Page 4 of Red (Everdark Tales #1)

Late morning the next day, I get a video call back from Lana. Before I answer, I sigh with a relief. I’ve already started overthinking the situation afraid she’s ignoring me. To be fair, it’s been kinda strange between us since my move, and I’ve been feeling down. Long distance friendship may be a bitch, but it shouldn’t be this hard.

“What’s up? You called last night.” She’s still a mess in her bed.

“Yeah, I was just thinking about you.” I tell her about my decision to keep the house, at least for now. And going out with Dean. Even about my plans to go look for a dog at the shelter.

“Wow, look at you all grown up!” I hear the judgement in her sleepy voice. Or maybe it’s the jealousy?

“It all just fell into place. I’d be stupid not to give it a shot, wouldn’t I?” She never answers so I change the topic, “I’ll be visiting my parents for Thanksgiving. I could stop by the city then.”

“Sure, whatever.” Her ignorant tone hurts my feelings.

“Whatever?”

“Jules, it’s barely October. I don’t think that much ahead.” She stares at me on the screen to the side, but I know she’s looking directly in my eyes. “You’ve really changed, you know.”

“I guess.” My patience with her approach is evaporating and I say, “Maybe it wouldn’t seem so drastic if you stayed in touch beyond sending an occasional TikTok.”

She rapidly sits up. “The apartment lease is up in December. I’ll extend with your sublet.”

“Thought you didn’t plan ahead,” I point out with venom spewing from my lips. I know we’re both acting petty right now, but I’m too sensitive to be a bigger person.

“I might’ve just started.”

“I see. That’s totally fine. I’ll have Greg pick up the rest of my stuff.”

Without adding anything, she hangs up.

I can’t believe her!

We’ve survived a fucking global pandemic, quarantining together as practically strangers back then, and this shit is what brings us down?

Well, not gonna cry about it!

Then why am I bawling my eyes out?

Suddenly, a movement behind the window catches the corner of my eye, and I immediately jump off the couch to examine what’s outside.

My heart is pounding in my chest like crazy at the sheer possibility of me finally catching my stalker in the act. In broad daylight!

Instead, I notice the most majestic dog I’ve ever seen, sitting peacefully by the orchard. Large, black with a long, thick coating, pointed ears and fluffy tail.

Or is it a wolf?

I’ve never had a dog. No animals allowed in our Chicago apartment complex. Before, when I lived in my family house, I remember begging for one each year for my birthday. But my mom isn’t exactly a pet person and Greg, my stepdad, couldn’t be more whipped. My biological father is unknown… Don’t get me even started with my daddy issues, though! Greg raised me since I was four years old and I’ll always consider him my parent. Anyway, I can’t really blame Mom. She got attacked by a dog around my age and was left with a huge bite mark scar in the crook where her neck meets the shoulder. It’s pretty bad from what I’ve seen, although she covers it neatly even during the hottest days of summer. Understandably, she doesn’t like to talk about it, so I don’t know the full story.

Maybe it’s not the brightest, but I walk out through the front door to get a closer look.

“Hey, you!” I greet.

The animal slowly approaches me, sniffing. I quickly conclude it’s a male and an intact one. Much more massive than I’ve imagined from a distance, he’s pure muscle with powerful paws and sharp claws. He doesn’t have any collar on yet doesn’t seem feral. Quite the opposite—he’s surprisingly calm and gentle. Though, there’s a certain wildness about him. I wouldn’t say he looks like someone’s pet.

His eyes are bright yellowy amber, almost gold in color, and seem highly intelligent… very human. Like I could stare right into his soul.

I know I’m pretty small, being only 5’2”, but he stands taller than my waistline at the withers. Leaning against my legs, he lets me pet himself. His fur is luxurious to touch, silky and shiny.

“You are probably thirsty… Come.”

He follows me to the porch, and I leave him there for a moment as I roam the kitchen and fill a cereal bowl with water for him. He might be hungry too, but I barely have any food left. I was supposed to go shopping today, and now I have even more reason to.

He drinks enthusiastically and it pleases me how well-behaved he is. I need to check him for a chip before I make any snap decisions here.

“I should take you to the vet.”

I swear he throws a fit at that, as if he could understand my words.

I shake my head with a giggle while I move back inside to put some warmer clothes on before heading out to town.

“Okay, if he waits, he stays,” I tell myself once I’m already starting my car, giving him a final glance.

He’s still on my porch when I come back after a few hours. And I’m relieved to see him. He can have rabies for all I know. But faith can be funny sometimes. I literally just decided to adopt a dog and now I already have one.

I let him inside and he moves to the kitchen after me.

When I’m done unpacking all the groceries, I put a bowl of kibble in front of him.

He stares at me, his head cocked to the side.

“Go ahead, buddy. Eat.”

He lets out a little yelp that sounds like an annoyance to me.

Maybe he just needs to settle a bit first?

I decide to simply let him be for now and accommodate to the space.

I relax for a while before I start my dinner.

My companion is looking at me the entire time, and I figure he’s more interested in the chicken breast I’m making than the dry food I got him.

“Oh, that’s what you want?”

I give him some once it’s ready and he eats from my hand.

“Good boy!” I praise, making his tail thump against the hardwood floor. “I’ll get you some steaks tomorrow at the farmers market,” I say like he could understand me.

Farmers market… Why did I agree to this? Because I want to make some friends here, I remind myself quickly before I would decide to flake. I need to get rid of some apples, anyway.

After dinner, I let the dog outside while I get the last two crates ready to go for the morning.

When it’s all done, I call out for him, and he returns instantly. I’m so glad he doesn’t seem to want to leave me. We’re both in, and I begin my routine triple-check whether all the doors and windows are properly closed. He shadows me, watching my every move, until I’m finished and ready for shower.

Note to self: Do laundry tomorrow!

I have only my good underwear left to sleep in. I put on some red lace brazilian briefs and a spaghetti strap basic cotton black cropped cami before I jump into my bed.

My new furry friend is only gazing at me from the hallway.

“Come here.” I pat the sheets next to me.

He tentatively walks inside my room but doesn’t approach anywhere close to my bed. He lies down on the floor in the corner, and I feel bad. Were his previous owners harsh to him? Or maybe it’s the first time when he has a home?