Page 1 of Fallout

1

Myths.

Henley

My stomach twists as I look out my bedroom window and see a familiar red Jeep pull into the driveway. It’s ridiculous how excited I am about going to school, though maybe not so ridiculous when I think about the boy I get to see between each class.

Parker Thorne is my soulmate, the one person handpicked by fate just for me. And even though it’s been a few weeks, the news still feels so exhilarating.

I rush down the stairs, ready to see him. Even though he stayed until nearly midnight last night, it feels like it’s been forever since I last saw him. As I open the door, Parker is standing there, waiting for me. My heart races a little bit faster. My cheeks grow warm as I realize he can hear, but I don’t really care. Judging from his smile, he’s just as delighted as I am.

Parker steps forward, wrapping me in a tight embrace. I sigh, leaning further into him.

This is what soulmates are made of. The feeling of complete peace. Nothing is better than being in Parker’s arms.

The sound of a throat clearing behind me has us breaking apart.

Parker extends his hand toward my dad. “Mr. Stone, nice to see you.”

Dad shakes his hand. “Parker,” he says curtly.

I nudge my dad with my elbow. “Dad, come on. It’s Parker. Be nice.”

Dad narrows his eyes at me. “I’m your father. I’m supposed to interrogate any guy you bring home.”

“Yes, but he’s my soulmate.” I can’t help but beam as I say the words out loud. “He’s going to be around for a long time. So there is no need for you to go all fatherly on him.”

Dad ignores me, looking instead at Parker. “You’ll drive safe, right?”

“Of course,” Parker says, nodding solemnly.

“Dad.” I groan, rolling my eyes. “He’s been giving me a ride for months now. It’s fine.”

“And you’ll bring her home after school?” Dad asks.

“Yes. Or, er… actually, I was hoping she could come to my house after school,” he says, then quickly adds, “My mom will be home.”

Dad nods. “That will be all right. I will be at work, so I prefer the two of you have a chaperone.”

My cheeks grow warm.

We may be soulmates, but we’re still teenagers in high school. Apparently we’re not trusted to be alone. Even Parker’s parents and siblings have been watching us closely. We’re rarely ever alone anymore.

“But be home by nine.” Dad gives me a stern look. “It’s a school night.”

I grab Parker’s hand. “Anything else you want to lecture us on, or may we leave for school now?”

Dad sighs. “Go.”

I grin, tugging Parker after me toward his Jeep. He waves at my dad with his free hand. “See you later, Mr. Stone.”

We’re too far away for me to hear Dad’s response, but I’m sure Parker can hear just fine with his shifter hearing. When we get to his Jeep, he opens the passenger side door for me. I turn to look at him, then I remember my dad is standing by the front door watching us. I smile at him and rush to get in.

My dad is going to be a problem. Why is he taking an interest now? He’s always been too busy before.

Once I buckle my seatbelt, I grab the coffee that Parker’s mom made for me and take a sip. I can’t figure out what today’s flavor is but it’s delicious, as always. Parker gets in the driver’s seat and smiles at me before taking off.

“I’m sorry about my dad.” I hold the paper cup in my hands, letting it warm my fingers. It’s still early fall, but it’s already getting cool in the mountains.