Page 24 of Shrouded in the Dark

Just as the intro to the game started, Cody and Axel entered from the long hallway in the center of the room. Axel had changed into a new tank and jeans. Cody just grinned at me before sitting on the floor between Jasper and I. Axel took the spot next to Seth. They both grabbed controllers from Seth.

The next hour flew by as we all played against each other. Cody was relentless but I managed to beat him a few times while he decimated everyone else. By the end of the hour, the other guys had given up and it was just Cody and I.

He was playing Link while I was Greninja. Both of our health bars were low. I was just about to throw a combo to win when Cody tipped his head back to look up at me from the ground and grinned at me.

“You’re pretty hot, you know that?”

My controller fell from my hands as my mouth dropped open in surprise. “What?!”

He laughed as Link gave the last punch and the game ended. Cody punched his hand into the air in victory. I gaped at him.

“You cheated!”

He shook his head at me as he tilted his face to look up at me from under his eyelashes. He had really pretty eyelashes. “No, I used the truth to my advantage.”

I went to reply when Jasper smacked Cody on top of the head. “You’re so rude.”

“Ow!” Cody rubbed his head. “What? I was being truthful!”

I just laughed as Jasper smacked him again. “It’s ok, Jasper. I’ll win next time.”

Cody was just trying to be sweet to make up for when I had my anxiety attack, I knew that. But it was a nice compliment, nonetheless.

Seth and Axel looked over at us and shook their heads before going back to whatever soft conversation they were having.

My stomach grumbled just then and all of their eyes looked at me. It hadn’t even been that loud.

“I’m hungry, too.” Seth stood. “How about we order pizza? I can go pick it up. Cody can cook next time.”

“Can I go with you? I’d like to grab a hot drink at Rocky Mountain Roastery Café? There’s a pizza shop not far.”

Seth looked surprised but nodded. “Sure. I don’t see why not.”

“Great!” I stood and handed the controller to Jasper. “I’ll meet you at the SUV!” I left the room quickly, going down the stairs before anyone could say anything.

* * *

Axel

Iwatched Becca basically run from the game room. There was a tick in my eye, but I took a deep breath. Cody hadn’t lied when he told her he thought she was hot, but he really needed to learn timing. She probably didn’t believe him.

I’d surprised myself when I wanted to growl at him. She was Felicity’s best friend. It was the only reason I could think of as to why I felt protective of her.

Last night had my bear in a rage as we went around her house. Whoever the shifter was, he’d marked over where we’d put ours. He’d even marked the front door with his urine. My bear had fought against me for a few minutes. It had wanted to find the shifter and deal with it, but the job had been to patrol and protect her, not to find him.

We’d always been over protective of those weaker than us. It drew me to Felicity. She was so tiny, but so fierce, she could easily tip over with just a slight push of my hand. There was something about her that drew me to her, but my bear was never comfortable around her.

“Meat lovers?” Seth’s question interrupted my thoughts.

He was asking all of us. I nodded. “Get two extra-large for me, please.” I rolled my neck around my shoulders.

“I want extra pepperoni and banana peppers.” Cody gave his favorite.

“Meat lovers.” Jasper was looking at the staircase. “I’m going to go check around her house again while you’re gone.”

Seth nodded. “We’ll be gone about an hour. Be back before we are.” He started toward the stairs before stopping. “Cody,” he glanced back, “I need you to remember that she’s vulnerable right now.” He went down the stairs.

Cody’s shoulders slumped as he put his elbows on his knees, burying his hands in his hair. “Why do I keep messing up?”