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Kieran cleared his throat. “Tali was almost killed tonight, as I’m sure you all know. She also received a death threat. We might think it came from Maren.”
Everyone looked at Kieran like they couldn’t believe it, and the tension in the room got more and more intense. “We found her necklace in Tali’s room as evidence,” Luca continued, holding up the necklace. Everyone gasped.
“But she’s not here,” Beck repeated, shaking his head. “And why would she want to kill Tali?”
“That’s the thing. We think she just made that excuse up so she could make a plan,” Kieran said. “I’m not sure why she’d want to kill Tali.”
“There’s one thing,” Avery said. Everyone in the room looked over at him. I was pretty shocked too. He wasn’t the social type and didn’t like talking in front of a crowd, even a small one. “Jealousy.”
“I think Avery may be right,” Lila nodded. “Kieran, you know how Maren liked you since primary school, but you never really noticed her.”
“She was always mad about that,” Knox said, and the next thing that came out of his mouth made me turn as red as a tomato. “Tali is Kieran’s mate. It all makes perfect sense now.”
“Wait, hold up!” Brielle let out a yelp, putting her hand up to show she was serious. “So, you’re saying Maren’s out to get Tali because she’s jealous? And you’re saying that Tali is the jerk face’s mate?”
“Exactly,” Knox replied.
“OK, as much as I’d like to keep talking about this, I’ve got to get Tali back to bed,” Kieran said. Everyone looked at him and gasped, clearly thinking the wrong thing.
“Oh, that’s it,” Brielle hissed, trying to march over to Kieran. Damien held her back, once again. Her face was red and blotchy with anger.
“Not that way!” I yelled, totally shocked. “Wow guys! I’ve got to get back home before my brother finds out I snuck out.”
Just to let you know, I’ve got a few more things to add.
I got home and snuck into my window, carefully and quietly. Knox and Luca were on patrol tonight, guarding my house from the outside, and Kieran was happy to sleep over with me. Great, I was stuck with stupid.
After I’d had a shower and got into bed, I put on my pyjamas. I was absolutely shattered. I was just about to nod off when I heard the bathroom door open.
There was a bit of light coming from the bathroom, so it was quickly switched off. “Sorry,” Kieran said quietly.
I looked at him and, lo and behold, he was wearing low-cut sweatpants and no shirt. There were a few water droplets on his bare chest. He didn’t look like a Greek god, but – oh. My. Wow. I groaned and buried my face in my pillow when I saw him smirk. “Let me guess, that’s what you wear to sleep,” I said. “Can’t you just be yourself and wear t-shirts and shorts like me?”
“Don’t pretend you don’t like it,” he joked. “So, where do I sleep, sweetheart?”
“On the couch.” Luckily, I had a couch in my room. Otherwise, he would’ve slept on the hard, cold ground.
Kieran went over to the couch and laid down. I was just about to close my eyes, but his stupid voice interrupter wouldn’t let me. I was wondering if I could have a couple of pillows, please?
I groaned and threw a pillow at his head. “Ouch!”
After a quick moment of silence, he spoke again. “I think it would be more comfortable sleeping next to you.” I shot him a dirty look. Even in the dark, I could see that smirk on his face. Then, I had a brainwave. So it was my turn to give him a hard time. Revenge is a dish best served cold, as they say, isn’t it?
I got up and strolled over to the couch. Kieran’s eyebrows shot up and he squirmed uncomfortably. I climbed on top of him, straddling his waist. I ran my hands up his torso. I smiled to myself when I heard him groan. “Tali, what are you up to?”
I ignored his question and kissed his neck. He shivered. That was just the reaction I was looking for. I almost burst out laughing when I felt a bulge in his pants.
I looked into his eyes and I was really close to his face. My lips were just about a hair’s breadth away from his. At first, I was totally frozen, and my heart was beating really fast. But that wasn’t the plan. So, I smiled sweetly and said, “Payback’s a bitch.”
I hopped off him and started laughing quietly.
“Oh, game on, Ainsley,” Kieran said, completely flustered. I just laughed and rolled my eyes.
Game on, as they say.
I really don’t like where I ended up. It seems like I’m just a bad luck magnet or a walking disaster. Maybe I am both. I let out a sigh, feeling a bit uneasy as I looked behind me again.
Ever since I found that weird note in my bathroom, I’ve felt pretty paranoid. I had to make sure I wasn’t alone most of the time, even in my own room. If I were on my own, I’d always have to look behind me when I was walking or make sure my curtains were drawn so no one could see inside.
The Moonfire Pack and the Eclipse Pack are working together to keep me safe by patrolling my house at night. Kieran stopped sleeping on my couch after I said I’d made a move on him. I laughed at that comment and said sarcastically, “Yeah, right.”
I bet you’re wondering why I didn’t report this to the police. It’s pretty unlikely that a teenage girl would go to a police station and say that a werewolf was attacking her. You’re probably also wondering why we haven’t just spilled the beans to the Experts about Maren. It’s simple: we’ve got no solid evidence, other than the necklace. And we haven’t got a clue where she could be right now. She’s definitely closer than we thought.
I was so relieved when I realised it was just the usual stream of students coming through the entrance. The usual shouting and horseplay erupted throughout the hallway. I didn’t see anyone giving me any funny looks or acting weirdly, except for the people who had a reason to. I’m talking about people who cause trouble or use drugs.
I made my way to my locker, twisting the rusty knob that squeaked a little with every turn. I groaned in frustration when it wouldn’t open. I stomped my feet a couple of times, like a child would, ignoring the amused stares of the people around me. I was already having a rough week. Even the smallest things would get me wound up.
An arm shot out above my shoulder, banging my locker three times in a kind of rhythmic pattern. Amazingly, the locker opened slowly, squeaking as it did. I turned around to face Luca.
I just said ‘Cheers’ and smiled at him. “And good morning.”
Luca was leaning against the lockers. He had dark circles under his brown eyes and a little stubble on his chin. He looked really tired. “Morning,” he said, yawning. He rubbed his eyes and shook his head, trying to wake himself up. “Morning, Tali.”
I let out a sigh and looked down at my white ballet flats. “Look, maybe you guys should stop patrolling now. So far, so good. I don’t want to be a burden or someone you always have to worry about when you’ve got so much else going on.”
“Tali, you’re not a burden,” Luca replied, defending himself. “A best friend’s safety is the most important thing there is. Look, it’s our job as werewolves to keep people safe. We should get used to it. When we get our places on the Expert Council, that’s all we’re going to do.
“I know, but –”
“No way, missy.” I was just about to reply when the bell went off, signaling everyone to go to their homerooms and first period.
I reached up on my tiptoes and kissed Luca’s cheek. “Cheers, Jar. You’re like the brother I’ve always wanted.”
“But you’ve already got a brother.”
“No way, mate,” I joked, sticking my tongue out at him while I shut my locker.
I went to Mr Brooks’ room, and I sat next to Brielle like I normally do. “Morning, T,” she said, smiling encouragingly at me and telling me that all hell would be over soon.
“Hey,” I said, feeling a bit stressed.
“Look, it’ll be over soon.”
“Hopefully,” I groaned.
“I’m sure Kieran will keep you safe.” I made a face and laughed.
“Of course, and I’m sure pigs will fly,” I said after I’d had a laugh.
“You know you don’t believe that, T. Even after everything he’s put you through, he’ll keep you safe. When are you going to stop in denial?”