A Wolf's Claim

CHAPTER 12

*Stella*

I sat at the table with Sienna, when Jace walked in a few minutes after me. I don't know why he yelled at me outside, but I wasn't going to risk being yelled at twice. I wanted to talk to him, because of everything that happened in the last hour. Not only did I watch Jace transform into a werewolf, but he looked furious with me. If I did something wrong, I'd like to know what.

Jace had a pleading look in his eyes, and I got out of the chair to walk with him. We left the house and started walking along the dirt road, surrounded by acres of trees. I could tell Jace was nervous, it was the first time I'd ever seen him that way, but it was kind of cute. His tan skin still revealed a delicate blush.

"I'm sorry for earlier," He started in a low husky voice, "I... well, werewolves can sometimes be possessive over their mates."

I felt my own cheeks blushing. Did he hear mine and Sienna's conversation? Sienna thinks Tex has feelings for me, and it was right after that conversation when Jace transformed into a werewolf. I sighed, gazing into his light green-ish blue eyes. There is a part of me that's already attached to this man, as confusing as it is, I can't deny it.

"Were you mad at me?" I asked, afraid to hear his answer.

"Not at you, love." He shook his head, his words sweet but his voice still surly.

"At... Tex?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes." Jace grunted, and I felt my nose scrunch up.

"It's not his fault, he has feelings just like you and I do." I shrugged, until Jace was standing directly in front of me.

"Why does it seem like you reciprocate those feelings, Stella?" Jace asked, his voice much harsher and more menacing.

"I... I don't." I quickly remarked, remembering the slightest crush I had on him, but that was before Jace showed up.

"You're lying. I can tell." Jace growled, his nostrils flaring, and his eyes growing increasingly darker.

"Back off, Jace!" I shrieked, turning away from him and walking back towards the house.

"I was honest with you, why can't you be honest with me?" He asked, jogging to catch up to me.

"I am being honest! I do not currently have a crush on Tex! You're the only man I like right now." I grumbled, folding my arms across my chest.

"Currently?" Jace whispered in an angry voice, one that caused the hair to stand on my neck.

"I used to, but that was before I met you." I shrugged, like it wasn't a big deal, though I knew he'd make it one.

"I knew it!" He shouted, "Why couldn't you just admit it?"

"Because you fly off the handle so easily! I'm afraid to upset you, bring out your wolf and watch you destroy your house again..." I grumbled, storming ahead of him again.

We weren't far from the house, and this time he didn't try to catch up with me, he stayed behind. I wondered if I was too harsh on him, but he was treating me like a monster for developing feelings for someone else when he wasn't even in my life at the time! I understand they can get possessive, but he better reign this s**t in! I certainly won't deal with the grilling questions all the time, treating me like a child.

I shoved through the front doors, past the lingering audience in the kitchen, and straight upstairs. I wanted to be alone. So many things have changed in my life at such a sudden speed, it's hard to digest everything properly. I locked the bedroom door behind me, and went into the large bathroom that was connected to the room.

I started running water to take a hot bath, seeking a healthy vice to relieve my stress. I got myself set up with plenty of towels, soap, and locked myself in the bathroom. He'll have to break through two locks if he wants to blur the line between right and wrong. Clearly, Jace is just as new to this mate thing as I am, because he's acting like an i***t.

I climbed in the steaming hot bubble bath, turning the water off. The water came all the way up to my neck, and the bubbles added another couple of inches. I relaxed, soaking in the soothing scent of lavender and chamomile. Smiling to myself, at least I have this to keep myself sane. That is, until I heard shouting.

Opening one eye, like that was going to help me focus on listening, I realized the voice was familiar... but it shouldn't be, not here! It's Tex! Immediately, I jumped out of the tub and threw a towel around my body. Sprinting out of the bedroom, I came face to face with not only an angry Jace, but Tex, standing in the hallway. Jace is standing in front of the bedroom door I'm coming out of, while Tex is in front of him.

I noticed Tex was holding a weapon, a freaking crossbow! I stood beside Jace, staring at Tex like he'd lost his damn mind! Both of them looked me up and down, before sneering at one another. I realized I was still just in a towel, with soap dripping down my legs. Jace growled, stepping in front of me, and I had my fill! If my male friend wants to come see me, then he can... just not with a crossbow.

"Tex... what are you doing?" I asked, peeking around Jace's massive body.

"I'm taking you away from these beasts!" Tex roars, aiming his crossbow at Jace.

"No!" I screeched and positioned myself in front of Jace, surprising both men.

"He really has your brain twisted, doesn't he?" Tex scoffed.

"No, if anything, your brain is twisted right now. Why are you doing this?" I asked in a calm voice.

"I'm fully coherent, Stella. I know who and what Jace is, what he really is!" Tex shouted, spitting on the ground.

"Leave, now." Jace growled from behind, his voice a deep menacing rumble.

"Not without her." Tex grunted, his light blue eyes flashing at me.

"She's not going with you." Jace barked, his skin becoming hotter by the second, which means he'll transform into a wolf if Tex keeps this up.

"Tex, you need to leave." I said, trying to keep Jace to my side. "I'll talk to you, but you need to put your weapon down."

"No way, not while this beast could attack at any minute!" Tex roared, baring his teeth.

This was going nowhere fast, and soon chaos began erupting from downstairs. Jace's attention was distracted for a mere second, before Tex yanked my arm and pulled me toward his chest. He's holding me like I'm his hostage, while Jace's face turns from anger to horror.

Tex points his crossbow at Jace, while slowly backing toward the edge of the hallway with me in his grip. We tip toe down the stairs, where loud screams, growls, and gunshots fill the air. Soon, my vision was that of a war scene. Wolves are attacking men, shredding them to pieces, while men are shooting at wolves. I'm too taken with my surroundings to notice that Tex is dragging me outside.

There are several large, lifted, trucks parked right out front of Jace's house. I see Edgar, Tex's dad, standing behind the door of his truck, firing his gun randomly through the house. They're all laughing like a bunch of deer hunting rednecks! Instead, they're stealing the lives of amazing people!

I fought against Tex, clinging to my towel with my other hand, and feared the worst when I heard an ear-piercing growl from behind. I turned my head over my shoulder and met the gaze of a magnificent black wolf, with remarkably familiar hazel eyes. He snarled and stepped closer, his giant paws vibrating the ground each time he stepped down. I was captivated, enthralled by the astounding creature standing before me.

His teeth are bared, revealing a row of intimidatingly large pointed teeth. I felt Tex tremble, as he backed up closer to his dad, with me still pressed against him. Jace released a low growl, coming into view of the others. They all pointed their weapons at him, but Jace didn't seem to care. His eyes were set on mine.

A loud gunshot rippled through the air, and somewhere deep inside I knew it was headed straight for Jace. I struggled against Tex, shutting my eyes when I heard a loud yelp and howl ring through my ears. My heart dropped and pain flooded in the cracks, leaving me breathless.