White Fur

Chapter 21

Skyler’s POV

The week went by pretty slowly. Kanto was busy helping his pack so we weren’t able to talk much and I didn’t want to distract him. I feel like he’s hiding something from me, I’ve given him a lot of opportunities to tell me but he keeps saying everything is fine. It’s actually making me a bit mad to be kept in the dark. I know I’m just a human but I might be able to help.

But the thing that has been making me the most angry was my old stalker and my new stalker. I realized the next day were I saw that man who was talking to Kanto from, he was the guy always sitting in the park when I went running. I started to notice him everywhere throughout my day. My brown haired stalker would always be at a distant but would never approach me. I noticed he was recently joined by another person who would mysteriously all be everywhere I was. Mrs. O’Hara thought I was crazy the other day when I stopped by for a visit. Her apartment has a street view and I saw them both standing across the street talking to each other attention on the apartment. This had Kanto’s doing written all over it.

I wouldn’t be so mad about it if he would tell me. But that doesn’t seem to be happening anytime soon. Maybe he just doesn’t trust me. We’ve only been together for a couple weeks but assigning body guards to make sure I don’t sleep around is a little excessive. I decided to stop dwelling on this matter, it kept making me mad. I also had a weird feeling of anxiety that would surge through me from time to time. I would be playing sudoku or grocery shopping and the feeling would just appear for a couple seconds and then disappear just as fast. It was strange.

I walked over to my kitchen to make lunch when I heard my phone go off. I was a bit disappointed when I saw it was a text from Sally and not Kanto.

- Hey girl, happy Friday! Ready for our night out?

-I hope so, I’m still trying to figure out what to wear. I’ve heard of Vibez before but never thought I’d be going there.

-I told you, wear the dark red dress.

-That “dress” will barely do anything.

-I got in early, do you want to grab a quick bite to eat? After I can help you pick something cute to wear. I could mentally see Sally pleading with her eyes to dress me up like a Barbie doll.

-Sure works for me. We can meet up at 5, I’ll let you pick the food place. I paused for a moment to finish making my food before I texted her again. Just not that fancy Italian place, the wait staff there was terrible.

-Haha sounds good to me, how about we get Mexican food at that little restaurant a couple blocks from your place? Sally suggested.

-Sure I haven’t eaten there for a while and I could go for some tacos. I’ll see you then.

I put my phone on the counter and picked up the sandwich I made for lunch. After eating I walked over to my closet to find the dress she was talking about. The dark red dress shined because of the satin it was made out of. The square neckline was held up by spaghetti straps the criss cross in the back stopping just above my hips. The dress, if it was on, would stop at my mid thigh. Don’t get me wrong it was a sexy dress, but it was more of a trying to catch a man dress than I currently wanted. I may be mad at Kanto, but going out in this would make me feel guilty.

I cleaned up my apartment, searched again for jobs and took a quick shower, rinsing off the run from this morning and cleaning. I made sure to blow dry my hair before leaving the bathroom to put on some comfy but cute clothes to meet Sally in. I gathered all my stuff and headed to the Mexican restaurant, fully aware that my stalkers were following me as well.

Before I even started searching, I heard a high pitch squeal and was ambushed with a hug. Only one person could make me feel like my ears were bleeding like that, so I hugged Sally back.

“It’s so good to see you, look how pretty you are!” Sally was bouncing around with excitement just like she used to when we were in college.

“You look great too, I guess you recent trip to Greece was fun.” Sally was about an inch or two taller than me with light brown hair that was blonde at the tips. She had light brown eyes that matched her hair color. Sally worked as a global meeting and event coordinator for a major hotel, so they would send her all over the world for work. Which is why she always looked so tan because she was out and about in the sun all the time.

“I’ll take you with me next time, we can find some gorgeous men together.” Sally was very into her no string attached single life. It wasn’t my cup of tea, but I respected her desire to not be tied down to someone.

“I told you before.” I said with a slight sigh from repeating myself. “I have a boyfriend, and he’s plenty gorgeous for me.”

“Oooo do you have any pictures?” I took out my phone and found the pictures of us from our date last week. I heard Sally gasp at the sight of Kanto. A bit of pride swelled up in me to show him off. “Damn girl, I didn’t know you were dating one of the world’s most sexiest men. How did you score him? Dating app?”

I took a breath to calm down the slight jealous I started to feel when Sally was staring for too long. “Not that, he and I met at that festival my school holds at the end of the year. I literally bumped into him and he asked for my number.”

Sally may not be big into the dating scene herself but she was a sucker for romance stories. Her eyes beamed just like they used to when we would watch rom-coms in our dorm together. “Awww that’s so cute, my little Sky is all grown up. Have you guys done it yet?”

“No.” I replied instantly feeling my face turn red. Of course I thought about it, I still think about it frequently. But with the whole werewolf for life thing, it didn’t seem like a near possibility.

“What’s holding you back? I would have thrown my arms up and said ‘take me I’m yours’ by now.” The pang of jealousy went through me for a moment at Sally talking about Kanto like that.

“I don’t know, maybe I’m just scared. I don’t want to get left again.”

Sally’s face went serious as she put a hand on my shoulder. “Skyler, you can’t let Tim ruin your future happiness. That guy was human garbage, you need to throw him away.” I nodded, Sally sighed before continuing. “Come on, that chicken quesadilla isn’t going to eat itself.” I chuckled and we walked into the restaurant. I caught my stalker hesitate outside for a bit before walking in and talking a table far enough that I wasn’t supposed to notice but close enough to still see me.

Sally told me all about her work and her current parade of lovers, one of them being the reason she showed up here 3 hours earlier than we originally planned. I laughed at some of her stories and wished I could share my most recent discovery with her, but I knew I couldn’t. We ate everything and headed back to my apartment. Sally was thrilled to see the dark red dress still on the bed from earlier. I gave her a glance, she pouted for a second before diving into my tiny closet. Just as I was about to help her, my phone went off, it was a text from Kanto.

-Having fun with your friend? I know I told him about Sally being here but I suspect his minions told him about her being with me.

-Yea it’s nice to see her again.

-I’m happy you’re enjoying your time with her. Suddenly the weird anxiety feeling washed through me.

-How’s everything at work and the pack? I asked.

-Its fine. He answered, I was getting really tired of that response.

-Are you sure there is nothing you want to tell me? Nothing weighing on your mind? I know I’m a human but I may be able to help.

Kanto took a while to answer as if he was debating what to do.

-No everything is fine, I’ll see you tomorrow.

I didn’t answer back, I knew he was lying and hiding something from me. Why doesn’t he trust me? Am I that useless to him? The anger was growing inside of me.

“You know what, I’m wearing the red dress.” I told Sally, her eyes when wide with shock and excitement. She didn’t question it though and quickly shoved me into my bathroom to get changed. The dress hugged my body and made my curves stand out even more than I’m used to. When I walked out of the bathroom, Sally applauded my appearance.

“Let me do you make up! I’ll make you look fierce.” I grabbed all my almost new makeup and brought it to my kitchen so Sally could have more room to work. Sally worked wonders as she did exactly as she promised. She gave me a golden smokey-eye look with a cat-eye finish. The lipstick she put on me was the perfect transition from the color of the eye makeup to the color of my dress. She left my freckles just a bit that you could only see them if you were looking for them. The bronzer on my face made me look even more golden and beautiful. I was impressed, especially because I could never do this on my own.

I glanced at the time. “You need to get ready too. It’ll 9 before we know it.”

Sally gasped also realizing the time, and hurried to gather her things. She left all her things at the hotel she was staying at, so she needed to get back. “Now no bailing on me, Skyler. I made you look like a masterpiece, we have to show it off.”

“I’m just going to do my hair then I’ll be ready to go. I’ll meet you there.” Sally smiled and left my apartment.

I took another look at myself in the mirror before deciding on my hairstyle. I chose to go with big but loose curls for my long dirty blonde hair, that would give me that summer vibe but also look sexy to match my dress. As I was curling my hair my phone went off twice, both texts from Sally.

-Just finished getting ready. Meet you there in 20 minutes.

-We are going to have so much fun tonight!

I was looking forward to tonight. I usually don’t look forward to clubs but I was excited for tonight. But first I needed to shake Kanto’s assigned body guards. I was lucky because I don’t think they know about the fire escape that led to the alley behind my building. I was still nervous of alleys but this one was well lit and wouldn’t take me too long to get to the street so I decided that it would be the best escape route. I put on my black scrappy heels and a black jacket to match and cover up my back. I grabbed my clutch, used a ride sharing app to get a ride and prepared myself for my escape.

I removed the painting that covered my window and crawled out, making sure not to get dirty. After climbing the ladders all the way down I walked to the sidewalk to wait a brief moment for my ride. I felt like a sneaky spy on a mission, I tried to ignore the guilt that was slowly growing as I got closer to the club. Sally let me know that she was at the coat check inside and that she would wait there.

When she saw me she squealed again, as if she forgot how I looked. She darted up the stairs with me in tow and headed straight for the bar. She ordered herself a fruity drink, while I got a rum and coke. We drank and danced for a while making a routine of bouncing between the bar and the dance floor. Then an evil look came across Sally’s face that couldn’t have been good. She grabbed my wrist and pulled me to the bar. I could tell she was a little tipsy, I probably was too.

Sally leaned over the bar, the bartender was quick to get her order. “Hi can I have a rum and coke, a sea breeze and two tequila shots please.”

My eyes went wide when I realized the last part of her order. The bartender was too quick, which of course would only happen in this situation, and Sally was shoving a shot and like into my hand. I glared at her thinking she was crazy, but I caved, one shot shouldn’t hurt.

My throat started to burn, I could feel the alcohol already starting to affect my body.

“I can’t believe you made me take a shot. Aren’t we getting a bit old for this?” I asked.

Sally’s scrunched up face relaxes after she’s finished sucking on her lime. She flips her hair and comments back. “Girl we aren’t old. We aren’t old until we are 30 and even that’s young.”

I chuckled because she always said that. The club music was loud and people we dancing and drinking, enjoying the night. One dude was already passed out on one of the chairs.

“So are we getting you someone to go home with?” Sally’s eyebrows wiggled at her suggestion.

“I told you, I have a boyfriend.” As I said that my anger started to rise a bit again.

“Well then let’s dance instead, that’ll remove some of those angry feelings your giving off.” Sally downed the rest of her drink and placed the empty cup on the table. Before we could move to the dance floor though Sally stared at something behind me.

“Excuse me ladies, we couldn’t help but hear you wanted to dance. May we join you?” I turned around to face the person who said that. I blinked a couple times thinking maybe it was the alcohol getting to me, but I swear I was having déjà vu.

After a second I saw the two men behind us. One of them was eyeing Sally up and down with he dark blue eyes. He was tall and muscular but not as big as the man in front of me. He had his golden eyes fixed on me with a smirk on his face. His bleached white hair was swayed over to one side of his fade haircut. He omitted a sense of danger from him that made me regret sneaking out my window. Before I could say anything, Sally grabbed the man in front of her.

“She has a boyfriend, but I’ll dance with you gorgeous.” She looked at me with pleading eyes, I nodded knowing that I’d be ok to sit this dance out. She scurried off to the dance floor with the blue eyed man following close behind. I kept and eye on them until the white haired man snapped me out of my gaze.

“Why are all the truly beautiful ones taken?” He chuckled while taking a sip from his drink.

“A man like you probably doesn’t have anything to worry about. I bet there’s a person out there for you.” I said a little more coldly than I thought. I felt uncomfortable with him still standing there but I didn’t have a reason to be rude.

“I guess my friend found his beauty, just a shame I can’t find mine.” He said with a small smile.

“I mean that whole table of women over there are staring at you batting their eyes, you could always try your luck there.” It wasn’t a lie there really was a table of women practically drooling a couple feet away. I took another sip of my drink to relax, but I still felt on edge. Maybe it was because I was dating Kanto. That when I felt my phone vibrate, I pulled it out and saw a text from Kanto.

The golden eyed man glanced at me “I’ll give you a moment, would you like a drink? I promise it’s not with the hopes of going home with you.”

I hesitated to answer but remembered the Smart Straws Sally asked me to put in her purse. “Can I have a rum and coke please?” He smiled at me and headed to the bar. I looked at the text on my phone.

-Having a quiet night in? I thought you would be spending more time with your friend.

Maybe it was the alcohol, but I was mad. His stalkers were reporting back to him about my daily activities. Well I’m not going to play that way.

-No? I’m out with my friend right now. I texted back.

-What do you mean? I could feel even more anger but I don’t think it was mine.

-My friend and I went to a club, we’ve been here for a couple hours. I replied nonchalantly. I waited for Kanto’s reply but it wasn’t immediate. I started to feel regret about what I’ve done.

-What club? He finally answered.

-I don’t know, why? I lied, but he’s been lying to me all week.

-Skyler I need you to go home, now.

-Why? I’m having fun and I don’t want to leave yet. What’s wrong with me being at a club with my friend? I started to defend myself. He can’t lie to me all week and start commanding me to do stuff, I’m not another member of his pack.

-Please Skyler.

-Is there something you want to tell me that I should have known a week ago? I aggressively texted back.

-Please Skyler. Just go home and I promise to tell you everything.

-I’ll think about it. I sent back and put my phone away. I was fuming with rage, I didn’t even notice the man return.

“Everything ok?” He asked handing me the drink I ordered. I took out one of the smart straws and placed it in the cup and waited to see if it would change colors.

“Yea, just a brief argument.” The straw didn’t change colors meaning there were no drugs in my drink, so I took a sip. I let out a sigh.

“Want to talk about it? Contrary to my great looks I’m a fantastic listener.” I laughed at this stranger trying to be my pillow to cry on.

“No, but thank you for the offer.”

“Personally, I would get revenge on the guy and what better way to get revenge than using me.” He said a little too creepy for my taste.

“No thank you.”

He let out a low chuckle. “Ok if you say so. I’m Varus by the way. What can I call you beautiful lady?” He grabbed my hand and left a light kiss on the back. I quickly yanked my arm away. I was about to tell him a fake name when Sally ruined that plan.

“Still doing alright, Skyler?” She said completely oblivious to my discomfort.

“Yea but I think it’s time for me to go.”

Sally pouted but finally realized the discomfort on my face. “Yea, that’s probably a good idea. Thank you for the dancing.” She turned and started to head to the coat check, I went to follow but someone grabbed hold of my wrist.

“It was nice to meet you, Skyler. And if that dog ever gives you trouble, I’ll gladly take care of him for you.” Varus said with a wicked smile before releasing me. I scurried away down the stairs grabbed my jacket and headed out sign taking deep breaths. Varus’s last sentence ran through my head. Did Varus know about Kanto?