I resisted the instinct to struggle, fighting back increasing panic. Energy surged through the air as the scent of pine trickled down my throat. I gasped, the waves rolling off of him stung, causing my skin to burn painfully.
"Calm down, Caleb,” Sarah demanded, her voice never rising, absolutely placid. “You're hurting her."
Caleb's breathing slowed, his heartbeat against my ear returning to normal. The energy shifted, rolling off and dissipating from my skin. Each surge felt like a burst of adrenaline, once gone, leaving my body exhausted and spent. I drooped in relief, grabbing hold of him to keep from falling.
"I'm sorry,” he apologized against my hair, his voice laden with remorse.
"It's okay. I'm okay."
I tested my feet, able to stand on wobbly legs. He loosened his grip, holding onto me for another moment before lowering his arms to his sides.
"Now, let's head up, shall we? No more Parker talk. He's gotten enough of our time today.” Sarah lifted her head and started walking, ending any further discussion.
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Chapter 12—Picnic
The climb was much worse than I anticipated. The path wasn't clear and the steep incline meant I had to lean over most of the way to keep my balance. Dense trees blocked out the rays of the sun, only a few strands of light managed to break through in patches along the way. The humidity had come on about an hour after we left the meadow, and I chose to leave my hair pulled at the nape. The air was stifling, even under the shade.
Derek and Sarah hung back this time. I watched enviously as they maneuvered around, never out of breath, in constant motion. I couldn't keep up as easily, but I tried.
Caleb was silent the entire way, staying close but allowing me the space to hike up myself. His guilt had returned. He was angry at himself for losing control. Even my little jibes hadn't worked to bring him out of his funk.
As we neared the top, the ground shifted from dirt to rock. I struggled to keep my footing on the jagged edges in my scuffed Nike's, using my hands for balance when I thought I might fall. Some of the rocks slid loose, rolling past and down, making me slip along the way. I willed myself to keep going, sides heaving and legs aching when I finally reached the top.
The cabin was visible, as was the large pond in front. Trees below created tiny little thistles of green and brown; in the middle was our meadow of gold. Looking down made me dizzy so I moved away from the edge, walking around to the fire pit. Large stones were situated all around the blackened surface. The bluff had been used recently. The top of the cavern was covered in fresh smut and smoke.
"You look like you could use this.” Sarah handed me a bottle of water and I graciously accepted, drinking it in large gulps. The liquid was warm, settling easily in my stomach, and I finished it quickly.
She slipped the pack off of her shoulders, crouching and pulling out several plastic bags. She handed them over and I peeked inside, discovering sandwiches and drinks with ice packs slipped into the crevices along the side.
"That's a lot of food.” I widened my eyes and smiled.
"After a run we need the calories,” Sarah explained. “And I'm sure the boys have already shown you the extent in which they love to eat."
"I'll never ask if anyone wants ‘just a sandwich’ again.” I laughed, remembering all too well the last dozen or more I found myself slaving over.
Sarah pulled out a large blanket, placing it to the left of the stone fireplace. She used a few of the nearby rocks to keep it in place and I put the bagged sandwiches into the middle, stacking them slightly. I sorted the cokes, water, and Gatorade, placing them next to the food.
Sarah appraised my work, standing up and glancing around. “That looks great, Emma. Thank you."
"No problem."
I opened a can of coke, happy to have my drink of choice again. Nothing tastes as good as Coca-Cola. As far as carbonated beverages are concerned, it is the only way to go.
Sarah's face tightened, blackened brows coming together. She was listening to something, shaking her head. “Boys will be boys, I suppose. Caleb and Derek have wandered back down to make sure Parker is gone."
She sighed, sitting on the blanket, opening a bottle of water and drinking it slowly. I sat down, too. My legs were still trembling from the climb. The mountains in the distance were perfectly visible from where I sat, my eyes returned to the fire pit. This must have been Parker's camp.
"They're getting pretty worked up over Parker. Is he that bad?"
She smiled stiffly, trying to be polite. “He's very unstable. He killed several people at Haven's during his peak. As you can imagine, he wasn't very well liked."
"He killed people?” I asked, mortified.
"Yes, five in all.” She didn't elaborate, changing the conversation instead. “Caleb says he wants to take you to meet Chris and Beverly."
"Who?"
"His parents."
"Oh,” I laughed nervously, slightly embarrassed Caleb had shared the information with someone else. “He mentioned it before."
"They are amazing. You'll love them. They'll be very happy to meet you, and happy for Caleb.” Her smile was still there but her eyes were dark, her face sad.
"Can I ask—what I mean is—do you want to talk about it?” I flubbed my words. Nothing sounded right, inside my mind or outside of my mouth.
"There isn't much to say. We don't know why bonding occurs. We just know when it does happen, you'll know.” Her voice was quiet as she looked down at the bottle in her hands, her long fingers skimming along the pattern in the plastic.
"But you don't have to bond to be together, right? Anyone can see how you two feel about each other. Can't you just be a normal happy couple?"
"Lisa and Franklin McKennedy,” she blurted the names, tracing the bottle patterns with her fingernail. “They never bonded, but they didn't care. They got married after a five year courtship. Two of the happiest people you'll ever meet. And then...” Sarah fiddled with the wrapper on the bottle, tearing it gently away with her fingers. “April Arthur moved here from Canada. It happened the minute they met, instantly, and there was nothing anyone could do about it."
My heart sank in comprehension. “They bonded?"
She nodded. “Lisa was devastated and Franklin blamed himself. It was terrible for everyone involved. The damage was irreparable and they separated shortly after. Franklin returned here, and though he still loves Lisa, every time he and April cross paths—it's still there. He's delaying the inevitable."
"But Caleb told me the feeling had to be there or it wouldn't happen."
"Caleb's right. But if the wolf is unmated and he finds that person...All it takes is a simple attraction to start the bond."
"That's why you two are staying apart?"
"We don't want that for each other. The hurt would be too much. But the pain of being apart is equally piercing.” She smiled at me, her face and eyes warming again. “Who knows, perhaps it will happen. We have some tough decisions ahead."
"I'm sorry.” I looked down at the blanket. I understood now; love alone couldn't make it work. It was so unfair and heartbreaking.
"No, Emma. I apologize for making you uncomfortable.” She smiled, the warmth reaching her eyes again. She shifted her head, listening. “I hear them coming up now."
Caleb and Derek walked around the ledge, their deep laughter echoing against the stone walls. At least we could enjoy the rest of our day. I didn't want to imagine spending time up here while they were so crabby.
"He's gone, we could see the dust from his truck.” Derek plunked down next to Sarah, snatching a Gatorade. Caleb didn't say anything as he sat beside me, opening a bottle of water. He seemed relaxed, which was a good sign.
"Caleb.” Sarah grinned at him. “I told Emma you should go see your parents."
I choked on my cola, eyes watering as I sputtered for air. Her grin vanished and she reached forward, grabbing the bottle before I could spill it. I coughed violently, swallo
wing in between chokes, covering my mouth and gagging.
"Oh dear,” Sarah whispered in dismay.
Derek started cackling, his shoulders shaking as he watched, enjoying my embarrassment and reaction.
"I guess I don't need to ask what her response was.” Caleb tried to contain his amusement but failed to hide his smile.
I eventually managed to stop choking and Sarah handed me the cola. I took it, closing the lid tightly and trying to clear my aching throat. Derek was still laughing merrily, and when I scowled, he laughed even harder.
I should have spewed the cola at him.
"You're demon spawn, Derek,” I snapped angrily.
"Pretty words,” he said, baiting me.
"That's enough.” Sarah threw a sandwich, nailing him in the face. “Let's eat before the food gets too warm."
I never met anyone's parents before. Living in a small town meant you grew up around everyone. The first time Tom had taken me out, I already knew the entire Hardy family. It wasn't exactly the same. In many ways, going to church with the same people every Sunday made life easier.
I was too anxious to eat. My chicken sandwich tasted like dried cardboard with a side of dirt. Not wanting to be rude, I took a few bites anyway, masking the taste with my soda.
"You did a good job, Derek,” Sarah said politely.
She also followed each bite with a drink. I paid attention... So was Caleb. It wasn't my anxious taste buds. It was Derek's shoddy food.
"Derek made these, huh?” I examined my sandwich casually as I spoke.
I saw him glare at me around the edge of the crust, eyes narrowed. “You got a problem with that, Miss likes to sleep in all day?"
"No, no!” I shook my head and smiled. “It's great. Thanks for letting me sleep in."
He returned to his food, a happy smirk on his face, taking another bite.
"He's really spoiling me, Sarah.” I tilted my head, looking as innocent and complimentary as possible.
"He is?"
Bless her. She didn't even have to act.
"Oh, yeah.” I smiled broadly at Derek. “He even went shopping for me the other day—"
"Emma!” Derek snapped, eyes flashing gold in warning. Caleb snorted, putting his sandwich aside and covering his mouth, trying to keep the food inside.
"Am I missing something?” Sarah asked.
"Emma gave Derek some much deserved payback yesterday. She sent him into Morgan's Pharmacy for, uh—female supplies.” Caleb burst out laughing and so did I.
Sarah eyes flittered between us, frowning all the while, trying to uncover the joke.
Derek turned red, fuming, “These two are regular fucking comedians.” He lifted his voice an octave as he spoke in a girly tenor, “Let's send Derek to the store for tampons and shit, how fun!"
Sarah's laughter combined with ours, carrying off the naturally high walls and ceiling.
"Laugh it up while you can.” Derek's scowl slowly faded and he smirked.
"Don't be such a hard ass.” Caleb winked at me and I smiled at him. We shifted toward one another, meeting in the middle. His hand wound around my thigh, callused fingers notable against my skin.
"I agree.” Sarah nudged Derek with her shoulder. “She got you, and if I do say so, you needed a dose of what you love to dish."
"I've got plans for you, just wait,” he promised, chomping his food.
"Next time, do you think you can get me some panty hose, false lashes, and maybe some eye glitter? I'm sure that—” I tried to remember her name. “That girl in the store—"
Caleb coughed, “Cassie Dean."
"I'm sure Cassie Dean would be glad to help."
"No!” Sarah's mouth opened wide, her hand coming up and over as she snapped it shut. She looked from me to Derek. “Cassie Dean rang you up?"
"Goddamn it, Sarah!” Derek yelled, throwing down his half eaten sandwich, “Not you too!"
"I'm sorry, Derek! I can't help it. Cassie Dean? Didn't you two have a thing in school?” Sarah was the happiest I'd seen her since she arrived, positively beaming.
"No, she had a thing.” Derek corrected, looking down at himself and rubbing hands along his chest. “And who could blame her?"
"Does she still?” I asked, laughing. He was going to burn me so badly. I had to enjoy it while I could. “After your recent purchases, I mean?"
"Oh yeah,” he gloated. “Nothing shouts sex me baby like a box of maxi-pads, Em."
We all laughed, so hard my stomach started to hurt. A strange sound interrupted our hilarity, coming from behind. Derek scrambled back, reaching for one of the packs. He dug around and found the phone, answering it in normal Derek fashion—waiting until spoken to.
"It's me...Up at the bluff...No shit...No shit...Thanks for the heads up...See you then."
He closed the phone, tossing it inside the pocket and then zipping it closed. He sat down, a huge smile spreading across his face.
"Sam's on his way."
We ate the rest of our lunch quickly, anxious to get back to the cabin. I regretted rushing from the bluff. I hoped to spend more time walking around. Caleb promised to bring me back to show me the cave hidden just below, providing another reason to return.
Caleb didn't say much, tense and anxious, as if he were waiting for something. It made me edgy. I was nervous enough about meeting Sam as it was.
The descent was much easier than the climb, my balance proving to be the only issue. Caleb had to stay close this time. I already managed to slip twice, skinning my palm and elbow. I couldn't stop stumbling over lose stones hidden in the darkened grit. After my third close call Caleb put my hand on his arm, leading the way.
"You weren't joking. You're not an agile hiker, are you?” Caleb cringed as I stumbled yet again.
"Not at all,” I admitted, trying to keep my dignity intact and my body upright.
We made it past the hills and reached the field of gold coreopsis. The sun was on the other side of the meadow now, signaling afternoon. A solid breeze accompanied us on the walk down. I didn't appreciate a good breeze before I'd climbed in humidity like this. It was unlike anything I had ever experienced. The heat enveloped my entire body instead of just shining down, nearly unbearable in its blistering intensity.
I was exhausted by the time we reached the home stretch. My legs hurt, I was sweaty and red faced, and my hair was tangled. I was almost desperate enough to request that piggy back ride from Caleb to see if the offer was still on the table. We walked away from the trees and around the pond. Caleb, Derek, and Sarah, were completely unfazed. Other than an odd ruffled hair, they showed no outward signs of having hiked up the mountain and back.
"I'm calling dibs on the shower,” I grumbled in annoyance. Derek and Caleb laughed while Sarah smiled sympathetically.
I didn't stop when we walked inside the air conditioned cabin, gripping onto the rail and dragging myself up the stairs. I grabbed random things from the closet, not bothering to pay attention to the color, style, or anything else, and shuffled into the bathroom.
I turned on the water and yanked off my dusty clothes. I didn't wait for the water to heat. The coolness felt amazing against my sweltering skin. The cold water dripped down my hair and around my shoulders, removing the evidence of my ordeal.
I almost yelled ‘ah’ like those girls in the shampoo commercials but I didn't want to give Derek fuel. For all I knew he was waiting outside with a video camera. I had to start locking the door. Even a puny defense against him was better than none at all. I washed my hair, the little scrapes on my palms burning as I shampooed.
I finished up and toweled off, tossing on my clothes. The shirt wasn't my usual type, a sleeveless red tank, but at least it would keep me cool. I toweled out my hair, brushing it quickly and leaving the strands damp around my shoulders. The cold air hit as I stepped outside, providing me with a welcome chill.
I walked back into the bedroom, tossing the drenched towel into the hamper hidden in the closet and whipping around the cor
ner. Caleb was there and I tried to stop. My socked feet slipped on the floor and my toe caught on the door frame.
I lost my balance completely, feet flipping into the air as I threw my arms out, bracing for impact. My body was rotated as Caleb hands gripped my waist. The ceiling became the floor and I spiraled around, landing on my stomach on top of him. He bore the brunt of the fall, wrapping his arms around my hips, and landing on his back.
"Oh my god!” I grimaced, pushing my hands against the floor to peer into his face. “Are you okay?"
"I'm fine.” He exhaled the word, groaning and laughing.
"Jesus, what was that!” Derek ran into the room, eyes panicked until he saw us. He grinned at Caleb, hiking his chin and closing the door.
We stopped laughing, each unmistakably aware of the other. He was gorgeous like this, dark hair falling back, soft dark stubble across his chin, affectionate sapphire eyes covering every inch of my face.
We met in the middle, mouths melding together. He flipped over, blurring the room again, our lips never breaking contact. His mouth opened slightly, taking his time, making sure not to rush me in any way. I felt his tongue on my bottom lip and the warmth inside my stomach grew and built, until I wanted more.
I flicked my own tongue back and they touched, silken heat spreading throughout my body. He shifted, placing his weight over me. I moved, pulling against his shoulders, allowing him to come closer. His hands moved gently on my hips and I slipped my hands under his arms, touching his back.
"God..." My voice was not my own, different, husky.
Heat pulsed through my body, liquid jolts of electricity zinging through my muscles and veins. Liquid warmth spread between my legs, breasts aching in a way I'd never experienced. His hands rose and cupped, as if hearing the inner demands of my body, feather light thumbs brushing over nipples that went hard and pert.
"You have no idea,” he growled against my mouth, kissing me again.
I didn't, but I wanted to. I wanted to know where this would eventually take us. Everywhere he touched left the skin sensitive and hot. Pine, forest, and cedar assailed me, absorbing into my head until I couldn't see clearly. Something took hold, preventing me from thinking straight, urging me to go further. I dug my fingernails into his back, feeling the skin give way as I pressed into his gentle hands.