Page 3 of Witch’s Wolf (Bound by the Howl #2)
3
ERICA
T he Catskills are shedding their winter skin. Snow has abandoned the mountainsides except for the peaks. The colors of spring are bleeding into the scenery. I’ve always loved New York in the spring, but today, driving along the winding mountain roads, “love” feels like an understatement. The dull, icy gray has been replaced by wild stretches of purple, yellow, and blue. Jasmine and azaleas have burst to life, painting the roadside like an impressionist’s dream.
No longer burdened by frost, the trees glow with vibrant greens, alive again. It’s enough to convince me I made the right choice driving up here, despite the echo of his final words in my head.
When Monica’s driveway comes into view, I exhale heavily, a mix of emotions swelling. Glad to see my friend of course, but that joy is colored with relief. Stacy’s Cherokee isn’t here yet, thank God. At least I’m spared her sly comments and knowing looks for a little longer. I park my car and step out onto the concrete driveway. Tall daisies line the driveway, swaying lazily in the breeze, unimpeded by Monica’s monster of an SUV.
“Aren’t you beautiful…” I murmur to the flowers, before getting my suitcase out of the back seat and turning toward the house.
Monica’s rounding the corner of the porch. She looks radiant, her smile as warm as the sunlight breaking through the trees. It’s a major change in her, one that makes me really happy. There is no doubt about the cause either. It’s Raul Crawford. She’s changed since the two of them got together in ways I don’t think she even realizes.
“Hey!” she calls, her voice bright and cheerful. “How was the drive?”
“Colorful,” I reply, matching her smile. “The wildflowers are incredible this time of year. Where’s Stacy?”
“She’s on her way,” Monica says, leaning on the porch railing. “So… how was last night? Raul texted that they got back late, but I haven’t seen him yet.”
My stomach twists as my shoulders tense. Of course Raul didn’t mention Sam’s outburst, or mine. Why would he? Or did Sam hide it from him? If he did hide it, what does that mean?
“Uh, last night was…” I hesitate, shifting my grip on the suitcase handle. “Complicated.”
“Complicated how?” Monica asks, her frown wrinkling her forehead.
“I made a mistake,” I admit, in a reluctant a whisper.
“What kind of mistake?” Monica probes, walking closer.
I bite the inside of my cheek, avoiding her gaze.
“I made a move on Sam.”
Her eyes widen and she gasps. She stops a few feet away, staring with wide eyes and an open mouth.
“No, Erica… you didn’t, I?—”
I lift my hand to cut her off.
“I know, okay? I know. But have you seen the way he looks at me? It’s like he can’t decide whether to devour me or run in the opposite direction.”
She groans, rubbing her temples as she shakes her head.
“Erica, come on. Sam isn’t just some guy at a bar. He’s Raul’s brother. I’m already struggling to fit in with the family. It’s important to Raul and to me. You know Sam already doesn’t like me. He doesn’t trust humans. It’s hard enough as it is.”
“Yeah, we’ve all noticed,” I mutter.
She sighs, dropping her hands to her sides while continuing her stare. I set my suitcase down, the weight becoming too much. Kind of like this entire awkward conversation.
“Now he’s going to lump me in with you,” she says, frustration in her voice and the way she gestures with her hands. “‘I can imagine what he’s thinking. Oh, great. Another dinner with Monica and her impulsive friend. Damn it, Erica, what were you thinking? Couldn’t you just… wait?”
I purse my lips, hating the feeling that I need to apologize. Sure, she’s right, but I’ve got some pride left. I knew hitting on him was a bad idea before I did it, but knowing doesn’t make it hurt any less. It also doesn’t make me want to swallow anymore of what remains of my pride.
“Mon, I’m not sorry I… took a shot. The signs were there. I just… misread the timing.”
She rolls her eyes then stops. She shrugs, shakes her head, then sighs heavily. When she finally speaks, her voice is softer, kinder as she sees things from my side, not just how I fucked her life up.
“I don’t think it’s that he doesn’t like you, Erica. I’m sure he does. But Sam’s… complicated. He doesn’t trust easily, and us being human… he can’t let it go. He’s afraid.”
I let her words sink in. Unbidden and unwanted, the memory of last night is front and center. The way his glare cut through me, his voice sharp and final still rings in my ears. I swallow and push it aside, focusing on Monica to try and lessen the aching in my heart.
“Afraid of what?” I ask around the lump in my throat. “I won’t hurt him. Hell, I just wanted to… you know.”
“It’s not that. Shifters, they don’t… you know this. He’s afraid of you leaving,” she says. “You walking away from a one-night stand, like he thinks I’m going to do to Raul. Like every other human he’s ever known has done.”
That stings more than I’m ever going to admit. I can’t stand here with her judging eyes, no matter how nice she’s making her words. I pick up my suitcase and nod toward the porch.
“Do me a favor, will you? Don’t tell Stacy about any of this. It’s bad enough already and you know how she’ll be.”
Stacy’s probing questions and smug smirks are the last thing I need right now. I can practically hear her. ‘Did you really think Sam would fall for you?’ Monica mimes locking her lips and tossing the key.
“Consider my lips sealed.”
I offer her a small, grateful smile and make my way inside. But even as I try to push the conversation aside, the pit in my stomach remains, pulsing with an empty ache. This afternoon, I’ll have face Sam again. The man who ran from me last night like I was a fire too dangerous to get close to.
And this time, I won’t have the relative safety of an empty dressing room to hide in. I’ll be exposed to whatever he wants to say or do. I’ll be vulnerable and, what if he decides to call me out in front of everyone? I swallow hard.
I guess I’ll just have to take it. If he’s going to call me out, fine. I’ll deal with it. But he can be scared or mean or whatever. I’m still interested and I won’t let him scare me away.