DARK DAYS

CHAPTER TEN

Christiana went back to her old routine, staying out of the way not wanting a repeat of the night of the hunt. She had almost convinced herself that she didn’t care if she didn’t participate in pack activities… almost. What she was convinced of was that it was safer to lay low, and not blow her cover.  She hated it, having to pretend to be less than she was but it was necessary. If the others were hostile when they thought she was just a stupid runt, what would they be if they knew that she was an alpha female? 

A week had passed since that night; she hadn’t gone hunting or running since that was difficult for her. She loved running. Micah had sent Delilah, who was turning out to be an okay friend, into town to buy some clothes for her. Delilah had come back with some really great finds considering the size of the closest town. It wasn’t tiny, but it wasn’t a metropolitan either. It felt good to be walking around in her own clothes that fit her. 

Nathaniel hadn’t come around much to Micah’s surprise, if he didn’t know better he’d think that Christiana intimidated Nathaniel, Mr. Big scary enforcer. But Nathaniel did eventually show up on her doorstep. 

Ana opened the door after the first knock to find Nathaniel standing there, he was silent for a minute, “I had heard that Dee went shopping for you. You look good, I mean...''

     Ana couldn't stop the amusement from showing on her face. “I know what you mean.” She assured him. He looked almost uncomfortable, “Did you want something?” She asked gently.

He swallowed, “Is Dee or Marianne here?” He asked unnecessarily, peering over her shoulder into the house. She shook her head waiting as patiently as she could. “Can I come in?” He asked almost a bit annoyed that he had to. He assumed that she would just step back and let him enter like all the others. 

Ana smiled, “Sure, so, what can I do for you?” 

Nathaniel frowned; this wasn’t going at all like he thought it would, he didn’t expect her to come to the door and him be tongue-tied. It wasn’t like he was a teenager anymore, “I’m sorry I haven’t called…” He started.

Christiana nodded, “I don’t remember you saying you would.” She said innocently.

“I didn’t, but I know that certain people were expecting me to and didn’t know whether you were one of them or not.” He couldn’t believe the words that were coming out of his mouth, just ask her out you dolt! The smooth guy in him cried out.  

“Don’t worry I haven’t been pining wondering why you haven’t asked me out Nathaniel. I’m not the type to hold you to some traditional expectation, just because you pay attention to me doesn’t mean we’re betrothed or anything like that.”  She walked over to the kitchen and he followed.

Nathaniel leaned against the counter, having the distinct feeling that she couldn’t care less either way. “Do you want me to ask you out?” 

She shrugged, “Doesn’t really concern me, I won’t be crushed if you don’t life will go on. Look Nate, You’re too old to be playing these middle school games.” When he raised his eyebrows she elaborated, “Does she like me doesn’t she, I’ll only ask if I know she’ll say yes crap. You’re too old for it and frankly I’m too impatient. So if you want to date me ask and if you don’t then don’t, I know that it’s a risk for you, dating the omega of the pack.” 

He watched her closely, “You are the type who just makes a decision and sticks with it aren’t you?” 

She snorted, “Aren’t you?” 

He nodded absently, “All right fine, no games no pretenses, would you like to go to a movie with me?”

Christiana regarded him over her glass of water, “No.” She said simply, noting the flare of shock and disbelief in his eyes before he was able to hide it.  His jaw tightened and he straightened getting ready to leave. “I can’t leave the property, I’m only safe here. So no, no going into town to go to a movie, I will however do something else.”

Nathaniel took a deep breath; narrowing his eyes at her, “Tease.” He muttered, “What if I had just walked out?” He asked half pissed off at her.

Christiana smirked, “Then you wouldn’t have been worth it, and it would be good to know that now rather than later.” 

Nathaniel shook his head, “So how many men have hurt you?” He watched with a little satisfaction as she lost her smirk, lost her control of the situation.

Ana gave him a level look, “Why do you make the assumption that there’s more than one?”

He looked away, unsure of what it was about her specifically that screamed keep away to all men, his gaze returned to her, “A woman doesn’t play games like that with a man, she doesn’t test him like you just did unless she’s been hurt and is looking for a specific character flaw to present itself.” He was very aware of the fact that she did not look comfortable with his assessment. Micah was right, she was hiding something and she had been through too much for someone her age.

“You can’t look like me and live in a pack where women are treated like cattle and not have learned that men have fragile egos and ulterior motives. If you don’t learn it quickly you set yourself up for a life laying on your back feeling very used.” She answered bitterly, so she does have a temper, Nathaniel thought watching the cold look come over her. He had seen that look many times, he had probably worn it himself a few, and it was a dangerous look.

She walked back to the door and held it open for him, dismissing him suddenly. “You free tonight?” He asked before stepping outside, he had a feeling she wanted to slam it in his face for pushing her to relive a painful memory. And he had no doubt that that’s what had happened a minute ago.

She looked at him levelly, “Where else would I be? I’m the persona non grata in this place.” 

Nathaniel stroked her cheek, “I’m sorry.” She didn’t ask for what, Christiana just bit her lip and nodded. “Dinner, at seven I’ll come by and pick you up.” She nodded again, said goodbye and closed the door. He let out a sigh; no reminiscing allowed he thought dryly.