Page 25 of Into the Night

Panic rises inside me. How did I fuck this up so spectacularly already? I want to comfort her, not be the source of her anguish, but I just keep making it worse.

“That’s not what I meant! Fuck! I came here to apologise. I wanted to tell you that it was the best night of my life, and how sorry I am that I ruined it. I’ve never felt anything like this, and I freaked out.”

For a moment, her gaze flickers to mine, and I feel a glimmer of hope that maybe she can tell I’m being truthful and feel my regret. Surely, she can see how bad I feel about hurting her like that, and ruining how perfect it was? I should have gotten up to make her breakfast in bed, not bolted and left her to wake up cold and alone.

“Please.” Her voice is a whisper, breaking on that one word, and it feels like a dagger to my heart. “Please, Griffin. I can’t right now. Just leave me alone.”

Closing my eyes, I’m unable to comprehend how this is happening. I know it’s all my fault, but we had such a connection. I really hoped we could talk and get past this. My animal does not want to leave when she’s distressed, but if we’re causing her pain…

“I think you need to do as the lady asks.”

My eyes fly open. Suddenly, standing protectively beside Kali, is a literal giant. His stance is non-threatening, but it doesn’t need to be. His sheer bulk makes it clear I don’t want to tangle with him. When I turn to face him, he sighs, less than happy to recognise my face. “You again. Go.”

“Jack, it’s alright.” Kali winces, looking from him to me, and back again. “I know him.”

Jack moves carefully, coming closer but still having the sense not to stand between us, seeming to understand that will cause more problems.

“That may be, but emotions are clearly high. Everyone should probably cool down and talk tomorrow.” His brown eyes have turned to black pools as he stares me down, and it’s eerie looking. “Go. Now.”

Leaving things like this seems like a terrible idea, but if Kali wants me to, I’ll go.

“I’m staying at Maisy’s, and I’ll come to you whenever you want. Any time, day or night. Please, Kali?”

She looks at her feet as Jack herds me toward the door.

“This isn’t over. I’m not giving up.”

Shoving my hands deep into my pockets as I step outside, I curse. She actually looks scared of me, and I sound like a fucking stalker.

Jack follows me out, standing in the doorway with his arms crossed, blocking my way back indoors.

Looking around helplessly, I frown. The road is littered with fallen branches and other bits of broken debris. The storm is getting worse. It’s not safe for her to be all alone.

“I’m not a weirdo. I’ve just had a bad couple of days.” I grit out, turning back to face Jack who blocks my route back to Kali. I’m struggling to force my beast down the steps and away from Kali. He thinks we can take Jack, but I’m not so sure. And then what?

“Just go, buddy. Whatever's going on won’t look so bad in the morning. I’ll make sure she gets home safely.” He pauses, looking at me with sympathy. “So that’s what was wrong last night? You could scent her on me? You need to get a better handle on that beast of yours, or you’ll scare her away.”

14

KALI

“Honestly, you don’t need to do this, Jack,” I say, edging toward my little car and secretly praying she’ll start in this damp weather.

If she doesn’t, I don’t want anyone else around to see it.

Jack just blinks, pointing at my car. “Just get in. I’ll follow you home and make sure the road’s still clear. I don’t want your boyfriend turning up on my doorstep tomorrow, telling me you never made it home.”

The wind whips through the trees around us, and I shiver, my coat far too thin for an evening like this. Now that I’m working, I’ll be able to get myself some new gear.

“Fine. But he’s not my boyfriend.” I grumble. I hate accepting help, and I’m suspicious of everyone, but it’s something I’ll need to get over if I’m going to become part of the community here.

Jack smirks at my obvious unhappiness from giving in, before reaching into the back of his truck and pulling out a large coat with the tag still hanging off it.

“Ha. You might need to tell him that.” Yanking the label off, he holds out the coat. “Here. You’re making me cold just looking at you.”

Draping it over my shoulders, he finds a woolly hat and yanks it down over my ears. The clothes swamp me, obviously meant for someone much larger. If they’re Jack’s, they’re larger than everyone.

“It’s going to be cold when you get inside. Just humour me and take these.” He nods, satisfied once I’m bundled up to his liking, and then he’s gone before I have a chance to argue, climbing into his truck and slamming the door.

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