray him this way. So why are the "I wish I could listen," she whispered very softly.

vampires here? What do they want from him?

Clark and the other one were entering the house without any invitation.

"I don't think it's a good idea," I said. "Vampires can hear you from miles away."

And then I understood are they listening to us now? Do they know we're here, spying?

Carolina's face told me she was thinking the same thing.

"We have to go," she murmured very softly.

They had gone inside. I had left my car on the road, parked near some bushes so it wouldn't be seen... Oh, and we also put several leaves on top for camouflage.

"These leaves make a lot of noise when you walk on them," I commented, because it was true.

We stood up, making as little noise as possible.

"It's a shame," she complained, being the first to walk, "that conversation must be super interesting."

I followed her.

Stepping on the leaves made a small noise, and we occasionally looked back to see if they were coming out of the house. Curiosity was killing me, yes, but I'd be in more trouble if Apolo discovered us, or those bloodsuckers. "Wait..." she stopped abruptly, raising her hand for me to do the same.

"What's wrong?"

"Someone's coming," she looked around.

I did the same. But I didn't see or hear anything.

"I don't hear anything... It's better if we hurry," I wanted to start walking again, but she stopped me. "Carolina."

She stayed thoughtful for a few seconds. I imagine she could hear noises and know if someone was close because she was a she-wolf.

"There's no one... Whoever it was, they're gone."

We resumed walking.

The weather was cold, gray clouds were starting to cover the entire city, and the wind was swaying the trees from side to side. Suddenly, I felt a chill. It was as if something was about to happen.

We reached the road and almost ran to the car, removing the leaves and getting inside. It was warm inside.

Then, a lightning bolt illuminated us for a millisecond before we heard a thunderclap with too much force.

"I hate thunder," I murmured as I started the car.

"Tell me about it, they bring back bad memories," she agreed, putting on her seatbelt.

I looked at her for a moment, then turned back to the steering wheel, trying to start the car again.

"Where's... Kenzie?" I asked; I hadn't seen her today.

"She stayed home," she replied. "Last night she went out to PopCap with Connor and came back very late, obviously drunk."

Wow.

I also went out last night. But not to PopCap.

"Where is that place?" I inquired, trying to start the car again.

I don't know why it won't start.

"In the city center, I don't know why you don't know it if you've lived here all your life," I felt her look at me. "During the day it's a restaurant, and from seven o'clock it's a bar. It has a karaoke area and a terrace, very calm and all." She paused. "I also think the upstairs is a game area."

I remembered Thomas.

Does he go there? Does he play those games? Well, considering how the security guard recognized him at Bob's, I imagine he does.

"Need help?" she questioned.

I was still trying to start the car.

"It's just... I don't know... why it won't start," I spoke slowly. Until I gave up and stopped trying.

I huffed.

"If Clark and the other one come out, they can see us," she reminded me.

I got out of the car.

The wind hit my face, and I could feel a few raindrops hitting my body. My hair started to get messy.

I stood in front of the car and opened the hood. I wanted to see if there was any problem inside. I didn't know much about this, but my dad had taught me a bit.

I heard the sound of the door closing, and Carolina stood beside me, also observing that bunch of cables and stuff.

"Do you know how to fix it?" she asked, putting her hands on her hips.

I shook my head unsurely.

"You?" I looked at her.

"Why do you think I never fixed my mom's car when she left me stranded on the road? If I could, I would be telling a different story."

I half-smiled.

I looked back at the car. I started touching cables until one caught my attention. It was... broken.

I opened my mouth, totally surprised. Who could have done this?

"Who could have done this?" I showed her the cable.

She shook her head and looked around.

"I told you I felt someone, I'm never wrong. When I suspect something, it's because it's true." She nodded, pressing her lips together.

I left the cable where it was and closed the hood.

"Now what do we do?" I looked at her.

"We can walk to my house, and then I can take you home in Kayler's car," she proposed.

Walk? It was miles away, I think the town was closer than Carolina's house.

"Actually, I have to be home; my dad arrives today," I told her. "And if he doesn't find me... I think he'll be angry."

She squinted at me.

"So... you're going to walk home alone?" she inquired.

I nodded doubtfully.

"I don't think it's a good idea," she commented, massaging her temple.

"I'll be fine," I reassured her.

She sighed.

"Okay. But call me when you get there, okay?"

I nodded.

She turned around and started walking. I did the same.

Maybe I could get home before the rain drenched me completely; lightning came and went frequently. I wanted to cover my ears every time one sounded, but I couldn't.

I don't know how long I'd been walking, but my feet already hurt. I took out my phone and checked the time: 5:30 p.m.

It's late.

I quickened my pace, but my heart started to beat faster when I heard a car behind me. I was breathing heavily; the mere thought that it could be Clark and his friend filled me with panic. That guy scares me.

I prayed that they would pass by and not recognize me. I threw more hair over my face to cover it more.

I felt the car coming closer, my hands trembling. Here, I have no way to scream. What if Apollo comes with them? What if he realizes I spied on him?

The car approached and slowed down next to me, matching my pace.

Oh, God!

"Lost?" I jumped at the sound of Thomas's voice and turned to him quickly, bringing a hand to my chest.

"You scared me!"

He looked at me amused, but wait... isn't that my car?

"What are you doing in my car?" I asked, feeling a knot in my stomach. Could he be the one who damaged the rope? Could he be the guy Carolina sensed? Was it all part of a plan? He looked at me, frowning.

"What are you talking about?" he asked. "I know your car, little Anne. Since it wouldn't start, I decided to check it and fixed it," he responded calmly.

"How did you get the keys?" I inquired, patting my pants pockets.

"They were in the car."

I looked at him immediately. Did I leave them in the car? I honestly don't remember. But still, something doesn't add up.

"Why do you doubt me?" His face became serious... but not angry, more like... hurt.

I swallowed hard.

"I'm not..." I began to say but then regretted it. It was pointless to lie. Besides, my plan was to avoid him, but I see fate insists on putting us together. "Forget it."

He examined me.

"Are you going to get in or not?" he asked, looking at the sky. "I don't want you to get sick if you keep being stubborn and walk home. I won't forgive myself."

I frowned and pondered. Should I get in or not? If I do, I'll break my promise and keep seeing him, risking that his cynical words and comments might affect me. But on the other hand, I could walk and arrive home at seven in the evening, risking Dad's questioning, which, honestly, I'm not in the mood for right now.

Maybe I should get in and start my plan tomorrow.

Just then, it started to rain. I looked at the sky; it was heavy.

"See, I told you. It's not good for you to leave like this," he reminded me.

I glared at him while crossing my arms. He laughed and got out of the car, approaching me dangerously. His warmth made my skin tingle, and my heart beat faster. His eyes, dark and penetrating, stared at me intently. "Stop running away from me, little Anne," he whispered.

The rain soaking us gave this scene a movie-like quality, as if it were taken from one of the books I read so eagerly.

Thomas raised his hand and placed it on my cheek, his gaze shifting to my lips.

Is he going to kiss me?

He moved closer.

He was firm, determined to give me that kiss, but the question was: would I let him?