Beautifully Unnatural: A Young Adult Paranormal Boxed Set (92 page)

“You sure, Autumn?” Daniel growled. “I wouldn’t do that if I were you.”

“We’re both
very
sure,” Zack answered for me.

“She’s not yours to keep. You’ll see. And you’ll regret this.” Daniel released me and strolled off.

Zack spun me and cupped his hands around my face. I couldn’t tell if he was angry at me or disturbed by Daniel.

“From now on, you don’t walk ahead of me, no matter how pissed off you are. Got it?”

Angry. Definitely angry.

He left me at my first class and stormed away, making me feel guilty for racing off without him. As expected, he waited for me after every one of my classes. At lunchtime, we walked into the cafeteria and I spotted Daniel right away. Zack tensed.

Trevor appeared in front of us. “You think you can tear yourself away from your girlfriend for a minute? I need to talk to you.”

Girlfriend.
I liked the sound of that. Too much.

“If you want to hang out with Maya,” Zack nodded toward our table where she sat, “I’ll be right here.”

I scoped out a spot with John and Maya where I could see Daniel. My friends took a break from their animated conversation to say hello. I returned their greeting, but it was half hearted. I didn’t feel much like talking, not with the new knowledge about Zack and the future of our relationship. Or
lack
of future relationship.

A few minutes later, Zack returned and sat next to me.

He called me your girlfriend and you didn’t correct him
, I said silently.

He took a bite of a hamburger that smelled heavenly.
Yeah? So
?

But I’m not your girlfriend.

Right
.

I’d hoped for a more encouraging answer, but wasn’t surprised.
So why let him think we’re together
?

He glanced at me as he chewed, one brow elevated.
I’m spending every night at your house, shadowing you at school, double dating with you and defending you against Daniel. What do you think the chances are of anyone believing we’re not together? If we deny it, we look like liars.

I’d wanted him to say, “Wishful thinking, Autumn. I know we can’t be together forever, but can’t we live in the moment?” I wasn’t going to get an answer like that from him.

“Bathroom?” Maya nodded toward the cafeteria exit.

I nodded numbly and got up, not even glancing at Zack.

In the bathroom, she waited until the door closed before questioning me. “What’s up with you two? You guys haven’t spoken one word all through lunch.”

Actually, we had, but she couldn’t know that. I didn’t sense Zack outside, but would’ve bet anything he was close by, still looking out for me but not near enough to listen in. I knew Maya meant well, but I had nothing encouraging to offer and didn’t want to be interrogated. I stalled, going to the sink to wash my hands. “Nothing’s going on. That’s the problem.”

“Wow.” She stared at my reflection. “You superlike him.”

I dried off my hands and shook my head. “I do
not
superlike him.”

She spied my reflection in the mirror. “I know what happened. You slept with Zack, then realized you were madly in love with him. But he doesn’t return your feelings, because he’s in love with his neighbor’s twin sister who just returned from the Amazon after everyone thought she was dead.”

I laughed. “Maya, you’ve been watching too many soap operas.”

She smiled and I realized she’d gone on her weird tangent to distract me. I turned and grasped her shoulders firmly. “I
do
like Zack. Very much. But, no, we’re not hooking up. He stays on the couch and I sleep in my room. I promise.”

“You’ve kissed him though, right? I don’t see what the problem is.” She searched my face to find the answer.

“Yeah, we’ve kissed but—” I was about to tell Maya the truth, that Zack and I weren’t involved nor did we have plans to remedy that. But Zack’s reasoning came back to me — she wouldn’t believe me in a million years. “He wants to take it slow.”

“Has he brought up exclusivity yet?”

I sighed. “No, and he won’t either. His mom is the only thing keeping him here and she’s not going to live forever. This’ll never be a deep and meaningful relationship, Maya.”

That sounded so depressing when I said it out loud.

† † †

Zack waited right outside my last class, walking with me toward the exit with his arm wrapped around my shoulder.

At the curb, I heard Ashley. “Autumn.”

She appeared at my side as Trevor arrived and talked to Zack, who held my hand firmly — the perfect way for us to have separate conversations and still know where the other was. He gently squeezed every now and then. I couldn’t take it personally. Getting my hopes up would lead to more disappointment.

“I was wondering if you wanted to come by my house Friday night. Just some close friends and a jam session. If you play anything, bring it. It’ll be fun.” She frowned. “Uhm. No one else is having a party that night, right?”

I chuckled. “Not that I know of.”

“He can come too.” Her eyes darted to my
boyfriend
. “And Trevor and Maya.”

“I’ll ask them and let you know. Thanks for the invite.” I threw her a smile. “It sounds fun.”

She wandered off, but Zack and Trevor were still talking. Cars. Trevor had been saving up and was almost ready to buy.

“What’s your schedule like this week? I rarely see you around anymore except at dinner.” Trevor gave him a knowing look.

“Right. And you’re not always with Maya these days,” Zack said sarcastically.

“Hey, Autumn,” John said.

“Hi.” Beyond John, I spotted Daniel staring at me like a stalker. It gave me the creeps.

John followed my gaze. “What’s up with that guy? I didn’t like him before and he wasn’t nearly this disturbing.”

The last thing I wanted was to involve John, so I lightened my tone. “Who knows?”

“How’re your parents? Still traipsing around the Grand Canyon?” John asked.

“Oh. I didn’t tell you. They came home and left again to Montana for a job. I got an email from them last night saying they’d arrived and all was well. They’ll probably be home in a couple weeks or so.” I giggled at John’s surprised face. “I know. Crazy, huh? I guess they realized how unproductive it was to worry so much.”

“You ready to go?” Zack asked.

“See you tomorrow, John.” I waved to him as Zack dragged me away.

My day had been too deflating to enjoy my Mustang, so I tossed my keys to Zack and went to the passenger side. “So what were you reading last night?”

“Werewolf history.” He opened the door and adjusted the seat to accommodate his longer legs, then started the car.

I waited to hear more, but he didn’t volunteer anything else. Instead, his eyes fixed on the road ahead, hands stiff on the steering wheel. He definitely was not in a good mood. I wondered what the rest of the evening had in store for us, but had an idea it wouldn’t involve having fun.

“Why read it again? What were you looking for?” I asked.

“I thought about what you said and wondered if there might be something about my dad in the history books. Or any mention of SWAAST. Maybe when my mom’s gone, rather than run on my own, it might be safer to search for any who are left.”

“Hanging out with those SWAAST guys would be even more dangerous. They’re probably the most hunted people ever.” My voice rose. “Being with them is
not
safer.”

He glowered at me. “I won’t live my life afraid to do the right thing. What kind of a life is that?”

“Yeah, you’re a good guy who wants to do good. I respect you for that. But being stupid isn’t smart.”

Zack gave a quick laugh. “That’s profound, Autumn.”

“You know what I mean. You’re young and no match for werewolves who are hundreds of years old. You said with age comes strength. You’d be better off joining the king and honing your fighting skills until you get stronger. So long as you’re with them, they won’t hunt you for being a traitor. You’re no good to anyone if you’re dead.”

He glanced at me and nodded. “Okay. I promise to consider that before I do anything.”

I didn’t want to think about him leaving or getting hurt — or worse. If we didn’t talk about something else soon, I’d explode. “You want to go to Ashley’s little party Friday night? She invited us to a jam session.”

“I heard her ask. I figured you’d tell her no,” Zack said.

“Why’s that? I like Ashley. And her parties are nice. If I’m able to go, I usually do.”

“I assumed…”

Realizing what Zack hadn’t finished saying, I flinched. “You assumed that I was too much of a snob to hang out with a junior. I thought we were past that.” When he didn’t deny it, my eyes burned and my throat swelled. After all our time together, I was still the stuck up girl he originally thought me to be.

“To hell with you, Zack,” I mumbled toward my window.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

While Zack worked at the auto shop, I stayed at his house, but hid in his room, so I wouldn’t have to face his family. If they asked me what was wrong, I’d surely spill it. Zack wouldn’t like that. Once I’d finished all my homework, I considered doing his too. I reached for his backpack, but kicked it across the room instead. If he didn’t do it himself, he’d miss out on everything that his studies had to offer. I snorted at the thought and retrieved his backpack. I wrapped up his homework just as he arrived and Cara announced dinner was ready.

As everyone ate, I smiled at all the right times and made polite conversation. I noticed Cara and Favianne’s occasional glance my way, but I didn’t say anything. My goal was to get through it as painlessly as possible. When I got home, I planned to abandon Zack in favor of my room. I needed to separate from him emotionally. He would run alone tonight.

“Something’s up with the car,” he said as soon as we got on the road toward my house. “It sounds different.”

“What do you think’s wrong with it?”

He turned his head, like he was listening for something. “Not sure. I have tomorrow off, so we can take it in the shop and have it checked out.” He guided the car into my driveway and killed the engine.

Once inside, I immediately hit the stairs. “Goodnight, Zack.”

He stood at the bottom of the steps. “You don’t want to go running?”

I turned and faced him, careful to mask the violent turmoil raging within me. “Not with you. No point in bonding, remember?”

Once in my room, I closed the door and locked it. Jumping on my bed, I covered my face with my hands.

“Autumn.” He rapped on the door and when I didn’t answer, the doorknob rattled. “Damn it, open the door.” Seconds passed and he kicked at it. “Open the door or I’ll break it down, I swear.”

I believed him. I couldn’t have my parents coming home, seeing the broken door and worrying that I’d been attacked or something. I wiped my eyes and got up. Before unlocking it, I took a moment to erase any emotion from my face.

Opening the door a few inches, I poked my head out. “What?”

“I can’t leave you alone.” He glared at me. “You know that.”

“Then don’t go running. Simple.”

“That won’t work. It’s easy for you to resist, but not me.” He sighed. “Can we talk about this?”

I flung the door open and turned away, knowing he would follow. On my bed again, I leaned back against the wall, my knees up.

“Sorry about the Ashley thing.” He cautiously sat at the foot of my bed. “I wasn’t thinking. I know you’re not like that anymore.”

“Anymore? I was
never
like that, Zack!”

“That came out wrong,” he said quickly. “I meant that I don’t think that way anymore. About you.” He ran a hand through his hair and growled. “I’m sorry.”

That was better. But he wasn’t there yet. I stared at him, my brows raised.

“Autumn…” He looked at me helplessly.

I had no intention of bailing him out. “Are you finished?”

“And I’m sorry for being so—”

“Cold?” I finished for him. “Impersonal? Unfriendly? Distant? Hurtful?”

He held up his hand. “I get the picture. Yes. All of those things.” He studied the fabric of my purple comforter. “It’s just that I’ve had a lot to process lately and some decisions to make.” His voice lowered. “You’re not stuck up. Actually, I think a lot of you. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t be here.”

I couldn’t make more of his words than they were. We had a mutual respect. Nothing else.

“I’m sorry I hurt you,” he said softly.

I swallowed and glanced away, so he wouldn’t see the tears in my eyes.

“Will you go running with me?”

“Sure,” I forced out. “Give me a few minutes and I’ll be down.”

If he saw me cry, he’d probably feel sorry for me. We’d probably end up kissing and I couldn’t open myself up like that again, expose my emotions, so he could stomp all over them. Still, he hadn’t moved and I wondered what he was thinking. Hopefully, he’d take my reaction to mean that complete forgiveness wasn’t
h
is yet. Which it wasn’t.