Now Spill

LAKE

The sun shines brightly in through my sheer curtains this morning. I squint my eyes and stretch all my limbs. Letting out a big sigh, I stare at my blank ceiling.

Flashes of last night cascade through my thoughts. I can feel a tightness in my chest for him. Butterflies storm my stomach as I remember his smile and laughter. The way his pure white teeth shone in the moonlight.

I groan internally and shove my face into the pillow. Embarrassment floods my cheeks as I feel them heat up. I can’t shake the hold Jake has over me.

The house is oddly quiet this morning as I make my way downstairs. Neither of my parents nor my brother and Riley seem to be here.

There’s a note left on the counter, letting me know that Landon and Riley went to school early for some kind of project, and Dad went with Mom to a pack meeting.

I glance at the clock on the kitchen stove.

6:10 a.m.

“Going to school early, my ass.”

After I take a quick shower, I pull on a pair of leggings and a gray crop top that says, ~Not Today, Satan,~ across the chest.

My hair is half up and half down with a braided bun in the back. I curl the ends of my hair and finish off my makeup with light blush and eyeliner.

My favorite bandana is tied around my left wrist. I barely go anywhere without it. It’s been with me since the second grade. Sure, it’s old and faded, but I think it adds character.

Lynne is anxious to get to school today. I can tell she wants to be near Jake. I can’t help but feel the same way.

I slip a light jacket over my shoulders along with my backpack and lock the door behind me. As I turn, I stop in my tracks.

A dark-blue 2019 Ford Ranger is sitting in the driveway. Jake is leaning against the passenger-side door with his hands casually in his pockets. He’s looking me up and down through his sunglasses.

His tight black T-shirt fits his large arms and broad shoulders too well. He matches it with a pair of jeans and the boots he had on last night.

I’m at a loss for words as Jake makes his way toward the steps of the porch where I’m standing. He lifts his sunglasses and smiles up at me. His canines are more prominent today.

“What’re you doing here?” I ask softly. I grip my backpack strap tightly. Nervousness goes up and down my spine.

“Well, good morning to you too.” He laughs. “I’m picking you up for school, Moonlight. I thought it’d be a nice way to start the day. Or am I wrong?”

My eyes dart left and right, looking for an escape.

“Jake, I already told you, I can’t do this…”

“Easy,” he says, putting his hand up. He can sense my panic. “I won’t rush you, okay? You can take as much time as you need. I’m just giving you a ride, that’s all.”

That surprises me.

Usually males immediately try to mark and mate a female before the female even knows what’s happening. All they care about is their pleasure and staking their claim.

“You’re worth the wait,” he says, winking.

Lynne whines for me to trust him.

My face turns red. ~Maybe this will be different...~

~

I simply shake my head and shyly walk in the direction of his truck as he ushers me in.

“How did you sleep last night?” Jake tries to make conversation after about five minutes of tense awkwardness.

His hand is lazily draped over his gearshift, with his other one on the steering wheel. He sits patiently for my answer.

I shrug my shoulders. “I slept pretty good.”

~Goddess. Please, for everything that is holy, kill me now.~ I can’t bring myself to look at anything but him. The electricity is almost too much to bear.

Jake pulls into a parking spot close to where Landon’s Jeep is sitting. I slide out of the large vehicle and pull my backpack over my shoulder.

I walk across where Jake is waiting for me. He gives me another perfect smile.

“Can I put my arm around you?”

At first, I’m taken aback by the question. “S—sure.”

The warmth of Jake’s arm and the side of his body makes me feel at ease when people start to stare. Delilah’s minions watch from the crowd, surely ready to make a report of this, no doubt.

“Lake!” Riley rushes into me as Jake and I walk into the cafeteria. I almost fall over. “You’re finally here!”

I raise an eyebrow at her enthusiasm. “You’re extra chipper this morning, Ri.”

She looks at Jake with a knowing smile. “I’m just glad my best friend is finally here.”

Landon nods at Jake in acknowledgment and pulls Riley to kiss her forehead. I look between them. Just yesterday, my brother was ready to rip his head off. They schemed something. I know it.

“O-kay,” I say. “Well, we’ve got to get to class, Riley. Say goodbye to your lover and let’s get going.”

Jake releases my shoulders and pulls my hand up to his lips for a kiss. “Take care, Moonlight.”

My cheeks turn red as I nod and reluctantly walk away with Riley linked to my arm.

“So?” Riley turns around in her chair and rests her chin on her hands. “How are things with Jake?”

“There aren’t a lot of things with Jake.” I shrug and close my binder. I know she won’t let this go for the entire class.

“Oh, come on, Lake.” Riley rolls her eyes. “I’m your best friend. I know you better than you know yourself. Now, come on, spill.”

“Why, yes, Lake.” I turn to see Delilah standing over me. “Do spill the juicy details of the outsider.”

“Delilah…,” Riley growls. Her eyes are piercing holes through Delilah’s head.

“Watch your tone, mutt.” Delilah stands straight up and whips her hair to the side, making her mark more obvious on purpose for me to see.

She’s wearing a simple white dress and a pair of nude heels today. Her hair is sleek and shining like always.

“She is your future luna,” Delilah’s minion Charlotte growls loudly. “You better show her some respect.”

I put my hand on Riley’s arm before she says anything else. She gives me a knowing look as I nod to her.

“Delilah, I don’t really think your mate would like you inquiring about another male,” I say calmly. “Or am I wrong?”

Delilah’s face twists with anger and embarrassment before she stomps off to her seat in the front row. Charlotte trails after her leader.

I roll my eyes as I see others whisper and throw glances my way when they think I’m not looking.

My day barely started, and I already can’t wait to get home.

***

I sigh as I collapse into bed, my hair still wet from my shower.

Delilah and her minions were buzzing around in my peripheral vision all day long. They were plotting something… I could feel it.

~Why can’t everyone just leave me alone?~

~

~Haven’t I suffered enough already?~

~

I try to get some sleep, but my thoughts eventually wander to Jake. I can’t deny the pull I feel toward him. My brain becomes all scrambled when I’m around him. His scent makes me and my wolf feel at ease.

But something about it feels a little off…maybe because I’m still recovering from being rejected.

Has the Moon Goddess really granted me a second chance?

Suddenly there’s a tapping on my bedroom window.

I look over, and I nearly get a heart attack.

“Jake?” I hiss. He’s crouching on the roof, tapping on my window. His smile and his eyes reflect the starlight, and my heart skips a beat.

I walk over and open the window.

“What the hell are you doing?” I scold. “Are you crazy?”

“I just wanted to see you again,” he says. “Can I come in?”

“C—come in?” I stutter, my face going hot.

“Yeah. Just so we can talk. Is that okay?”

I nod numbly as Jake steps inside. Immediately, his scent washes over me, berries and rainwater.

He sits down on my bed, and I sit next to him, my heart pounding in my chest.

I’m wearing short shorts and a tank top. My hair is still wet.

And now I’m alone with Jake in my room…