Page 34 of Haunted By the Shadow of Death

“Go,” Kicks said, giving a pointed look toward the door.

“See you, Rastin,” I said, making sure he knew we were good despite his playboy ways and earlier unwanted conversation. He wasn’t always appropriate, but he wasn’t intentionally mean.

Actually, sometimes he was. Whatever. He was still my friend.

As Rastin left, Kicks shifted his gaze to me, his eyes softening. “I didn’t mean that toward you.”

“The ‘any more problems’? Yeah, you did,” I said, crossing my arms. It was true, but that didn’t soothe the sting.

I went into the kitchen, once again trying to find something to busy myself with to avoid yet another unpleasant conversation.

It didn’t work this time either, as he followed me.

“We should take a walk tonight, get around the pack,” he said.

“No. I’m good.” I walked past him into Charlie’s room, remembering the bed was unmade. I just needed to stall until Kicks left. It wasn’t like he’d be here all night. I wasn’t sure where he went, but he wasn’t here.

He followed, leaning against the doorjamb. “You have to get out of this cabin more and let them see you.”

I kept my attention on the bed but couldn’t stop myself from asking, “Is that what you’re doing when you leave here every night? Letting them see you?” My voice came out sharper than intended.

He jerked his head back, having the gall to look surprised. “I thought what I was doing was giving you space, since you clearly want to be alone.”

“What happened to the whole spiel about wanting to present a good image for your pack? I guess that doesn’t matter anymore as long as you have a warm bed.”

“I’m not sleeping with anyone here. I’m not sleeping with anyone,” he said, his voice rising.

“Well, if you wanted to give me space, you’d be on the couch. Not missing every night, making it look like even my mate thinks I’m a killer.” I threw Charlie’s pillow on the bed before walking out of the room and trying not to touch Kicks as I passed him.

“I didn’t want to make Charlie concerned,” he said, following me.

“Sure. This is about Charlie,” I replied, rolling my eyes.

“I’d gladly sleep in your bed, but I’m not welcome there,” he said. “Even if I proved to you that wasn’t the case, you’d put this wall up anyway, and we both know it.” He stepped closer, his eyes locked on mine. “You jumped in with Duncan with both feet, and now you’re so afraid that no one can even get close to you.”

“I didn’t realize you were trying to get close to me when you were crawling into Louise’s bed.” I knew she was willing and waiting.

“I’m not sleeping with Louise, not that I shouldn’t after you told me we’re nothing more than a business relationship,” he said, his voice growing lower and more intense.

“You said you wouldn’t embarrass me in front of the pack, or did you forget that?” I turned, heading toward the bedroom, my anger growing so thick and hot I was afraid to be near anyone, even him. I went to slam the door, but he was there, his hand stopping it from closing.

“I haven’t.”

“Then where are you going every night?” I yelled, not caring if every shifter in the pack could hear me.

“I’m sleeping in the mill.”

“Sure you are.” I tried to slam the door again, but he’d planted his foot along it.

“I was trying to give you space, but I’ll sleep here if that’s what you want.”

“Don’t do me any favors.” I grabbed the door, shoving with all my might.

He stepped back, his hands up in surrender. “Fine.”

“Fine,” I said, finally getting to slam the door, but it didn’t make me feel a whit better.

Chapter Fourteen

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