Tides Of Fate

Chapter Nine

I didn't bother to answer him. My eyes were fixed on his perfect lips. Before he could say another word, I reached up and pulled his head down locking my lips to his.

I had missed his taste. His lips were hard as they responded to mine. My legs felt weak; I grabbed and held on to him for support. It always felt new when he kissed me and always very intoxicating.

He broke the kiss and held me back. I whined. It had only been a few seconds. But when I looked up his face looked labored, his eyes were closed and his head lowered. His breathing was a little ragged. I hadn't even noticed Joe was standing next to us. He looked relieved. I shifted my gaze between them. Did I miss something?

"Did I do something wrong?" Ash licked his lips lustfully, Joe moved closer. Damn, I'd forgotten about the b****y taste. "I'm sorry, I forgot."

"I forgot you attack when baited." Ash's lips curved into a crooked smile but his voice was edgy.

"It was your fault," I said, smiling back as his face slowly smoothed over.

"Well, we both have to be more careful, only around the obvious."

"Could someone please explain to us what's going on?" Maria spoke in a soft tone. We turned to face them.

Ann was now seated on the stool where Joe had been. "Maria and I are the only ones out of the loop. Lee has this mind reading thing, then the tension that seems to be hanging heavily in the room when one of you loses their temper." She pointed at Joe. "Why did you react like that just now?"

"You and Billy reacted the same way the first time we came here. And she reacted the same way on the porch just a few minutes ago," Maria chipped in.

"Not forgetting the tense vibe between her and Billy. Last time I thought you guys would have a throw down or something." I was stunned Ann caught that.

"What!" Ash bellowed behind me.

We all jumped. Maria and Ann looked scared. Joe stood stiffly staring at Ash. I stayed still where I was, fighting back the instinct to get ready to defend myself. Was it always going to be like this?

A dangerous growl rumbled in Ash's chest. Joe took a step back, his body tighter. I could feel a cold chill run down my spine. Every part of me was screaming for me to get away from him, but I fought it. I didn't want him to think I was going on the defensive.

I turned slowly to face him. "Ash, calm down, Billy was just being careful."

"Careful, he was ready to attack you!" His voice was coarse, rougher than usual.

I could see the silver creep into his brown eyes. His body was tense and his stance harsh. Listening to my new side, I took a step back but there was nowhere to go. I was caught in between him and the island.

"The girls were in the same room, just as they are now!" I spoke softly, trying to stay calm.

He looked over me then back at me. He closed his eyes and took a few steps back then leaned against the counter. We all stayed quiet, waiting for him to cool off. When he opened his eyes they were brown again, but he was still angry.

I felt a calm go over me. I sat back down and turned to the girls, they still looked scared. Joe was leaning against the wall more relaxed now than before.

"How about you tell us the stuff that will piss off the big wolf and we won't say them." Ann's voice was cracked as she stared at Ash with fear.

Ann had seen Ash in his wolf form. He must have looked scary enough for her not to challenge him because she wasn't one to take a threat made against someone she cared about quietly.

"Don't worry about him, he has a short fuse. You wanted an explanation…" I tried to sound relaxed and casual, but I knew what I was going to say next wouldn't go down too well. I regretted offering to explain. "You already know the guys are wolves, and I'm sort of leaning to that side."

"Yes we know." Maria looked relaxed, the fear gone.

"You've watched me eat close to raw meat." I thought about the next words carefully. Joe was upright, nervously staring at Maria. "That's because they feed like real wolves."

"That's disgusting!" Ann said creasing her face. I thought of leaving it there, they didn't need to know everything about their diet.

"What is it you're not telling us?" Maria was staring at Joe concerned.

Joe closed his eyes. He looked distressed. Ash put a hand on my shoulder. They were going to freak. "I don't know the whole story yet but they also; well not them but others like them, feed on humans."

Ann almost fell off her stool. Her eyes were wide with horror. Maria just sat there blank.

"What! Are you telling me we've been living under the same roof with animals that could feed on us?"

"They wouldn't do that, Ann, you know that." I ignored the animal remark but it had offended me, now that I was turning into one of them.

"If they wanted to, they would have already. I bet humans are much tastier," Maria said. Her voice had an undercurrent of humor in it. Her face relaxed, with either understanding or resignation. We all laughed, except for Ann who was still horrified. She sat back on the stool, not sure what to do or say.

"Ann, are you okay?" I asked her, worried. She had turned pale white.

"I just found out my boyfriend would enjoy eating me more than whatever poor animal—" Ann stopped then looked up. "They went to feed didn't they?" she whispered, horrified.

"They must have, I bet Billy doesn't want to chance eating you tonight," Maria joked.

I stared at Maria; she was taking it better than I expected.

"Gee, I feel so much better," Ann said sarcastically feigning a smile. "Next you'll tell me vampires exist."

"Mostly, in Europe. There aren't that many though—eight or so covens," Ash answered candidly behind me.

"What?" Maria asked shocked.

I was also stunned, but if werewolves existed why wouldn't vampires? According to all the novels I've read they are supposed to be natural enemies, so how would one exist without the other?

Ann looked at him wide eyed before she shrunk, as if she had deflated. "Back packing through Europe is officially canceled."

I patted Ash's hand on my shoulder. "Ash, one mystical creature at a time, they need to keep what little sanity they have left."

"Sorry."

Ann raked her fingers through her hair and exhaled noisily. "I need some air. Ash, I think you will understand if I ask for my gun." Ann's color was coming back. She was overreacting asking for her g*n, but I knew it was all about control and trust right now. She needed to feel in control of herself and her surroundings before she could trust anyone again.

"Of course," Ash's heavy voice responded.

"So when are the two of you going out?" Maria took a Coke out of the fridge and went to stand next to Joe. He looked shocked. He must have thought the revelation would send her running in the other direction.

"When…when the others…get back," Joe stammered.

"Why not go now? We can take care of ourselves, and Ann will need some time. You can warn Billy before he comes back."

Joe nodded. He headed out of the kitchen, but Ash was still lingering. It took him a few minutes before he followed Joe out.

"I can't believe this." Ann was still in shock.

"You knew there was something off with them. Let's just be grateful they aren't in a cult." Maria placed a Coke in her hand. "I wonder how they do it."

"Do what?" Ann asked before she took a sip of the Coke.

"Hunt."

I've wondered the same thing since I realized what they feed on. There is a way to find out. "We could always go watch."

Ann spit out the sip she had taken. She coughed. "Are you out of your mind!"

"What if they find out?" Maria's eyes lit. Ann was always the one who backed me in my mischievous deeds, but today she was the skeptical one and Maria was as curious as I was.

I stood up and headed for the living room, Maria followed close by.

"What do you two think you're doing? It could be dangerous!" Ann was behind us yelling.

I picked up the keys to my jeep and headed for the door. "I thought you were the dare devil?"

"Come with us, unless you're a wimp." Maria was excited, something none of us was supposed to be.

Ann was right. Stalking werewolves was a very obtuse idea. But now that Maria had dared her, she would most definitely join us in our stupidity.

"Fine, but if they catch us I'm blaming you." Ann walked briskly out the door.