Starting Over.

Chapter 38 - Letting the shock wear off.

I stared at the food in front of me. I wasn’t hungry at all. I faintly heard a knocking but my eyes were fixated on these sunny side up eggs.

“No she’s been like that for a half hour.” David’s voice was faint.

“Hey Ryan!” I heard a soft voice and I looked over. Audra smiled at me.

“Oh hey.” I said.

“How are you?” She asked.

“I don’t feel good.” I said and she looked at David.

“Do you need to lay down?” David asked.

“I don’t know.” I said looking back to the eggs.

“Do you want to talk about it?” Audra said.

“I’m just, letting it sink in.” I said and I looked at Audra. “Are you a wolf too!?” I asked.

“Yes, in fact, I am a half breed. My dad was a human and I didn’t get my wolf until I became eighteen.” Audra said.

“I don’t know what that means.” I said looking at David.

“Most get their wolf at thirteen.” David said.

“Oh.” I said looking between them.

“It’s like she’s in shock.” Audra said.

“Because I think she is. She passed out cold after seeing me transform.” David said.

“You transformed in front of her!?” Audra was surprised.

“She thought I was pranking her. So I showed her I wasn’t.” David said.

“Ok!” I stood up.

“Ok?” David said. I needed to feel comfort of some kind. I walked over and hugged David. He wrapped his arms around me. I felt at ease from his touch.

“So does this mean she’s not rejecting you?” Audra asked.

“She said she didn’t want to reject me.” David said and I heard Audra make a clapping sound.

“Great news David!” She said gleefully. “Ryan you’re going to fit into the family so well!” Audra said and I looked at her.

“Fit in? Family?” I asked.

“After David marks you of course.” Audra said.

“Is that like a set date? Do you have to do it on a full moon or something?” I looked at David.

“No.” David laughed. “I promise it wouldn’t be until you’re ready.” David kissed my forehead.

“Are things ok now? I don’t think you actually needed me.” Audra said.

“I might have questions later, but I feel like I want to lay down. Let this shock wear off.” I said sighing .

“Why don’t you guys come for dinner.” Audra said and David looked at me.

“No thank you. It’s very kind, but I just want to be alone with David.” I said.

“Sorry, if she wants to ask you anything else. I’ll call or we’ll come over.” David said.

“Ryan, call me if you need anything.” Audra said and I nodded. She looked at David and continued. “I may come over later just to check on you both.” Audra said.

“Do you want to go lay down?” David asked.

“Yes, maybe… I honestly don’t know what I want right now.” I said not sure what to do at this moment.

“What do you mean?” David asked.

“Yes.” I took a deep breath and David stared at me. “Yes I need to lay down or sit and process this all.” I said.

“Ok, let’s go lay down.” David said holding my hand and leading me up the stairs. We got to the room and I walked over and got on the bed. I sat there a moment while David stood there watching me.

“It’s crazy to think, I used to have such a normal life.” I said.

“Normal is boring.” David said and I sighed.

“I feel like this just can’t be real.” I said closing my eyes.

“Ryan.” David said and I looked at him. He approached me and got down. He took both my hands. “I want you to know you won’t be all alone. I’ll be with you showing you and telling you everything you need or want to know. Now there will be no smoothing over secrets. Our relationship can be a open book and I can share everything with you. I’m so happy you’re going to move forward with me.” David’s voice was soft. I touched his face and he leaned into my hand. I leaned down and our lips met. Warmth spread over me.

“I know. I’m just going to lay down and rest. Let the shock of this all kind of melt away.” I said and David nodded. He stood and pulled the blanket back. I laid down grabbing his hand. “Just stay with me for a moment?” I asked and David smiled.

“Of course.” He said walking around and getting into the bed. He wrapped his arm around me and I laid my head on him. I took a few breaths, just calming down.

*David’s perspective.*

There was a knock that the front door. I opened it.

“Heyyyy. How’s it going?” Will said stepping inside. Audra followed and looked around.

“Did she run away?” Audra whispered.

“No.” I turned and walked into the living room.

“Where is she?” Will asked.

“Sleeping.” I answered.

“Audra told me she was in shock.” Will said sitting down.

“Something like that.” I rubbed my face. “I feel like I shouldn’t have told her.” I sighed.

“Oh David, you were going to have to tell her sooner or later.” Audra said sitting next to Will.

“I know. I didn’t do it slow like Will said and I freaked her out.” I sighed again.

“Hey, everything will be fine. She’s going to wake up, and be more calm.” Audra said.

“Yeah man. Things will be ok. Audra said she didn’t want to reject you, so there’s still that.” Will said.

“Yeah. She could still change her mind when she calms down.” I said. Will suddenly say up straight. Out of all of us, his wolf hearing was by far the best.

“She’s coming.” Will mind link me and I stood. Ryan appeared and looked in curiously.

“Everyone is here.” She said as she slowly walked in.

“Hi Ryan, you look so much calmer.” Audra said.

“How are you feeling?” I asked and she approached me.

“I’m fine, Calmer. Not sure what to say.” She said looking around the room. I grew nervous watching her.

“Are you hungry?” I asked just to break the tension.

“A little.” Ryan said looking at me.

“What would you like? Anything, we can have anything.” I said still nervous.

“David calm down.” Will laughed.

“I don’t know.” Ryan said staring at me.

“Why don’t you both come over? Our Chef is making a nice pork roast with potatoes and a side salad.” Audra said.

“Sounds amazing.” Will said suggestively.

“Oh um, ok.” Ryan said. “What time is it?” She looked at me.

“It’s three.” I said.

“It’s a little early for dinner.” Ryan said and the room got quiet. “Is that why you don’t like vegetables?” Ryan suddenly asked.

“What?” I asked hearing Will’s snickering.

“You hate vegetables. Is it because you’re a…” Ryan looked around. “A wolf.” She whispered and Will burst out laughing.

“Will!” Audra smacked his leg.

“I’m sorry.” Ryan’s face was flushed.

“No, don’t be embarrassed. I’m sure you have a lot of questions. I hate vegetables because the taste of them cooked is kinda disgusting.” I said.

“Oh.” Ryan said looking at everyone.

“I should tell you Ryan, whispering whole Will is in your presence is no use. He has impeccable hearing.” Audra said.

“Audra! You know that’s my secret! How I catch my employees slacking off.” Will smiled.

“Wait, you can hear when I whisper stuff?” Ryan asked.

“I heard you slowly close the door and walk down stairs.” Will said and Ryan shot me a look.

“Very good hearing for our kind.” I said.

“Ok, I’ll have to remember that so I don’t embarrass myself.” Ryan said.

“Do you want to stay here? Or go over to their place? We could talk while dinner cooks.” I said.

“Oh, sure.” Ryan said.

“Oh good! There’s a game on and I didn’t want to miss it!” Will jumped up.