Page 13 of Secrets & Sake

Why did that woman’s voice sound familiar?

“About the disappearances—”

“Fuck that.” Wanting to change the subject, I ask, “Was it scary?” I want to swallow the question right away.

“The fight in the bar? Oh, yeah. I almost pissed myself!”

“I meant leaving it all behind. Striking out and doing your own thing?”

Hiro hums thoughtfully beside me. “The scariest thing I’ve ever done.”

“But you did it anyway.”

“I had to. There was no other option. It was either I leave it all behind, or… I spend the rest of my life trapped.”

My chest squeezes with an unusual rush of anxiety at the thought. “This life… it’s gonna be the death of me.” I look away before Hiro can meet my gaze. Taking a drag on my smoke, I exhale. Why can’t I keep my mouth shut around him? What’s this human doing to me?

“So, change it.” Hiro says those words as if it’s as easy as breathing. “It’s going to be hard. And scary as all hell. But if you want to change your life, change it. Nobody can do it for you.”

“You think I could?” I finally look at him.

Hiro laughs breathlessly. “Honestly? I think you could do anything you set your mind to, and anybody who tries to stop you better watch out.”

Warmth blooms in my chest and my heart does some weird skipping thing. I touch the center of my chest and rub, wondering if it’s something I ate or if the damn cigs are finally getting to me. It feels nice, having someone who believes in me. I’ve never had that before. I take his hand and squeeze.

“Thanks, Sunshine.”

Suddenly, I have an idea. I don’t know why, but I want to show him one of my favorite places in the city. It’s not something I’ve ever done with anyone before. It’s a sacred place, full of bittersweet memories I’d rather no one knew about. I guard it like I guard all my other scars.

But for some reason, if it’s him, I don’t mind. My wolf’s instincts are telling me to bare my very soul to this man who’s little more than a stranger to me, and I don’t understand why.

For so long, I carried the burdens of my past just fine, and now… it’s like all that weight I’ve been carrying around is too heavy to bear on my own.

I want someone to know these burdens and scars. To know me. And my wolf needs it to be Hiro. It’s weird, but my instincts have never led me astray before.

“You like surprises?”

“No. I hate them. They give me anxiety.”

I roll my eyes. “This won’t. Come on.”

He gives me a fond but nervous look. “Are you going to get me in trouble?”

“Probably.”

Hiro blushes. “Why do I like the sound of that?” he mutters, scent spicy with lust. “Fine, lead on. But if we get chased by yakuza, I’m not going down with you.”

“What’s in Shinjuku?” Hiro asks as we roam the dark streets together.

“It’s the ward where I was born.” I’ve tried to stay away for that very reason. Too many bad memories, but I’ve let them poison the good memories I still have.

Hiro rocks back on his heels. His brown gaze is upturned to the dark skies above. “What are we doing here?”

I glower at him. “I said it’s a surprise. I bet you’re the guy who asks what’s in it? when someone hands you a present.”

Hiro pokes his tongue out between his teeth. I want to suck on that tongue. “Okay, okay, I get it. Show me this place already. It better not be a tree stump.”

I grab his hand and tug. Not sure why I keep grabbing his hand. It’s not like he can’t follow me. It’s just… instinct, I guess. I want him close and in my sights. “Just shut up and follow me.”

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