Total pages in book: 48
Estimated words: 45934 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 230(@200wpm)___ 184(@250wpm)___ 153(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 45934 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 230(@200wpm)___ 184(@250wpm)___ 153(@300wpm)
There was no doubt he was a monster. She knew he’d probably done a lot of evil things, the guy was a vampire, but she didn’t like to hear men like Lewis say such things.
“And you’ve met vampires before?” Lewis asked, with a smirk to his face.
How did she ever find him attractive? He was a horrible person. At least she had grown out of that pathetic crush before she’d done something she regretted. Layla shook her head. She had already had enough of this conversation. She was way too tired to deal with his brand of bullshit right now.
“I don’t have time for this,” she said.
“Hold on,” Lewis said, reaching out to grab her.
The moment he touched her, Layla felt an anger unlike anything else. “Don’t touch me!”
She couldn’t help but growl and the moment she did, Lewis pulled his hand away.
“I get it. You’re upset because you didn’t get what you wanted or whatever the reason is, but you and I are never going to happen. I don’t care if you want meaningless sex. That is not what I’m looking for. I’m looking for long-term. That is not something you want. Don’t you get that? Stop … doing this.” She wasn’t interested in any of this with him. Why couldn’t he see that?
Lewis frowned but he nodded.
“So, do me a favor and just leave me alone.”
As quickly as her anger came, it evaporated. Without apologizing, she turned on her heel, and made her way home. She wasn’t surprised to see that her parents weren’t there. She wasn’t feeling hungry, so rather than eat, she took a quick shower and changed into a pair of jeans and a shirt before heading out back.
She felt compelled to go and see Alexander. All day, her thoughts had drifted toward him.
The sun was still up, and it was right about now that she was growing tired of the summer sun. Normally, she loved the sunshine. She loved any reason to get dressed up in pretty dresses and to feel feminine, but the sunshine meant Alexander couldn’t come out. She hated that pesky control.
Walking the path of the forest to the spot where he normally found her, she stopped and took several deep breaths. Her hands shook a little. She didn’t even know why Lewis touching her was such a problem. Wolves were extremely … handsy kind of people. They loved to touch and be with people. Layla had seen how loving they all were.
Tucking some of her hair behind her ear, she looked up to the sky and hated the moon. It was getting fuller. In a few days time, she wasn’t going to be able to come and see Alexander.
During the wolves’ transformation, all humans were forced to stay indoors. They were only allowed to contribute and be part of the pack once the bell had rung, signaling it was safe.
“You seem irritated tonight, sweet one.”
She whirled around to see Alexander standing close behind her. She hadn’t even sensed he was close. This was the first time. Her interaction with Lewis must have affected her.
“I’m fine. Just … I don’t know. Do you ever have days where you just don’t want people to, like … be close?”
“Yes.”
“I guess this is one of those nights.”
“Would you like me to leave you alone?”
“No!” She panicked. “No, I don’t mean you. It’s another guy. Lewis. I’m sure you’ve met him.”
“I have.”
“He … I’ve asked my friend, Elle, to stop him from walking me home, but tonight he seemed a little…” She shook her head, not quite sure what it was. “It’s nothing. Forget about it.”
She offered him a smile. Everything was fine now.
Her shaking had stopped, as had her annoyance.
****
Alexander didn’t like that this Lewis had annoyed her enough to make her shake. He saw it in her hands, and he quickly moved toward her and pulled her into his arms. If she wanted him to stop, all she had to do was say the words.
Layla surprised him even more by wrapping her arms around him, and then pressing her face against his chest.
“Tell me if you want me to stop,” she said.
He chuckled. “I believe that is supposed to be my line seeing as I’m the one hugging you, my sweet.”
“I don’t mind.” She nuzzled her face against his chest and he was pretty sure she breathed him in. “You smell good.”
This did make him laugh.
“I’m pleased you think so.”
Layla sighed and then pulled her head back. “Do you think we could go for a walk? Or something?”
He had a feeling she needed to keep moving.
“Yes.” He held out his hand and expected her to decline, but this little human surprised him by sliding her hand within his own.
She was just full of surprises tonight.
Tightening his grip around her hand, they walked down the path. Alexander had explored the Northern Forest Pack’s land. They were not too far from a lake that was close to the edge. Humans frequented the spot as it was beautiful, but it was also far enough away from Grace Hill.