Sharp Edges

What are Friends For

The run back to the clearing was just as fun as the run the night before. We chased, tackled, and played like children. When I see the clearing come into view, I feel a tad bit uneasy, and slow my pace to a walk.

Jules and Zack notice.

"Go on. We will meet you out there in a few." Jules tells Zack and he nods before continuing.

"Are you worried about the shift back?" She asks.

I nod and fall into step beside her as we close the distance between us and the clearing.

"I won't lie… it is going to be uncomfortable, but it won't be anything like your first shift." Jules says.

I let out a sigh of relief.

"On a scale of one to ten, ten being last night, how bad?" I ask.

"For me it was like a seven, for you it will probably be closer to a four. Everyone is different." She answers with a shrug.

"How many shifts until I can shift like you and Zack, with little to no pain?"

"Again, everyone is different. It took me eight shifts before I was completely comfortable with the process." 

I take a deep breath as we reach the clearing. Zack has already shifted back, gotten dressed, and is waiting on us.

"Okay, let’s get this over with then." I reply.

"I am going to walk you through this, okay Skye?" Zack asks.

I nod.

"First I want you to lay down and close your eyes."

I comply.

"Now I want you to take five deep breaths and then focus on your front paws. Feel the grass beneath them. How they move. How they differ from your human hands. Now focus on your hands. Your human hands. How they look. How they feel. How they move." He says, speaking softly.

"All you have to do is start the process and your body will do the rest." Jules adds in my head.

It begins to feel like I am popping my knuckles, then in the span of five more deep breaths it is over. I only screamed once when my spine went through the change. It feels odd to be in my human form again. Everything was sharper than the last time I was human, but still dull in comparison to my wolf form. I got up from the ground and stretched. Everything still worked correctly so that was good news... Some sore muscles seem to be the only physical indication of what my body just went through.  

Zack drapes a comforter around my naked form. “You did amazing Skye.”

“I am glad the worst part is over. Thank you for all your help. I couldn’t have made it through that without you.” I reply, giving him a quick peck on the cheek before retrieving my change of clothes from the basket.

“Jules, I packed you a change of clothes as well. They are in the backpack on the four-wheeler if you want them.” Zack tells Jules, who is still in her wolf form.

Jules nods and shifts.

While we are dressing Zack pulls the plug on the air mattress and gathers all the supplies from the night before, packing everything into an extra-large black duffel bag. He loads the duffel onto the back of the four-wheeler and straps it down with a few bungie cords.

“I’ll have to come back for the mirror, but other than that I am ready to head out.” He tells us when he is finished.

At the bottom of the mountain Zack drops us at Jules’s car and loads the four-wheeler into the back of his truck.

Once we are on the road, Jules’s phone beeps. “That was Zack, he said to meet him at the restaurant for breakfast.” She informs me.  

“Awesome. Some pancakes sound amazing right now.” I tell her, resting my head against the cool glass of the passenger window.  

When we arrive, the dining area is beginning to empty out as the breakfast crowd dissipates. The weekend hostess takes us to our usual round booth in the corner. We are all so hungry we waist no time placing our orders. Zack gets two breakfast croissants and a side of hash browns, while Jules and I both decide on big stacks of pancakes.

While we are waiting for our food Jules’s brother Brad slides into the booth beside her.

“What’s up sis?” He asks, taking her glass of orange juice and consuming it all.

“Zack. Skye.” He greats us when he has finished.

“Hey! You little brat! That was mine!” Jules yells in response.

“Not anymore.” Brad laughs at his older sisters’ annoyance.

“You are so annoying! I swear mom adopted you!” Jules says pushing her brother away from her and out of the booth.

“If anyone was adopted, it was you sis. Speaking of mom… Is she here?” Brad replies.

“I don’t know. We just got here.” Jules answers rolling her eyes at him and crossing her arms over her chest. “And even if I did know… I wouldn’t tell you.” She finishes with a smug glare.

“Someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning.” Brad teases.

“No, you are just a pain in the ass.” Jules answers defensively.

“You know you love me.” He replies, and in an act that can be considered either brave or stupid, he uses both hands to intentionally mess up her hair.

“Brad!!! Knock it off or I swear you will regret it!” Jules yells.

“Fine. I am going to find mom.” Brad calls over his shoulder as he makes his way towards the kitchen.

Zack and I watch with amused looks on our faces, but in an act of self-preservation we say nothing.

Our food arrives. The smell of fresh pancakes, melted butter, and sweet syrup making my mouth water. Jules orders another juice, and we dig in. Only a few bites in and I find myself with a newfound respect for why Jules and Zack eat so much. My heightened taste buds make it seem like I am tasting this classic breakfast food for the first time…I could get use to this…

I am distracted by the plate of deliciousness in front of me, so I do not know when she entered, but the next thing I know Stacy is standing next to our table with her hands on her hips.

“Where is your brother?” She asks.

I follow Jules’s and Zack’s lead and ignore her, going back to my breakfast. When it is clear none of us are going to even acknowledge her presence, much less answer her question, she huffs and stomps away.  

We finish our breakfast and Jules goes back to see if her mom is in the office. I wait with Zack in our booth and he drapes his arm around my shoulders. On her way back to our table Jules’s path is blocked by…you guessed it…Stacy. Jules goes to step around her, and Stacy blocks her path a second time. With her box red hair and attitude that was two big for her britches that girl needs to be knocked down a few pegs. I bump Zack and point to the two across the room, before we climb out and make our way over to them.

On the way Zack whispers in my ear, “I know that look on your face, but you can’t fight her. You don’t know your own strength yet.”

I let out an annoyed huff. “I won’t make a promise I might not keep.” I tell him.

Jules and I are two vastly different people. She will avoid a physical confrontation simply to avoid a scene. Where Stacy is concerned that usually results in Jules getting walked all over. I, on the other hand, do not give a rat’s ass about causing a scene. Since my arrival in Jasper, Stacy has limited her assaults on Jules to when I was not around. Unfortunately for her I am around now, and my new werewolf side is super protective of her pack.

“I know you didn’t think I was just going to let you walk past me after your little stunt earlier. No one ignores me when I am talking to them… Especially not my boyfriends’ slutty sister.” Stacy says, raising her voice on the last part as if to announce it to the whole place.  

I am practically seeing red. It is taking everything in me to rein in the anger boiling inside. Wolf emotions are going to take some adjusting to.

“Speaking of which…Look who it is. Coming to her rescue like always.” Stacy continues, turning her attention to Zack and me as we move around her to stand behind Jules.

Addressing Zack, she continues, “Whose boyfriend are you anyway? They are both throwing themselves at you. It’s disgusting. You could do so much better you know.” She finishes and even has the audacity to wink at him.

“You of all people have no right to slut shame considering Brad dumped you for sleeping around.” I snap.

Brad emerges from the double door behind us unable to avoid his ex, at his sisters’ expense, any longer.

An idea forms in my head, like the light to the bulb in my childhood cartoons.

“Plus,” I continue, “Zack is with Jules. I am with Brad now.” I say, giving Stacy my most triumphant smile.

Please let him play along, I think to myself.

I turn away from them and close the distance between Brad and me. With hands on either side of his face I pull him into me. Our lips meet and his kisses me back. Thank goodness, or the gig would be up faster than it started. His hands snake around me to the small of my back and he even goes as far as to give me a little romantic dip. Damn, this boy knows how to put on a show. We break apart and he smiles thankfully at me. Playing along beautifully he takes my hand in his and turns his attention to stunned Stacy.

“I am done with you Stacy. You did not respect me enough to be faithful. It’s your own fault I’ve moved on. Do us both a favor and stop following me around trying to convince me to take you back.” Brad says, his tone bored.

Stacy, red with embarrassment and anger hisses at me, “Fine, you want my sloppy seconds? You can have them.”  

She spins on her heel to leave, but I am not done yet.

“Oh, and Stacy?” I call after her.

She stops but doesn’t turn back so I continue, “Leave MY boyfriend’s sister alone. She has to much class to put you in your place but if you think I won’t, you’re overestimating my character.” I warn.  

Stacy’s car pulls out of the parking lot before anyone speaks.

“That was brilliant work Skye.” Brad says, rustling my hair like he had done to Jules earlier and I swat his hand away from me.

“You weren’t too bad yourself, but don’t make me regret saving your ass.”  I tease punching his arm.

I notice that Zack seems tense, and Jules just seems sad. Moving away from Brad, I take Zacks hand in mine and he relaxes.

“Are you okay hun?” I ask Jules.

“Yes. I am okay. Part of me feels bad for Stacy, but the other part of me knows she brings it on herself. I went out of my way to be nice to her when she first started dating Brand, but it didn’t matter. She was still nasty to me every chance she got. I guess you can’t help someone who doesn’t want to be helped.” She finishes with a sigh.

“Don’t feel bad sis. I tried to be there for her too and she kept pushing me away, intentionally hurting me just because she knew she could. Until she learns to respect herself, she won’t be able to respect others.” Brad chimes in.

“I know I was a little harsh with her, but the things she was saying to you made me so angry. Zack said I wasn’t allowed to fight her, but that anger had to go somewhere, and I let my words do the punching. I am sorry Jules.” I tell her.

"You have no reason to be sorry. I should be thanking you for sticking up for me." She replies.

"That is what friends are for." I tell her. 

“We had a long night last night and an eventful morning, what do you say we head home?” Zack asks Jules and I.

“Music to my ears babe. Music to my ears.” Jules answers.

“I could use a shower. Is it okay if we hang at my apartment today?” I ask.

“Fine by me.” Zack answers.

“As long as you have food and coffee, you’ll get no complaints from me.” Jules adds.

We say our goodbyes to Brad before heading back to my place where we lazy around all-day binge-watching episodes of ‘The Game of Thrones’, before Zack and Jules head to their own homes for the night.

The next morning, I climb into Jules’s car just as the sun is beginning to peak over the horizon. I wanted nothing more than to stay in my warm, cozy bed. Unfortunately, that was not on today’s agenda.

“Coffee. A.S.A.P.” I beg her, suppressing another yawn.

The drive to work is short, but I’m still thankful Jules is driving us today.

“Of course. Who do you think I am?” She answers. Annoyingly peppy as ever.

Normally our shift at the diner starts at 8 a.m. Today, however, we are severing breakfast for Henry’s baseball team. They compete in the first round of their regional tournament today, so Sharron asked us to be at work no later than six.

“I want a double shot of espresso this time.” I tell her, tying my hair into a messy bun on top of my head.

I was in the first pair of jeans I could find this morning, and a Sharron’s t-shirt with my waitress apron tied around my waist. 

“You’re usually a lot less grumpy in the mornings. Everything okay?” She asks while she drives.

“Everything is okay. I’m just tired. Who would have thought sleeping in an apartment would be so difficult when you have werewolf hearing. I don’t know how you and Zack do it. The guy in the apartment above me snores like a fircken chainsaw! I was up so late that I overslept, and barely had time to get dressed and brush my teeth before you showed up. I haven’t even brushed my hair.” I tell her with a huff. 

I look over at Jules who is wearing crisp black slacks and a neat button-down blouse. Her hair is neatly brushed and braided into two long pig tails.

“Is your energy a wolf thing, or is it just a unique Jules trait?” I ask her.

“A little bit of both actually.” She answers. “I was always a little on the energetic side before I changed, but I usually crashed at some point to recover. Now the wolf side of me allows for a smaller recovery time.”

“Lucky.” I reply, taking out my phone to see a good morning text from Zack. I smile at the screen before sliding it back into my apron.

Jules pulls into the coffee shop drive through and orders our drinks. When she hands me my cup there is a phone number written on it. When I look up the guy at the window blushes slightly before walking away.

“That was the cutest thing I have seen all week.” Jules gushes. “I think he has a crush on you.”

“He’s a sweet kid. The key word there being KID. He can’t be more than 17 years old. I’m twenty-two… Plus, I have Zack.” I explain.

“It was still cute.” She states.

When we arrive at work, we make our way inside to find Sharron and Jessica in the kitchen cooking away. Sharron is swaying her hips to the sound of Jazz music playing over the restaurant’s sound system.

“Good morning girls!” Sharron calls out when she sees us enter.

“Morning Mom.” Jules answers.

“Good morning Sharron.” I add.

“Where would you like us at?” Jules asks her mom.

“Jessica and I have got the cooking handled. Just get the boys seated and started with drinks when they arrive. We are serving a buffet style breakfast instead of individual orders so when the food is ready, we will bring it out and let the boys make their own plates.” Sharron tells us.

Jessica hands both Jules and I a breakfast biscuit wrapped in a paper towel. “Eat.” She says before turning back to the stove.

Jessica is a woman of very few words, but she does not lack in culinary skill.

“Thanks Aunt Jessica.” Me and Jules reply in unison.

We call her Aunt Jessica because she takes care of us as if we were her own children even though we are of no relation.

 Jules and I sit in a booth and make quick work of our coffee and breakfast before getting to work. Everything is set when 6:30 a.m. rolls around and Jules unlocks the front door.

“Jules!” I hear Henry’s voice call out.

The little boy comes running into the dining area and jumps into Jules’s arms. She gives him a hug and sets him back on his feet.  The rest of the team follows, and I show them to their seats while Jules informs her mother of their arrival.

A few minutes later Jules and I are standing upfront rolling utensils when a man enters. He was older than us but not by much. Maybe late twenties or early thirties.

“Good morning ladies.” He greets. His gaze lingering on Jules. “I’m Blake. The boy’s baseball coach.”

“Blake,” Jules smiles, “I’m Julie, this is Skye.” I notice a small blush creeping onto her cheeks and make myself scarce.

“Blake, it was nice to meet you. If you will excuse me…something… in the kitchen needs my attention.” I greet.

Jules’s cheeks warm even more. As I turn toward the kitchen I mouth “he’s hot”, give her a thumbs up, hidden from Blakes view by my body, and then beeline towards the double doors leading into the kitchen. 

“Where is Jules?” Sharron asks.

“Flirting with the coach.” I laugh.

Jessica lets out a chuckle making me laugh harder.

“Good for her.” Sharron replies. “Will you take these plates to the boys?”

“Sure thing.” I answer, taking the plates out to the table.

After the team leaves, we clean up and serve our regular breakfast crowd. Before I know it, it is two o’clock and time for Jules and me to leave.  

On the way home I am finally able to grill her about Blake.

“So, Blake is cute?” I say, my statement coming out more like a question as I raise my eyebrows at her.

“He is…” She says with a blush.

“Come on! You are always grilling me for juicy details… Now it’s your turn. Spill it missy. What’s his story?”

“He just moved here. He is from the states, like you. He has been a baseball coach for five years, and he is single with a seven-year-old son named Colton.” She finishes.

“His son is seven? How old is he?” I ask.

“He recently turned thirty.” She answers.

“You are 23, so the age gap is only seven years.” I tell her.

“Seven years is not too much?” She asks.

“No, I don’t think so. You really like him huh?” I reply.

“I do, but since I have joined Zack’s pack I have only been with Zack. I do not know how he would react if I started seeing someone else. You saw how he got tonight when you kissed Brad even though it was all an act. I don’t want to cause drama when you just went through your first shift. It would not be fair to you, and it wouldn’t be fair to Blake for me to lead him on and then have to end it because it is hurting Zack. I can’t hurt Zack after all he has done for me.” Jules vents.

“I can talk to Zack if you would like? He is protective of us, but I don’t think he would stop you from following your heart. You mean too much to him. He would want you to be happy. Even if you start things with Blake and it turns out to be nothing more than a fling, you owe it to yourself to find out.” I tell her.

“Maybe your right. If you could mention Blake to him in passing? Just kind of gage his reaction to me entertaining someone else. Blake gave me his number, but I won’t use it until Zack gives me the green light.” Jules says.

“I’ll talk to him tonight and let you know.” I tell her.

"Thanks girl it means alot." She replies, as she pulls into my apartment complex.

 “Again hun, this kind of thing is what friends are for." I tell her with a wink. "Now if you will excuse me, I am going to crash.” I add getting out of the car.

“You do know it is barely three in the afternoon right?” She asks me.

I reply, “I know, but with any luck the chainsaw master from upstairs is still at work and I can get some rest before he comes home. I’ll text Zack and ask him to come over for dinner around 7. I’ll text you with the details of his reaction. Bye girl.”

In my apartment, I sigh with relief when I lay down and my enhanced hearing is met with only the hum of the A.C. unit. I send Zack a quick text, set an alarm for 6, and doze off right away.

I wake feeling more rested than I had this morning and get started preparing one of Zack’s favorite dishes. I am buttering him up before I mention Blake and I am not even going to apologize for it. With dinner is in the oven, I change into a nice long-sleaved dress, but decide to leave my unbrushed hair in it’s messy bun.

Zack arrives in a timely manner like always and we sit down right way to eat.

“That was delicious babe. Tomorrow, if you would like, you can come to my place for dinner and stay the night? Jules mentioned you having trouble sleeping here with you heightened senses and all.” He says when we have finished eating.

“I would love that. Lord knows I won’t be getting much sleep here till I learn how to control them a bit better.” I reply.

He smiles, glad that I agreed.

“I actually had something I wanted to talk to you about.” I say, cautiously.

“What’s that?” He asks.

“So, you have s*x with me… and you have s*x with Jules…but how would you feel if… say… Jules stated seeing someone else?” I ask.

He freezes.

“Is Jules seeing someone else?” He asks, cutting right to the point.

“No, but I think she might want to.” I reply.

“I would never stop her from pursuing relations outside of the pack. I would be a hypocrite if I did. She allowed me to pursue things with you after all.” He points out.

“And look at how well that turned out.” I tell him moving to sit in his lap.

“I couldn’t even imagine it any other way.”  Zack replies, kissing my lips tenderly.