Page 20 of Shadow Wolf
Vicki's parents were strict from what I’d gathered. Jade visited to make sure she was okay. But what I got from these visits was, “Is she behaving?” I never told Jade anything other than Vicki was a great roommate and we studied together in the library sometimes. It was a little lie, we had studied once. Well, I did. She’d checked out the guys in there. I didn't want Vicki getting into trouble with all the boys she sneaked back in here.
"Clare, how are you? You look… flushed."
My palms pressed to my cheeks, and I smiled, a dreamy feeling still washing over me at how the night went.
"Frankie," was all I could get out, thinking about how amazing he was and how lucky I was he wanted me to be his girlfriend.
"She met a boy… A very cute one who is super sweet and nice," Vicki finished for me. She was a little clipped at the end. I assumed she was over her sister's visit. Jade's expression changed; her brows furrowed as she looked back to Vicki.
"You didn't tell me." Jade glanced back at me. "Since when?" she ground out between gritted teeth. Was she mad… at me?
I closed the door and moved over to my bed, creating distance between Jade and myself. Why did she care if I met a boy? I wasn't the one she was here checking up on. It was her sister, I didn't have anything to do with her or how their family ran. I could have a boyfriend if I wanted to.
I frowned, grabbing one of my little wolves. I held it to my chest. I wasn't good with confrontation.
"It's none of your business," I stated, my voice a little shaky.
She shook her head and her smile returned like it was night and day.
"I'm sorry, I just… I didn't know you were interested in anyone. Vicki never said. I only wanted to make sure you were safe."
Vicki stood and came to me, wrapping her arm around my shoulder and sitting with me on the edge of my bed.
"I don’t have to tell you everything, Jade. She is safe. I would kick his butt if he hurt her. He won't though. I know so." I was grateful I had Vicki. What she’d said was the truth, she would kick Frankie's butt if he hurt me. I rested my head on her shoulder.
"He called me his girlfriend tonight." The loud squeal that erupted from Vicki had me jumping a little, but then the grin spread across my face.
"No way, oh my god! That's the cutest. I'm so excited for you!" She wrapped me in a huge bear hug, and I hugged her back.
"That's wonderful, Clare. You two look so happy. Let's freeze this in time with a photo." We both turned to see Jade had taken her phone out. Vicki and I both grinned and said, "Cheese."
"Well, I better go. I have a long drive ahead of me," Jade announced, picking up her purse and walking over to the door. Vicki jumped up.
"I'll walk you out. It's not safe out there, you never know what creatures are lurking outside."
"Was nice seeing you again, Clare." I waved to Jade.
Kicking my shoes off, I rolled onto my back and looked up at the ceiling. Going back home now and seeing my parents didn't seem bad anymore. I had a boyfriend. My only concern was would they judge him based on the way he looked?
My parents hated tattoos. I had always wanted one. Just something small. Maybe it was to rebel against them… I wasn't positive that was the case anymore. I still wanted one, but it was more to do with finding myself here at college.
I closed my eyes, so tired after a long stressful week, and let sleep take me.
Chapter13
Frankie
When Clare asked if I would go to her hometown with her, I jumped at the chance. My panther wanted to break free and nuzzle her, so I did the next best thing. I kissed her. I had come to find I was unconsciously marking her with my scent every time I was with her. My panther felt more at ease knowing that other panthers would smell me on her, and know she was mine.
I had never left the Shadow’s territory; it wasn’t something us panther shifters were allowed to do without permission. Which was something I might not get from the Shadow, but I didn’t think about that when I’d told her yes. I had it bad for this girl. So, when I talked to the elders about going to Washington with her, they weren’t impressed. In fact, I was denied.
Like that was going to stop me.
They knew it too. I made sure they could tell what I was feeling. My emotions were pouring out of me. I walked out of there with my head held high. Never once in my twenty years of living with the Shadow had I asked them for anything like this. I learned not to after I went to them as a hungry child and they denied me food.
I didn’t know why I even cared to let them know. I guess I didn’t want to be ripped apart by other shifters there and the Shadow would have to let them know I was coming. Apparently, the area where Clare grew up from was home to many wolf shifter Packs and a Sleuth of bears. I didn’t want to be anywhere near them. Thankfully, her home was in a neutral zone, so I wouldn’t have to worry about bumping into many, if any. Thankfully, the elders changed their mind. I didn’t know why, but I was grateful, because being ripped apart by a bunch of territorial wolves was not my ideal first holiday.
The only fear I had about leaving was Alley Cat. I had asked Liam to keep an eye on him. Alex was excited to be in charge of Bagheera. He loved that cat already. Mom had finally noticed the cat and told us to get rid of him. But that wasn't going to happen. He made Alex happy, and to be honest, me too. The little fluff ball had grown on me.
