A Wolf's Claim

CHAPTER 9

*Stella*

I was starting to feel a little better, at least I could walk by myself now. However, Jace still helps me when he finds me struggling. I wanted to take a shower, freshen up, so I hobbled into the bathroom with fresh clothes. Running the water to warm it up, I grabbed a couple of towels from the stand near the door.

I stripped off my clothes and saw my reflection in the large mirror ahead of me... I looked horrific! My body was covered in yellow, purple, bruises and cuts. I winced, turning around and gasping at the large wounds that scoured my back. My whip marks are by far the worst, as the skin is still raised and bright purple. Grimacing, I turned and stood in the shower. I wanted to cry, but felt like I was a dry well. So, I focused on my shower. I washed my hair, my body, and shaved, feeling refreshed.

I dried my body off, slowly, so I wouldn't irritate the wounds. I changed into my clean clothes in the bathroom, and brushed my wet hair out, before returning to the bedroom. My hair hung over my right shoulder, still dripping with water, soaking my shirt. I took my old clothes to the hamper across the room, and turned around to find Jace standing in the doorway with a smirk. His eyes landed on my shirt, and he immediately looked away, his face blushing somewhat.

I giggled, wondering what caused this reaction. Until I glanced down and noticed my white shirt was now translucent, thanks to my wet hair that's placed directly above my right boob! It was my turn to blush, and I quickly turned around to retrieve a sweater. Once I was covered, I glanced at him and found him smirking in such a way, I wanted to melt. I sighed, he chuckled, the embarrassment was surreal.

"How are you feeling?" He asked, a question he asked at least five times a day.

"A little better, actually... I was hoping to visit my home, so I could get my stuff and tell Tex I'm not missing..." I responded, carefully searching his face for irritation.

"Are you sure you're up for all of that?" Jace asked, concern devouring his eyes.

"Positive, the sooner, the better." I nodded.

"Alright, let's go." Jace stated, waiting for me to join him by the doorway.

He kept a hand at the small of my back, as we walked down the long corridor. A spiral staircase awaited us at the end of the hall, where Jace hooked his hand around my waist and pulled me closer to his side. We walked at a slow pace, him helping me with each step. Once we reached the bottom, the room opened up to a massive entrance. A set of tall wooden double doors led outside to the front. To the right was a dining room with an adjacent kitchen. To the left was a living room with a large fireplace, as well as several couches in front of a wide-screen television. It was a beautiful home, with a cabin feel to it.

Jace held open the front door, where we walked out towards a black Escalade. Adam held open the passenger door for me, while Jace hopped in the driver's seat. Adam and another man with spiky black hair joined us in the backseat. I wondered why they were accompanying us, but then Solomon flashed through my mind. If he still desires to hurt me, he'll be searching for me. The thought made me shudder, and I noticed Jace glancing at me out of the corner of his eye.

The drive was silent at first, and I wasn't even sure how long it was going to take to get there. I never realized how far from home I was, until now. We were surrounded by the forest, tucked in safely where not many people lurk around. It was beautiful though, the trees were a vibrant green and the smell of pine filled the air.

After about an hour, we pulled into town. I directed Jace towards my small apartment complex, where he pulled up in front of the entrance, didn't even bother parking in a spot. Jace hopped out of the car and quickly went around to my door, opening it and helping me out with his giant hand.

"You two stay here, keep guard." Jace ordered.

"Got it." Adam nodded.

Jace and I walked into the building, climbing the flight of stairs and down the hall to my door. I stuck the key in the lock and opened the door to my tiny home, clicking the lights on as we walked inside. Jace followed behind me, allowing the front door to shut. I entered my room and Jace set a bag on the bed, opening it up. I started pulling clothes out of my closet, starting with my favorites.

With a pile of clothes in my arms, I stumbled out of the closet and shoved them into the bag on the bed. I heard Jace growl, but didn't think too much about it, he does that a lot. Until I looked up and locked eyes with Tex, who was standing in the doorway of my bedroom with wide eyes. I stopped, taking note of his disgruntled expression, as his eyes flickered between me and Jace. He winced, as Jace stepped closer to Tex with an intimidating stance.

Jace's muscles were flexed, making him look that much bigger. Tex glared at Jace, like the two of them were going to fight it out or something? I stepped in between them, hearing a muffled snarl from Jace behind me. Tex's soft light blue eyes connected with mine, and I swear I could see the hurt inside of him.

"Tex... I was going to come see you next." I said, my voice a light whisper.

"Next? What are you doing, Stella? Where have you been?" Tex asked, his voice soft and frail.

"It's a long story..." I murmured, about to continue, when Jace interrupted.

"One we don't have time for." Jace said, his voice a loud rumble, even when whispering.

"And who the hell is this guy?!" Tex snarled, causing Jace to growl and step closer to Tex.

"This is Jace, he actually saved me... I'll fill you in another time, okay? I'm so sorry Tex, I lost my phone and couldn't contact you. I'm alright though, okay? I promise." I rambled, but all Tex could do was stare back in shock.

"She's safe now." Jace's voice rumbled from behind me, his warm breath tickling my skin.

"I don't think I like you very much, Jace." Tex snorted, folding his arms across his chest with a look of disgust.

"The feeling is mutual." Jace grunted, and I rolled my eyes.

"Luckily, that doesn't matter. I'm moving away, Tex." I said, turning back around to continue stuffing clothes in the suitcase.

"Why?! What changed?" Tex argued, trying to push past Jace, but Jace stopped him with the heavy force of his hand.

I didn't say anything, all I did was look at Jace, who was looking back at me with a knowing smirk. The butterflies in my stomach danced, while I tried to fight the smile that wanted to arise. Tex scoffed, rolling his eyes, shaking his head with disapproval. Not that I need his approval, but it would have been nice for my one friend and boyfriend to get along.

"What did he do to you?" Tex whispered, shaking his head in disbelief.

"Nothing, other than save my life." I grunted, defending Jace.

"He put some weird voodoo spell on you, I can see it in your eyes when you look at him! You're brainwashed! Stella, let me help you!" Tex exclaimed, pushing past Jace for a mere second.

It took a mere few seconds for Jace to shove Tex back towards the door, and he shoved him so hard that Tex hit the door across from mine. Tex had a hurtful look in his eyes, and I did feel bad, but I didn't understand why he was acting so irrational! After that, Tex disappeared, and I finished packing up my things. We carried them out to the car, and I finished my errands in town. Quitting my job, completely disappearing from the town's radar, as well as removing the missing posters all around town.